Lenovo Legion Phone Duel Launching in Malaysia 20 October

We’ve just received an invite from Lenovo Malaysia for the local launch of its first-ever gaming smartphone, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel. Set to take place next week on 20 October, we’ll finally learn more about the local availability and pricing of the gaming phone then.

What makes the Legion Phone Duel particularly unique is its design; more specifically, the placement of its 20MP selfie camera. It’s hidden underneath a pop-up mechanism on the right side of the phone, so when you’re gaming with the phone in landscape mode, the camera won’t be obstructed by your hands. This is purposely designed with streamers in mind.

Aside from that, under the hood of the Legion Phone Duel are naturally very beefy hardware. Not only is it equipped with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 865+ chipset, it also comes with a 6.65-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display with a high 144Hz refresh rate. Mobile gamers will definitely appreciate this fast screen.

Other specifications of the Legion Phone Duel include 12GB or 16GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (256GB or 512GB), two rear cameras (64MP f/1.89 primary + 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle), as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery. The 512GB variant of the gaming phone also supports 90W fast charging, which can fully charge the phone in only 30 minutes.

The Lenovo Legion Phone Duel will be launched in Malaysia next week on 20 October. Stay tuned to Nextrift then for the local price and availability of the gaming phone!


OnePlus 8T Arriving in Malaysia 22 October

The OnePlus 8T was unveiled just last night, and we now know exactly when the new smartphone will be launched in Malaysia. Set to arrive on our shores next week on 22 October, the OnePlus 8T will be another option for those who want a flagship-tier phone.

OnePlus revealed the local launch of the OnePlus 8T on its social media pages. According to the Facebook post, the Malaysian launch will take place on 22 October at 12PM. Unfortunately, no word yet on exactly how much the flagship phone will cost here, though it’s probably safe to assume it will be priced close to the OnePlus 8, which
retailed from RM2,899
.

Compared to its predecessor, the OnePlus 8T comes with several notable improvements. Not only does it come with a faster 120Hz 6.55-inch 1080p AMOLED screen now, it features a quad camera system as well. It’s made up of a 48MP f/1.75 primary sensor, a 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle shooter, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP monochrome camera. Unfortunately, there’s still no telephoto sensor.

Other specifications of the OnePlus 8T include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, 16MP f/2.4 selfie camera, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (128GB or 256GB), a 4,500mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, and OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11 out of the box.

The OnePlus 8T will be arriving in Malaysia next week on 22 October; we’ll find out then exactly how much the flagship smartphone will cost locally. For the sake of comparison, the OnePlus 8T retails at $749 (about RM3,105) in the US for the 256GB model with 12GB of RAM.


Deal: Grab the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra With Over RM1,000 Discount

The
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
 is the Korean company’s latest and greatest Note device yet, but retailing at RM5,199, it’s also a costly smartphone. Well, if you’ve been waiting for a good discount, here it is: you can get the Note 20 Ultra
for only RM4,188 now
.

That’s a whopping RM1,011 worth of discount, which is no small amount. This deal for the Note 20 Ultra is also offered by the reputable G Store on Lazada, so rest assured, this is a very legitimate offer. The retailer also has all three colours in stock: Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black, and Mystic White.

However, do note that this is a limited time deal; it is only valid today on 15 October. On top of that, G Store is only listing 10 stocks for each colour of the Note 20 Ultra. At the moment, there are only nine units of the Mystic Bronze model left.

Needless to say,
RM4,188
for the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a fantastic deal, especially if you want the best Note device yet. Not sure if it’s the flagship phone for you? Then check out
our review of the Note 20 Ultra
.

Thanks for the tip, Pang!


HP Envy x360 Now in Malaysia; Ryzen 5 4500U Convertible Laptop for RM3,799

HP recently launched the new HP Envy x360 convertible laptop in Malaysia. Sporting AMD’s excellent Ryzen 4000 series chip, the Envy x360 is a good option for those who want a relatively portable productivity laptop for not too much money.

For the Malaysian market, only one variant of the Envy x360 is offered. For RM3,799, the convertible laptop is packed with a Ryzen 5 4500U hexa-core processor, which should be fast enough for most tasks. Coupled with the integrated Radeon Graphics, you should be able to do some gaming on the side as well.

Besides that, the Envy x360 also comes with a 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS touch-enabled screen. Thanks to the slim bezels surrounding the display – giving it a sleek, modern-looking design – the laptop has a screen-to-body ratio of 88%, which is really quite good for a notebook in this price segment.

The dimensions of the Envy x360 is worth a mention too. Measuring 16.4mm at its thickest point with a 1.32kg chassis, it’s a machine most users can easily lug around. Other specifications of this convertible laptop include 8GB of RAM, 512GB of internal storage, and a 51WHr battery that promises up to 13 hours of battery life.

The HP Envy x360 is now
available for purchase in Malaysia
. Retailing at RM3,799, it’s not a particularly affordable productivity-focused machine, but you are getting quite a premium-looking convertible laptop.


Proton Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19; Low Risk of Exposure to Customers

Proton just sent out a press release confirming that one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19. The employee belongs to the Research and Development Department of the national carmaker in Shah Alam, and the individual was confirmed to be positive on 14 October.

Given that the employee “was not in any way customer facing,” as Proton said in a statement, it is unlikely that customers were exposed to the virus. Proton added that it immediately took appropriate actions to ensure prevention of further spread, and that contract tracing is already underway.

“Respective departments have been asked to stay away from the office and self-quarantine, followed by deep cleansing and a disinfection of the premises and any suspected areas,” Proton added. The carmaker assures customers that it will continue to strictly follow all guidelines and procedures laid out by the authorities in this pandemic, as it has always done from the very beginning.

Beyond that, Proton did not elaborate further on how this would affect the launch timeline of its upcoming model, the Proton X50. The launch event for the highly anticipated B-segment SUV was widely believed to happen sometime this month, but given that Selangor, KL, and Putrajaya are under CMCO until 27 October (for now), it’s likely that the event is postponed.

Regardless, we will keep a close eye on any news related to the Proton X50. Until then, check out
our coverage of the X50 so far
.


Should You Pre-Order the PlayStation 5?

There’s a lot of hype and excitement surrounding the
PlayStation 5
. After all, pre-orders for the next generation console is practically sold out globally; even the
second wave of pre-orders
 for the Singaporean market is not enough to satiate gamers.

In short, it can be difficult (and frustrating) for gamers to get their hands on the PS5. This is amplified for us here in Malaysia, given that there isn’t even any confirmation of pre-order for the console in our market. If you’re disheartened about not being able to secure an order for the PS5, here are a number of reasons why it may be worth it to just…wait it out.

No Exclusive Games Yet

Even though PlayStation showed off a lot of exciting new games for the PS5, most of them (if not all) are playable on the PS4 or other platforms. Take
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
, one of the launch games for the PS5. If you’ve got a PS4, you can still play the same game.

Sure, you don’t get the performance upgrades of the PS5 or any possible interaction with the
new DualSense controller
, but you’re still not missing out on any PS5 title if you’re an existing PS4 owner at the moment. Plus, when you do get a PS5..

Free Upgrade When You’re Ready

In the case of Spider-Man: Miles Morales – or any first-party PS5 game that is also available on the PS4 – those who purchase the PS4 version of the title will receive a free upgrade to the PS5 version. So when you’re ready to get a PS5, you will have access to the improved version of the game from the get-go.

Essentially, you’re not “wasting” any money by purchasing the PS4 version of games that are available on the PS5, and you’re basically getting two games for the price of one. Really, it’s a win-win situation that benefits current owners of the PS4 quite a bit. Existing PS4 owners will still remain very relevant in the next couple of years.

Wider Availability

This is probably the biggest reason to not pre-order the PS5. As mentioned earlier, it’s quite difficult to secure an order for the next generation console right now, which can get quite frustrating. Once the PS5 is more widely available, you can save yourself the frustration. You won’t have to deal with long waiting time either.

More Colour Options in the Future

As with any PlayStation console released thus far, it’s only a matter of time before the Japanese company introduces different colour options for the PS5. Those who are not a fan of the sole white model available right now may want to hold out until more colours are released.

Better yet, wait for special editions of the PS5 if you want something more unique. Granted, it will be a while before this happens, but if you’re already an existing PS4 owner, you can still enjoy a number of PS5 games on the system. Well, until the PS5 gets exclusive games, anyway.

Wait for Actual User Reviews

Although we have plenty of information on the PS5 already, there are no user review of the console just yet. While we’re confident there would be no huge issue with the system, it’s always wise to wait and see if there are any possible aspects of the PS5 that might not sit well with you.

So then, should you pre-order the PlayStation 5? It will no doubt offer incredibly good performance upgrades over its predecessor, and to be one of the first gamers to get their hands on the next generation console is enticing to some folks. But just keep in mind the points we’ve mentioned above: you’re not missing out too much by not pre-ordering the PS5, especially if you’re an existing PS4 owner.


17 – 23 October Fuel Price: RON 95 & RON 97 Up 1 Sen, Diesel By 5 Sen

It’s Friday again, so here’s the weekly update on fuel prices. Unfortunately, it’s an upward trend this week. Both RON 95 and RON 97 will go up by 1 sen per litre this midnight, while the price of diesel is also going up by 5 sen per litre.

This brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.68 per litre (up from RM1.67) and RON 97 to RM1.98 per litre (RM1.97 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.74 per litre, up from RM1.69.

These prices will be in effect from 17 to 23 October next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


Genshin Impact Long-Term Review: How Is This Gacha Game So Good?

Gacha games are aplenty in the market, but none of them are quite like Genshin Impact. Not only does it offer cross-platform progression across a wide range of systems – though this is not applicable to the PS4 version – Mihoyo’s latest title also feels like a full-fledged, content-rich, proper RPG game with an engrossing storyline – it’s free-to-play to boot.

Of course, Genshin Impact is still inherently a gacha game, so there are some typical gacha pitfalls here. That being said, I’ve been playing the game since release day, and while the gacha aspect of Genshin Impact is very much present, it doesn’t feel like the sole focus of the game. This makes it an incredibly fun game, and I haven’t been able to put it down.

