iPhone 13 May Arrive in Malaysia Soon – Approved by SIRIM

The iPhone 13 series is expected to be
unveiled later this week on 15 September
 for us here in Malaysia. Usually, we’re not the first market to receive the latest iPhones, but this may change this year – the iPhone 13 has just been approved by SIRIM, our local certification body.

Just yesterday on 12 September, Apple Malaysia itself registered a smartphone with the model number A2643. Though the certification doesn’t mention that this is the iPhone 13, this model number does not match any iPhone in the market now, suggesting that this device belongs in the 2021 iPhone family.

Based on previous leaks and rumours, the iPhone 13 series is said to be similar to the iPhone 12 models, though there will be some design changes. Not only will the
display notch be slightly smaller
, the lens arrangement of the rear camera module is said to be revised too.

Aside from that, the Pro models of the 2021 iPhones are also expected to be sporting an
ultra-wide angle camera with autofocus capability
. Usually, ultra-wide angle sensors have a fixed focus, so this is quite a good upgrade, even if Apple is
not the first phone maker to do so
.

Once the iPhone 13 series is launched this Wednesday on 15 September at 1AM (Malaysian time), we’ll find out then if Malaysia will be one of the first markets to get the new iPhones. Aside from the iPhone 13, it’s possible the Cupertino company will reveal a number of other surprises too – maybe even a couple of
new MacBook laptops
.

Read more:

iPhone 13 Pro & iPhone 13 Pro Max Unleashed: 1TB (!) Storage, 120Hz Display, From RM4,899

iPhone 13 & iPhone 13 mini Official: A15 Bionic, New Dual Camera System, RM3,399 Starting Price


Akko CS V2 Switch Review: Great Starting Point for Newcomers

Figuring out your switch preference is one of the most important first steps as a newcomer in the custom mechanical keyboard hobby. That’s where these Akko CS V2 switches come into the picture: thanks to their very affordable nature, they are perfect for beginners to try out.

Of course, given the affordability of the CS V2 switches, they do have some room for improvement. But these are without a doubt fantastic switches for the money, and if you’re just starting out in the custom keyboard hobby, they can help you discover the kind of switch that’s to your liking before committing to higher-end options.

What It Is

There are three switches in Akko’s CS V2 series: Radiant Red (62g linear), Vintage White (45g linear), and Lavender Purple (50g tactile). They are also 3-pin switches with no factory lubing out of the box, but what makes them even more interesting – aside from their very affordable pricing – are the switches’ long springs.

Both the Radiant Red and Lavender purple have 18mm long springs, while the Vintage White has an
even longer
 22mm spring. The longer the spring, the “slower” they are, which provides an interesting typing experience compared to shorter, “faster” standard springs – we’ll get back to this further down this review.

As mentioned, these CS switches are budget-friendly offerings. A box of 45 switches for the Radiant Red and Lavender Purple cost RM38, while the Vintage White (oddly enough) is priced at RM39.56 for the same amount of switches from
Akko’s official store on Shopee Malaysia
.

Given that you’re paying less than RM1 per switch, these are
absolutely
 some of the most affordable options in the market now, even if they are only sold in a box of 45 switches.

The Good Stuff

Let’s start with my favourite switch of the lot, the Radiant Red linear switch. Out of the box, it feels quite smooth with just a hint of scratchiness. While it’s not as smooth as a (far more expensive) JWK switch, its smoothness is comparable to a Gateron switch – that’s really quite good.

I’m quite a fan of the Radiant Red’s sound profile too, which is on the clackier side. It has a pleasant, poppy sound signature, with a slightly deep bottom out sound from the nylon bottom housing.

The Radiant Red’s 18mm slow spring provides a “snappy” typing experience too. Not only does the longer spring allows the switch to have a more responsive, stronger upstroke, pushing down on the switch from the very top of the downstroke requires more force as well – this may be a typing characteristic some folks would want out of a switch.

As for the Vintage White linear switch, it’s largely the same as the Radiant Red, though it is a tad higher-pitched with an even longer 22mm spring. This gives it a slightly snappier upstroke compared to the Radiant Red, but the Vintage White’s 45g spring weight makes it feel quite a bit lighter too.

Last but certainly not least is the Lavender Purple tactile switch. Out of the three switches in the Akko CS V2 series, this is the clackiest and highest-pitched switch of the bunch. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, of course: some folks (like myself) love clacky switches.

As for the tactility of the Lavender Purple, it has a rounded bump with medium tactility. While it’s not as tactile as the
Glorious Panda
 or
Gazzew Boba U4T
 switch, the Lavender Purple is definitely more tactile than a typical Brown switch, such as the
Gateron Phantom Brown on the Keychron Q1
.

The Bad Stuff

Since we’re still on the Lavender Purple, let’s talk about its shortcoming first in this section. Although it has a long 18mm 50g slow spring – giving it a snappy, strong upstroke – it still feels quite…well, sluggish. In fact, the switch actually got stuck on the spacebar a few times.

And then there’s the sound profile of the Akko CS V2 switches. As I’ve mentioned multiple times in this review, all three of these switches have a clacky sound profile. If you prefer a deeper, thockier sound signature, you won’t get it with these Akko CS switches without some modding.

Speaking of which, the unlubed nature of the CS V2 switches presents a number of issues too. Out of the box, they feel a little bit scratchy; some switches have noticeably worse spring ping too. Granted, some lubing will solve these two negatives, but if you want a switch that’s ready to go without some modding, these are not the best options.

Is It Worth It?

Even though the Akko CS V2 switches are not the best out of the box – not many are, especially at this price point – these are still fantastic options for their sheer affordability. After all, once these switches are lubed, I reckon they are comparable to more expensive switches.

Well, not quite on the same level as premium offerings like the
Cobalt POM
 or
Boba U4T
, but definitely better than, say, Gateron’s or Kailh’s more affordable switches. If you want to try out Akko’s CS V2 switches, you can get them from
Shopee Malaysia
. Alternatively, you can also purchase them on
Akko’s own international online store
.


17 GSC Locations Reopen on 16 September – More to Open on 23 September

Movie lovers, great news: Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) will be reopening 17 of its branches on Malaysia Day this Thursday on 16 September. These include a good number of locations in Klang Valley, as well as the Southern and Northern regions.

You can refer to the full list of GSC branches that are reopening this Thursday below. If your nearest GSC isn’t in the list, don’t worry: more locations will also reopen the following week on 23 September.

WE ARE REOPENING THIS WEEK! 💥
As we are still waiting for new movies to come in, 17 GSC locations will be opening this 16 September. More locations will reopen on 23 September!
Stay tuned for movie lineups!
#BacktoGSC

pic.twitter.com/RHmy3p3Fmo
— GSC | #BacktoGSC (@GSCinemas)
September 13, 2021

According to guidelines set out by the government for the reopening of cinemas, only fully vaccinated moviegoers are allowed entry. Aside from that, the hall capacity is also limited to 50% to ensure that physical distancing can be observed. It remains to be seen if GSC will implement other SOPs as well.

GSC has not released the full list of movies available when these 17 locations are reopening on 16 September, though it did say the movie lineup will be detailed soon. Do note that the opening date above is still subject to change, and more updates will be shared by the company on its
social media pages
.


You Can Test Drive Cars in NRP Phase 2, But Only For Fully Vaccinated Individuals

Car showrooms were allowed to operate
back on 16 August
, but it wasn’t clear then if customers were allowed to test drive vehicles too. Well, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) just confirmed that for states in the second phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), test drives are allowed.

However, like many other eased restrictions in the NRP, only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to test drive cars. That means it’s been 14 days since you’ve received your second dosage of Sinovac, Pfizer, or AstraZeneca vaccine, or 28 days after your initial dosage of single-dose COVID-19 vaccines such as Johnson & Johnson and CanSino.

KENYATAAN MEDIA:
KELONGGARAN TAMBAHAN AKTIVITI-AKTIVITI DI BAWAH SEKTOR PERDAGANGAN PENGEDARAN SEPANJANG TEMPOH PELAN PEMULIHAN NEGARA (PPN) BERFASA
#KPDNHEP

#SOP

#PPN

pic.twitter.com/o39sLnbID6
— KPDNHEP (@kpdnhep)
September 12, 2021

On top of that, since car showroom test drives are only limited to states that are in the second phase of the NRP, two states are excluded from this: Johor and Kedah. Car showrooms in these two states are not allowed to offer test drives, regardless of the vaccination status of its patrons.

If you plan to head to your nearest car showroom for a test drive, it’s best to make an appointment with the relevant dealership first. After all, given the tighter SOPs in place now, most car showrooms
do not allow for walk-ins
.


Gazzew Boba U4T Thocky Back in Stock on Pantheon

The popular
Gazzew Boba U4T Thocky
 tactile switch has been restocked by Pantheon, a keyboard vendor based in Singapore. If you’ve been wanting to get your hands on one of the best (and thockiest) tactile switches in the market, now’s your chance.

Both the 62g and 68g variants of the Boba U4T are currently in stock at Pantheon.
Priced at S$8.70
 (about RM27) for 10 switches, the U4T is certainly priced well for a switch of this calibre. If you want the
RGB version of this switch
 instead (the top housing is transparent), only the 68g version is in stock right now.

What makes the U4T such a desirable tactile switch is its thocky sound profile – as its name suggests – along with its strong, rounded tactile bump. Gazzew’s switches are also known to be smooth right out of the box with very little stem wobble, which all apply to the U4T.

It’s worth nothing that Pantheon is one of the authorised vendors for Gazzew’s range of products. Given that it is based in Singapore, it is also the closest vendor for us here in Malaysia. If you’d like to learn more about the Boba U4T, give our review a read
here
, or watch our video review above!


Nintendo Switch OLED Pre-Orders Still Available in Malaysia – RM100 Deposit

Back in July
, a number of Malaysian retailers opened bookings for the
Nintendo Switch (OLED Model)
. Only limited slots were offered then, but it appears more allocations have been received by these stores. If you want to get your hands on the new console next month, you may want to pre-order it now.

Of course, given that the OLED Switch has not been released yet, only place a booking with trustworthy retailers, such as the ones highlighted here. These include
Impulse Gaming
,
Otakuya
, and
Jiro Game
 – all of them are renowned local retailers. A RM100 booking fee is required to secure your order from these stores.

Looking at the listings by these retailers, more units of the new White colourway are offered; only six units of the Neon Red/Neon Blue variant are available from
Otakuya
 at the time of writing. Anyway, compared to its predecessor, the new OLED Switch features a larger 7-inch OLED panel with thinner bezels.

