How to turn your Huawei Mate 30 Pro into a gaming smartphone!

Apart from all it’s other innovations such as 40MP (f/1.6, PDAF, OIS) + 40MP (f/1.8, ultra-wide, PDAF) + 8MP (f/2.4, telephoto) + 3D depth sensor quad rear cameras, Kirin 990 chipset and more, the Huawei Mate 30 Pro also offers a Horizon OLED display that has 88 degree curved sides. With no physical volume controls, these side displays can also be used like gaming trigger buttons much like a console game controller, but you have to first turn on the Side-Touch LR buttons to turn your Mate 30 Pro into a gaming smartphone. We’ll talk about how to do so in a bit below.

According to Huawei, these Side-Touch LR buttons can be used with practically any game and during our testing, so far this seems to be true. For the most part, this is mostly useful for FPS or First Person Shooter games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile, making it easier to move about and fire or use the scope at the same time (so you're harder to hit while also dealing damage). These Side-Touch LR buttons are activated when you launch a game through the App Assistant > Game Centre launcher.

Once they’ve been activated, you can customize the LR buttons by moving the virtual L and R buttons to the on-screen buttons that you want to activate when you press either of the Top Left or Top Right side displays. This automatically shifts the volume control to the other side while the LR buttons for each game are saved separately, so you don’t need to reset them each time you play a different game.

Here are the steps on how to activate the Side-Touch LR buttons on the Huawei Mate 30 Pro:

Our own experience with the Huawei Mate 30 Pro’s Side-Touch LR buttons was quite fast and responsive but you do need to get used to where exactly you may need to press. Those with long fingers may extend out a bit too far and not activate them at all but once you get used to it, it literally turns your Mate 30 Pro into a hardcore gaming smartphone.

We’d recommend getting a good case to go with the Mate 30 Pro, as by itself without a case, the premium glass back and front can get a bit slippery especially when using the Side-Touch buttons for gaming. Our review unit didn’t have a case but if you get the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage version for RM3899 on pre-order you can not only get the usual clear case but also the textured back PU Back Case, a SuperCharger Wireless Car Charger, DJI Osmo Mobile 3 and Huawei Care (1 year extended warranty + 6 months screen crack warranty) worth a total RM1155 for FREE.

Did you enjoy the video? If you'd like to see more, let us know what exactly you'd like to see on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com.


The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE offers nearly all of the features that most users would need from the original Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus but at a much more affordable price from RM1899. However, it still needs some fine-tuning to get it ready to be a full-fledged productivity machine. No worries, we have all the tips you need to do so, so do read on on How to turn your Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE into your productivity laptop.

We’ve covered how to turn tablets into laptops before but the very first thing you should do is to get yourself a good Bluetooth Keyboard and pair it with the Galaxy Tab S7 FE. After you’ve done so, get used to it and find the useful keyboard shortcuts. While there’s always CTRL + C (copy) and CTRL + V (paste), some people didn’t know that you can press ALT + TAB to go to the previous app and if you press and hold the ALT key after you press TAB together you can continue to press the TAB key to cycle through all your previous apps.

Connect a good bluetooth keyboard and mouse to do some serious work on your Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE

For myself, I used a Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard because I like its ability to pair and connect to multiple devices. Like some of the better Bluetooth keyboards, the K380 has special keys like Back, Recent Apps and Home. The combination of FN + TAB also captures a screenshot as well (something which I use a lot of), so explore your keyboard and find out what exactly it can do.

The Galaxy Tab S7 FE also has its own Book Keyboard Cover case which I’m sure has a number of these special keys as well, but you may have to fork out an extra RM400 to RM500 for it. For those who bought the Galaxy Tab S7 FE during its promotion time, there was also a free Samsung Trio Bluetooth keyboard which should have similar functions as well (now, it’s just available for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage version).

Samsung DeX offers a more Windows-like work environment

If you’re used to a more Windows-like work device, then you should definitely try out the Samsung DeX (Desktop Experience) mode. You can find it in the quick options menu when you swipe down from the battery icon in the top right corner. This isn’t to say that you cannot do work in the normal Samsung OneUI Mobile mode though, but it does make it more familiar for those more used to Microsoft Windows.

This means that you get the Start button in the bottom left corner and you can more easily drag and drop and resize app windows as you see fit. It also means that you should probably pair up your Galaxy Tab S7 FE with a good Bluetooth mouse as well, but I’ve used Samsung DeX to do work for years now, so it shouldn’t be that difficult for you either.

You can find the Samsung Email app in the Samsung Galaxy Store, I use it a lot

The most commonly used apps for productivity, particularly office work focus on word processors, spreadsheets and presentations. For myself, I use Google Docs (Word Processor), Google Sheets (Spreadsheets) and Google Slides (Presentations). They automatically save my work online and they are mostly free to use.

If you’re more used to Microsoft apps, then you should use Microsoft Office 365 to get access to Word, Excel and PowerPoint. You will have to pay for the subscription though. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE automatically comes with the Microsoft Office one-stop app though, but this is more of a web interface than an actual app (and you will still need that subscription eventually).

For my other work I use Photo Editor and Google Docs

I also edit images and do some light video editing work. I’ve found that the built-in Samsung Gallery already has a basic but solid image editor (which is perfect for collages) and video editor. But for more difficult work, I use Photo Editor (the free ads don’t nag you too much) and Cyberlink PowerDirector (it can handle most video editing all the way up to 4K).

For emails, I use the Samsung Email app, which surprisingly is not pre-installed in the Galaxy Tab S7 FE. You can find it in the Galaxy Store and it works well for my purposes, but there’s also Microsoft Outlook as well if you’re used to that. It may take some trial and error to find the best app that works for you but generally if you like using it on your Samsung phone, it should work on Samsung DeX as well.

Samsung Labs lets you activate Multi window for all apps

Located in Advanced Features in the Settings menu, Samsung Labs lets you activate features like Multi window for all apps, which basically gives you the option to try all apps (even the ones not designed for DeX) in split screen or window or pop-up mode. By default, it isn’t activated, but turning this one on for example will let you play NetFlix (Yes, I know this isn’t a productivity app) in DeX mode.

This offers a bit more flexibility for your productivity apps on the Galaxy Tab S7 FE so if you tried it before but didn’t activate Samsung Labs, then you should give it another go. Who knows, it may work even better now.

Set your Internet browser to Desktop Mode

To me, this is a bit of a no-brainer since you can only use WhatsApp Web in Desktop mode, but on your preferred Internet browser (I use Google Chrome and Opera), activate Desktop mode or set your preferred user client to Desktop. This will not only let you run WhatsApp inside the browser, it will also give you access to most of the PC versions of the web apps that most of us use.

For myself, this is particularly useful to access social media like Facebook and online meetings, as you’ll basically get the most full featured program. You can still install and use apps like Facebook and so forth on the Galaxy Tab S7 FE though, as every person has their own preferences and ways of doing work.