What It Is

Genshin Impact, as mentioned, is developed by Mihoyo, the same company behind Honkai Impact. But unlike the latter, Genshin Impact is available on a wider range of platforms, including PC, Android, iOS, and even PS4. The best part is, your progression continues across the first three platforms, with the PS4 version being the only exception.

If you followed the development of Genshin Impact, you must’ve seen it being compared to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Yes, the RPG’s open-world exploration and art style do look reminiscent to Nintendo’s hit game, but Genshin Impact is much more than that – I’ll explain in the next section.

The Good Stuff

What drew me to Genshin Impact the most is the fact that it has a
very
 engrossing storyline. You play the game as the Traveler, and you’re looking for your twin sister – or brother, depending on who you choose in the beginning of the game – in a foreign world. In your journey to do so, you’ll meet quite a number of characters, each with their own unique personality and excellent character development.

Without getting into spoiler territory, it’s suffice to say that Genshin Impact

has one of the best storylines I’ve played through. Not even by the standards of a mobile game; it is
easily
 on par with the majority of other proper AAA RPG games on PC and console. That’s how engaging the story of Genshin Impact is.

Further complementing this is the fantastic voice acting. Not only can you select between four different languages – English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean – I’m pleasantly surprised at how good the English voice acting is. Unfortunately, lip-syncing is practically non-existent regardless of which language you choose, but it doesn’t bother me too much, especially for a free-to-play game.

And then there’s the overall gameplay of Genshin Impact. The combat system, for one, offers a lot of depth and different playstyles. You need to build a team of four, and each character in the game are aligned with one of seven elements, though there are only six playable elements at the moment.

Anyway, in order to maximise damage output, you’re required to combine certain elements in a specific order. Further adding to this combat mechanic are the different skills each character wield and deciding which artifact set will be perfect for them. Basically, there are many ways to build a team that will suit your playstyle; there’s a surprising amount of sophistication here.

Aside from that, the beautifully rendered world of Genshin Impact itself offers plenty of exploration. The vast environment is packed to the brim with chests, materials, and even puzzles to solve for some neat rewards. While it can feel tedious at times – especially if you need to farm for specific materials for character or weapon ascension – the game does reward exploration quite a bit with Primogems (which are required to “roll” for characters), experience, and achievements.

Speaking of Primogems, Mihoyo is actually quite generous with them. Whenever the developer issues a fix for bugs, it will compensate players with Primogems. Heck, even scheduled maintenances reward players with Primogems; the longer the servers are down, the more Primogems will be issued. On top of that, there are quite a bit of in-game events as well that give – you guessed it – Primogems.

Last but definitely not least is the cross-platform progression of Genshin Impact. In short, it’s amazing. I prefer to play the game on PC, but whenever this isn’t possible, I can just launch the game on my smartphone to continue where I left off. Sure, the controls are not as precise on mobile, but at least I can still complete my daily missions and what not without much difficulty.

As mentioned, those who are playing the PS4 version won’t be able to enjoy this, though there is a chance this could change in the future.

The Bad Stuff

Even though Genshin Impact has a lot of good qualities, it still has a number of pain points. The biggest one is the fact that this is still a gacha game, so if you want a specific character or weapon, you’ll have to keep rolling for either one of them using Primogems. Needless to say, it can be frustrating if you fail to get what you’re aiming for.

Now, if you decide to purchase more Primogems with cash to get more opportunities to roll, this is the real “danger” with gacha games like Genshin Impact. It can get very expensive very quickly, and the monetary investment may not be worth it in the long run, especially if you lose interest in the game down the road.

Aside from that, the Resin system of Genshin Impact is also one of the biggest limitations in the game. In order to claim rewards from defeating special bosses and dungeons, you need to use Resin, which takes quite some time to regenerate. Naturally, you can use Primogems or a limited item called Fragile Resin to instantly get more Resin, but you really should be saving the former to roll for characters or weapons.

Granted, Version 1.1 of Genshin Impact – which went live just last week – made things better by increasing the Resin cap from 120 to 160. Still, the limitation is still there; the amount of gears and level up material you can get daily will be dictated by how much Resin you have.

And that brings us to the next pain point. Not only are you limited by Resin when you’re farming for equipment and materials, looking for a gear with desirable stats is entirely decided by chance. Besides that, level up materials for different characters and weapons are only available on certain days as well, so you have to pay close attention to not miss them.

Is It Worth Playing?

Even though some aspects of the game could be better, Genshin Impact is absolutely worth playing. Yes, it’s a gacha game, but it doesn’t
feel
 like a gacha game with its incredible storyline, sophisticated gameplay, and a vast, beautiful world to explore. I also love the fact that it supports cross-platform progression.

Genshin Impact is easily one of the best – if not
the best
 – free-to-play RPG games released this year. After all, it has already proven to be a financial success for Mihoyo on a global scale. I haven’t outright purchased Primogems with cash yet – though I did get the Battle Pass and monthly subscription for daily Primogems – but I’m still having an
absolute
 ball in the game.

More importantly, I don’t feel the “paywall” in Genshin Impact yet despite not pouring all that much money into the game. Hopefully, Mihoyo will continue to improve the gaming experience for free-to-play players moving forward – it’s certainly doing a good job at that right now, in my opinion.

Read more:

I’ve Played Genshin Impact for Over a Year – Still Worth Playing?

I Play Genshin Impact Almost Exclusively on the PS5 Now


Proton X50 Production Not Affected by COVID-19, but Launch Delayed

Since the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) came into effect last week for Selangor, KL, and Putrajaya, many were worried that the release of the
Proton X50
 will be delayed. Well, while the official launch is indeed moved back, production of the highly anticipated B-segment SUV in still ongoing.

This bit of news came from
Funtasticko
. Citing a source familiar with the matter, the site mentioned that the X50’s local launch has been postponed to a later date due to CMCO. Besides that, it was also pushed back as the Prime Minister (who was likely set to officiate the event) was still under home quarantine, though that’s no longer the case now.

But even though the official launch of the X50 has been delayed, Funtasticko’s source said that production of the SUV at the national carmaker’s Tanjung Malim plant in Perak is unaffected. In fact, Proton is supposedly producing as many units of the X50 as possible to reduce the waiting period.

After all,
over 20,000 bookings for the X50
 were made in only two weeks. While it’s unlikely everyone who placed a booking for the SUV will get it this year – many are hoping to take advantage of the 100% sales tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) cars in 2020 – Proton is evidently doing its best to meet consumer demand.

As for exactly when the Proton X50 will be officially launched, it’s likely happening after CMCO is lifted on 27 October, assuming it won’t be extended. Until then, check out our
other coverage of the X50
.


49 More Proton Employees Test Positive for COVID-19

Last week, Proton confirmed that one of its employees
tested positive for COVID-19
, and it appears more have been infected. The national carmaker just sent us an update on the situation, mentioning that 49 other employees have tested positive for the virus.

According to Proton, all 49 of the infected are from the Engineering Division in Shah Alam, and all of these cases have been reported to the authorities. In light of this, the company “has requested all non-essential personnel who work within the Shah Alam facility to work from home as a precautionary measure.”

Proton added that it has been adhering to official protocols concerning COVID-19 prevention, and it will continue to do so with more stringent actions to ensure no further spread of the virus. “Contact tracing is ongoing and a COVID-19 team is monitoring the situation very closely,” the company added.

If you’re wondering if this will affect the official launch and production of the Proton X50, the carmaker did not elaborate on this. But
based on our earlier report
, production of the B-segment SUV shouldn’t be affected, given that it is assembled at Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant in Perak.

As for the local launch of the
Proton X50
, it remains to be seen exactly when it will take place, given that Selangor, KL, and Putrajaya are still under CMCO until 27 October. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on any news related to the X50.


Lenovo Legion Phone Duel Unleashed in Malaysia From RM3,399

Lenovo just launched its first-ever gaming smartphone in Malaysia, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel. Featuring some high-end hardware under the hood with a unique pop-up selfie camera on the side, the Legion Phone Duel is quite an intriguing gaming smartphone.

For the Malaysian market, two variants of the Legion Phone Duel are offered. The 256GB model with 12GB of RAM retails at RM3,399, while the more generous 512GB option with a whopping 16GB of RAM costs RM3,999. Two colour options are available as well: Vengeance Red and Blazing Blue.

Now, what makes the Legion Phone Duel particularly unique is the placement of its 20MP selfie camera. It’s hidden underneath a pop-up mechanism on the right side of the phone, so when you’re gaming with the phone in landscape mode, the camera won’t be obstructed by your hands. This is purposely designed with streamers in mind.

Aside from that, the Legion Phone Duel is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset, so you can expect to get an excellent level of performance. it also comes with a 6.65-inch 2340 x 1080 AMOLED display with a high 144Hz refresh rate; something mobile gamers will definitely appreciate.

Other specifications of the Legion Phone Duel include two rear cameras (64MP f/1.89 primary + 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle) and a generous 5,000mAh battery. The 512GB variant of the gaming phone also supports 90W fast charging, which can fully charge the phone in only 30 minutes.

To recap, the Lenovo Legion Phone Duel retails at RM3,399 and RM3,999 for the 256GB and 512GB models respectively in Malaysia. The high-end gaming smartphone will be available for purchase locally from 26 October onwards.


Sony WH-1000XM4 Quick Review: Better Than Ever

The Sony WH-1000XM3 was one of the best wireless headphones with active noise cancellation, and the successor, the Sony WH-1000XM4, adds some notable features and upgrades. I’ve been using the XM4 for a few weeks now, and as an existing XM3 owner, I’m really impressed with the improvements.

If you’re looking to get one of the best noise-cancelling headphones in the market now, look no further than the WH-1000XM4. Not only does it offer excellent audio quality and features, it’s also surprisingly affordable now.

What It Is

Even though the WH-1000XM4 looks practically identical to its predecessor, it does come with a number of added features. For starters, it can now connect to two audio sources at the same time thanks to Bluetooth multipoint. This makes it
a lot
 easier to switch between two different devices. With the XM3, I would have to unpair from the current device before I can connect it to a different audio source.

Aside from that, the XM4 also sports better noise cancellation and audio quality, but more on these in the next section.