Aside from that, it has double the internal storage too at 64GB, and the stand sees a design revision as well. Instead of the original Switch’s fragile-looking stand, this new Switch uses a much sturdier, wider stand that is also adjustable. This makes it easier to find for the right angle when the Switch is in tabletop mode.

Other changes introduced in the new OLED Switch include a new dock with a wired LAN port, “enhanced audio” from the system’s onboard speakers, and between 4.5 to 9 hours of battery life – the same quoted battery life as its predecessor.

If you want to be one of the first in Malaysia to get the new Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) once it’s available on 8 October worldwide, you can place your booking for the new console with the retailers listed above. Do note that local pricing has not been revealed yet, but for context, the new Switch costs $350 in the US – that’s about RM1,450.


Custom Keyboard – How to Remove Switches With a Switch Puller?

So you have your custom keyboard for a while now, and you’ve decided to swap out the switches for a different kind. Surely, with a switch puller, it won’t be that hard to remove the switches from your keyboard? Well, while the whole process may seem straightforward, it can actually be a frustrating experience.

Trust me, I’ve actually damaged quite a number of switches before I figured out how to pull them out more effectively. If you’re in a similar situation, here are a number of tips and tricks to make it easier to remove switches from your keyboard with a switch puller – this is especially important if you’re trying to pull out more expensive switches.

Get a High-Quality Switch Puller

This is really the most important point to consider; it doesn’t matter how skilled you are if your tool isn’t up to the task. Take it from me: I purchased a dirt cheap switch puller before, and as a result, I ruined a fair bit of switches because of how
soft
the tips are.

Not only does the soft tips make it difficult to get a good grip on the switch, it’s also much harder to hook onto the clips of the switch to release it from the plate. Needless to say, you run the risk of damaging the switches with cheaper switch pullers with soft tips. This is one tool you do not want to cheap out on.

Don’t get this
Get this instead

Switch pullers that I can personally recommend is the one from Rama Works you see above. It has served me very, very well, and if you’re not a fan of the yellow colourway, you can get the
white one instead from iLumkb
. If you want something a bit fancier,
Wuque Studio’s titanium switch puller
 should be good too.

Orientation Matters

Oddly enough, this is not talked about very often. Whether you’ve got a keyboard with south- or north-facing LEDs, make sure that the logo/leaf of the switch is facing towards you. Basically, you’ll have to rotate the keyboard around if it has south-facing LEDs.

Once you’ve done that, hold onto the two clips of the switch with the switch puller, and gently squeeze on the puller to grab onto the clips. Then, apply slightly more force to the
front
 of the switch (the logo/leaf part) first as you push away (not up) with the puller; you should be able to release the clip this way.

When you feel or hear the clip being released, you just need to do the same to the clip on the back of the switch.

This is the orientation you want to be looking at

Now, this is my personal method to remove various switches from different custom keyboards, and it has worked very well. That being said, your mileage may vary, and this is definitely not the only way to remove switches with a switch puller without damaging them.

Don’t Use Too Much Force

It can be frustrating when you can’t budge a switch out of the plate, but it is
absolutely important
 to not forcefully pull the switch out. If you do so, you run the risk of damaging the top housing of the switch. How do I know this? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me. Thankfully, those damaged switches weren’t particularly expensive.

If you’re still having trouble releasing the switch clips from the plate, wiggle the switch back and forth until you feel the clip releasing. While you do this, do not apply more force than necessary, and
do not
 forcefully pull upwards; that’s how you run the risk of hooking onto the top housing instead and damaging it in the process.

You do not want this to happen

Once you do manage to release the two switch clips, you can pull the switch out of the plate without much force. If you’re launching the switch 10 feet away from you as you’re pulling it out of the keyboard…well, that’s how you know you are using too much force.

Some Switches Are Just Harder to Pull Out

Unfortunately, some switches are just notoriously hard to pull out, such as the Gateron Ink Black and
NovelKeys Cream
. The method I outlined above can still remove them without damaging the housing, but it will be markedly more difficult to do so.

It’s also worth noting that some custom keyboards have tighter plates, which makes it even more difficult to remove switches. But, again, take your time pulling out the switches – you wouldn’t want to damage the switch (or scratch up the plate) by using more force than necessary.

Hopefully, with these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to remove switches from a keyboard more effectively and efficiently. Of course, if your switches are soldered to the PCB, make sure you desolder them first before you try to pull them out; the switches won’t go anywhere if it’s still soldered to the PCB.

If you have a hotswap PCB instead, you don’t have to worry about this – that’s the
beauty of a hotswap keyboard
.


Leaked iPhone 13 Case Renders Confirm Smaller Notch & New Camera Arrangement

The iPhone 13 series is expected to be announced
in less than 12 hours
, and we’ve got (possibly) an early look at the new smartphones from some leaked renders. Not only does these images give us a glimpse of the smaller screen notch, it also confirms the new camera arrangement.

These leaked renders – which seem to be done by Spigen – were shared by renowned leaker Evan Blass. While the overall design of the iPhone 13 is similar to its predecessor, there are a number of subtle differences, such as the (aforementioned) smaller notch for a sleeker, more modern-looking phone.

pic.twitter.com/jRCw3yoAGa
— Ev (@evleaks)
September 14, 2021

The lens arrangement of the rear camera module is seemingly revised as well. Previously, the iPhone 12 – and in essence, the
iPhone 12 mini
 too – had its two camera sensors arranged horizontally, but the iPhone 13 looks to be moving to a diagonal design, as confirmed by these renders.

Speaking of camera, the Pro models of the 2021 iPhones are also expected to be sporting an
ultra-wide angle camera with autofocus capability
. Usually, ultra-wide angle sensors have a fixed focus, so this is quite a good upgrade, even if Apple is
not the first phone maker to do so
.

We’ll find out for ourselves if this really is the final design of the iPhone 13 series once it is officially launched tonight at 1AM Malaysian time. There’s also a chance that Malaysia could be
one of the first markets to get the new iPhones
.


Digi Introduces JomFibre Campaign – RM100 for 300Mbps Plan

Digi just launched a new JomFibre campaign, which offers savings of up to RM1,200 for selected fibre plans from the telco. In fact, you can get Digi’s 300Mbps fibre plan for only RM100 – that’s really quite a competitive price point.

Of course, there are a number of caveats for this offer. In order to get the Digi Fibre 150 (300Mbps) fibre plan for only RM100 per month – it’s usually RM150 per month – you need to be a Digi Postpaid 90 or above subscriber. On top of that, the RM50 rebate is only offered “over a 24-month period based on your contract,” as Digi puts it.

Effectively, this will save you a total of RM1,200 over the two-year period.

If you want even higher speeds, you can opt for the Digi Fibre 190 (500Mbps) or Digi Fibre 270 (800Mbps) plan instead. The same promotion is applied here: Digi Postpaid 90 or above subscribers will get RM50 rebate for these two plans over a 24-month period, so you can get these plans for RM140 and RM220 per month respectively.

According to Digi’s website, you can still get a pretty sizeable rebate if you’re a Digi Postpaid 60 user. Instead of a RM50 rebate, you’re eligible to get a RM35 rebate over 24 months, saving you a total of RM840 in that period of time.

Do note that the rebates mentioned above include a RM20 rebate per month, which is actually a
lifetime rebate
 exclusively for the DF150, DF190, DF270, and DF290 fibre plans. Basically, once your 24-month contract is over, you’ll still get to enjoy the RM20 discount every month.

Digi’s JomFibre campaign will be valid until 30 November 2021, so if you want to enjoy these rebates, sign up before then. More information on the campaign can be found
here
.


This Is the New Entry-Level iPad – A13 Bionic, New 12MP Ultra-Wide Selfie Cam, From RM1,499

Apple is starting off its big fall event with an updated entry-level iPad. Now packed with Apple’s A13 Bionic chip – the same one that powers the
iPhone 11 series
 – the new iPad is now faster than ever, along with a new 12MP ultra-wide angle selfie camera.

Let’s start with the Malaysian pricing of the updated 9th generation iPad. The base WiFi model with 64GB
retails at RM1,499
, while the cellular variant with the same amount of storage starts at RM2,119. If you want the 256GB model instead, that will set you back RM2,149 and RM2,769 for the WiFi-only and cellular models respectively.

Thanks to the A13 Bionic chip, the new iPad now offers 20% faster CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine performances compared to its predecessor. It also gains a new 12MP ultra-wide angle front camera, which enables the Center Stage feature.

Initially offered on the iPad Pro, Center Stage pans the camera to keep the user (or users) in view. When other people get into the viewfinder, the camera will “smoothly zoom out to include them in the conversation,” as Apple puts it.

Beyond these new additions, other specifications of the new iPad are mostly the same. It still has a 10.2-inch 2160 x 1620 Retina display – now with True Tone technology and support for the first generation Apple Pencil – and the same design as its predecessor.

To recap, the 9th generation entry-level iPad will retail from RM1,499 in Malaysia. Unfortunately, it remains to be seen exactly when it will be available locally.


iPad mini Updated With Sleeker Design & A15 Bionic Chip From RM2,299

Aside from the
updated entry-level iPad
, Apple also introduced the all-new iPad mini. Now sporting a sleeker design with smaller screen bezels, it is also powered by Apple’s latest A15 Bionic chip – the same processor that’s found in the brand new
iPhone 13

series
.

Thanks to the A15 Bionic chip, the new iPad mini is said to offer 40% faster CPU performance than its predecessor. In the graphics department, it sees a bigger 80% jump in GPU performance. Needless to say, this is one
fast
 iPad in a compact form factor.

The design of the iPad mini is now far sleeker than the previous model too. Thanks to the smaller screen bezels, the display size of this tablet has actually been increased to an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina screen. It also features True Tone technology with up to 500 nits of brightness.

Other specifications of the latest iPad mini include a new 12MP ultra-wide angle selfie camera – that’s right, the
Center Stage experience
 is also available on this compact tablet now – a 12MP rear camera, 5G connectivity, support for the second generation Apple Pencil, as well as a USB-C connection.

For the Malaysian market, the all-new iPad mini
retails from RM2,299
 for the 64GB WiFi-only model; the cellular configuration with the same amount of storage starts at RM2,949. No word yet on exactly when the new iPad mini will be sold locally, however.


Apple Watch Series 7 Is Here – Larger Display & More Rounded Design From $399

Also unveiled at Apple’s big fall event is the latest Apple Watch Series 7. With a larger screen and a more rounded design, the new Apple Watch is sleeker than ever, and it will be available later this fall.