You should turn on your Device Protection on your Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE for better online safety

Since this is about productivity, I also have a number of bonus tips if you’re using a device like the Galaxy Tab S7 FE. One of the major tips is to Turn on Device Protection, which basically activates the built-in McAfee antivirus. By default it is turned off, but it should help protect your work from viruses and the like.

You should also take a closer look at the power saving mode which again, is not activated by default. You can find this in the Settings > Battery and device care > Battery menu outside of DeX mode.

Even without Power saving mode activated, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE can last up to 2 days

You can probably make it last even longer with Power saving mode

Even if not activated, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE can still provide about 2 days worth of work on a single charge, but you could probably squeeze out another day of productivity if you fine-tune the power saving mode. You could also activate Dark mode (yes, this isn’t activated by default too), which has been proven to both save energy and is less straining on the eyes.

You should also probably get a good casing and screen protector for the Galaxy Tab S7 FE, just in case of slippery hands and especially if you like to change work locations throughout the day. In any case, the Galaxy Tab S7 FE is more than capable of replacing your laptop if all you’re doing is what I do on a daily basis but if you need more details, do feel free to check out our review.

Hopefully these tips will help you do work not only on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE but also other Android devices or tablets. Do you have any other productivity tips you’d like to share with us or that we missed in this article? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com


How to turn your tablet into a WFH laptop

When MCO was introduced, the demand for laptops increased drastically as many people were forced to work from home. But, not everyone can afford such products as they’re usually priced at around RM1900 or more depending on your budget.

If you have a spare tablet laying around, it’s possible to build yourself a WFH machine for a  much lower price. This article will highlight 3 budget categories that include all the tools you will need to convert your tablet into a WFH workhorse. With all that being said, let’s have a closer look, shall we?

The first item you will need to turn your tablet into a WFH machine is a Bluetooth keyboard that fits your needs. The size of the keyboard is up to your preference, as users who constantly need to input numbers will need a keyboard with a number pad, while those who don’t can opt for a compact 60% or tenkeyless keyboard instead.

Other than that, you’ll also need a Bluetooth mouse for easier drag and drop or selection of text (your finger / stylus won't cut it, sorry Apple). It’s possible to connect a wired mouse or keyboard to the tablet, but the problem with that is that you can only connect one of these devices at a time via a USB OTG dongle.

By using Bluetooth technology, you can connect both the mouse and keyboard to the tablet simultaneously. The only drawback is that you have to remind yourself to charge both these peripherals when their batteries are running low.

I like the variant with the mouse instead of the touchpad

If you’re tight on budget, you can get the Sunqlooee Mini Wireless Bluetooth keyboard and mouse set from Shopee at only RM37.88 for the 7-inch variant and RM39.88 for the 9.7-inch variant. If you don’t need the wireless Bluetooth mouse, you can opt for only the keyboard for a much lower price of only RM23.98 and RM26.39, respectively.

Alternatively, there's a much more expensive variant that comes with a touchpad instead of a mouse for RM60.93. Personally, I would get the keyboard and mouse combo instead of the touchpad as it feels much more natural to use, and it’s almost half the price of the touchpad variant.

The Logitech K380 keyboard can connect up to 3 devices at the same time!

A single AA battery can last up to 10 months

If you have a slightly higher budget, you can consider getting the Logitech K380 Bluetooth wireless keyboard and the Logitech M337 Bluetooth wireless mouse at the price of RM149 and RM78, respectively. The keyboard comes with way more features, such as dedicated media keys to control your device’s volume.

Additionally, the mouse is also a lot more ergonomic than Sunqlooee’s offering, which is very important as it reduces the chance of developing repetitive injuries. However, you might want to consider stocking up on AA and AAA batteries because the mouse and keyboard do not have a rechargeable internal battery. You can get a dedicated number pad if your work requires you to input a lot of numbers.

[Editor's Note] For myself, I'd recommend getting a keyboard with a hinge slot as it not only literally transforms your tablet into a laptop, you can adjust its angle as well. Most keyboard cases that fold out don't have this option, but many of the bluetooth hinge slot keyboards I've seen are made for Apple iPads with prices ranging from RM77 and above (here's the Shopee link for the keyboard above).

Most of the cheaper ones are only available from Mainland China or overseas, although there are those being sold locally as well. If you're looking to go this way, try and find 'Universal' hinge keyboards with Shopee Preferred or Preferred+ statuses. Or check the reviews and make sure that other buyers actually got their keyboards (you can also check out our How to buy things online guide for some extra pointers). If you can, try to find those where the slots have screws as you can then unscrew these to adjust the thickness of the slot, allowing you to fit in thicker or thinner tablets.

The hinge allows you to more easily adjust your tablet's angle or just close it up to become your own mini laptop

If you loosen these screws you can slot in a thicker tablet

Royal Kludge RK61 Mechnical Keyboard with Bluetooth connectivity

Double shot PBT keycaps gives you a more satisfying typing experience

MX Anywhere 2S can be used on virtually any surface

If you want the best work from home setup while on a budget, you can get the Royal Kludge RK61 mechanical keyboard with Bluetooth connectivity, which gives a very satisfying typing experience. Not only that, you can change the existing ABS keycaps to a set of double shot PBT keycaps to accentuate the RGB lighting effect and improve the typing experience.

If you’re adventurous enough, you can further mod the keyboard by stuffing foam inside the chassis and lubing the switches under each key for a smoother actuation. As for the mouse, the Logitech MX Anywhere 2S would be a great choice as it can be used on virtually any surface and easily switch between up to 3 devices.

It depends. If you’re satisfied with the video and sound quality that your tablet can capture during work meetings, you don’t need to spend money getting a webcam and a headset. But if you absolutely must, the Logitech C270 with a built-in microphone is an excellent choice for the price of RM130.

With all that said, what are your thoughts about all the products mentioned above? Is there anything else you would rather get apart from the products listed above? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


How to use the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 for night street photography

From our previous post about the Samsung Galaxy Note9's camera capabilities, I guess everyone is not really surprised by the photo quality taken by the phablet. We are back again this time with another photo showcase in night photography. Our new boy, Joseph has taken the liberty of exploring the streets of Kuala Lumpur and if you like street photography, here are some of our tips on how to use the Galaxy Note 9 for night photography on the streets!

To start off, a good photo is always subjective to everyone but the fact remains that factors such as composition, framing, angle or depth of field and others play an important role in creating an amazing photo. But thanks to smartphone camera functions nowadays, it's not difficult to take a good-looking photo, but then again, it's also difficult to take a photo that expresses your feelings.

So if you're a photographer wanting to get serious, perhaps it's time to move on to Pro Mode (or Manual Mode, Master Mode) that's on nearly every single smartphone right now. In Pro Mode, the camera user interface offers you ISO, aperture and shutter speed options. Adjusting these camera settings to your own preference can definitely cater to your feelings and get as close as to your imagination as your skills can allow. Also, Auto Mode isn't going to cut it for night photography because it will usually turn out grainy. So if you want to shoot that star track or light trails shot, use Manual Mode!