The WH-1000XM4 (top) and the WH-1000XM3

The Good Stuff

Since the XM3 was known for its excellent noise cancellation, let’s talk about how the XM4 improves upon this. While the former did a very good job silencing ambient noise, the XM4 does it
even better
. The moment I put on the headphones, I feel completely isolated from the outside world. Even voices can be muted by the XM4 more effectively than the XM3, as per Sony’s claim of better noise-cancelling with mid-high frequencies.

What about audio quality? Though both the XM3 and XM4 have similar sound profiles, the XM4 has a wider soundstage, lending to a more comfortable, less fatigue-inducing listening experience. In contrast, the XM3 has a more narrow soundstage with stronger bass response, which may not be to everyone’s taste. Personally, I prefer the audio quality of the XM4 ever so slightly.

Comfort is also another one of the XM4’s strong point. The overall fit of the headphones has been revised here and there for a more snug fit, and the larger earcups feel noticeably more comfortable. This is especially evident in prolonged usage; even after hours of use, I don’t feel like the headphones are applying too much pressure on my head.

Speaking of long hours of use, the XM4 still has
ridiculously
long battery life. I’ve used the headphones (easily) in excess of 25 hours, and it’s still going strong. Sony quotes a total usage of up to 30 hours, and I’m confident I can get this level of battery life easily, even with noise-cancelling enabled.

There’s also one other new feature of the XM4 that I really like. Whenever I take the headphones off, my music will be automatically paused. The moment I put it back on, it will resume my music playback. This is possible with a proximity sensor inside the left earcup and two acceleration sensors that detect whether I’m wearing the headphones or not.

Yes, this is not exactly a groundbreaking feature, but it’s a very meaningful quality of life improvement for me personally.

The Bad Stuff

Overall, there are no big issues with the WH-1000XM4, but there are some small niggling issues here and there. The “Speak-to-Chat” feature, for one – which automatically activates ambient sound mode whenever I start speaking – takes a bit too long to deactivate after I’m done with my conversation. Granted, I can always just double tap on the right earcup to resume playback quicker.

Besides that…there really isn’t any aspect of the XM4 that I don’t like. Okay, it would’ve been nice if it gets more obvious styling changes over the XM3, but it’s not like there’s any huge issue with the design of the two headphones in the first place anyway.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re not an existing owner of the WH-1000XM3, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is definitely worth it. While the XM4 improves upon its predecessor in meaningful ways, it’s not exactly a big enough leap to warrant an upgrade. Sony is refining an already great pair of headphones with the XM4.

What makes the XM4 even more attractive is the fact that it’s actually quite a bit more affordable now since it was launched here
back in August
. Originally retailing at RM1,599, you can easily grab the wireless headphones for
well below that asking price during promotions
. Of course, you’ve got to wait for the right time, but what’s certain is the fact that you won’t have to pay retail price for the XM4 anymore.

If you can get a good deal, the WH-1000XM4 is a fantastic buy. It has excellent active noise cancellation, it offers great audio quality, and it has incredibly long battery life. What more can you ask for from a pair of wireless headphones at this price point?

Li Jin Soh contributed to this article.


Huawei MateBook 14 Lands in Malaysia; Ryzen 4000H Laptop From RM3,799

Huawei just launched a new laptop in Malaysia, the Huawei MateBook 14. Unlike most productivity laptops, what makes this relatively thin and light notebook particularly unique is the processor under the hood: it’s powered by AMD’s Ryzen 4000H series processors.

Typically, Ryzen 4000H processors are found in gaming laptops, so it’s quite interesting that Huawei decided to use them for the MateBook 14. Anyway, two variants of the laptop are offered in Malaysia: the Ryzen 5 4600H model costs RM3,799, while the higher-end Ryzen 7 4800H configuration – complete with a touch-enabled screen – retails at RM4,399.

Beyond the choice of processor and touchscreen, other hardware of the two MateBook 14 models are identical. Both feature a 14-inch 2160 x 1440 IPS display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, which offers more vertical space than a conventional 16:9 screen; perfect for productivity tasks.

Rounding out the specifications of the MateBook 14 include 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, integrated Radeon Graphics, a chassis that weighs 1.49kg and 15.9mm thin, a 56WHr battery, a fingerprint sensor underneath the power button, as well as a webcam that’s hidden under a pop-up mechanism in the keyboard.

The Huawei MateBook 14 will be
available for pre-order in Malaysia on 26 October
. To recap, the Ryzen 5 4600H model costs RM3,799, while the Ryzen 7 4800H variant retails at RM4,399.


Proton X50 Will Now Be Launched Online

Many are waiting for the official launch of the
Proton X50
, but with CMCO in place, it’s not exactly feasible to hold a physical launch event. In light of this, Proton said that it will now launch the highly anticipated B-segment SUV through a live stream.

This is confirmed in a report by
SoyaCincau
, which got a statement from a Proton spokesperson on the matter. Here’s the pertaining statement:

With regards to the Proton X50 launch, we are continuing according to the schedule for a virtual launch of our new SUV. Initially, we planned to have a physical launch but even before the implementation of the CMCO the company had decided that such an event would not be in tandem with the mood of the nation and decided to scale things down considerably.

There you have it: official confirmation from Proton itself that the X50 will be launched through a virtual event. Of course, it remains to be seen as to when exactly this will happen, but we imagine it will be taking place very soon.

As per our previous report
, Proton also reiterated that production of the X50 is not affected at all by COVID-19. This is despite the fact that 50 employees from the Engineering Division
tested positive for the virus
. “We do not expect it to impact our production volumes,” the company added.

Nonetheless, the wait for the official launch of the Proton X50 is coming to an end very soon. No word yet on exactly how much it will cost, though there is a chance the B-segment SUV will retail
below the RM90,000 price point
.


Acer Swift 3X With Intel Iris Xe Max Dedicated GPU Unveiled; Coming to Malaysia Soon

Acer just introduced the Acer Swift 3X at its Next@Acer launch event. As the name suggests, this laptop isn’t quite like the regular Swift 3. What makes it particularly unique is the GPU under its hood: the Swift 3X features Intel’s yet to be announced Iris Xe Max dedicated GPU.

That’s right, a brand new dedicated GPU from Intel in a laptop. While this is quite exciting, the performance level of the Iris Xe Max GPU has not been revealed yet, so we’ll have to wait until the Swift 3X is available for review to really find out. On a more positive note, we were told that the laptop will be arriving in Malaysia very soon.

Aside from the GPU, the Swift 3X is naturally powered by Intel’s latest 11th generation Core processors, and it can be paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. On top of that, the Taiwanese company also mentioned that the new laptop weighs just 1.37kg; lightweight enough for folks who are always on the go.

Aside from that, the Swift 3X offers a 14-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen as well with an 84% screen-to-body ratio. Not exactly the best figure we’ve seen on a laptop, but definitely good enough to give the Swift 3X a modern-looking design. Acer also said that this laptop can provide up to 17.5 hours of battery life on a single charge.

As mentioned, the Acer Swift 3X is expected to arrive here in Malaysia very soon. No word yet on exactly how much it will cost locally, though it does retail from $900 in the US, which comes up to about RM3,735.


Huawei Mate 40 Pro Hands-On: Class-Leading Camera

Despite its current predicament, Huawei continues to release some impressive flagship smartphones, and the Huawei Mate 40 Pro is no different. After spending a brief time with the device, I’m convinced it’s high-end smartphone through and through, and it can easily go against the best in the market now.

But the fact that the Mate 40 Pro doesn’t ship with Google’s apps and services is still its biggest shortcoming, though Huawei is taking steps to fill the void left by Google. Nonetheless, there’s no denying the fact that the Mate 40 Pro is an excellent flagship smartphone with some fantastic hardware, including a killer camera.

Since camera performance is usually one of the biggest talking points of any flagship Huawei device, let’s get to that first. The Mate 40 Pro features a triple camera system made up of a 50MP “Ultra Vision” f/1.9 primary sensor, a 20MP f/1.8 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP f/3.4 periscope telephoto lens. There is also a laser autofocus system to lock in focus quickly and accurately.

So how is it like shooting with the Mate 40 Pro? As expected, it can take some amazing shots. Not only does its ultra-wide angle lens’ distortion correction is great, the camera as a whole has excellent colour reproduction as well. Even noise level is kept to a minimum with good detail preservation. Though there’s a lot of post-processing involved, the results look great.

Basically, if you want a smartphone that can take very flattering-looking shots, you will not be disappointed with the Mate 40 Pro.

20MP ultra-wide angle
50MP primary
12MP telephoto (5x zoom)
12MP telephoto (10x zoom)

In the performance department, the Mate 40 Pro is powered by Huawei’s very own Kirin 9000 chipset. Not only does it still support 5G networks (naturally), it’s also built on a 5nm process. In fact, Huawei is the second company to do so after Apple with its own A14 Bionic chip.

The fact that the Kirin 9000 is a 5nm chip means that it will be more power-efficient than its predecessor, the 7nm Kirin 990. This power efficiency, paired with the Mate 40 Pro’s 4,400mAh battery, means you can expect to get good battery life out of this phone.

Speaking of which, the Mate 40 Pro also supports 66W SuperCharge wired charging. On top of that, the phone can also do 50W wireless charging. It’s an impressive feat, given that not many smartphones support this level of wireless fast charging.

As for build quality, it goes without saying the Mate 40 Pro is a solid smartphone that feels premium in the hands. Despite the aggressive curve of the display, it still feels surprisingly comfortable to hold. It’s ergonomically-sound too with very good palm rejection.

The screen itself is also befitting of a flagship smartphone. The Mate 40 Pro sports a bright and vibrant 6.76-inch 1080p OLED display with an oblong-shaped hole-punch cutout for the 13MP f/2.4 selfie camera and 3D depth sensing sensor. On top of that, the screen has a 90Hz refresh rate as well.

While this refresh rate isn’t quite as impressive as its competitions’ faster 120Hz displays, it still offers good motion clarity and smooth animations. Plus, it’s not exactly easy to tell the difference between 90Hz and 120Hz, unless you’re comparing the two refresh rates side by side.