Thanks to the larger screen – with screen bezels only 1.7mm thin – the Apple Watch Series 7…supports a full-size keyboard. That’s right, you can type with a
full QWERTY keyboard
 on the new Apple Watch. It even supports swipe typing for a more intuitive typing experience.

Aside from that, the updated Apple Watch is also said to be the most durable one yet. It features a stronger, more crack-resistant front crystal, along with an IP6X certification for dust resistance. Of course, the WR50 water resistance rating is retained too.

Charging speed of the Apple Watch Series 7 sees a nice upgrade too. According to Apple, this smartwatch can now recharge up to 33% faster. As for battery life, the new Apple Watch can still provide the same all-day 18-hour battery life.

No word yet on the Malaysian pricing or availability of the Apple Watch Series 7, though it’s set to be available sometime in fall 2021. For context, the Series 7 retails from $399 in the US, which comes up to about RM1,660.


iPhone 13 & iPhone 13 mini Official: A15 Bionic, New Dual Camera System, RM3,399 Starting Price

The brand new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are here. As expected, both of these iPhones are now faster than ever thanks to the new Apple A15 Bionic chip, along with a more capable (all-new) dual camera system and a smaller screen notch.

Let’s start with the A15 Bionic chip powering these two new iPhones. Built on a 5nm process just like its predecessor, this new processor promises better power-efficiency while offering faster performance. Compared to its “leading competition,” the A15 Bionic delivers better CPU and GPU performances by 50% and 30% respectively.

It’s also worth noting that these two new iPhones have improved battery life. The iPhone 13 mini can last 1.5 hours longer than its predecessor, while the iPhone 13 can return 2.5 hours more usage on a single charge than the iPhone 12. This improved battery life is attributed to the A15 Bionic chip, more power-efficient components, and bigger batteries.

The display of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini also gets some neat upgrades. Not only is the notch 20% smaller now, the Super Retina XDR display on these two phones is also 28% brighter with a max outdoor brightness of 800 nits. This being an OLED panel, you get true, deep blacks, and vibrant colours as well.

In the camera department, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini are packed with a new dual camera system made up of a 12MP primary sensor (it can now capture 47% more light) and a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens. Interestingly, sensor-shift OIS – first introduced on the iPhone 12 Pro Max – is now available on these two iPhones too for the primary shooter.

Oh, the lenses on the rear camera module are now arranged diagonally as well.

For the Malaysian market, the iPhone 13 mini
starts at RM3,399
 for the 128GB model, while the iPhone 13 is priced from RM3,899 with the same storage capacity. Both of these iPhones will be available for pre-order on 1 October, with deliveries taking place from 8 October onwards.


iPhone 13 Pro & iPhone 13 Pro Max Unleashed: 1TB (!) Storage, 120Hz Display, From RM4,899

The bigger, more feature-packed iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are also introduced alongside the
standard iPhone 13 models
. What separates the Pro models from the regular ones are a number of features, including a 120Hz display, an ultra-wide angle camera with autofocus capability, and get this: a whopping 1TB of internal storage.

So how much does a 1TB iPhone 13 Pro cost? Well, for the Malaysian market, it will set you back a cool RM7,199. If you just need a modest 128GB storage instead, you only have to fork out RM4,899.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max with 1TB of storage, on the other hand, costs an eye-watering RM7,599. What about the 128GB model? That particular configuration retails at RM5,299.

For that kind of money, both the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max feature a Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, which offers an adaptive refresh rate from 10Hz to 120Hz. These are the first iPhones to sport such a high refresh rate.

Naturally, the screen quality of the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max gets some other neat upgrades too. With a max outdoor brightness of 1000 nits, this is said to be the brightest screen ever on an iPhone. The notch is also 20% smaller now, so you get a sleeker, more modern-looking phone.

While the Pro models of the iPhone 13 series are also powered by Apple’s new A15 Bionic chip, they actually have a more powerful 5-core GPU. According to the Cupertino company, this GPU is 50% faster than “the leading competition.” In fact, it is touted to offer the fastest graphics performance on any smartphone.

The triple camera system of the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max has been overhauled too. There’s now a 12MP primary sensor, a 12MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, and get this: a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens with autofocus capability. This allows the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max to capture macro shots, much like
Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra
.

Battery life of the iPhone 13 Pro has been improved as well. Thanks to the new A15 Bionic chip, iOS 15’s power efficiency, and a larger battery, the iPhone 13 Pro can last up to 1.5 hours longer than its predecessor. As for the iPhone 13 Pro Max, it offers up to 2.5 hours more battery life than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max will be
available for pre-order in Malaysia
 from 1 October onwards. Just like the standard iPhone 13 models, deliveries for the Pro variants will also begin on 8 October.


iPhone 13 Series Arrives in Malaysia 8 October From RM3,399 – Pre-Orders Start 1 October

Surprise surprise: Apple just revealed the Malaysian availability of the
brand new

iPhone 13 series
 mere moments after its big fall event has concluded. Though we’re not the first market to receive the 2021 iPhones, Malaysia is still getting them relatively early on 8 October next month.

Pre-orders of the iPhone 13 series, on the other hand, will take place slightly earlier on
Apple’s very own

Malaysian online store on 1 October
. Chances are, our local telco companies will also reveal their own pre-order deals around the same time.

The standard iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 Pro

Out of the four devices in the series, the
iPhone 13 mini
 is the most affordable of the bunch with a RM3,399 starting price, followed by the standard iPhone 13 from RM3,899. As for the higher-end
iPhone 13 Pro
, the base model costs RM4,899 – there’s also a whopping 1TB configuration that goes for a cool RM7,199.

Last but definitely not least is the top-of-the-line iPhone 13 Pro Max. The 128GB base model retails at RM5,299, while the 1TB variant costs an eye-watering RM7,599. If you want to get these devices at a lower price point, consider purchasing them with our local telcos – we reckon they will offer some attractive rebates.


iPhone 12 Series Now Starts at Only RM2,899

Now that the
iPhone 13

series is here
, Apple has revised the prices of the iPhone 12 family. Previously starting at RM3,399, you can now get the 2020 iPhone
from only RM2,899
 – that’s quite a big RM500 price difference.

Of course, the RM2,899 starting price is for the
iPhone 12 mini
 with 64GB of storage. If you want the more generous 128GB or 256GB models instead, that will set you back RM3,099 and RM3,599 respectively; these prices are lower by RM500 compared to their launch pricing.

The iPhone 12 mini

As for the larger iPhone 12, it received the same amount of price cut. The 64GB variant
costs RM3,399
, while the 128GB and 256GB configurations go for RM3,599 and RM4,099 respectively. Given that both the iPhone 12 and 12 mini are still very capable devices in 2021, they’re certainly worth considering if the iPhone 13 series is out of your budget.

However, even with this price cut for the iPhone 12 family, you may still want to consider the iPhone 13 series instead. After all, the iPhone 13 and 13 mini now offers 128GB of storage in the base model, which go for RM3,399 and RM3,899 respectively – that’s just a RM300 price difference compared to their predecessors with the same amount of storage.

You’re also getting other neat upgrades introduced in the iPhone 13 series, including a 20% smaller display notch, better performance from the A15 Bionic chip, and improved battery life. You can learn more about the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini
here
.


16 – 22 September Fuel Price: All Prices Maintained

No changes to fuel prices in Malaysia this week folks! This mainly applies to RON 97, given that the price ceilings of RON 95 and diesel have been reached.

To recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM2.73 per litre. The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 16 to 22 September. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


Xiaomi 11T & 11T Pro Unveiled With Flagship Hardware & Affordable Prices

Xiaomi is introducing quite a number of new products today, including the Xiaomi 11T and Xiaomi 11T Pro. Both of these devices feature high-end, flagship-class hardware, and in line with the Chinese company’s pricing strategy, these two phones offer good value for money too.

Let’s start with the higher-end device of the two, the 11T Pro. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, you can expect to get a high level of performance out of this phone. Aside from that, it also features a rather sophisticated camera system made up of a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 5MP telemacro lens.

The Xiaomi 11T Pro

Other specifications of the 11T Pro include a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with 120Hz AdaptiveSync, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (128GB or 256GB), as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge, which can fully charge the phone in only 17 minutes.

As for the more affordable Xiaomi 11T, it’s largely similar to the Pro model, though it does have a number of differences. Instead of a Qualcomm processor, it’s powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200-Ultra SoC instead; this is said to be the chipmaker’s best offering to date.

Aside from that, the 11T also features the same display, camera system, and battery capacity as its Pro sibling, though its fast charging capability is limited to 67W.

The Xiaomi 11T

So far, we’ve only got the European pricing of the Xiaomi 11T and 11T Pro. The 11T retails from €499 (about RM2,455), while the 11T Pro starts at €649 (around RM3,195). No word yet on the Malaysian pricing and availability of these two phones, though we reckon they will be made available here soon.


Xiaomi Confirms Malaysian Availability of Pad 5 Tablet With Snapdragon 860 Chip

Initially launched in China last month, the
Xiaomi Pad 5
 just had its global debut. On top of that, this pretty capable Android tablet is now confirmed to be coming to Malaysia as well in the near future.

It’s worth noting that we’ve spotted
the Pad 5 in SIRIM’s database
 a few weeks ago, so we already suspected then that the tablet would be available here in Malaysia. Of course, it’s great that we now have official confirmation from the company itself on the local availability of the Pad 5.

Anyway, as mentioned, the Pad 5 is quite a capable Android tablet. After all, it’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 chipset, which is essentially an improved version of the Snapdragon 855. This was the chipmaker’s flagship offering back in 2019.

Aside from that, the Pad 5 also features a sharp 11-inch 2560 x 1600 TrueTone display – it can adjust the screen’s white balance to match ambient lighting – with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. It can be paired with a magnetic stylus and keyboard cover too, just like other notable tablets in the market now.

Other specifications of the Pad 5 include a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP selfie shooter, an 8,720mAh battery, 6GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage.

Though it’s now confirmed that the Xiaomi Pad 5 will be coming to Malaysia soon, no specific timeline was given; there’s no indication of its local pricing either. For the sake of context, the Pad 5 retails from 1,999 Chinese yuan (about RM1,290) in China – that’s quite a competitive price tag.


Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE Features 90Hz Screen & Snapdragon 778G for Only €369

Aside from the
Xiaomi 11T series
 and the
Xiaomi Pad 5 tablet
, the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE – that stands for “New Edition” – has been unveiled too. It’s touted to be a lightweight, slim smartphone, and despite its slim form factor, it still has a reasonably large 4,250mAh battery and decent hardware.

So how slim and light is the 11 Lite? Well, its chassis measures only 6.81mm thin, and it tips the scales at 158g. If you’re not a fan of overly thick, hefty smartphones – which is becoming a norm these days – this mid-ranger might tickle your fancy.