Speaking of taking star track photos, this applies to light trailing photo shots too and will definitely require a long shutter speed setting for it to take effect. The first and foremost basic thing to do this is to have a tripod with you so that your image won't go haywire (you know what I'm talking about lah). However, sometimes the effect may be too bright but here's a #lifehack tip for you, you can actually use a sunglasses to "cheat" the camera sensor thinking it's night time! However, try to stay away from using polarized or gradient lenses.

Some other tips that we have is to hold your breath when taking your shot as this reduces the vibration somewhat while those with a big belly should learn to use it as a stomach ledge (it really works, seriously!) to help stabilize your shots. In case you didn't know, the Galaxy Note 9 already has an Optical Image Stabilizer on board but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't bring a tripod along, it will definitely help a lot in reducing the chance of blurriness so don't be lazy!

Ah, yes. The aperture. For basics - the smaller the number is (like f/1.5) means the bigger the aperture is, which means it can take in more light than say f/2.4. The amount of light can influence how your final image turns out and it plays a critical role here, often going hand-in-hand with the shutter speed setting. So when shooting night scenery, you might want to use a bigger aperture and a faster (not longer) shutter speed to prevent motion blur. ISO can also play a part and to catch those light trail shots, you need to set it as low as you can because the higher it goes, the more grainy it gets.

The Dual Aperture on the Galaxy Note 9 will also help a lot since it can be switched manually from f/1.5 to f/2.4. In Joseph's case, f/2.4 is the way to go because there are plenty of artificial lights around the heart of KL, also thanks to the Bluetooth S Pen, taking photos has never become this easy with a smartphone.

Once you understand the nature of the camera settings, the next thing is refining the colours. What? You thought it's all over after snapping a photo? We aren't just talking about filtering but it's more than that (like photoshopping). In comparison, it's like putting on some seasoning on a dish for that extra flavour. This is usually why professional photographers always save their image files in RAW format (thankfully, some phones like the Galaxy Note 9 allow that too), then they adjust the colour tone according to their imagination. There is no right or wrong in choosing colours as long as it represents what you want to express, so bring out your artistic side!

We have actually reached the end of the lesson (lol) but as a photographer, you really need to have a lot of practice and plenty of trial and error. As the saying goes, Rome wasn't built in a day so you gotta keep practising until you find your own style, whether if it's black and white photography, conceptual ones, portrait shots and many more. With the technologies that are so accessible these days, such as the Galaxy Note 9, it's definitely a stepping stone for everyone to become a professional photographer one day. Criticism is inevitable as well, but no one becomes successful from not failing.

Anyway, I think I've said enough. Below are some of the night photo samples taken from Joseph! Enjoy!

10 seconds shutter, F/2.4 aperture, ISO 50, with tripod

Same setting, but with different colour flavour

Different colour experiment, doesn't this have a Blade Runner feel?

With photoshopping in your hands, the possibilities are endless

Here's another one with a more warmer feel

Moving to a different location, but with the same setting

1/4 seconds shutter, F/2.4 aperture, ISO 50, handheld

Auto Mode, taking advantage of the light

Stay tuned for more tech articles at TechNave.com and #TGIF!


How to use the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G series' lesser features in your daily activities

When it comes to promoting flagship, brands like to highlight basic features like the chipset, memory configuration, battery size, and more. Obviously, those are unique selling points. But they tend to sideline other lesser-known features, which we are about to tell you.

If you have a Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G or Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, this is the article for you. There are other lesser features useful for your daily activities, from security features to Intelligent Battery Charging. Here's what you need to know more about your smartphone.

By now, you should know that the Galaxy S21 5G series has a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. You can also go into the Setting's Motion Smoothness to change it to 60Hz to preserve battery life. But did you also know that it has an adaptive refresh rate?

Previously, you could only choose between 120Hz at 1080p or 60Hz at 1440p. Now, there's also an adaptive refresh rate

If that sounds like an automatic feature to you, that's because it is. You can dub it as if it's an 'intelligent display', as it learns to lower the refresh rate in different scenarios. It can drop to as low as 10Hz if needed, and the same goes for peak brightness and contrast ratios.

On that topic, the Galaxy S21 5G series probably has the best display in the market. Usually, they are known for using a Super AMOLED display, but the latest flagship is sporting a Dynamic AMOLED 2x display.

The Eye Comfort Shield also got an adaptive mode, but you can also customise it yourself if you want

It can provide up to 1500 nits of brightness and 100% colour volume, which sounds wonderful on paper. But we still have to avoid starring at the display for too long (I'm guilty of this too before going to sleep). As such, we recommend enabling Eye Comfort Shield at night, as it reduces the invisible harmful effects of blue light. SGS, a leading global certification company, has already awarded the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G with an Eye Care Certification for this.

Another feature that the Galaxy S21 5G series has is its intelligent battery charging. Yes, the term intelligent battery is not something new but hear us out a bit. This feature can allegedly help the battery (up to 5000mAh) last even longer than it should, thanks to the optimisation leading to improved energy efficiency.

You can find these in the 'more battery settings' section

While battery usage varies for everyone, our experience with the Galaxy S21 5G series' battery performance has been improved from the predecessor. It would usually last more than a day, and that's including some minutes of mobile gaming playtime! Furthermore, the Exynos 2100 chipset is a 5nm chipset, which is more efficient and reduces battery consumption.

In terms of charging, the phones feature a Super Fast Charging of up to 25W that allow you to reach 50% in just 30 minutes. You can also charge wirelessly and use the Wireless PowerShare to recharge your Galaxy Buds and other Qi-wireless enabled devices.

For your information, the Galaxy S21 5G series has a variety of storage options. Both the Galaxy S21 5G and Galaxy S21+ 5G have the option of 128GB or 256GB internal storage. But the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell you that it lets you store thousands and thousands of high-quality photos and videos, but what if you want more?

A protip - whenever I want to transfer a photo from the phone to a laptop, I'll just use OneDrive because it's fast and easy!

There are other cloud storage platforms, such as Samsung Cloud Drive and Google Drive

If you didn't know, Samsung and Microsoft have been working together for as far as we can remember. Due to this partnership, the OneDrive app pre-installed on the phone can be synced to your Microsoft account. Additionally, you can go premium and get a total of 1TB of space for your files and data. Let's not forget that you can still use the Samsung Cloud Drive and Google Drive, so there is plenty of storage for you.

But what if my files and data get stolen online? Actually, that rarely happens unless you happen to tell another person about your password or visited a phishing site. Anyhow, no worries - the Galaxy S21 5G series has Knox Security as part of the OneUI 3.1 OS.

You can easily find the Secure Folder in the Biometrics and Security settings

You can also add apps into the Secure Folder

Like most security platforms, Knox Security offers protection for your phone data and app permissions. For starters, its Secure Folder feature lets you store all your sensitive information. Once stored inside, users have to use a different biometric authentication, pattern, pin or password to unlock it. Moreover, you can also use the heavily encrypted Samsung Pass to remember all your usernames and passwords.