Without a doubt the Huawei Mate 40 Pro is a refined, capable flagship smartphone with a very promising camera system. However, the lack of Google Mobile Services is the phone’s biggest shortcoming. After all, Google’s range of apps and services practically define an Android smartphone.

Of course, Huawei is doing its best to address the lack of Google on its smartphones. According to the company, it is actively adding more apps to the AppGallery – which is basically Huawei’s answer to the Google Play Store – so that it would be a viable alternative to the Play Store. In fact, Huawei said that over 90% of Malaysian’s most frequently used apps are available there.

But at the end of the day, most consumers still rely heavily on Google’s apps and services. It won’t be easy to get accustomed to the absence of these features on the Mate 40 Pro, or any recent Huawei device for that matter. Yes, it’s a compelling flagship smartphone, but without Google, it’s still tough for the average user to consider getting this device.

Of course, it’s still possible to access some of Google’s services with the Mate 40 Pro, but you would have to jump through hoops to get that done. If you’re willing to do that, and you want a flagship smartphone with easily one of the best hardware in the market now, this phone fits the bill.

Now all that’s left is for Huawei to officially introduce the Mate 40 Pro in Malaysia.


Proton X50 Finally Launching on 27 October

Here it is! Proton just confirmed that its highly anticipated B-segment SUV, the Proton X50, will be launched next week on 27 October. As per our
previous report
, it will be launched online through a live stream. It won’t be long now until we find out exactly how much the new model will cost.

Proton revealed the launch date of the X50 on its Facebook page in a video teaser showcasing the different aspects of the SUV. The virtual launch will be taking place on 27 October next week at exactly 10:50AM on the company’s Facebook page, just like how it was for the
Proton Saga Anniversary Edition
.

What makes the X50 particularly attractive is its feature set. Four different variants of the B-segment SUV are offered, with the range-topping Flagship model getting all the bells and whistles. These include a 1.5L turbocharged direct-injected three-cylinder engine with 177PS and 255Nm of torque, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and level 2 semi-autonomous driving.

We’ve put the X50 through its paces
 not too long ago, and we’re really impressed with what the new model offers. Even though its pricing has not been revealed yet, many are eager to get their hands on the X50. After all, in a span of only two weeks,
20,000 bookings were already placed
 for the SUV; that’s a very impressive figure.

To recap, the Proton X50 will be launched online next week on 27 October at 10:50AM. You can catch the live stream of the virtual launch on Proton’s Facebook page
right here
. In the meantime, check out our
other coverage of the X50
 – there’s a good chance it will cost
below the RM90,000 price point
 too.


OnePlus 8T Lands in Malaysia; From RM2,699 to RM2,999

As promised, the OnePlus 8T has just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, a fast 120Hz screen, and a new quad camera system, it’s quite a decent flagship smartphone with a reasonably competitive price tag.

Two variants of the OnePlus 8T are offered in Malaysia. The base model with 128GB of non-expandable storage and 8GB of RAM
retails at RM2,699
, while the 256GB option with 12GB of RAM costs
slightly more at RM2,999
. The 128GB variant is only available in Lunar Silver, while the 256GB model is offered in the sole Aquamarine Green colourway.

As mentioned, the OnePlus 8T is a Snapdragon 865 smartphone, so it should be able to offer flagship-tier performance. On top of that, it also comes with a 6.55-inch 1080p Fluid AMOLED screen that’s sporting a high 120Hz refresh rate; an improvement over its predecessor’s 90Hz panel.

Other specifications of the OnePlus 8T include a quad camera system (48MP f/1.75 primary + 16MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 5MP macro + 2MP monochrome), a 16MP f/2.4 selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging, and OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11 out of the box.

The OnePlus 8T will be available for purchase next week on 28 October at 12AM from Lazada. Alternatively, you can also get it from authorised retail stores from 31 October onwards. To recap, the OnePlus 8T retails at
RM2,699
 and
RM2,999
for the 128GB + 8GB and 256GB + 12GB models respectively.


Huawei Mate 40 Pro Unveiled With 5nm Kirin 9000 Chip & 90Hz Screen

Huawei’s latest flagship smartphone is here, the Huawei Mate 40 Pro. Though it’s not radically different from its predecessor, it does bring a number of improvements, including a faster screen, a more power-efficient Kirin 9000 chip, and a new triple camera system.

Let’s start with the chipset under the hood of the Mate 40 Pro. Just like Apple with its A14 Bionic chip, Huawei is moving to a 5nm process for the new Kirin 9000 chip. This means it will be more power-efficient than the Kirin 990, and naturally, it still supports 5G networks.

Aside from that, it also has a 6.76-inch 1080p OLED screen with a fast 90Hz refresh rate, just like the
P40 Pro
. It would’ve been great if it had a faster 120Hz screen like its competition, but at least it’s not a conventional 60Hz display. Plus, the 90Hz screen won’t be quite as power-hungry as a 120Hz panel, which should translate to better battery life.

And then there’s the new triple camera system of the Mate 40 Pro. It’s made up of a 50MP “Ultra Vision” f/1.9 primary sensor, a 20MP f/1.8 ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 12MP f/3.4 periscope telephoto lens that can do 5x optical zoom and 50x digital zoom. There is also a laser autofocus system to lock in focus quicker and more accurately.

Other specifications of the Mate 40 Pro include a 13MP f/2.4 selfie camera paired with a 3D depth sensing camera, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, and EMUI 11 based on Android 10 out of the box. No, it still doesn’t come with Google Mobile Services.

At the moment, we only know the Huawei Mate 40 Pro’s retail price in Europe, which is set at €1,199 (about RM5,880) for the sole 256GB model with 8GB of RAM. Do note that this price tag includes VAT, so expect it to cost less in markets outside of Europe, including Malaysia.


New Proton X50 Teaser Shows Off the Citric Orange Model

We are only four days away from the
official launch of the Proton X50
, and the national carmaker is putting up more teasers of the highly anticipated B-segment SUV on its social media accounts. This latest teaser shows off the X50 in Citric Orange, a colour option that we haven’t seen too much of.

We actually
spotted the X50 in Citric Orange
 earlier this month, but that was during the daytime. In the teaser video below, we got a glimpse of how the Citric Orange model looks like when it is nighttime. You can see this at about the six-second mark in the video below.

How the Citric Orange model looks like in daytime

Besides that, the video also highlights the performance of the X50. More specifically, the 1.5L turbocharged direct-injected engine that outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque. This mill is only offered in the range-topping Flagship model; the other three models (Standard, Executive, and Premium) get a 1.5L turbocharged port-injected engine instead with 150PS and 226Nm of torque. Still very respectable figures.

Regardless of which engine option you go for, it will be paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is the very same one found in the
Proton X70
. According to Proton, the combination of the 1.5L TGDi engine and 7DCT allow the Flagship model to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.9 seconds.

If you’d like to learn more about the Proton X50, check out our
test drive of the B-segment SUV
; we also reported on its
possible pricing
. We’ll find out exactly how much the X50 will cost once it is launched in Malaysia next Tuesday on 27 October.


24 – 30 October Fuel Price: RON 95 & RON 97 Down, Diesel Remains

Good news this week! If you plan to fuel up tonight, wait until tomorrow: prices for both RON 95 and RON 97 will go down by 4 sen per litre this midnight, while the price of diesel remains the same.

This brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.64 per litre (down from RM1.68) and RON 97 to RM1.94 per litre (RM1.98 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will still cost RM1.74 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 24 to 30 October next week. New fuel prices will be announced every Friday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


Shopee Lists Proton X50 for RM120,000 – Stand a Chance to Buy It for RM1

Now this is a little bit of a surprise: Shopee just released a listing for the
Proton X50
. Not only is this done by Shopee itself, the e-commerce site could very well have revealed the pricing of the B-segment SUV. How much exactly?
A cool RM120,000
.

That’s right, RM120,000 for what appears to be the Flagship model of the X50. Shopee is offering the SUV as part of its “One or Not” promotion, which gives customers a chance to purchase the X50 for only RM1 instead of the SUV’s full price. Basically, it’s a lucky draw of sorts where only one customer who “purchased” the X50 for RM1 will walk (or rather, drive) away with it.

So will the X50 really go for RM120,000? Well, there are a couple of things to keep in mind here. Although the Shopee listing shows that the SUV is intended to retail at RM120,000, there’s a chance this is simply a placeholder for the One or Not promotion. We’re inclined to believe this is the case, given that this pricing is too close to the range-topping
Proton X70
, which retails at RM122,800 (without the 100% tax exemption).

As for the One or Not promotion itself, Shopee is throwing in quite a number of benefits alongside the X50. Not only will the e-commerce site provide insurance for the SUV – supposedly covered up to RM2,800 for one year – it will also cover the road tax (one year), registration fee, and even the cost to get the number plate done.

If you’re keen to try your luck to score the Proton X50 for only RM1 from Shopee, you can do so
here
. As for how much the highly anticipated B-segment SUV will really cost, we’ll find out
tomorrow from Proton itself on 27 October
.


Deal: Sony WH-1000XM4 Going for Only RM1,129 Today

The
Sony WH-1000XM4
 is currently one of the best noise-cancelling wireless headphones in the market, and if you’ve been waiting to grab it at a good price, now’s your chance. For today only, you can get the XM4
for merely RM1,129
.

Originally retailing at RM1,599, you’re saving a whopping RM470 with this offer from Viewnet’s official store on Lazada. Rest assured, this is a legitimate deal, though only the Silver XM4 is discounted. If you want the Black model, you would have to fork out RM1,358 instead.

As mentioned, this deal for the Sony WH-1000XM4 is only valid today, so best be quick if you want to
get it for RM1,129
. Needless to say, this is a very good price for a pair of noise-cancelling headphones of this calibre. Not sure it’s for you? Then check out our review of the XM4
right here
.

Thanks for the tip, Pang!


Proton X50 Executive Variant’s Interior Shown

In less than 24 hours, the
Proton X50
 will finally be launched here in Malaysia. Ahead of its official launch tomorrow, the B-segment SUV is already making its way to showrooms nationwide. Of course, more images of the X50 started making their round on the internet, and we even got a closer glimpse of the Executive variant’s interior.