As mentioned, the 11 Lite has reasonably good hardware too. It’s powered by a relatively fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, and paired to a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate (240Hz touch response rate), it should be a decent smartphone for mobile gaming as well.

Other specifications of the 11 Lite include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, two UFS 2.2 storage options (128GB or 256GB), a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP telephoto), a 20MP selfie camera, 5G connectivity, and as mentioned, a 4,250mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.

No word yet from Xiaomi Malaysia on the local availability or pricing of the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE, though the company did say to “stay tuned” for more details. Anyway, in Europe, the 11 Lite retails at €369, which comes up to about RM1,815.

Do note that this price tag includes VAT for the European market, so once the 11 Lite is launched here in Malaysia, it should be priced lower than this.


New PS5 Update Finally Adds Support for External M.2 SSD

Great news,
PlayStation 5
 owners! A new update for the next-gen console is now live, which finally adds support for external M.2 SSD. If you’ve been running out of storage space lately, you won’t have to deal with that anymore.

Once you’ve installed a compatible M.2 SSD to your PS5, you can use the extra storage to download, copy, and launch PS5 and PS4 games, along with media apps. It is also possible to run PS5 and PS4 games directly from the M.2 SSD itself, not to mention the ability to freely move games between the M.2 SSD and the PS5’s native storage.

That being said, it can be tricky to find for M.2 SSDs that will be compatible with the PS5. Not only do you need an M.2 SSD that can do 5,500MB/s or faster sequential read speed, it’s still not guaranteed that “all M.2 SSD devices meeting the described specifications will work with your console,” as Sony puts it.

Given the level of performance you need for the M.2 SSD, it needs to be adequately cooled too. According to PlayStation, you need to use a cooling structure of sorts with the SSD, such as a heatsink. Both single-sided or double-sided heatsinks will work too, as long as it meets the dimensions outlined in
this support page
.

Once you do have a compatible M.2 SSD, you can start installing it to your PS5. If you’re not quite sure how to do that, refer to the installation video above.


Akko Unveils 6 New CS Switches With Dustproof Stem

Akko just added six new switches to its CS series. Unlike the company’s
previous switches
 in the lineup, these new offerings sport dustproof stems, which should also improve stem wobble. Interestingly, a few of the new switches got some unique features too, including a “dual tactile bump” design and a two-stage spring.

Out of the six new CS switches, four of them are linear switches: Jelly White, Jelly Pink, Jelly Black – which is touted as the heaviest switch with a 50g actuation force – and Starfish, the only switch to feature a two-stage spring. This should make for snappier typing experience, thanks to a more pronounced upstroke.

Key Changes for the New CS Switches:
1) Clear PC bottom ( previously using POM);
2) Dustproof stem added;
3) Dual tactile bump for Jelly Blue & Sponge (both when pressing and releasing);
4) Two-stage switch springs on Starfish.
Pre-order now:
https://t.co/1VOMWAKQub

pic.twitter.com/MXE5QZPikk
— Akko Official (@akkogear)
September 15, 2021

The other two CS switches, on the other hand, are essentially the same tactile switch with a different colourway. Both the Jelly Blue and Sponge switches have a dual tactile bump that can be felt in the downstroke and upstroke. This should make for an interesting typing experience, especially if you’re a fan of tactile switches.

Compared to the
CS V2 switches
, these new offerings also have a polycarbonate bottom housing now, which should (in theory) make for an even clackier typing experience. Of course, this is only an educated guess on our part at this point in time until we’ve tried them out for ourselves.

We’ll be sure to give these new CS switches a thorough review once we’ve received them from Akko. In the meantime, you can purchase these switches from
Akko’s international online store
 for $11.99 or
Shopee

Malaysia
 for RM44.56. As usual, they are sold in a box of 45 switches.


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Z Flip 3 Officially Launched in Malaysia From RM3,999

Samsung officially launched two of its brand new foldable smartphones here in Malaysia. Retailing from RM3,999, the
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
 and
Z Fold 3
 are the Korean company’s most affordable foldable phones yet; all pre-orders of the latter are even
sold out
 right now.

For the Malaysian market, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 costs RM3,999 and RM4,199 for the 128GB and 256GB models respectively. As for the larger, more sophisticated Z Fold 3, it retails at RM6,699 and RM7,099 for the 256GB and 512GB configurations respectively.

Compared to its predecessor
, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has gotten quite a bit more affordable with its RM6,699 starting price. On top of that, it offers a number of notable improvements too. These include a 4MP under display camera, a 120Hz 7.6-inch 2208 x 1768 Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary screen, and a 120Hz 6.2-inch 2268 x 832 cover screen.

Other specifications of the Z Fold 3 include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 flagship chipset, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP telephoto), a 10MP cover camera, a 4,400mAh battery, S Pen support, and of course, IPX8 water resistance rating.

As for the Z Flip 3, it’s also powered by a Snapdragon 888 chipset, and the foldable phone’s cover screen has also been upsized to a 1.9-inch 512 x 260 Super AMOLED panel. With more screen real estate, it can show more detailed notifications and widgets now.

Rounding out the hardware of the Z Flip 3 are a 6.7-inch 1080p Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a dual camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle), a 10MP selfie camera, a 3,300mAh battery, and an IPX8 water resistance rating.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is currently available for pre-order in Malaysia until 21 September
with RM1,299 worth of freebies
. Even though all pre-orders of the Z Fold 3 are sold out, you can still get RM1,649 worth of rewards by
registering your interest
 for the foldable phone until 21 September 2021.


Xiaomi 11T Series & 11 Lite 5G NE Launching in Malaysia 23 September

We just got an official invite from Xiaomi Malaysia for the local launch of the brand new Xiaomi 11T series and Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE! Set to take place next week, the Chinese company is certainly launching its brand new smartphones here very quickly.

According to the invitation, the launch event is happening on 23 September at 8PM on
Xiaomi Malaysia’s Facebook page
. Three phones are mentioned in the invite: the standard 11T, the 11T Pro, as well as the most affordable device of the bunch, the 11 Lite 5G NE.

Let’s start with the highest-end phone, the 11T Pro. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, you can expect to get a high level of performance out of this phone. Aside from that, it also features a rather sophisticated camera system made up of a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 5MP telemacro lens.

Other specifications of the 11T Pro include a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with 120Hz AdaptiveSync, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (128GB or 256GB), as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge, which can fully charge the phone in only 17 minutes.

As for the more affordable Xiaomi 11T, it’s largely similar to the Pro model, though it does have a number of differences. Instead of a Qualcomm processor, it’s powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200-Ultra SoC instead; this is said to be the chipmaker’s best offering to date.

Aside from that, the 11T also features the same display, camera system, and battery capacity as its Pro sibling, though its fast charging capability is limited to 67W.

Last but certainly not least is the 11 Lite 5G NE. It’s powered by a relatively fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, and paired to a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate (240Hz touch response rate), it should be a decent smartphone for mobile gaming as well.

Other specifications of the 11 Lite include 6GB or 8GB of RAM, two UFS 2.2 storage options (128GB or 256GB), a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP telephoto), a 20MP selfie camera, 5G connectivity, and as mentioned, a 4,250mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.

We’ll find out the exact price and availability of the Xiaomi 11T series and 11 Lite 5G NE for the Malaysian market come next week on 23 September. It remains to be seen if the
Xiaomi Pad 5 tablet
 will also make an appearance at the launch event, given that it’s
confirmed to be coming to Malaysia
.


Video: Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker SE Review

If you want a gaming laptop that is especially eye-catching – or if you’re an Alan Walker fan – then this may catch your fancy. Enter the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker SE, a sleek, unique gaming laptop with an equally unique acrylic packaging…that transforms into a DJ deck.

Besides its intriguing packaging and design, the Zephyrus G14 AW SE is also a very good gaming laptop, even if it doesn’t offer particularly good value for money. After all, you’re really paying for the unique aesthetics of this laptop, along with Alan Walker’s personal touch.

Curious to see the DJ deck in action? Then watch our video review of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 Alan Walker SE above! Alternatively, you can read our
full written review here
.


ShopeeFood Now Available in Selected Klang Valley Areas

A new food delivery service is is town! As we’ve
previously reported
, ShopeeFood – which will compete against GrabFood and FoodPanda – has just been launched in Malaysia. That being said, at the time of writing, the service is only available in selected areas within the Klang Valley.

The availability of ShopeeFood in Malaysia was first reported by
Amanz
, if you can see the ShopeeFood icon in the main page of the Shopee app, that means your current area is covered by the new food delivery service.

We’ve tried opening the Shopee app in several locations in the Klang Valley area, and we can confirm that the ShopeeFood icon will disappear if the service isn’t available in your current location. According to Shopee, more delivery areas will be added in the near future, though it remains to be seen if that includes locations outside of Klang Valley too.

Anyway, according to
ShopeeFood’s FAQ
, you can use vouchers and Shopee Coins for your ShopeeFood orders. Do note that ShopeeFood will also charge a service fee; the amount varies from one merchant to another.

If you’d like to learn more about ShopeeFood,
check out the FAQ here
. If the food delivery service is available in your area, you can claim a range of vouchers for the service
over here
.


Genshin Impact Sangonomiya Kokomi Banner Arrives 21 September With Rosaria, Beidou, Xingqiu

The event wish for Genshin Impact’s brand new playable character, Sangonomiya Kokomi, will go live in the game tomorrow! The banner of the brand new 5-star Hydro character will be accompanied by Rosaria, Beidou, and Xingqiu – a good lineup of 4-star characters.

Just like Genshin Impact’s
previous character

event wishes
, the “drop rate” of Kokomi, Rosaria, Beidou, and Xingqiu will be increased. In the case of Kokomi, the first 5-star character you get will have a 50% chance to be her. If you didn’t get her in this instance, the
next
 5-star character you roll is guaranteed to be Kokomi.

Genshin Impact’s pity system ensures that you will get at least one 5-star character or weapon every 90 wishes – depending on which banner you’re rolling – so you will have to do 180 rolls for a guaranteed Kokomi. The same rule applies to 4-star units (guaranteed every 10-roll instead), but since there are three of them featured in the event wish, it’s a little bit more random.

Basically, when you’re guaranteed a 4-star character from the banner, you will get either Rosaria, Beidou, or Xingqiu. If you’re aiming to get either one of these three characters, you will have to roll a good number of times, depending on your luck.