So that's it, folks. What do you think of these features on the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G series? We bet you didn't know about the adaptive refresh rate and the secure folder accessibility! If you had a favourite feature that you like, let us know in the comments below.

By the way, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G series has an ongoing promotion until 31 May 2021. If you purchase one during this period, you get a free Samsung Care+ plan for a year. For your information, Samsung Care+ offers Samsung Galaxy users warranties for accidental and liquid breakage repairs. With this plan, you can send multiple service requests throughout the protection period. Moreover, you get pickup and delivery services right to your doorstep.

Moreover, Samsung Malaysia will have a special Epic Weekend Sales for the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G series. Starting from the 26th until the 30th of May 2021, you get RM400 off + free 2 years of Samsung Care+ (worth RM630)! Also, if you're getting the ultra variant, you will bring home a free Galaxy SmartTag, Galaxy Buds and Wireless Charger Duo. As for the other two models, you get the same thing except for the Wireless Charger Duo.

For more information about Samsung Care+ and Epic Weekend Sales, you should visit the website here and here respectively. Alternately, you can find out more about the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, or the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ from the official product pages. Stay tuned for more tech articles like this at TechNave.com.


ASUS MeMo Pad 8 review - All-rounder 8-inch tablet for those who want something bigger

Most tablets today have 7-inch sized screens. However, for some people, adding on just another inch is more than enough to make a tablet device much better, which is why ASUS have come out with the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 (ME180A), which is a Wi-Fi capable tablet with a larger 8-inch screen we found to be very capable indeed. Does it fulfill your needs for something just a little bit bigger? Check out our review of the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 below for all the details.

Unlike the previously reviewed ASUS Fonepad 7 (ME372CG), the design for the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 is very simple, almost generic. The backside is plain matte with no patterns.  It has a rubberized-like feel to it while there is a small camera hump for the rear camera. Slightly rounded corners and fairly slim bezels give the front a sleek look. Weighing in at 350g the tablet is heavier than an Apple iPad mini but it compensates by having a larger resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels compared to the 1024 x 768 pixels on the iPad mini.

The design is simple with rounded corners

The ASUS MeMo Pad 8 fits quite easily in the palm of your hand

The backside is curved at the edges for a more comfortable grip

This larger screen size has it's pros and cons but the biggest advantage I can think of is that the 8-inch screen is finally wide enough for me to touch type comfortably. I've tried this with the 7.9-inch screen of the iPad mini but the width of the screen for the iPad mini is the same as most other 7-inch tablets, which results in my hands tightly cramped together trying to touch type, which is especially hard for people with big hands like myself. The most notable cons is that due to the larger screen, the pixel density is slightly lowered down to 189 ppi. This is still sharp enough to see text and images clearly, and is better than the iPad mini which has a pixel density of 162 ppi.

Controls are minimal with just a power button and volume rocker

Connect everything through a single microUSB port

The backside is matte and feels rubberized with a slightly raised camera hump

Running on a 1.6GHz quad-core ARM processor with 1GB of RAM, the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 offers the aforementioned 8-inch display with 800 x 1280 pixel resolution, and 16GB of storage along with support for up to 64GB microSD flash memory. The display is IPS for better viewing angles and supports up to 10 capacitive touch points, so if you do want to do any touch typing, the display can easily support it. The tablet packs in a 5MP rear camera with no LED flash and 1.2MP front camera along with a 3950 mAh battery. The MeMo Pad 8 is strictly WiFi only but covers WiFi 802.11 b/g/n along with Bluetooth 3.0. One feature not mentioned is the fact that it also has a GPS built-in, letting it stand out from all the other WiFi only tablets around. Weighing in at 350g the tablet isn't much heavier than smaller 7-inch tablets but it is a bit thick at 10mm. The tablet comes with a number of ASUS features for PowerSaving and SuperNotes but it doesn't come with the latest ZenUI interface and suite of apps. The tablet has two speakers along the backside.

While it isn't listed at most sites, there is a GPS for the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 along with a good selection of camera options for the 5MP rear camera

ASUS have done a very good job of tweaking and optimizing the components because the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 manages to get a score of 19801 on AnTuTu. This was achieved even with the PowerSaving function turned on, which tends to decrease performance somewhat. The reason why we say this is due to good optimization is that we've actually tested tablets with the exact same quad-core processor and powervr graphics but with 2GB of RAM that only managed 14000+ scores on AnTuTu. Other benchmarks show that the MeMo Pad 8 is quite capable in other aspects with 3DMark getting 4136 in Ice Storm and 4218 in Ice Storm Ultimate.

The ASUS MeMo Pad 8 scores fairly high on AnTuTu with 19801 even with PowerSaving turned on

The ASUS MeMo Pad 8 offers good 3D performance

In real world testing the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 is equally capable, playing relatively lag free first-person shooters like Frontline Commando 2 smoothly. It even handes 3D runner Minion Rush well along with FIFA 14 (that has some lag when there are too many players on the field at one time). However, it still cannot handle hardware intensive games like Asphalt 8, as the lag makes it nearly unplayable. For movie watching the tablet handles 1080p media smoothly but because of the lower resolution screen, some details are a bit blurry. Audio is nice and loud, and there isn't much static on the upper registers. However, the audio does lack in terms of clarity as everything tends to blend together making it difficult to pick out individual sounds.

Play first person shooters like Frontline Commando 2 smoothly

You can even go penalty kicking with the ASUS MeMo Pad 8

Camera performance is just about average though, perhaps because this MeMo Pad 8 tablet came out before the recent PixelMaster camera technology being introduced in other ASUS products. You can record HD video and snap shots but images tend to turn out rather grainy, especially in low light conditions. For normal daytime and locations with good lighting, the rear camera does well enough though. The front camera is good enough for Skype or other video chats but again it isn't the best low end camera we've seen from ASUS. Connectivity is very good, working quite well behind walls and doors. The unmentioned GPS also works, so it isn't actually a disabled feature, and when used with the appropriate app such as Google Maps or Waze, provides fairly accurate navigation.

Camera performance is good but does have a slightly grainy look to it

As a work tablet, the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 serves up very good performance. I used it to edit pictures, write articles and upload them along with some video editing as well. In all cases, the tablet handles it smoothly. However, once in a while, the tablet may have some stability issues when multi tasking or switching between too many apps at once. The screen is responsive and the extra width makes touch typing on the display a bit more comfortable than smaller 7-inch tablets. For the more common tasks like surfing the Internet or answering emails, the MeMo Pad 8 is just as good as any other laptop computer, provided that you have the right apps to do it with. The Multi-user function is quite useful, and provides an easy way to switch between different users while keeping all the files and media separate. Battery life is good, lasting on a single charge for up to 3 to 4 hours of continuous heavy usage like playing games or doing work. If you're not doing anything that intensive like browsing the Internet or answering emails you can expect the tablet to last longer.