These images were shared to the
Proton X50 Community Malaysia
 Facebook page. According to the author, this is the interior of the Executive model. Unlike the Flagship and Premium variants, the Executive trim – and presumably the Standard as well – sports a single tone interior finished in black. Folks that want a more minimalist aesthetic may find this more appealing.

Aside from the different colour scheme of the interior, the Executive trim of the X50 also sports a smaller 8-inch infotainment screen in the centre console. This is in contrast to the bigger and wider 10-inch screen of the Premium and Flagship models.

Another noteworthy difference is the instrument cluster of the Executive X50. Instead of the completely digital instrument panel of the higher-end models, the Executive trim make do with a semi-digital unit. Though it may not sound quite as exciting, it does look quite good.

The digital instrument cluster of the Flagship model
The instrument panel of the Executive variant

The Proton X50 is set to be launched online via a live stream on
Proton’s Facebook page
 at 10:50AM tomorrow on 27 October. We’ll find out then exactly how much the B-segment SUV will cost in Malaysia.

Read more:

Proton X50 Pricing Revealed: From RM79k to RM103k


Proton X50 Price Revealed: From RM79k to RM103k

The
Proton X50
 has just been launched in Malaysia, and we finally have the full pricing of the new model. Retailing from RM79,200 to RM103,300, the X50 is certainly a competitively priced B-segment SUV. On top of that, it’s also a very feature-packed model.

Let’s start with the range-topping Flagship model. Retailing at RM103,300, it is the only X50 variant to get the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). The safety suite include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and even Auto Park Assist (APA), which allows the SUV to park itself.

Besides that, the Flagship variant of the X50 is also the sole model to be powered by the 1.5L turbocharged direct-injected three-cylinder engine that can do 177PS and 255Nm of torque. It’s paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the very same one found in the
Proton X70
.

Next, we have the Premium X50, which costs RM93,200. Unlike the Flagship model, the Premium is powered by a 1.5L port-injected engine that outputs 150PS and 226Nm of torque. Still very respectable figures, and it’s also mated to the same 7DCT as the other variants.

As for the Executive and Standard models of the X50, they retail at RM84,800 and RM79,200 respectively. The engine under the hood of these two variants is the same 1.5L port-injected mill of the Premium model, though they come with smaller 17-inch alloy wheels. The aforementioned Premium and Flagship trims, on the other hand, come with 18-inch wheels.

Aside from that, it’s worth noting that the Standard X50 only gets four airbags, but this is still enough for the SUV to get a
five-star rating
 in the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asia (ASEAN NCAP). Needless to say, even though it doesn’t have six airbags like the other models, the Standard trim is quite safe in the event of a crash.

Proton mentioned that these prices for the Proton X50 are only valid until December 2020; that’s when the 100% sales tax exemption from the government is set to end. The X50 also gets a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage, five years of data package (capped at 1GB per month), five times free labour service – though this is limited to the first 30,000 bookings – as well as interest rate from only 2.22% per annum.

There is also the Proton Insurance Program, which comes with a number of benefits. These include agreed value coverage, key care cover (up to RM1,000), flood relief allowance (up to RM1,000), and personal accident coverage up to RM15,000.


Razer Blade Gaming Laptops Finally Coming to Malaysia; Starts at RM8,999

Razer’s range of gaming laptops have been absent from the Malaysian market for quite some time, but that’s no longer the case now. We just got word that Razer is finally bringing in the latest Blade gaming laptops to our shores, starting with the Razer Blade 15 and
Razer Blade Pro 17
.

Let’s start with the more compact gaming machine of the two, the Blade 15. It is offered in two distinct variants: there’s the base model with a 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 OLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, and the Advanced configuration with a similar screen but with a faster 300Hz refresh rate. It’s worth noting that the 300Hz option is also a touch-enabled screen protected by Corning Gorilla Glass.

Aside from that, the Blade 15 Advanced comes with an Intel Core i7-10875H processor paired with 16GB of RAM, which should be fast enough for AAA games. Besides that, the Advanced model can be configured with either an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q or a more powerful RTX 2080 Super Max-Q GPU. As for storage, it features a 512GB or 1TB SSD.

As for the base model of the Blade 15, it comes with a more modest Core i7-10750H processor paired with 16GB of RAM. Interestingly, it can be purchased with three different GPU options: a GTX 1660 Ti, an RTX 2060 Max-Q, or an RTX 2070 Max-Q graphics card. Aside from that, it is also equipped with a 256GB or 512GB SSD.

Next, we have the bigger Blade Pro 17. All variants of this gaming laptop is powered by a Core i7-10875H processor, including the most affordable model with an RTX 2070 Super Max-Q GPU. This variant also features a fast 300Hz 17.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS screen, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD storage.

A tier up is the RTX 2080 Super Max-Q model of the Blade Pro 17, which shares the exact same hardware as the aforementioned model except for the choice of GPU (naturally). The range-topping model of the laptop, on the other hand, also features an RTX 2080 Super Max-Q GPU, but it swaps out the display for a sharper 17.3-inch 3840 x 2160 touch-enabled screen, though it’s not quite as fast with a 120Hz refresh rate.

On top of that, the top-of-the-line configuration features a more generous 1TB SSD as well.

According to Razer, the Razer Blade 15 and Razer Blade Pro 17 are now available for purchase in Malaysia from selected retailers. The Blade 15 retails from RM8,999, while the Blade Pro 17 starts at RM12,499.


Proton X50 – Powered Tailgate Offered as Optional Upgrade

The
Proton X50
 has finally been launched yesterday. Now that the B-segment SUV is in most showrooms nationwide, we’ve been made known that a powered tailgate can be fitted to the X50. Of course, this is offered as an optional upgrade, so it’s absolutely not a compulsory add-on.

Looking at the internal memo of this upgrade that started circulating online, the powered tailgate is offered in two separate packages. The Urban package, which costs RM3,500, includes the powered tailgate, a built-in toll reader, a coiled mat, and magnetic sun shades.

The other one is the Utility package that offers the powered tailgate with three different items: a PVC mat, a boot tray, and door scuff plates.

As mentioned, this is an optional upgrade. If you’re told otherwise by a dealer or sales advisor, know that it’s not a compulsory add-on. Aside from that, if you’re only interested to get the powered tailgate, it appears this is not offered independently at the moment.

To recap, the X50 retails from RM79,200 for the Standard model, while the range-topping Flagship variant is priced at RM103,300. Naturally, the Flagship is the only trim to get the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Auto Park Assist (APA).

Keep in mind that these prices for the Proton X50 are only valid until the end of the year; that’s when the 100% sales tax exemption from the government is set to end. To learn more about the B-segment SUV, check out our other coverage of the X50
right here
, including our
test drive
.


AMD Radeon RX 6000 GPUs Promise Better Performance Than Nvidia’s RTX 3000 Series

AMD just unveiled three new graphics cards today as part of the Radeon RX 6000 family. These include the top-of-the-line Radeon RX 6900 XT, the RX 6800 XT, and the most affordable of the lot, the RX 6800. According to AMD, these GPUs offer better performance than their equivalent Nvidia cards, which is quite a lofty claim.

All three of these graphics cards are based on AMD’s latest RDNA 2 technology; the same one powering the
PlayStation 5
 and Xbox Series X. That also means all three of the GPUs support hardware-accelerated ray tracing, so you won’t have to opt for an Nvidia card anymore just for the feature.

As mentioned, AMD claims that these RX 6000 graphics cards provide superior performance than Nvidia’s own offerings. Benchmarks provided by AMD show that the RX 6900 XT and RX 6800 XT outperform the RTX 3090 and RTX 3080 respectively in most demanding games at 4K and 1440p resolutions.

As for the most affordable GPU in the series (at the moment), the RX 6800, AMD compared it against the RTX 2080 Ti. As a point of comparison, the RTX 2080 Ti offers about the same level of performance as the newer RTX 3070 card. Anyway, AMD shows that the RX 6800 is able to outpace the RTX 2080 Ti by a pretty big margin in popular AAA titles.

It’s worth noting that the RX 6000 series graphics card all come with 16GB of GDDR6 memory, which is a lot more than the 10GB and 8GB memory of the RTX 3080 and RTX 3070 respectively. That being said, Nvidia’s offerings use faster GDDR6X modules, and the RTX 3090 actually features 24GB of memory instead.

Looking at the specifications and benchmarks of the new RX 6000 graphics cards, they do look very promising against Nvidia’s own RTX 3000 series GPUs. Of course, we would have to review them for ourselves first to verify AMD’s claims. It’ll be interesting to see if the RX 6000 cards will in fact draw less power.

That’s right, despite offering a similar level of performance as Nvidia’s RTX 3000 cards, AMD promises that the RX 6000 GPUs are more power-efficient. The use of GDDR6 memory instead of GDDR6X definitely contribute to this.

The AMD RX 6800 and RX 6800 XT are set to hit store shelves in the US on 18 November, while the range-topping RX 6900 XT will be available later on 8 December. The RX 6800 retails at $579 (about RM2,405), while the RX 6800 XT and RX 6900 XT go for $649 (approximately RM2,695) and $999 (around RM4,150) respectively.


Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G Lands in Malaysia 11 November for RM2,699

If you’ve been waiting for the 4G variant of the
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
 to be available in Malaysia, good news: the more affordable model is set to arrive on our shores next month on 11 November. Set to retail at RM2,699 locally, the S20 FE costs RM700 less than the 5G variant – that’s quite a bit of savings.

Of course, there is one notable hardware difference between the Galaxy S20 FE 4G and its 5G counterpart. Instead of the latter’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, the 4G model is powered by Samsung’s own Exynos 990 SoC. While it may not sound quite as impressive as the Snapdragon 865, you
are
 saving RM700 here. Plus, you should be getting about the same level of performance with both chips.

Aside from that, S20 FE 4G also comes with a smaller storage capacity. While the 5G variant of the phone features 256GB of internal storage, this 4G model only offers 128GB of storage. Thankfully, you can use a microSD card to get more storage space.