Sangonomiya Kokomi’s “Drifting Luminescence” event wish will go live in Genshin Impact on 21 September tomorrow at 6PM. Her banner will be available until 12 October, and we expect
Thoma to be featured in an event wish
 once the Version 2.2 update is available.


Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Review: Potentially Your First Foldable Phone

Samsung’s range of foldable smartphones have come a long way
since 2019
. Not only are its latest range of foldables more durable than ever, they are also much, much more affordable now. This is especially the case with this particular device, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3.

Starting at RM3,999 here in Malaysia, it could really well be the first foldable phone for many folks. While it still has some shortcomings here and there, it is easily one of the most refined, affordable phones of its kind in the market now. Not convinced? Then keep on reading this review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3.

What It Is

Display
Main: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2640 x 1080), 120Hz
Cover: 1.9-inch Super AMOLED (512 x 260), 60Hz
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 2.84GHz octa-core
GPU
Adreno 660
RAM
8GB
Storage
128GB/256GB, non-expandable
Camera (rear)
12MP f/1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS
12MP f/2.2 (ultra-wide angle)
Camera (front)
10MP f/2.4
Battery
3,300mAh
Dimensions
Open: 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm
Close: 86.4 x 72.2 x 15.9~17.1 mm
Weight
183g
OS
One UI 3.1.1 based on Android 11
Connectivity
5G
LTE
NFC
Bluetooth 5.1
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
USB Type-C
Price
RM3,999 (128GB), RM4,199 (256GB)

Looking at its list of specifications, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a reasonably high-end device. Though it doesn’t have Qualcomm’s latest
Snapdragon 888+ chip
 or the fastest display, these hardware are still well within the territory of a flagship smartphone.

If there’s any area you should be concerned about, it would be the Z Flip 3’s 3,300mAh battery. It’s not a particularly generous capacity, which does result in rather underwhelming battery life – more on this further down the review.

The Good Stuff

The main appeal of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 has to be its foldable display in a clamshell design. In fact, there were a few times where I was folding this seemingly normal-looking phone in half to the amazement of my friends and families. While the novelty does wear off after some time, there’s no denying the “wow factor” of this phone.

It doesn’t just look fancy either: the Z Flip 3’s foldable screen has some practical uses too, thanks to Flex mode. Basically, when you start folding the display in half, certain apps will split into the top and bottom part of the screen. In the camera app, for example, you can use Flex mode to capture low-angle shots easier.

Flex mode also comes in handy to shoot selfies. You can just place the Z Flip 3 on a surface and use the timer to start snapping, all without the need for a tripod or any object to keep the phone upright. I initially thought Flex mode was just a gimmick, but after using it for a number of video calls, I do find it
surprisingly
 handy.

As for the Z Flip 3’s screen itself, it’s great. The 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary display looks pleasant to the eyes with punchy colours, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles. The fast 120Hz refresh rate lends to a fluid, responsive user experience as well.

What about the crease in the middle of the foldable display? Well, if you look for it, you’ll definitely see it; this is especially evident if you’re watching dark content. That being said, in regular use, I don’t really notice the crease all that much, though if you run your finger over it, you’ll definitely feel it.

One of the main concerns of a foldable phone is durability, and I’m happy to report that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 feels much more durable than
its predecessor
. The hinge feels more robust, the protective layer on top of foldable glass screen doesn’t have a weird, rubbery texture anymore, and this phone is even IPX8-rated.

For a device with more moving parts than a regular smartphone, it’s really quite impressive that Samsung managed to get the Z Flip 3 to be water-resistant. In my opinion, water resistance is a must-have feature for a flagship device, and it’s great that you can get it on a foldable phone now.

Powered by a Snapdragon 888 chipset, there’s no denying that the performance level of the Z Flip 3 is good. While it doesn’t feel quite as powerful as other Snapdragon 888 phones – especially in graphically demanding games like
Genshin Impact
 – it’s still fast enough for me to multitask seamlessly on this phone.

Last but definitely not least is the value proposition of the Galaxy Z Flip 3. Retailing from only RM3,999 for the 128GB model (RM4,199 for the 256GB configuration), it is markedly more affordable than its predecessor, which went for a
whopping RM5,888 at launch
.

This is one of the main reasons the Z Flip 3 is the first foldable phone most folks will seriously consider getting. Sure, at RM3,999, it sits in the same price range as other flagship phones in the market now, but hey, the Z Flip 3
is
 proper flagship phone too with similar processing power and refinement.

That being said, this foldable phone does have its fair share of shortcomings – let’s get to them in the next section.

The Bad Stuff

As fun as it is to fold and unfold the Galaxy Z Flip 3, it can also be inconvenient to do so sometimes. When I’m not out and about, I actually just leave it unfolded for the sake of convenience. It doesn’t help either that it’s difficult to unfold the phone with only one hand.

And then there’s the cover screen of the Z Flip 3. Yes, it’s much more usable now thanks to the extra screen real estate, but I still find myself just unfolding the phone to check my notifications. The thing is, the cover screen is basically like a smartwatch: you can check your messages, but you can’t interact with them much.

Packed with only a 3,300mAh battery, the Z Flip 3 isn’t a particularly long-lasting smartphone either. On average, I can only get up to four hours of screen on time on a single charge.

Granted, this level of battery life is still good enough to get through a typical day of use. But if I throw in a couple sessions of Genshin Impact in my day, I do find myself running out of juice before the end of the day, unfortunately enough.

If you’re hoping for amazing camera performance with the Galaxy Z Flip 3, well…you have to manage your expectations. Don’t get me wrong, its 12MP primary sensor and 12MP ultra-wide angle lens can take reasonably good-looking shots, but in comparison to other phones at this price point, it does fall behind.

The dual camera system performs admirably in daytime, but in low light conditions, both the primary and ultra-wide angle sensors start to show their limits. Detail preservation isn’t great, there are lots of sharpening, and noise level is very apparent with the ultra-wide angle lens. Judge for yourself with these sample shots.

12MP primary
12MP primary
12MP primary
12MP primary
12MP primary
12MP ultra-wide angle
12MP primary
12MP ultra-wide angle
12MP primary
12MP ultra-wide angle
12MP primary
12MP ultra-wide angle

Yes, these are by no means lacklustre images, but you can definitely get better results with other flagship smartphones. Not to mention the fact that you’ll get a more versatile camera setup that offers a zoom lens as well.

Is It Worth It?

Despite its shortcomings, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is still a very attractive foldable phone with an equally attractive price tag. It’s also durable, it offers a respectable level of performance, and it has a great-looking display too. The cherry on top? It also folds in half.

These are winning qualities for any flagship-class device. If you can live with the shortcomings of the Z Flip 3, you will be very happy with this foldable smartphone. Hopefully, Samsung will continue to refine its range of foldable devices – I can’t wait to see what the Korean company has in store in this segment next year.


You Should Pre-Order the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Today (21 September)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the Korean company’s most affordable foldable phone yet. If you’re interested to pick it up, you should really consider pre-ordering it before the end of today (21 September). After all, you’re entitled to get
RM1,299 worth of freebies by doing so
.

But…what exactly are the freebies that are worth RM1,299? Well, it includes a one-year Samsung Care+ protection for the Z Flip 3 worth RM699, as well as a RM600 Samsung e-voucher that you can use to purchase add-on products.

These include the brand new
Galaxy Watch 4 series
, or even the equally new
Galaxy Buds 2
 – it’s quite a good deal for a recently launched device.

Let’s circle back to Samsung Care+ for the Galaxy Z Flip 3. Basically, for one whole year from the date of purchase, the foldable phone can be repaired from accidental or water damage for a fee (RM629 in this case). If the device cannot be repaired, you will get a device replacement – not bad, isn’t it?

If you didn’t manage to pre-order the Z Flip 3 by 21 September, well, worry not: you can still get the one-year Samsung Care+ protection for free until 31 October. However, you will receive a RM350 Samsung e-voucher instead, so that’s RM250 less than the RM600 e-voucher that you’re set to get if you pre-order the foldable phone by today.

From a value standpoint, it’s obviously better to just pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip 3 right now if you’re already interested to pick it up. To recap, the 128GB variant of the foldable phone costs RM3,999, while the more generous 256GB configuration retails at RM4,199 – markedly more affordable than its predecessor’s
launch price of RM5,888
.

Oh, if you get the standard colourways of the Z Flip 3 – limited to Cream, Green, or Phantom Black, since the Lavender option is sold out – the device will start shipping to you from tomorrow onwards on 22 September. If you want the exclusive Samsung.com colourways instead (White, Grey, or Pink), you’ll have to wait between five to six weeks.

According to Samsung, these colours take much longer to deliver as they need special production. On top of that, they are also made to order, so the production begins “only after confirmation of your order is received,” as the company puts it.

Not quite sure the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the right foldable phone for you? Well, then here’s a summary of my experience with the foldable phone over the past few weeks. If you’re concerned that this foldable phone is too fragile to withstand everyday usage, then put your worries to rest: it’s quite a durable phone.

After all, the frame and hinge of the Z Flip 3 are made out a new material Samsung calls “Armor Titanium,” which improves the durability of these two parts by 10%. Thanks to this, the phone feels great to hold, and it’s worth noting that the phone is now IPX8-certified too. You won’t have to worry about damaging the phone from, say, a spilled drink.

More importantly, Samsung said that the protective layer on top of the Z Flip 3’s foldable screen is up to 80% more durable now, and it really does show. The original Z Flip’s display had a weird, rubbery texture to it, but that’s not present at all on this new foldable phone. In fact, it feels a lot like a regular screen protector, which is great.

As for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 itself, it’s a refined, polished foldable phone. It delivers flagship-class performance out the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, it has a bright and vibrant 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and its foldable nature just gives it that “wow factor.”

Granted, the Z Flip 3 does have a number of shortcomings too. Its 3,300mAh battery, for one, doesn’t offer particularly long battery life. On average, I only managed to get up to four hours of screen on time on a single charge.

While this is long enough to get through a typical day of use, heavier smartphone users – especially avid mobile gamers – will likely run out of juice before the end of the day.

The form factor of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 may not be for everyone either. Now, as fun as it is to fold and unfold the phone, it can be inconvenient to do so sometimes. When I’m not out and about, I actually just leave the Z Flip 3 unfolded for the sake of convenience. It doesn’t help either that it’s difficult to unfold the phone with only one hand.

But at the end of the day, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is still a unique phone that can be folded in half; you can’t say the same thing for the majority of smartphones in the market now. Yes, it has its fair share of shortcomings – you can read more about it in our
full review
 – but that doesn’t change the fact that it is an eye-catching phone.

So then, if the Galaxy Z Flip 3 catches your fancy, don’t forget to
pre-order it by the end of today
 to walk away with RM1,299 worth of rewards.