Officially, the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 retails for RM599 but many sellers are offering it for less than that with the sell price going from RM530 to 560. This is still a very competitive price considering that the closest rivals for it would be 7-inch tablets from Lenovo and Acer which often don't pack as much power or screen size. Granted, there are more affordable options from China-brand tablets, but these tend to have poor connectivity options and not very good build quality. Most of these don't come with a GPS and the closest tablet we found to rival the MeMo Pad 8 in terms of features and price to performance ratio is ASUS' own Fonepad 7.

Overall, the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 is a good all-round tablet with simple design and a slightly bigger 8-inch display. We found it very capable of doing nearly everything we threw at it including light to intermediate gaming, 1080p media and doing actual work with it. The extra 1-inch it adds to the display lets it be one of those few tablets that you can comfortably touch type on, instead of having to rely on a bluetooth keyboard, making it a good single mobile device to bring around and do everything. However, while it was just released in late 2013, better tablets in the same price range are coming soon, so if you're looking for a tablet that is future-proofed (can run 64-bit, has a better camera, etc.) then you should probably look elsewhere. If all you're looking for is a slightly bigger WiFi tablet than can do most things well, then you should definitely consider the ASUS MeMo Pad 8 (ME180A).


How to use the Super Slow-Mo on the Samsung Galaxy Note9

If you visit the cinema often, you might have already memorised Samsung Malaysia's commercial on their Super Slow-Mo. It's available on the Galaxy Note 9, the Galaxy S9 and the S9+. While the Super Slow-Mo feature is not a new thing, it's still a super feature to have on a smartphone for you to make "cool" moments like splashing water, lighting up a fire and so on. But it's not as simple as it seems, so we have a guide here on How to use the Super Slow-Mo on the Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

There is actually a good chance that Samsung Galaxy users aren't even using the feature at all, including myself (well, occasionally). Why is that? Because it's quite difficult to execute the right timing in capturing the moment. Finding the Super Slow-Mo option in the camera UI is easy, but using it effectively is another story.

On your camera UI, you should see that there's a white box in the middle with an instruction

Bet you didn't know you can extend and move the white box around too

From the instruction, it does seem simple. After all, all you have to do is shoot something that moves within the box and then the device will start recording. Well, that will work if the subject is already within the box and it moves. If you want to throw something across like say, a pillow, it probably won't record at all. On the contrary, moving vechicles on the highway seem to work but only if it's not too fast. Moreover, if you don't have a tripod or something, it also won't record. You need to be still as a statue for steady recording so pack along that tripod or make good use of that stomach ledge.

There is a way to go around this if you want to record something moving across your screen panel. All you have to do is tap on "Auto" and it will turn into "Manual". By changing it to Manual mode, you can now record moving subjects without the white box, as well as not relying on a tripod. However, there is a catch to this - the device will record everything in just 5 seconds with 0.4 (or 0.2, optional) seconds of Super Slow-Mo. This may seem really short but keep in mind that it has 960 frames per second in it. Also on top of that, you and your friends need to coordinate well on the record timing.

Place the moving subject within the white box for the best results

As for the Auto mode, we suggest it's best to get a tripod or a smartphone gimbal for a smooth recording session. By the way, you can also enlarge the white box bigger which we mentioned earlier so that it's easier for you to capture whatever is moving within the box (remember, not from across). To add on to that, recording outdoors is also a lot better because if you do it indoors, the video quality would likely be noisy and you will also capture the light bulbs flickering.

The Loop, Reverse and Swing option for Super Slow-Mo

So there you have it, this is how you can use the Super Slow-Mo on your Samsung Galaxy S9 series or the new Galaxy Note 9. Both Auto and Manual Mode ultimately give the same results, but each offers a different method for you to record your Super Slow-Mo moment. It will take some time to be a Super Slow-Mo master so practice your timing! By the way, Samsung Malaysia's device prices will still remain even with the Sales and Service Tax, so the Galaxy Note 9 is still RM3699 (128GB) and RM4599 (512GB) respectively! Stay tuned for more tech stuff at TechNave.com.


How to utilise the AI-powered features of the vivo V9

Starting from 2017, the term Artificial Intelligence (AI) started to make its way to smartphones and it's making a regular appearance on many smartphones this year. No longer exclusive to just flagships, but mid-range devices like the vivo V9 now also sport AI powered features. In this how-to article, we will take a look at what these AI-powered features are and how to fully utilize them.

First and foremost, starting with the most familiar one is none other than AI Face Beauty. AI Face Beauty has been around for quite some time now and according to vivo, the V9's selfie database (yes, it's a thing now) is said to store up to 1 million selfie samples in order to analyse, analyse, contour and enhance your facial features. By all means, of course, this won't change how you look exactly, but rather refine your selfie to its most natural state.

Before and after using the AI Face Beauty, our colleague literally became a goddess

AI Face Beauty is automated once you switch to selfie mode

So looking at the picture above, you can clearly see that the AI Face Beauty has truly enhanced our colleague's face to the best possible result. With a level up to 6, the subject's eyes, nose, cheekbones and jawline are digitally changed, but not too much that it looks fake. In other words, the V9 does have the potential to turn anyone into a supermodel. And as an added bonus, AR Sticker is also available for selfie lovers just for fun.

Next, AI HDR is really one of a kind and to our knowledge, no other smartphones have this kind of feature. What AI HDR does is eliminate strong backlight while enhancing clearer details at the same time! So with that, no longer do you have to be afraid of any strong backlight and take a selfie and wefie anywhere!

Without AI HDR the strong backlight shadows the subject's face

With AI HDR turned on, now the subject's selfie is clearer to see, while the background light is still bright though but at least the selfie is better now

Like AI Face Beauty, AI HDR is one of the four options on top when you switch to selfie mode. You can have it in auto mode, always-on or off. This also applies for group selfie which is just beside Face Beauty (it's selfie). Say no more to annoying strong backlighting!

Lastly, vivo surprised us with an AI Game Mode and if you're familiar with it, it's a function that prevents you from being disturbed by incoming calls and messages while gaming, as well as boosting the in-game experience while gaming. Other modes include a Picture-in-Picture feature that allows you to send a quick message while gaming at the same time. Opening Picture-in-Picture mode is easy, as you just need to slide down the display with three fingers, but make sure that you have already chosen the supporting apps to appear in the floating window.

The V9 can also game quite well, here's a PUBG game match that we just tested

So what do you think? Pretty easy, huh. By the way, if you're thinking of getting one soon, maybe you should wait a little more longer because vivo Malaysia has confirmed on their Facebook page that a new Sapphire Blue and Velvet Red model are coming soon (TBA). We will definitely be keeping an eye on this so do stay tuned when it becomes official.

To recap the tech-specs, this device sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB internal storage, a 16MP + 5MP dual rear camera, a mega 24MP front camera, 6.3-inch display in Full HD+ resolution, 3260mAh battery, Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box and more for just RM1399.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more tech articles from TechNave.com.