Beyond the different chipset and storage capacity, the Galaxy S20 FE 4G is identical to the 5G model in other aspects. It still has 8GB of RAM, a 6.5-inch 2400 x 1080 Super AMOLED display with a fast 120Hz refresh rate, a triple camera system (12MP f/1.8 primary + 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle + 8MP f/2.4 telephoto), a 32MP f/2.2 selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery, as well as an IP68 rating.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G is set to arrive in Malaysia next month on 11 November. Retailing at RM2,699, it is one of Samsung’s most affordable flagship-tier smartphones in Malaysia.


Hyundai Kona Launched in Malaysia: RM116k to RM144k, Faster Than Proton X50

The Hyundai Kona has just been launched in Malaysia, and it’s quite an exciting B-segment SUV – just like the
Proton X50
. Although it costs quite a bit more than the X50, the Kona is definitely a more unique-looking SUV; it can do the century sprint faster too.

Three variants of the Kona – all fully imported CBU units – are offered in Malaysia. The base 2.0 model costs RM115,888, while the 2.0 Active goes for RM130,888. As for the range-topping 1.6 Turbo, it retails at RM143,888. Do note that these prices are with sales tax exemption applied until the end of 2020. Come next year, these variants will retail at RM123,888, RM138,888, and RM151,888 respectively.

Naturally, the 1.6 Turbo trim of the Kona is the most exciting of the lot. It’s powered by a Gamma 1.6 T-GDI engine that outputs 177PS and 265Nm of torque. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.7 seconds. This makes it even faster than the top-of-the-line Flagship Proton X50, which has a quoted figure of 7.9 seconds to reach the same speed.

Aside from that, the 1.6 Turbo Kona is also the only model to get Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of active safety features. These include Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), and even Lane Keeping Assist (LKA).

As for the base 2.0 and 2.0 Active configurations of the Kona, both of them are powered by a 2.0L Nu MPI Atkinson-cycle engine with 149PS and 180Nm of torque. Instead of a 7DCT, these two models feature a more conventional six-speed automatic transmission. Still, the combination of this engine and gearbox allows the 2.0 and 2.0 Active to do the century sprint in 10 seconds.

Other standard equipment of the Kona across the range include six airbags, ABS, ESC, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, LED daytime running lights, auto up and down for all four windows, six speakers, and even a 7-inch touch-enabled infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

It’s also worth noting that the 1.6 Turbo Kona is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, while the 2.0 and 2.0 Active come with 17-inch alloys. The 1.6 Turbo gets full leather seats too; leather and cloth combination for the 2.0 Active, and fabric for the base 2.0 model.

To recap, the Hyundai Kona starts at RM115,888 for the most affordable 2.0 trim. A tier up is the 2.0 Active, which costs RM130,888. The range-topping 1.6 Turbo, on the other hand, retails at RM143,888. As mentioned, these prices are only valid until the end of the year with sales tax exemption applied.


31 October – 6 November Fuel Price: RON 95, RON 97 & Diesel Prices Remain

Last week, fuel prices went down, and things are unchanged this week. Prices for RON 95 and RON 97 remain the same as last week, and the same goes for diesel. If you’re planning to refuel tonight, you can do so without worries.

To recap, the price of RON 95 will remain at RM1.64 per litre, while RON 97 will cost RM1.94 per litre. As for diesel, it will still be RM1.74 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 31 October to 6 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: Kommu Promises Plug & Play Self-Driving Tech for Affordable Cars

Any level of self-driving is usually reserved for more expensive cars, but Kommu aims to change this. We sat down for a chat with Wong Kean Wei and Kok Yuan Ting from Kommu to talk about its plug and play self-driving solution, which essentially adds self-driving capability to (almost) any car.

However, this is by no means an autopilot feature. We were told that Kommu aims to achieve level 2 semi-autonomous driving with its solution, which allows the car to maintain longitudinal and lateral controls automatically. Of course, driver’s attention is still needed, and there are some measures in place to ensure this.

Kommu plans to release the finished product by March 2021 next year. If you’re keen to give it a try, you can head on to Kommu’s website
right here
 to register your interest. You may even be able to try out the self-driving tech for yourself in January 2021; that’s when Kommu plans to hold an early test drive event. Enjoy the video!


Proton X50 Flagship – Is It Worth RM103k?

Earlier this week, Proton finally revealed
the full pricing
 of its highly anticipated B-segment SUV, the
Proton X50
. Without a doubt the most exciting model is the range-topping Flagship variant, which is the only one to get the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and a more powerful engine – all for RM103,300.

Now, compared to other B-segment SUVs in the Malaysian market now, this is a very competitive price tag for a top-of-the-line model. But what if you’re contemplating between the Flagship and Premium variants of the X50? Well, although the price difference is quite big – by exactly RM10,100 – here are a number of reasons why it’s worth paying extra for the Flagship model.

More Elaborate Safety Features

This is arguably the best reason to go for the Flagship model of the X50. ADAS offers a ton of active safety features, including 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).

Really, it’s an exhaustive list of safety features. On top of these, ADAS also includes Auto Park Assist (APA), which allows the X50 to park itself. Though it takes a while for the SUV to do so, it’s certainly a neat feature that will be appreciated by some folks.

Better Performance

Even if you can do without the extra safety features, it’s worth noting that the Flagship X50 is also the only model to get the 1.5L TGDi engine. This direct-injected turbo engine outputs 177PS and 255Nm of torque, which is quite a bit more than the 1.5L port-injected mill (150PS/226Nm) found under the hood of the other three X50 variants.

This 1.5L TGDi engine, combined with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, allows the Flagship X50 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.9 seconds. It’s an impressive figure, especially for an SUV at this price point.

The Proton X50 can even outpace the BMW X1 and Honda HR-V in a drag test

Sleeker Exterior & More Feature-Packed Interior

Another thing that’s only offered on the Flagship X50 is a dual tone exterior with blacked-out roof and side mirrors. This gives it a more unique, sportier appearance than other variants of the SUV. While this may not sound like a big deal to some folks, it’s definitely a difference worth pointing out.

Aside from that, both the Flagship and Premium trims feature an almost identical dual tone interior, but the former does have a couple of added features. Not only does it come with an auto dimming rear view mirror, it also has a rain sensor for the auto wiper feature. Small amenities, yes, but they do add up.

Panoramic Sunroof

Last but certainly not least is the addition of a panoramic sunroof on the Flagship X50. Of course, in a hot, humid country like Malaysia, a sunroof – panoramic or not – is not exactly the most practical feature. But hey, at least it comes with a powered sunblind that can block out sunlight quite well.

Plus, it’s nice to open up the sunroof once in a while for some fresh air.

The sunblind blocks out sunlight very well

So, to answer the question: is it worth it to go for the range-topping Flagship variant of the Proton X50 for RM103,300? In my opinion, absolutely. Though the RM10,100 price difference between the Flagship and Premium models is no small amount, you’re getting a lot of additional features for the money.

But if you don’t need the suite of driver assistance features, more powerful engine, or panoramic sunroof of the Flagship model, the Premium X50 is still a very good buy at RM93,200. At the end of the day, it all depends on each individual’s preferences.


2020 Nissan Almera Turbo Price Released: From RM80k to RM91k

Initially opened for booking two months ago, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) finally released the full pricing of the 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo. Retailing from RM79,906 to RM91,310, the new B-segment sedan is offered in three distinct variants.

Let’s start with the base VL trim of the Almera, which retails at RM79,906. The better equipped VLP and VLT variants, on the other hand, cost RM85,715 and RM91,310 respectively. These prices are with tax exemption applied for 2020, so come next year, the VL will go for RM83,888, VLP at RM89,888, and the range-topping VLT at RM95,888.

All three variants of the new Almera are powered by the same 1.0L turbocharged three-cylinder engine that outputs 100PS and 152Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via an X-Tronic CVT with D-Step Logic and Sport Mode for more spirited driving.

Besides that, regardless of which model you go for, the new Almera comes with Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) with Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (IFEB). Basically, it’s an autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, which will automatically apply the brakes to avoid frontal collisions. That being said, the base VL only comes with two airbags, while the VLP and VLT trims get six airbags.

As the range-topping model, the VLT Almera naturally has some additional features. These include Intelligent Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Warning System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Cruise Control, and LED headlamps.

To recap, the all-new Nissan Almera retails from RM79,906 for the most affordable VL model; the price goes up to RM85,715 and RM91,310 for the VLP and VLT models respectively. Again, do note that these prices are only valid this year with tax exemption. More information on the B-segment sedan can be found
here
.


2020 Toyota Yaris Facelift Open for Booking: Toyota Safety Sense, Android Auto, RM72k to RM86k

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) just opened bookings for the new 2020 Toyota Yaris facelift. Not only does the updated B-segment hatchback sport a slightly different front end design, the new Yaris also comes with Toyota Safety Sense now, which adds a number of active safety features.

According to UMWT, Safety Sense for the Yaris includes two major features: Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). The former, as its name suggests, warns the driver and automatically applies the brakes when there’s a risk of frontal collision. As for LDA, it alerts the driver when the car is (unintentionally) getting out of the lane.

Aside from that, the front end of the Yaris is slightly reworked as well. LED headlights are now standard across the range, and the lower grille is much wider now. While these changes don’t radically change the looks of the Yaris, they do give the hatchback a cleaner, more aggressive styling, in our opinion.

Beyond these changes, the updated Yaris should be powered by 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). Besides that, the infotainment system now supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay too.

At the moment, UMWT only released
estimated pricing of the 2020 Toyota Yaris
. The base J variant is said to cost RM71,688, while the higher-end E and G models go for RM80,591 and RM85,587 respectively. Curiously, these price tags are with SST included; it’ll be interesting to see if the Yaris will be able to enjoy the 100% sales tax exemption offered until the end of the year.


Proton X50 Received 27,400 Bookings So Far; 447 Units Delivered in October

Consumer demand for the
Proton X50
 continues to grow. According to the national carmaker, the highly anticipated B-segment SUV has received over 27,400 bookings as of the end of October with 447 units delivered in the same month.

“Proton would like to thank all its customers for the tremendous interest shown in the Proton X50. We are pushing to ensure fulfilment over the last three months of 2020, while continuing to emphasise product quality,” said the CEO of Proton Edar, Roslan Abdullah. If you’re concerned about the build quality of the X50, you can rest easy now.