ShopeeFood Goes Live in Klang Valley 24 September – up to RM8 Discount Vouchers

Shopee just sent out a press release for its new food delivery service, ShopeeFood. Set to be available in Klang Valley from 24 September onwards – though the service is
already live in certain locations
 – ShopeeFood will be accessible to over 8 million residents in the area.

To celebrate the launch of ShopeeFood, early birds can claim a number of discount vouchers
right here
, not to mention 10 free delivery vouchers with no minimum spend. However, do note that these vouchers are only valid until 23 September, so if ShopeeFood isn’t offered in your area yet, you’re out of luck.

Although ShopeeFood has just been launched, quite a number of eateries are already available through the food delivery service. These include Starbucks, Tealive, A&W, Burger King, Nando’s, and even local street food stalls. Of course, depending on where you’re located, some of these eateries may not be available.

“We are delighted to include food delivery as part of the Shopee experience. Malaysians can now shop for all their essentials online, enjoy entertainment on Shopee Live, play their favorite game on Shopee Prizes, and satisfy their cravings via the app,” said the COO of Shopee, Terence Pang.

To check if ShopeeFood is available in your area, you can look for the ShopeeFood icon on the home page of the Shopee app. Unfortunately, there’s no word on the availability of the food delivery service outside of Klang Valley.


The Ginkgo65 Is a Solid 65% Gasket-Mounted Aluminium Keyboard From $249

If you’re in the market for a 65% custom keyboard with an aluminium case, then this upcoming keyboard may tickle your fancy. Enter the Ginkgo65: made in collaboration with Wuque Studio – the folks behind the excellent
Ikki68 Aurora
 – and M•ONE Studio, it looks to be a solid, budget-friendly gasket-mounted keyboard.

After all, with a $249 starting price (that comes up to about RM1,040), the Ginkgo65 is certainly more affordable than other keyboards with a similar set of features. If this keyboard fits your budget, read on – you can even get it from a vendor based right here in Malaysia.

That’s right! Unlike the majority of group buys in the custom keyboard hobby, a
Malaysian vendor
 is actually a proxy for the upcoming Ginkgo65 group buy. The vendor is none other than
Rebult Keyboards
, which also designed
the Harimau and Penyu switches.

Anyway, let’s talk about the Ginkgo65. For $249 – or $259 if you want the E-White colourways – you’re really getting a solid 65% custom keyboard. For that kind of money, the Ginkgo65 sports an all-aluminium case for a more premium touch and extra heft. In fact, this keyboard weighs 1.3kg unbuilt – that’s a good amount of heft.

Aside from that, the Ginkgo65 also uses an isolated gasket mount design. Typically, this kind of gasket-mounting system offers a soft, comfortable typing experience, so this should (in theory) apply to the keyboard. On top of that, this mounting system also offers a more uniform typing pressure across the keyboard.

Of course, one of the best qualities of a gasket-mounted keyboard is a cleaner sound profile, and this is very true of the Ginkgo65. Just take a listen to the sound tests of this keyboard from folks who have received early review units. Personally, we think it sounds great for a keyboard at this price point.

If the sound profile is a tad too muted for you, that’s because the Ginkgo65 comes with a fair number of foams. There’s a PORON foam between the plate and PCB, a PE sheet between the switch and PCB,
and
 another foam between the PCB and bottom case.

Granted, you can always remove the foams and sheet to tune the sound profile of the Ginkgo65 to your liking, as the sound tests above demonstrate. Do note that you’ll also get a polycarbonate plate as default with this keyboard; other plate materials – such as FR4 and aluminium – are offered as add-ons.

Like most custom keyboards in the market now, the Ginkgo65 features a hotswap PCB by default, allowing you to swap out switches without the need to solder them. If you want a solderable PCB instead, you’ll have to get it as an add-on. Generally, it’s a good idea to purchase an extra PCB in case anything goes wrong with the first one.

And…that’s about it. As per the case with most keyboard kits, the Ginkgo65 doesn’t come with stabilisers, switches, or keycaps. In order to complete the keyboard, you’ll need to get these three components separately.

This may seem odd to those who are new to the custom keyboard, but that’s how it is. Plus, this does allow you to get parts that suit your own preferences, especially switches.

Okay, let’s talk about the details of the Ginkgo65 group buy. It’s set to take place between 23 September to 10 October 2021, but if the soft limit is reached, the group buy will close early. What’s the soft limit? Well, only Wuque Studio knows, though it did say that it has “settled on an undisclosed soft limit that should be enough for everyone.”

Five different colour combinations are offered: E-White, E-White x Copper, Green x Black, Grey x Silver, and Black x Copper. Most of these colour options are priced at $249, but the E-White and E-White x Copper combinations cost slightly more at $259.

As mentioned, Rebult Keyboards will be the Malaysian vendor for the Ginkgo65, so if you reside here in Malaysia, you can save on shipping costs and import duties by purchasing the keyboard from Rebult. However, the Malaysian pricing of the Ginkgo65 has not been revealed by Rebult yet. Rest assured, we’ll keep a close eye on this.

Estimated shipping date of the Ginkgo65 is relatively quick too. According to Wuque Studio, the keyboard is expected to be shipped to vendors in March or April 2022, so it’s entirely possible it’ll arrive at your doorstep sometime in May 2022. Not a bad fulfillment time for a custom keyboard.

That being said, Wuque Studio did say that the shipping time of the Ginkgo65 may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Material availability, production, and logistics problems can affect the estimate,” as the company puts it. Anyway, more information on the Ginkgo65 can be found
right here
.


New GMK Keycap Sets Now Shipping in 2023 – Worth Waiting?

The custom keyboard hobby requires
a lot
 of patience
, and this is especially true for keycap sets. Well, more specifically, GMK keycaps. In fact, a couple of GMK sets in group buy right now will only start shipping in Q1 2023 – that’s a really, really long wait.

So with that in mind, is it really worth waiting
so long
 just for a keycap set? Well, it depends. But for some folks (myself included), the wait will be well worth it…assuming you like the particular set. If you’re still on the fence to join a group buy for a GMK keycap set right now, read on!

GMK Red Samurai

You’ll Get a Superior Typing Experience

Despite the (frankly ridiculous) long wait for GMK sets, they really are some of the highest-quality keycaps in the market. They feel great right out of the box, they have a nice, clacky sound profile – though some may not be a fan of this – and their double-shot nature means that the legends will stay sharp and crisp even after years of use.

That being said, GMK sets are also prone to shine with prolonged use; they are made from ABS plastic, after all. While most consider this to be a negative, I personally quite like it, especially if the shine is even across all keys. I mean, a shiny GMK set can look
really good
.

GMK White-on-Black

But if you want a keycap set that is more resistant to shine, look for ones made from PBT plastic, such as CRP and ePBT sets. Although these two keycap brands are not quite as popular as GMK – or as colourful – they are of really good quality.

Speaking of which, that brings us to the next point..

GMK Sets Look Fantastic

This is arguably the best reason to go for a GMK set. Unlike other keycap makers, GMK makes some of the most colourful and iconic keycap sets in the market. Just to name a few, there’s GMK Striker, GMK Botanical, and GMK DMG, which is
currently in its third round of group buy
.

If you have a particular colour scheme in mind, there’s a good chance a GMK set that fit exactly what you have in mind was released at one point in time. But whether or not you had the opportunity to join the group buy is an entirely different thing – most GMK sets are only open for pre-order for about a month.

The Value Will (Almost) Always Appreciate

The limited availability of GMK sets (and very long waiting times) is the very reason why they are much more expensive in the aftermarket scene. After all, the moment a group buy closes for a particular GMK set, it will not be available for purchase anymore until the set starts shipping to customers.

These customers can then sell these GMK keycaps at a higher price to make up for the long fulfilment time and overall scarcity of these sets. Granted, vendors will have extras for sale too, but these extra sets also command a certain premium over the original asking price, not to mention the fact that they sell out very quickly.

This can be a point of frustration, especially to those who are new to the custom keyboard hobby. But this is the reality of it: if you want a GMK set without the long waiting time, you’ll have to be prepared to pay more.

Of course, there is an exception to this. Drop, for one,
regularly restocks certain GMK sets
, but choices are limited. On top of that, given that these sets are (mostly) readily available, they don’t have particularly good resale value either, which…isn’t necessarily a bad thing, depending on who you ask.

You “Just” Have to Wait an Obscenely Long Time

There’s a reason why GMK keycap sets are so sought-after in the hobby: they simply make some of the best keycaps in the custom keyboard scene. The only real big shortcoming with GMK sets is the ridiculously long waiting time; a common issue in this hobby, unfortunately enough.

GMK DMG

Take
GMK DMG
, which just entered its third round of group buy. Right now, the popular keycap set is set to start shipping in Q4 2022 – that’s a whole year away. If you want other GMK sets like
GMK Firefly
 or
GMK Pepperoni
, well, these two sets are only expected to start shipping in
Q1 2023
.

It’s worth noting that these timelines may be affected by future delays on GMK’s side. As it is, many GMK sets are delayed by the current COVID-19 pandemic. It’s anyone’s guess if the manufacturer will be affected by more delays in the next year or so.

Nonetheless, GMK keycap sets are still very desirable in the custom keyboard hobby for their high quality, vibrant colour schemes, and limited availability. If there’s any GMK set in group buy right now that you like, it’s best to get in on it before it’s too late – you don’t want to be kicking yourself for missing it out in the future.


Get a Case for Your Phone & Save Thousands of Ringgit

Quick: when was the last time you dropped your phone? Chances are, you’ve dropped your phone on at least one occasion. Maybe it was just yesterday, or maybe it was sometime last month. Unless you’re an extremely careful smartphone user, you’re bound to drop your phone sooner or later.

With that in mind, it is paramount (in my opinion) to get a case for your shiny new smartphone. Personally, before I even purchase a new phone, I would’ve gotten a case and screen protector already so that the phone can be protected the moment I get it.

Is it overkill? Perhaps. Has it saved my phone from a drop that would’ve ended very, very badly? Oh,
definitely
. If you’re using your phone without a case installed, hear me out: a phone case can save you a ton of money in the long run.

It Will Protect Your Smartphone From Nasty Drops

I always, always get a case for my personal smartphone, and it has saved my phone countless times from drops that could’ve easily cracked the screen. This is really one of the most common damages to a smartphone – I bet you can think of at least one person who is still using a phone with a cracked screen right now.

On a side note, if you are using a phone with a cracked glass display, please get it fixed – it’s a hazard to run your fingers on a phone with loose shards of glass.