How to utilise the Super AMOLED displays of the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G and Galaxy Z Flip

Previously, we have talked about ways you can flex with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G and the Galaxy Z Flip. But is there anything else you can do with them? Well, it doesn't look like it, but that's not the point. As both phones are not exactly mainstream yet, many still wonder how it feels to experience these two foldable phones.

In this article, we will demonstrate how you could use the outer and inner displays. It'll be like a showcase of the two foldable phone's dual-display in action. So without beating around the bush too much, here's how to utilise the Super AMOLED displays of the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G and Galaxy Z Flip.

By now, you should know that the Galaxy Z Fold2 has two different displays. As a reminder, the phone has a 6.2-inch AMOLED display (folded). It's a massive improvement when compared to its predecessor, which has a 4.6-inch primary screen. When unfolded, the new model's Dynamic AMOLED 2x becomes a 7.6-inch display, which is also slightly larger than its predecessor's 7.3-inch.

You don't have to unfold the Galaxy Z Fold2 to do your daily tasks

You can also add widgets for certain apps like Gmail (right), just like a regular phone

Perhaps one of the first things to do with the Galaxy Z Fold2 is to unfold it and check out all the things you can do. But just so you know, you don't always have to do that because you can do a lot just with the secondary display. Just treat it like any regular smartphone!

As for the inner display, you can treat it like a tablet. Everything looks bigger on this screen, making it a pleasure to watch YouTube or play mobile games. By the way, you can also use the split-screen function on the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and set three different apps. To do that, you will have to visit the Smart Pop-Up View in the Settings first. You can check out the steps below.

Step 1 - Search for Smart Pop-Up View in Settings

Step 2 - After selecting the apps you want, you can drag the icons from the bar on the right side of your home screen

Step 3 - Drop the app to where you want it displayed

Watching YouTube and surfing Facebook on the couch like a boss

As for the Galaxy Z Flip, this one is pretty straight forward. Previously, we wrote about the 5 creative ways to FLEX your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip while staying at home. But is that it? Well, not quite. Some people may have missed out on the phone's tiny external display beside the dual rear camera. When folded, you can actually see a second display on the outside that shows you who's calling. You can also see incoming notifications and a preview of the camera!

Yup, you can even touch the external display

And that's it! Bet you didn't even know that you could do touch commands on the Galaxy Z Flip's mini display, huh? Anyway, if you haven't heard - both the Galaxy Z Fold2 and Galaxy Z Flip's price tags have been reduced to RM6999 (originally RM7999) and RM3999 (originally RM5888), respectively! In our opinion, the latter is one sweet deal.

Or if you prefer another alternative, both of these foldable flagships are eligible for a trade-in programme up to RM4590 OFF. It's now ongoing and will end on the 31st of May 2021 so to learn more about the trade-in, you can visit the official webpage here. Also, the Galaxy Z Flip is only available in Mirror Black and LTE in Malaysia.

To find out more about them, you can visit the official product pages on the Samsung Malaysia below. Stay tuned for more tech articles at TechNave.com.


How to watch and keep track of FIFA World Cup 2022 online in Malaysia

Kicking off yesterday and going on to 18 December 2022, the FIFA World Cup 2022 has started with 32 football teams from around the world in Qatar. If you're looking to watch and keep track of this year's FIFA World Cup 2022, then keep reading as we have a number of suggestions (mostly free) for you footie fans here in Malaysia.

While you might think that you'd have to download some sketchy app (please don't) to watch them online, you can actually watch them for free, both online and on national TV. You can also pay for it via Astro for perhaps higher quality, but do read on and find out how to watch and keep track of the FIFA World Cup 2022 online in Malaysia.

You can watch and stream FIFA World Cup 2022 matches for free on RTM

While RTM will only broadcast 41 of the 64 matches, you can catch them on TV2, Okey and Sukan RTM TV channels for absolutely no cost. To stream these matches online you can go to RTMKlik but do be mindful that there may be some lag and server instability (a lot of people are watching at the same time and government servers aren't very well known for their reliability).

You can also download the RTMKlik app on either Google Play or the Apple App Store but what we said about the site's reliability applies to the apps as well. There's also the RTM Mobile app on the Huawei AppGallery as well if you're using a Huawei phone.

If you're looking to pay for better streaming options, then Astro via Sooka (sooka.my/en/sports) is one of the better (and legal) options to try. While you can catch individual matches for RM9.90 per game, the full FIFA World Cup 2022 pass costs RM49.90. But you do get to see all 64 matches.

You can also download the Sooka app on Google Play or the Apple App Store. While this may be more reliable and offer better resolution, do be aware that this relies heavily on the quality of your Internet connection, so we'd recommend a faster home Internet if you want to stream.

Surprisingly enough, the Google Search app provides more than enough timely information about FIFA World Cup 2022, including match schedules and so forth. Just type in "World Cup 2022" and the info will come up right below the search bar.

If you're looking to go official, then you can't go wrong with FIFA's own website (www.fifa.com), which offers all of the official match schedules and times. There's also Team Analysis, Players to Watch and also a number of docuseries videos that follow certain players along with other official FIFA World Cup videos.

There's also the FIFA+ app that has all of the above, along with a Fantasy football mini-game. You can download FIFA+ on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

So, did we miss anything? If we did or you have some suggestions, let us know on our Facebook page. As always, stay safe and stay tuned to TechNave.com for the latest in tech.


How to watch the Huawei P30 series launch livestream online

The Huawei P30 series launch will be happening tomorrow on the 26 March 2019 at 9PM(GMT+8), which will be taking place in Paris, France. That being said, many of you will surely question as to where can you catch the live stream of the launch itself.Thankfully, Huawei has passed us links to their official livestreams which will be happening on Facebook, Youtube as well as Twitter simultaneously. As far as what we know, the P30 Pro which is the flagship of the P30 series is expected to come with various photography improvements which feature up to 50X zoom and up to 409600 ISO and more.

On a separate report, the specs of the P30 Pro has been leaked on Amazon Italy showing that it is equipped with the HiSilicon Kirin 980, 8GB of RAM, up to 512GB of internal storage, 6.47-inch dual edge display with inbuilt fingerprint sensor, 40MP + 20MP + 8MP rear sensors, 32MP front-facing selfie camera and 4200mAh battery. For more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


How tough is the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV screen?

Unlike the Samsung Galaxy SIII, the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV uses a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen. According to the screen's tech specs it provides even better scratch resistance with a 40% reduction in visible scratches and a 50% enhancement in retained strength after the glass becomes flawed. Rather than just trust all these specs, someone decided to try it out for real using:

Check out the video below to see how it did against what would have normally caused most screens to be scratched if not shattered completely:

Knives, coins, keys and a metal tip against the Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV screen


How was it like to be a competitive esports gamer

Before I started my career as a tech journalist at TechNave, I used to invest a lot of my time competing in various competitive esports tournaments for titles such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, and Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds. With all that said, I want to share with you my experience during my time competing in esports tournaments around Malaysia.