Besides that, Proton also detailed some interesting sales figure. Last month, the carmaker moved 11,392 units in domestic and export sales. Collectively, Proton has sold 84,999 units this year, which is 6.2% ahead of 2019 and “equivalent to an estimated 21.3% market share,” the company added.

Three of Proton models continue to lead their respective segments as well. The
Proton X70
 maintains its lead in the SUV segment with 2,216 units sold, while the Proton Persona is also leading the B-segment sedan market with 2,360 units sold. Same goes for the Proton Exora in the C-segment MPV market with 580 units moved.

It’ll be interesting to see how many units of the Proton X50 the national carmaker can deliver this month in November. Given that the tax exemption for locally assembled (CKD) cars is only valid until the end of 2020, we reckon most who placed a booking for the SUV would want to get the X50 this year.


Apple Sets “One More Thing” Event for 11 November; Apple Silicon-Powered MacBooks Expected

Even after announcing the
iPhone 12

series
, Apple isn’t quite done yet for the year. The Cupertino company just sent out invitations for another launch event next week on 11 November, and chances are, we’ll see the introduction of new MacBook laptops powered by Apple’s own processors then.

As with all of Apple’s teasers for its launches, the “One More Thing” event invite is a simple one with the company’s logo surrounded by rays of light of different colours. While this is vague, the AR teaser is a look more…illuminating, if you will. It seems to mimic the opening and closing of a laptop.

This is super cool. The Apple event logo in AR resembles opening and closing a MacBook.
A new MacBook powered by Apple Silicon is coming.
pic.twitter.com/R6pIpJTWPC
— Neil Cybart (@neilcybart)
November 2, 2020

Apple initially shared its plan to switch from Intel’s chips to its own processors for the MacBook
back at WWDC 2020
 in June. The company promises that its family of SoCs made for Macs will offer “industry-leading performance per watt and higher performance GPUs,” which certainly sound promising.

On top of that, switching to Apple Silicon chips for the MacBook will also allow apps made for iOS and iPadOS to run on the new platform without a hitch. According to the company, no modifications are necessary at all to make this possible.

Of course, it remains to be seen just how these new Apple Silicon-powered MacBooks will fare against their Intel counterpart, especially when it comes to compatibility with current macOS programs. We’ll find out more next week on 11 November at 2AM Malaysian time.


Realme Narzo 20 Series Now in Malaysia From RM699

The Realme Narzo 20 series has just been launched in Malaysia. Made up of the Narzo 20 and Narzo 20 Pro, these two smartphones are meant to be budget-friendly. Retailing from RM699, this is certainly the case.

Of course, it’s the Narzo 20 that costs RM699. Only one variant of the device is offered for the Malaysian market, which comes with 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. As for the higher-end Narzo 20 Pro, it costs RM1,199 with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.

If you want to get these two phones at an even lower price tag, you can actually do so next week on 11 November from Lazada. For that day only, the Narzo 20 will
go for RM549
, while the Narzo 20 Pro will be priced
at only RM899
.

The Realme Narzo 20 Pro
The Realme Narzo 20

In terms of hardware, the Narzo 20 Pro comes with a 6.5-inch 1080p screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Helio G95 chipset, a quad camera system (48MP f/1.8 primary + 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide + monochrome + macro), a 16MP f/2.1 selfie camera, a 4,500mAh battery with 65W fast charging, and a rear fingerprint sensor.

Given its more affordable price tag, the Narzo 20 isn’t quite as impressive in the hardware department. It features a 6.5-inch 720p display, a Helio G85 chipset, a triple camera system (48MP f/1.8 main + 8MP f/2.3 ultra-wide angle + macro), an 8MP f/2.0 selfie camera, as well as a very generous 6,000mAh battery with support for 18W fast charging via USB-C.

The Realme Narzo 20 and Narzo 20 Pro will be available for purchase on Lazada next week on 11 November. The Narzo 20 will
go for RM549
 then (instead of RM699), while the Narzo 20 Pro will retail
at only RM899
 (discounted from RM1,199).


PSA: Number Plates Purchased on mySIKAP Are Valid for 6 Months

Most may not be familiar with JPJ’s mySIKAP portal, which allows members of the public to purchase vehicle registration numbers without going through any agent or runner. It’s a very convenient service, and if you’re wondering how long you have before the purchased number has to be registered to a vehicle, we have the answer.

I actually bought a number plate through mySIKAP back in September in anticipation for the
Proton X50
, and the general consensus online is that the number has to be registered to a vehicle within three months. It didn’t help either that the original receipt doesn’t show the validity of the registration number, but thankfully enough, the copy of the receipt has the relevant details.

So there you have it: number plates purchased through mySIKAP are valid for six months. If you don’t register it to a vehicle within this time frame, the registration number will be forfeited, and you won’t get any refund either. Basically, you will not get back the RM310.

Also, do note that number plates purchased on mySIKAP are for individual or company use only. You cannot, for example, purchase a registration number on behalf of a friend. That being said, while the number is usually not transferrable, it is possible to transfer it to an immediate family member, though you’ll have to provide relevant supporting documents.

If you’d like to register for a mySIKAP account, it’s necessary to head to a JPJ branch to get your first time login details. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to register for an account online.


2020 Honda CR-V Facelift Launched in Malaysia: From RM140k to RM163k

Honda just launched the facelifted Honda CR-V in Malaysia. Compared to the pre-facelift model, the updated C-segment SUV gets some minor styling changes and added features, including Honda LaneWatch – standard across the range – and remote engine start for the turbo variants.

Speaking of which, three different variants of the CR-V are offered here. There’s the 2.0L 2WD base model (RM139,912.53), the 1.5L TC-P 2WD mid-tier variant (RM157,615.91), and the range-topping 1.5L TC-P 4WD trim (RM162,910.18). These prices are with tax exemption applied until the end of the year, so come 2021, they will go for RM145,400, RM164,300, and RM169,900 respectively.

The most affordable 2.0L 2WD model is powered by a 2.0L SOHC i-VTEC engine that puts out 154PS and 189Nm of torque. The other two turbo variants, on the other hand, are packed with a more powerful 1.5L DOHC VTEC turbocharged engine with 193PS and 243Nm of torque. Both engine options are paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent to the front wheels, except for the all-wheel drive 1.5L TC-P 4WD model.

As mentioned, Honda LaneWatch is standard across the range for the new CR-V, but only the turbo variants get the Honda Sensing suite of safety features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), and Auto High Beam (AHB).

On top of that, the two turbo variants of the CR-V also come with a powered tailgate that can now be activated with a foot sensor underneath the rear bumper. They feature larger 18-inch alloy wheels too, while the base 2.0L 2WD model gets 17-inch wheels.

To recap, the facelifted Honda CR-V starts at RM139,912.53 for the 2.0L 2WD trim, and the price goes up to RM157,615.91 and RM162,910.18 for the 1.5L TC-P 2WD and 1.5L TC-P 4WD models respectively. These prices are only valid until the end of the year; that’s when the tax exemption period is set to end.


Mitsubishi Xpander Costs RM91k in Malaysia; Over 2,000 Bookings Received

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) just revealed the Malaysian pricing of the locally assembled (CKD) Mitsubishi Xpander seven-seater crossover. Since bookings for the Xpander were opened on 22 October, over 2,000 bookings were already placed for the seven-seater.

Set to retail at RM91,369, only one variant of the Xpander is offered here. Do note that this price is on-the-road without insurance, and the 100% tax exemption for CKD cars have already been applied. The exemption is only valid until the end of the year, so expect to Xpander to cost more in 2021.

For that kind of money, the Xpander is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that outputs 105PS and 141Nm of torque. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Aside from that, the seven-seater is also shod with 16-inch alloy wheels.

Other equipment of the Xpander include LED headlights, two airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, hill start assist, a 9-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, leather seats, a 360-degree camera, a dashcam, as well as keyless entry with push start button.

Keen to check out the Mitsubishi Xpander for yourself? You can do so – and test drive the new model – at your nearest Mitsubishi Motors authorised showrooms nationwide from 20 November onwards. Four colour options are available: Red Metallic, Titanium Grey, Quartz White, and Diamond Black.


The Glorious GMMK Pro Looks Like a Fantastic $170 Gasket-Mounted 75% Keyboard

Glorious released quite a number of PC peripherals over the years, but its latest keyboard, the
Glorious GMMK Pro
, looks to be the company’s most exciting one yet. For only $170 (about RM705), the GMMK Pro offers a slew of features typically found on custom keyboards twice its price.

One of the most enticing features of the GMMK Pro has to be its gasket-mounted plate. According to Glorious, this “naturally dampens keystrokes for a unique haptic and acoustic experience.” One of the defining features of a premium board is a gasket mounting system of sorts, so it’s great to see this implemented on a keyboard at this price point.

The GMMK Pro in Black Slate

It’s also worth noting that the GMMK Pro has a CNC aluminium case, not to mention the fact that it has a hotswap PCB to easily swap between different switches; both three-pin and five-pin switches are supported. Not only does this make it very beginner-friendly board, the PCB has per-key RGB lighting as well with south-facing LEDs for maximum compatibility with keycaps of varying profiles.

Other specifications of the GMMK Pro include support for both screw-in and clip-in stabilisers – it is pre-installed with Glorious’ own screw-in GOAT stabilisers that are pre-lubed – a USB-C connection, as well as QMK and VIA compatibility for easy key customisation. This will be especially handy for folks that want to change what the rotary encoder on the top right of the keyboard does.

The GMMK Pro in White Ice

The Glorious GMMK Pro will be available for pre-order on 11 November next week for $170, which comes up to about RM705. Keep in mind that switches and keycaps are not included; you’d have to purchase these two separately to complete the keyboard. Still, you’re getting a lot of value for your money with this barebone board.

Shipping for the GMMK Pro, on the other hand, will begin sometime in the first quarter of 2021. Glorious mentioned that this board will be kept in stock, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on it. More details on the GMMK Pro can be found
here
.