Anyway, it’s also important to get a case that can adequately protect your phone. It’s fine if you get a thin case, but make sure that there’s a “lip” surrounding the front of the phone. This way, if your phone falls face first to the ground, it will hit the case instead of the phone’s much more fragile screen.

Basically, there’s no need to get those extremely thick cases to get the most optimum level of protection for your phone. As long as it is well-designed, it should be able to protect your phone.

A Good Case Can Actually Improve Ergonomics

This is especially the case (excuse the pun) if you’re using a thin smartphone. Not only does a case gives you more surface to hold onto, it can even improve your grip on the phone. Of course, this is assuming that the case is made out of a grippy material like TPU or silicone.

In fact, with improved ergonomics, you’re also less likely to drop your phone – it’s a win-win situation. Granted, certain cases can make a phone feel “cheap” or too bulky, but that’s exactly why it’s important to get a high-quality case instead of the cheapest one you can find.

It’s a Nice Bit of Personalisation

With a smartphone, the only bit of personalisation that you get are the colour options offered by the brand; there’s no real way to really personalise it to your liking. But with a case, you’ve got a plethora options to choose from with various designs and colourways.

Even if you get a plain-looking case, you can still personalise it without worrying about leaving permanent marks on the phone itself. Think of the case as a blank canvas, if you will. If you want to retain the design of the phone, you can always get a translucent case instead.

Get a Screen Protector Too for Maximum Protection

If you want the absolute best protection for your shiny new smartphone, get a screen protector too. Preferably, a high-quality tempered glass screen protector for the best user experience. After all, cheaper screen protectors can negatively impact the screen quality, and it may not have the best texture either for your fingers to glide across.

Plus, in the event of a drop, and the case wasn’t able to protect the display, at least the screen protector will be there to absorb the impact first. The actual display of the phone will be protected, so even if the screen protector is damaged, it’s much, much cheaper to replace than the screen itself.

So there you have it. If you’re never a fan of phone cases, consider getting a high-quality one; it may change your mind. Personally, my go-to case maker is Spigen. More specifically, the Liquid Air series. It doesn’t feel too bulky, and it can still provide adequate drop protection for my phone.

While a high-quality case like Spigen is costly, it has protected my personal devices from really scary drops more times that I can count. Trust me, it’s worth it to invest in a case to save yourself the much steeper cost of repairing a broken phone – especially if it’s a premium device.


Ginkgo65 Retails From RM1,053 in Malaysia From Rebult Keyboards Tonight

The
Ginkgo65
, a 65% custom keyboard made in collaboration with Wuque Studio – the folks behind the excellent
Ikki
6
8 Aurora
 – and M•ONE Studio, will enter the group buy phase tonight at 12AM. If you’re here in Malaysia, great news: local vendor Rebult Keyboards is the regional vendor for the Ginkgo65.

Pricing wise, the Ginkgo65
starts at RM1,053
 from Rebult; this is quite close to the international pricing of $249 (about RM1,040). Of course, this price tag is for the Black x Copper, Green x Black, and Grey x Silver colourways. The E-White and E-White x Copper options, on the other hand, cost slightly more at RM1,095.

Given the feature set of the Ginkgo65, these prices are really quite competitive. After all, for that kind of money, this 65% custom keyboard has an all-aluminium case, an isolated gasket mount system for a softer, more comfortable typing experience, and
quite a pleasant sound profile too
.

Other specifications of the Ginkgo65 include a polycarbonate plate – other plate materials can be purchased as an add-on – a hotswap PCB, a PORON foam between the plate and PCB, a PE sheet between the switch and PCB, and another foam between the PCB and bottom case.

To recap, the group buy for the Ginkgo65
will go live at 12AM tonight on Rebult Keyboards
 until 10 October 2021; the keyboard is expected to be shipped to vendors from Wuque Studio in March or April 2022. More information on the Ginkgo65 can be found
right here
.


Custom Keyboard – Sound Profile Isn’t Everything

More often than not, the custom keyboard community gravitates towards keyboards with a “desirable” sound profile. Whether a keyboard has a thocky or clacky sound profile, the “worth” of a keyboard (typically) relies heavily on how it sounds.

Now, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing: I appreciate a keyboard with a clean, clacky sound profile. But the thing is, there’s more to a custom keyboard than sound profile alone; it’s also important for the keyboard to be
actually
 good in other aspects.

Good Sound Profile Doesn’t Equal Good Keyboard

Just because a keyboard sounds good doesn’t automatically make it a “good” keyboard. It doesn’t matter if it has a fantastic sound signature if the typing experience, build quality, or design is horrendous. Plus, it’s easier to tune the sound profile of a keyboard than, say, the typing experience.

Of course, that doesn’t mean sound profile doesn’t matter, because it does. After all, one of the biggest draws of the custom keyboard hobby is building a keyboard that sounds
and
 feels great. It’s important for a keyboard to both have a pleasant sound profile and an equally pleasant typing experience – at the minimum.

And that brings us to the next point..

Typing Experience Is Equally Important

Imagine this: you watched a video of a particular custom keyboard with a fantastic sound profile, and you decided it’s the keyboard for you. Fast forward a few months – or
up to a year
, depending on which keyboard you get – the keyboard is now in your hands. But once you’ve built it, you realise that…its typing experience is not to your liking.

Granted, it’s harder to assess the typing experience of a keyboard from videos, but that’s precisely why it’s important to judge a keyboard beyond its sound profile alone. Just like how a keyboard can have a clacky or thocky sound signature, it can have a soft or stiff typing feel too.

As a side note, the mounting style of a keyboard doesn’t give you the whole picture of the typing feel either. This is especially the case with a gasket-mounted keyboard: while most keyboards with this mounting style typically offers a soft, comfortable typing experience, some of them can be quite stiff too.

Take the
Keychron Q1
. Its implementation of a gasket mounting system offers a very,
very
 flexible typing experience. But in comparison, the
Monstargear XO K80 Alu
 – also a gasket-mounted keyboard – offers a much stiffer typing feel. Basically, you’ll need to look up the typing experience of a particular keyboard before committing to it.

Design Matters More Than Meets the Eye

The design of a custom keyboard can affect the typing experience too. The
Jelly
Epoch
, for example, has a really,
really
tall front height. Because of this, you do have to lift up your hands higher to type on it, which can be uncomfortable for some folks. This is even more so if you’re using a tall keycap profile such as
SA or MT3
.

Again, this design quirk is not immediately noticeable in videos, and you do have to look up proper reviews that highlight such an issue. Naturally, we try to do the same in all of our
keyboard reviews
.

Other Components Can Affect Sound Profile Too

While each keyboard has its own unique sound profile, other components can also alter the sound signature. Plate material, for one, can affect the sound profile and typing feel of a keyboard pretty significantly. Same goes for
keycaps of various profiles
 and
switches of

different types
, not to mention sound deadening material.

Take note of these components when you’re listening to a sound test of any given custom keyboard. Again, let’s rope in the Jelly Epoch: even though it has a thocky, “marbley” sound profile, I’ve installed
NovelKeys Cream switches
 on it, which makes it sound
a lot
 clackier.

On top of that, I’m also using a GMK keycap set on my Jelly Epoch, which is known to provide a clacky sound profile from its ABS plastic material and low-profile. Trust me when I say that these components
really
 change up the sound signature of the Jelly Epoch – stay tuned for our sound test (and review) of this in the near future.

So the next time you’re listening to a sound test of a custom keyboard, keep these points in mind before you make a decision. There’s much more to a keyboard than its sound profile alone, and even if it sounds good, I’m sure you wouldn’t be thrilled if it doesn’t provide a typing experience that you like.


23 – 29 September Fuel Price: RON 97 up 2 Sen, RON 95 & Diesel Maintain

The price of RON 97 is set to go up this coming week folks. From tomorrow onwards, RON 97 will go up by 2 sen per litre, while the prices of RON 95 and diesel are maintained, given that their price ceilings have been reached.

To recap, the price of RON 97 for the next seven days is set at RM2.75 per litre (up from RM2.73). The price of RON 95, on the other hand, stays at RM2.05 per litre. As for diesel, it still costs RM2.15 per litre.

These prices will be in effect from 23 to 29 September. New fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday, so stay tuned to Nextrift next week on the same day for future updates!


Keychron Q2 Teaser Page Finally Live – Releasing Soon?

Initially set for an August release, the
Keychron Q2
 has seemingly been delayed with no new launch window. Well, the teaser page for the upcoming 65% keyboard is now available, suggesting that it could be released very, very soon.

Essentially a downsized version of the
Keychron Q1
, the Q2 should sport the same features as its bigger sibling. These include a gasket mounting system – this mounting style is typically only offered on custom keyboards – along with a full CNC aluminium case for a more solid build quality.

As the teaser page shows, the Q2 will also feature a hotswap PCB, which allows you to swap switches seamlessly without the need to solder them. Naturally, the PCB also supports VIA and QMK out of the box for easy key mapping.

Other features of the Q2 include screw-in stabilisers (likely made by Gateron), an aluminium plate, and for the fully assembled model, three choices of factory lubed Gateron Phantom switches: Phantom Brown (tactile), Phantom Red (linear), or Phantom Blue (clicky).

No word yet on exactly when the Keychron Q2 will be available for purchase, though the
registration of interest
 for the 65% keyboard is now live. It’ll be interesting to see how much more affordable it will be compared to the Q1, which starts at $149 – that comes up to about RM625.


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Now Shipping on 5 November in Malaysia

Previously, all pre-orders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
were sold out
. Now, it appears Samsung Malaysia has more pre-order units up for grabs, though you’ll have to wait until 5 November to get the latest foldable phone.

We got this shipping date for the Z Fold 3 from Samsung Malaysia’s very own online store. Even though the previous RM850 Samsung e-voucher is no longer offered, you can still get a RM500 voucher by pre-ordering the device with Samsung. Of course, you’ll still get a one-year Samsung Care+ protection worth RM799 until 31 October.

Evidently, Malaysians are eager to get their hands on the Galaxy Z Fold 3. After all,
compared to its predecessor
, it has gotten quite a bit more affordable while offering some notable improvements. These include a 4MP under display camera, a 120Hz 7.6-inch 2208 x 1768 Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary screen, and a 120Hz 6.2-inch 2268 x 832 cover screen.

Other specifications of the Z Fold 3 include Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 flagship-class chipset, a triple camera system (12MP primary + 12MP ultra-wide angle + 12MP telephoto), a 10MP cover camera, a 4,400mAh battery, S Pen support, and of course, IPX8 water resistance rating.