First of all, what is esports? Electronic sports, also known as esports, is a form of competition similar to that of physical sports, except players would compete through tools such as smartphones and computers. These competitions will not only have several hundred to several thousands of ringgit in cash prizes to be won, but they also act as proving grounds to see who might be crowned the best players in Malaysia.

Getting ready for the Razer 3v3 Overwatch Tournament

During my time competing in esports, I had to put in a lot of time and dedication to make sure I was up to date with all the most effective tactics available (also known as meta) to get the upper hand against my opponents. This involved spending a lot of time researching other teams to find out their strengths and weakness in order to form an effective strategy against them.

Not only that, but I also had to follow a strict training routine so that I was always warmed up and ready to compete in the next tournament. Practising alone can be very boring at times, which is why I practiced with my team most of the time so that not only could I learn a thing or two from my teammates, but it also built chemistry which is very important in team-oriented games.

I'm glad to have met many different people from different backgrounds

Due to the fact that most esports titles are team-oriented, I met many interesting people from different backgrounds and upbringings during my time competing. So if you're an introvert, you're going to have to change. It wasn't uncommon to meet other players via the internet from other countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, or even the United States of America.

Not only did I have to sacrifice a lot of time training and studying the game I was competing in, but there were also other expenses to take account of when competing in esports tournaments such as transportation, food, accommodation as well as allowance. But that’s not all, the initial investment can be quite expensive especially when it comes to PC components such as a decent CPU and GPU in order to run games as smoothly as possible.

The equipment I use to practice for upcoming tournaments

Furthermore, there are also accessories such as a mouse, mousepad and keyboard which could cost up to or even more than RM600 for a decent setup. While it may not be entirely necessary for me to spend so much on accessories, it gave me peace of mind knowing that the stuff I bought will be more reliable and durable.

Additionally, the cash prize from winning even first place in a local tournament was usually just enough for me to split with a little extra to get myself something nice. While there are some tournaments with a rather sizable prize pool, they’re usually filled with strong players from other countries which further reduces your odds of winning.

When it comes to anything that’s competitive, be it in esports or physical sports, the harsh lesson I’ve learnt is that there will always be someone who is better than you. But instead of taking it as a threat, I usually take them as an inspiration to drive me to become a better player.

Team BAE who won first place during the Acer Predator league

In addition to that, I had to be able to adapt to different situations due to the fact that esports is a constantly evolving landscape with new players entering the scene esports each day. Also, esports titles such as Defense of the Ancients, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive frequently go through major changes every season which forces players to adapt to new tactics, while simultaneously keeping the game fresh.

In the end, esports is a great way to bond with your friends, build networks, and compete in games you’re passionate about. So if you’re someone who has that competitive spirit and you like playing videogames, why not give it a try? As for myself, I do miss competing in esports, but the unfortunate reality is that it isn’t something that could reliably pay the bills.

That being said, what do you think about my experience competing in esports? Would you be interested in competing in esports competitions in the future?  Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this stay tuned to TechNave.com


How we're hoping the Samsung Galaxy S10 series moves beyond its predecessors

The Samsung Galaxy S series has always been about flagship level performance, trend setting features and pioneering design. With the Galaxy S10 series unpacking just a day or two away, we can't help but wonder (and hope) at what the Galaxy S10 series will bring to users, so here’s how we're hoping the Samsung Galaxy S10 series moves beyond its predecessors.

Thanks to all the Samsung Galaxy S10 series leaks, practically everything in terms of design have already been revealed with all of the Samsung Galaxy S10 series expected to have punch or in-display front cameras. While this will certainly offer a much higher screen to body ratio compared to the previous Galaxy S9 series, our hopes for this is that Samsung have implemented this feature without it bothering or covering up any movies, games or other apps. So this would apply for both portrait and landscape modes, so even if there are “taik lalat” as one of our writers like to put it, they'll be signs of beauty rather than something that gets in the way.

We also are looking forward to a Galaxy S flagship device that doesn't have a dual curved edge. Make no mistake, this is one of the defining design features of the Galaxy S series and it is beautiful, but not all users like it, so having a flat display option like the Galaxy S7 series would be great (both versions of the Galaxy S8 series and Galaxy S9 series only had dual curved edge displays). Thankfully, all leaks of the Galaxy S10e seem to indicate that this may actually be true, so we're hoping that this flat display with a side mounted fingerprint sensor version does actually arrive in Malaysia. Some more pretty gradient backsides would also be much appreciated but that striking canary yellow also looks very nice in its own way as well.

While it may seem like overkill for some, no one wants to get an out of memory (storage or RAM) error, so it would be great if rumours about a 12GB RAM and 1TB internal storage are true. The fact that this may actually be just for the limited edition, if it does come true, it also means that the normal editions will generally have more memory so even your most basic Galaxy S10e would have 128GB while the Galaxy S10 would come with 512GB internal storage.

In addition, previous Galaxy S series offered support for up to 512GB expandable flash memory, so we're also hoping for up to 1TB expandable flash memory support for the new Galaxy S10 series. While it might be near impossible to find 1TB flash memory in Malaysian markets (even 512GB are difficult to get to be honest), flash memory makers have already come out with even 2TB versions of their microSD flash memory cards. We're hoping that when more devices can support these, prices for these TB and other high-end flash memory cards will also drop.

By all accounts and leaks, the largest battery size in the Galaxy S10 series is expected to be 4100 mAh, about 600 mAh more than the 3500 mAh battery in the Galaxy S9+. Considering that the Galaxy S9+ managed to get a battery life of about 1 day and a half, we're quietly hoping that on top of the bigger batteries, the Galaxy S10 series can also last longer, perhaps even up to 2 days or more on normal usage, maybe due to better power management with Bixby powered AI.

We also hope that while it may retain fast wireless charging (it'd be great if the basic Galaxy S10e also gets it), normal charging speeds are also improved, so even if we can't get more than 2 day battery life, at least a 20 minute charge will get us more than half a day's worth of battery life. We expect that Samsung will also put major battery safety measures in place as well, possibly supported by well-known safety certification organizations like TÜV Rheinland.

The Samsung Galaxy S series has always been at the forefront of camera technology in smartphones, but we have to admit that previous iterations seemed to focus on rather faddish features like Super Slow Motion (nice to have but not really something most people use on a daily basis). Now, with the Samsung Galaxy S10 series, Samsung not only have the opportunity to do triple rear cameras right, but also more camera features.

This time around we're hoping that they may be more useful features like better night modes or long exposure modes or better lossless digital + optical zoom (maybe even 10x?). If rumours are accurate, the Galaxy S10+ may even get dual front cameras, so we hope that there's a killer portrait mode available for all the Samsung selfie fans out there.

That being said, we also hope that while there's a lot of new useful camera features for the normal layperson users, professionals don't get left out either. The previously introduced variable aperture lenses certainly helped increase the Galaxy S9 series camera prowess, but current leaks don't indicate that there will be any hardware changes, so we hope that there will be some pro camera features, particularly more AI-powered features, perhaps to aid in capturing better motion shots or smoother video. It'd be great if there's support for smooth 8K video recording as well.