Shopee 11.11 Big Sale Offers Proton X50 for RM1 & 50% Discount Vouchers

In anticipation of the Shopee 11.11 Big Sale happening next week on 11 November, the e-commerce platform is already running some notable promotions leading up to the sale. One of the biggest ones has to be the
Proton X50
, which is offered
for only RM1
.

As we’ve reported before, Shopee is offering the X50 as part of its “One or Not” promotion, which gives customers a chance to purchase the SUV for only RM1 instead of the model’s full price. Basically, it’s a lucky draw of sorts where only one customer who “purchased” the X50 can actually get it for RM1.

Of course, if you’re not selected as the winner, the RM1 will be refunded back to your ShopeePay Wallet within five working days.

Aside from that, a number of brands will also offer 50% discount vouchers leading up to the 11.11 Big Sale. These include Acer, Oppo, Realme, Philips, Nestle, and more. As with all of Shopee’s past sales, the minimum spend to be eligible for free shipping will be reduced throughout the campaign period as well from RM40 to only RM11.

Naturally, you’d want to play the Shopee Games as well to win a number of attractive gifts. Users stand a chance to win a Nintendo Switch and a share of 11 million Shopee Coins from the platform’s slew of games, including Shopee Shake, Shopee Farm, Shopee Poly, Shopee Claw, and so on.

The Shopee 11.11 Big Sale campaign is happening right now until 11 November next week. More information on the sale can be found
right here
.


Razer Book 13 Unveiled: Productivity Laptop With Tiger Lake Chip & 16:10 Screen From $1,200

Razer made a name for itself as a gaming brand, so it’s quite a surprise when the company introduced the new Razer Book 13 – a productivity laptop with a 16:10 screen as one of the headline features. Retailing from $1,200 (about RM4,965), it’s positioned as a premium machine.

Three variants of the Razer Book 13 are offered. The base model features a 13.4-inch 1920 x 1200 screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio, an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage, and of course, integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics; no dedicated GPU here. This variant, as mentioned, retails at $1,200, which comes up to about RM4,965.

A tier up is the $1,600 (approximately RM6,610) Razer Book 13. Compared to the previous model, the processor is upgraded to a Core i7-1165G7 chip. The RAM has been increased to 16GB as well, along with the addition of a touchscreen. As for the highest-end $2,000 (around RM8,260) configuration, it adds on a 4K touch-enabled screen and a 512GB SSD.

Looking at these hardware, the Razer Book 13 does seem like a promising productivity laptop. It has a sleek, modern-looking design, the 16:10 screen is ideal for productivity tasks, and it has a quoted battery life of up to 14 hours. With a starting weight of 1.34kg and a 15.15mm chassis, you wouldn’t have any trouble lugging it around either.

The Razer Book 13 will be available for purchase sometime this month. Malaysian availability has not been revealed yet, but given that Razer is
beginning to offer its range of laptops here
, there’s a chance the Razer Book 13 will be sold here in the near future.


7 – 13 November Fuel Price: All Prices Down

Fuel prices are down across the board this week! Both RON 95 and RON 97 will go down by 3 sen per litre this midnight, while diesel sees a steeper drop of 6 sen per litre.

This brings the price of RON 95 to RM1.61 per litre (down from RM1.64) and RON 97 to RM1.91 per litre (RM1.94 previously) at the stroke of midnight. As for diesel, it will cost RM1.68 per litre this coming week compared to RM1.74 previously.

These prices will be in effect from 7 to 13 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!


This Is the Proton X50 1.5T Standard – Worth It Over Executive?

Chances are, your local Proton showroom doesn’t have the
Proton X50
 1.5T Standard on display; it’s usually the range-topping Flagship that gets all the attention. Well, if you’re wondering how the Standard model of the X50 looks like, here are exterior and interior shots of the most affordable variant.

These images of the X50 1.5T Standard (in Armour Silver) were shared by Shakirin Tuah on the
Proton X50 Community Malaysia’s Facebook page
. For the most part, the exterior looks strikingly similar to other variants of the X50, except for the absence of LED fog lights, as well as the blacked-out roof and side mirrors of the Flagship model.

Of course, just like the Executive X50, the Standard variant comes with 17-inch alloy wheels too; only the Flagship and Premium models get bigger 18-inch wheels.

Once you get inside the Standard X50, you’ll immediately see some major differences. It gets fabric seats instead of leatherette, the steering wheel is not wrapped in leather – urethane is used instead – and there’s no centre armrest for the rear passengers.

Beyond these differences, the Standard X50 gets the same single tone interior finished in black
as the Executive model
. It also has an 8-inch infotainment screen in the centre console – compared to the larger 10.25-inch display of the Premium and Flagship models – and a semi-digital instrument cluster.

If you’re looking to get the Standard variant of the X50, there’s a good chance you’re also contemplating to upgrade to the Executive trim. After all, the price difference between the Standard (RM79,200) and Executive (RM84,800) models are not particularly big at RM5,600. So then: it is worth paying extra for the Executive model?

Unless you’re not a fan of leatherette seats, we recommend going for the Executive X50; it offers enough added features to justify the price difference. Not only are you getting leatherette seats, you also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto headlights, front parking sensors, and most importantly, six airbags – the Standard only gets four airbags.

Besides that, the Executive X50 also gets more colour options than the Standard. The latter is only available in Armour Silver, Snow White, and Ocean Blue, while the Executive adds on Jey Grey and Citric Orange. The Passion Red colour, on the other hand, is only offered on the Premium and Flagship models.

Nonetheless, despite the fact that the Proton X50 1.5T Standard is the most affordable model in the lineup, there’s no denying that it still looks quite handsome. If you’d like to learn more about this B-segment SUV, check out our
other coverage of the X50
.


Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold Now in Malaysia; Foldable PC for RM10,849

Initially unveiled at CES 2020 earlier this year, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold is now available for purchase in Malaysia. What makes the X1 Fold particularly unique is its foldable screen; it’s touted as the world’s first PC with such a feature.

Naturally, you do have to pay a premium for such a unique form factor. The ThinkPad X1 Fold starts at a cool RM10,849 for the Malaysian market. For that kind of money, you’re getting an Intel Core i5-L16G7 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage, and of course, the 13.3-inch 2048 x 1536 flexible touch-enabled OLED screen.

Thanks to the foldable OLED screen, the ThinkPad X1 Fold can practically transform into various form factors. When it’s completely unfolded, you can use it as a large tablet. You can even prop it up with the built-in stand of the leather folio and connect the X1 Fold to a wireless keyboard to get the functionality of a laptop. After all, this machine runs on Windows 10 Home out of the box.

Then again, RM10,849 – and this is the starting price – for the ThinkPad X1 Fold is a lot of money for any laptop or tablet. Granted, you’re getting a very unique product, but it’s still an unproven form factor at the moment. Of course, we will reserve judgment until we have the X1 Fold in for review.

If you’re keen to get your hands on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold, you can do so over at
Lenovo Malaysia’s online store
. According to the listing, the X1 Fold will only start shipping to consumers in “more than eight weeks,” which is quite a bit of wait.


PlayStation 5 Digital Edition to Retail at RM1,660 in Malaysia?

There are still no news on the Malaysian availability of the PlayStation 5, but we may have the local pricing of the next generation console already. Supposedly retailing from RM1,660, the PS5 is priced quite competitively – assuming this is the actual retail price of the system.

We got this alleged pricing of the PS5 from an
ongoing campaign by RinggitPlus
; it is offering the console – which is supposedly worth RM1,660 – for every third successful applicant of a Citibank credit card. Naturally, this is for the more affordable Digital Edition of the PS5 instead of the standard model with a Blu-ray disc drive.

Nonetheless, if the PS5 Digital Edition does retail at RM1,660 here, it wouldn’t be too far off the official pricing of the same model in the US, which is set at $400 (about RM1,645). In fact, this price tag is
even lower
 than the Singaporean pricing of the PS5. The Digital Edition goes for SG$599 there, which comes up to about RM1,835.

Of course, there is a chance this isn’t the official local pricing of the PS5 Digital Edition, though it is the first time we’ve heard of any indicative pricing of the console for the Malaysian market. According to RinggitPlus, instructions to claim the PS5 will be sent via email to winners within 90 days.

Hopefully, we’ll hear more from Sony Malaysia or PlayStation on the Malaysian availability of the PlayStation 5 very soon. After all, many Malaysians – including us – are eager to get their hands on the next generation console.


Asus Unveils Slew of Laptops With 11th Gen Intel Chips in Malaysia; Starts From RM3,099

Asus just introduced a whole range of laptops powered by Intel’s latest 11th generation Tiger Lake processors for the Malaysian market. These include the ZenBook 13, the ZenBook 14, the VivoBook 13, the VivoBook 14, as well as the VivoBook S15. If you’re looking to get a new productivity-focused laptop, consider these options.

Let’s start with the highest-end, sleekest offering of the lot, the ZenBook series. Both the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 can be configured with a Core i5-1135 or Core i7-1165 processor paired with 8GB of RAM. The Core i5 variants of the two ZenBook laptops retail at RM3,999, while the Core i7 models cost RM4,699.

Beyond the different choice of processor, other hardware of the ZenBook 13 and ZenBook 14 are similar. They both have a 1920 x 1080 screen – 13.3-inch for the ZenBook 13, 14-inch for the ZenBook 14 – 512GB of SSD storage, and integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics.

And then there’s the more affordable VivoBook S15, which is only offered in one variant for the Malaysian market. The sole configuration comes with a 15.6-inch 1080p screen, a Core i5-1135 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, as well as Iris Xe Graphics for RM3,399.

Last but certainly not least is the most affordable laptops introduced today, the VivoBook 14 and VivoBook 15. Both models share the same hardware and pricing, which include a Full HD screen, a Core i5-1135 processor paired with 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and integrated Iris Xe Graphics for RM3,099.

Interestingly, the VivoBook 15 actually gets a second configuration for the local market. It has the same hardware as the aforementioned model, but it adds on a dedicated Nvidia GeForce MX350 GPU; ideal for those that want a little bit better graphics performance. Of course, you do have to pay slightly more (RM3,299) for this variant.

According to Asus, all of the laptops launched today will be available for purchase sometime this week. There will also be a “launch special” for these productivity laptops next week on 20 November from Shopee.