If you’re interested to pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, you can do so
here
. The base 256GB variant with 12GB of RAM costs RM6,699, while the 512GB model with the same amount of RAM goes for RM7,099.


Vivo X70 & X70 Pro With Zeiss Optics Land in Malaysia From RM2,499

The Vivo X70 and Vivo X70 Pro have just been launched in Malaysia. Sporting Zeiss optics, a reasonably sophisticated camera system, and a premium-looking design, these two smartphones are quite attractive flagship-class devices.

Only one variant of each phone is offered for the Malaysian market. The standard X70 with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM costs RM2,499, while the higher-end X70 Pro with 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM goes for RM3,299.

For that kind of money, both the X70 and X70 Pro are powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 1200 SoC. Given that this is the chipmaker’s best offering to date, it should provide a high level of performance. After all, it’s said to be comparable to the
Qualcomm Snapdragon 870
.

Aside from that, these two phones also feature a similar design and a 6.56-inch Full HD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, it’s worth noting that the X70 Pro sports a dual curve screen, while the standard X70 has a flat display instead. The Pro model has a slightly larger battery too (4,450mAh) compared to the regular X70 (4,400mAh).

The biggest difference between the X70 and X70 Pro is in the camera department. The Pro features a more sophisticated quad camera system (50MP primary + 8MP periscope telephoto + 12MP telephoto + 12MP ultra-wide angle), while the standard X70 has a triple camera setup (40MP primary + 12MP telephoto + 12MP ultra-wide angle).

Of course, both phones’ camera array are equipped with Zeiss optics, along with Vivo’s Gimbal Stabilisation 3.0. This stabilisation technology promises sharp, blur-free images even in “dynamic motion,” as the company puts it. Evidently, Vivo is focusing quite a bit on the camera performance of its X70 series.

To recap, the Vivo X70 and X70 Pro are now available for pre-order in Malaysia for RM2,499 and RM3,299 respectively until 1 October 2021. Early birds will also receive a number of freebies worth RM799 for the X70 Pro, or RM599 for the standard X70.


Death Stranding Director’s Cut Is Worth Experiencing Again

The review embargo for Death Stranding Director’s Cut has been lifted, but I…have not completed the game yet. Even though I’ve
played through the game before
 on the PS4, I’m never a fan of
rushing through games
, especially on a story-driven game like Death Stranding.

And I’m glad I’m taking my time. It looks
stunning
 on the PS5, the extra content (even if I haven’t explored all of them yet) give a breath of fresh air to the game, and most importantly, Death Stranding is still one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played – it really is Hideo Kojima’s best masterpiece to date.

Yes, it’s still as bizarre as ever, and I enjoy every bit of it. Well, maybe not some of the treacherous deliveries, but the top-notch narrative, star-studded cast, and much improved graphics make this a must-play title on the PS5 – especially for those who haven’t played Death Stranding yet.

Compared to the original Death Stranding, the Director’s Cut version for the PS5 adds quite a number of new content. These include route guides that detail the path that you can take for the delivery, new equipment, and even a firing range to get yourself familiarised with these new equipment.

Now, given that I’m only about halfway through the game, there are still several new content that I haven’t seen yet. But so far, I do find the game less arduous in the early stages; I was told several rewards and equipment are introduced nearer to the start of the game now to make it easier for players to get into the groove.

Of course, one of the biggest upgrades Death Stranding Director’s Cut brings is improved graphics on the PS5. After all, the game is fully remastered for the next-gen console, and it looks
absolutely incredible
. Character models are
painfully
detailed, their facial expressions are amazing, and the sprawling landscapes are even more awe-inspiring now.

If you have an ultrawide monitor, you’ll be happy to know that unlike other PS5 titles, there’s an option to enable widescreen mode to play the game in the “cinematic” 21:9 aspect ratio. Trekking through the beautiful, post-apocalyptic landscapes of Death Stranding in such a wide aspect ratio is definitely something worth experiencing.

There are also two graphics options for Death Stranding on the PS5. Performance Mode offers scaled 4K resolution at up to 60fps, while Fidelity Mode runs the game in native 4K. I’ve tried both modes, and I can’t tell if there’s any tangible difference in frame rate – I’ll see if anything changes as I progress through the game.

Speaking of which, I saw very little loading screens throughout the game so far. Even if I there are some – usually in-between lengthy cutscenes – they load very, very quickly. This can be attributed to the fast SSD of the PS5, which makes for a pleasant gaming experience.

Another great hardware of the PS5 that Death Stranding Director’s Cut took advantage of is the DualSense controller. When it rains in the game, I can “feel” the droplets of water through the refined haptic feedback of the controller. I can even feel Sam’s footsteps as he makes his way through the rocky mountains.

But what really impressed me is how the game made use of the DualSense’s adaptive triggers. As I pile on more cargo on Sam’s backpack, the adaptive triggers also provide more resistance as I try to steady his balance by holding onto the L2 and R2 triggers.

These smart uses of the DualSense controller really do give an extra layer of immersion in Death Stranding, and I can’t wait to see how later content in the game will make further use of the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

While I love these additions and new features in Death Stranding Director’s Cut, what I really, really look forward to is engrossing myself in the narrative of the game again. The storyline, as bizarre as it is, is really captivating, which is further accentuated by the amazing performances of the star-studded cast.

Norman Reedus convincingly plays Sam as a jaded, post-apocalyptic deliveryman, Mads Mikkelsen’s scenes throughout the game are always oh-so captivating, and of course, Troy Baker – who’s well-known for voicing Joel in
The Last of Us
 series – delivers each one of his dialogue with gusto and emotions
effortlessly
.

If you haven’t played through Death Stranding before, this Director’s Cut version is absolutely a must-play PS5 game. Retailing
at only RM209
 for the Standard Edition, it’s not particularly expensive either. If you own a PS4 copy of the original game, you can upgrade to the Digital Deluxe Edition – which usually
costs RM249
 – for RM50.

Death Stranding Director’s Cut launches on the PS5 on 24 September.


Xiaomi Pad 5 Retails at RM1,399 in Malaysia – RM100 Discount Tomorrow

Xiaomi’s brand new tablet is finally available here in Malaysia! It’s been a while since the company released a new tablet, so the
Xiaomi Pad 5
 is certainly quite an exciting product. To top it off, it’s pretty affordable too.

For the Malaysian market, only one variant of the Pad 5 is offered. Sporting 128GB of internal storage and 6GB of RAM, this tablet retails at only RM1,399 locally. If you purchase this tablet tomorrow on Lazada, you can get it with a RM100 discount, bringing down the price to RM1,299.

For that kind of money, you’re getting reasonably capable Android tablet. After all, the Pad 5 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 chipset, which is essentially an improved version of the Snapdragon 855. This was the chipmaker’s flagship offering back in 2019.

Aside from that, the Pad 5 also features a sharp 11-inch 2560 x 1600 TrueTone display – it can adjust the screen’s white balance to match ambient lighting – with a fast 120Hz refresh rate. It can be paired with a magnetic stylus and keyboard cover too, just like other notable tablets in the market now.

Other specifications of the Pad 5 include a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP selfie shooter, as well as an 8,720mAh battery.

To recap, the Xiaomi Pad 5 costs RM1,399 in Malaysia. If you’re fast, you can grab the new Android tablet for only RM1,299 tomorrow on 24 September from Lazada.


Xiaomi 11T Series Starts at RM1,699 in Malaysia – Early Birds Get Free Smartwatch

The Malaysian pricing of the Xiaomi 11T and Xiaomi 11T Pro have just been revealed. Not only are these two devices quite affordable, those who place their pre-orders from now until 29 September will also receive a free smartwatch and wireless earphones.

Before we get to the pre-order goodies, let’s talk about prices first. The 11T retails at RM1,699 and RM1,899 for the 128GB and 256GB configurations respectively; both models also come with 8GB of RAM. As for the 11T Pro, it goes for RM2,099 (256GB + 8GB) and RM2,299 (256GB + 12GB).

The pre-order goodies, on the other hand, include a Mi Watch Lite and a Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic. However, do note that these freebies are only offered to those who pre-order the 256GB variant of the 11T or the 256GB + 12GB configuration of the 11T Pro.

The Xiaomi 11T Pro

Anyway, let’s get to the devices, starting with the 11T Pro. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, you can expect to get a high level of performance out of this phone. Aside from that, it also features a rather sophisticated camera system made up of a 108MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide angle shooter, and a 5MP telemacro lens.

Other specifications of the 11T Pro include a 6.67-inch 1080p AMOLED display with 120Hz AdaptiveSync, 8GB or 12GB of RAM, two UFS 3.1 storage options (128GB or 256GB), as well as a generous 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W Xiaomi HyperCharge, which can fully charge the phone in only 17 minutes.

As for the more affordable Xiaomi 11T, it’s largely similar to the Pro model, though it does have a number of differences. Instead of a Qualcomm processor, it’s powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1200-Ultra SoC instead; this is said to be the chipmaker’s best offering to date.

Aside from that, the 11T also features the same display, camera system, and battery capacity as its Pro sibling, though its fast charging capability is limited to 67W.

The Xiaomi 11T

The Xiaomi 11T and Xiaomi 11T Pro are now available for pre-order in Malaysia until 29 September from RM1,699 and RM2,099 respectively. Both phones will hit local store shelves on 2 October 2021.


Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE With Snapdragon 778G Now in Malaysia From RM1,199

The
Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE
 is now available for purchase in Malaysia. Sporting a Snapdragon 778G chipset with a 90Hz AMOLED display, this mid-range smartphone is ideal for those who want a budget-friendly device with good value for money.

Three different variants of the 11 Lite are offered in Malaysia. The base model costs RM1,199 (128GB + 6GB), while the mid-tier configuration goes for RM1,399 (128GB + 8GB). The range-topping 256GB variant with 8GB of RAM, on the other hand, is priced at RM1,599.

For that kind of money, the 11 Lite features reasonably good hardware. It’s powered by a relatively fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G chipset, and paired to a 6.55-inch 2400 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate (240Hz touch response rate), it should be a decent smartphone for mobile gaming as well.

Other specifications of the 11 Lite include a triple camera system (64MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide angle + 5MP telephoto), a 20MP selfie camera, 5G connectivity, and a 4,250mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.

The Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE is now available for purchase in Malaysia from RM1,199. Interestingly, the first 5,000 customers to purchase the 128GB model will get a free Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic. Those who get the 256GB variant of the 11 Lite, on the other hand, will receive a complimentary Mi Watch Lite, though this is limited to the first 2,000 orders.

If you missed out on the smartwatch, the next 5,000 customers who get the 256GB model will get a Free Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Basic instead.