It's not a secret that Malaysia usually does not get Qualcomm powered Samsung Galaxy S flagship devices. Most of the time these, Galaxy S devices are powered by Samsung Exynos chipsets. However, the advertising blurbs are indicating that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 powered Galaxy S10 series will offer laptop level performance.

All indications (as in benchmark leaks) say that this could well be the case, but let’s just be clear and say that we hope the Samsung Exynos 9820 powered Samsung Galaxy S10 series coming to Malaysia will also offer laptop level performance. This includes the ability to run demanding games and apps while handling multiple apps at the same time. We also hope that the 9820 Exynos won't run that hot while doing all this, but Samsung usually have a fairly strong track record where heat management is involved.

As one of the few brands to have a PC-Like experience for their devices, Samsung's DeX or Desktop Experience mode was one of the better options to turn your Galaxy S series flagship into your desktop. Granted, it still required a DeX Pad for the Galaxy S9 series, but we'd like to see this projection capability cut out all docks and cables completely with wireless Samsung DeX.

Previous iterations of PC-like desktops using smartphones utilized miracast but were limited to 720p HD only resolutions, so we'd like to see Samsung DeX not only go beyond this but do so smoothly. We would also like to see Samsung DeX finally allow all games to be automatically mapped to keyboards and mice or maybe even a built-in 3D sensor but since this hasn't been implemented for such a long time, we're not getting our hopes up for this feature too much.

So there you have it, here's most of our hopes for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S10 series or at least the most feasible ones. Did we miss any of yours? Do you have a feature you're looking forward to in the Samsung Galaxy S10 series? Let us know in our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com as all these features and more may soon become a reality.


How would the Samsung Galaxy S5 look like?

We're all fairly curious about the Samsung Galaxy S5, so much so that there are quite a lot of concept renders, especially as Samsung have recently patented a smartphone which could be the Samsung Galaxy S5. Check out these renders below:

This is the leaked image from the US Patents Office, rumoured to be the Samsung Galaxy S5 or the Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Coming from Galaxy S5 Info this concept follows a curved screen design much like the LG G Flex. The tech spec wishlist here is quite long and includes a 2K display, 16MP ISOCELL camera, quad speakers with surround sound speakers and more

Check out Galaxy S5 Info's wishlist here

Coming from Raphael Warner, this is another curved Samsung Galaxy S5 concept render but goes for a more traditional design. Tech specs include a 64-bit Exynos chip, 2K AMOLED display and 4000 mAh battery

Check out the insides of the curved Samsung Galaxy S5 from Raphael Warner

SimOnlyRadar thinks that the Samsung Galaxy S5 could come in two versions, one flexible and one rigid with similar predictions of a 2K display as other concept renderers

Jermaine S concepts on the other hand approach it from the idea that the Samsung Galaxy S5 will have a super slim all metal body. The design looks nice, but we're not sure if that isn't too slim already

This concept from Phoenix Pham shows a coloured in version of the leaked patent image from the US Patents office. The edge to edge design looks interesting but the lack of a home button is worrying

A more polished version of the leaked patent office image is this concept render from Ivo Maric where he incorporates an artifical leather backside as wellCheck out this different angle of Ivo Maric's Samsung Galaxy S5 design

Looking not unlike something from LG, this Samsung Galaxy S5 concept comes from ArgjentGigollaj


Huami AmazFit T-Rex will be announced at CES 2020

CES 2020 is just a week away but images of Huami's latest smartwatch has already been leaked. The brand's official Weibo account has also confirmed that the AmazFit T-Rex will be announced on 8th January 2020. This date lands on CES 2020 week so we can assume that's when it will be revealed.

According to GSMArena, the AmazFit T-Rex is a rugged smartwatch that's meant for outdoors. It will come with Bluetooth 5.0 LE support, a 390 mAh battery, and you'll be able to dive with it as it can take up to 5 ATM (ambient pressure in standard atmospheres). Additionally, it'll have sturdy hinges and a large heart-rate monitor. In related news, Huami is also expected to announce its new true wireless earbuds on the same day.

Are you looking for a rugged smartwatch and would you consider this one? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news.


ASUS Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti GPUs release: Powerful cooling systems and Nvidia technologies for 1440p gaming from RM2299

Nvidia has just unveiled the latest addition to its GeForce RTX 3000 family and board partners are quick to follow up. ASUS has launched new GeForce RTX 3060 Ti GPUs, with three models already available in Malaysia as of today.

In total, five new GPUs are being released: ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, Dual GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, Dual GeForce RTX 3060 Ti MINI, and KO GeForce RTX 3060 Ti. All five cards are capable of letting you game in 1080p or 1440p at the highest settings. These cards will deliver features like Nvidia DLSS, Nvidia Reflex, and Nvidia Broadcast at prices that will suit mainstream PC gamers.

Moving on, let's take a look at what these new GPUs can offer. The ROG Strix GeForce RTX 3060 Ti and TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Ti are both equipped with three Axial-tech fans. One fan is for static pressure and the other two provide high-airflow to the large heatsink to ensure the GPU, resulting in excellent thermal performance. As for the Dual GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, its two Axial-tech fans are high-airflow fans. We were informed that these three GPUs are already available and will be priced at RM2649, RM2499, and RM2299 respectively.

Next, there's the Dual GeForce RTX 3060 Ti MINI and KO GeForce RTX 3060 Ti GPUs. The former is a compact card designed for small form factor builds. Last but not least, there's the KO GeForce RTX 3060 Ti that can be considered an alternate version of the Dual GeForce model. These aren't available at the moment, but ASUS will probably announce the release before the end of 2020.

With more next-gen GPUs becoming available on the market, more people are going to consider upgrading their PCs soon. Which GPU are you planning on buying? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates on this.


Huami announces world's smallest MRI scanner, blood pressure monitoring app, and new Zepp OS

Many know of Xiaomi's spinoff company, Huami, as one that does wearable devices. But it seems like the company has sort of been slightly branching off. At the company's Future of Tech event, it revealed some health-related products, including an MRI scanner.

Most smartwatches can be used for health tracking purposes these days, so it's not a surprise to see Huami improving health apps. But Huami (on Weibo) actually announced that it has built the world's smallest MRI scanner. At a height of 1.5 metres and weighing 800kg, it's possible to even transport the scanner with a lorry. Interestingly, it also doesn't require specially shielded rooms.

This MRI scanner is as portable as it gets

At 55MB, Zepp OS is more lightweight than other competing wearable OS

Besides the scanner, Huami also announced the PumpBeats app. This is a blood pressure monitoring app that will work with wearables like smartwatches. It will be added to the new Zepp OS, which is a lightweight OS (55MB only) based on the open-source FreeRTOS microkernel. Huami claims that it can improve battery endurance by up to 190%. Finally, there's also the new Huangshan 2S chip that comes with a new 2.5D GPU.

There's definitely a lot of new Huami announcements, which we'll learn more about soon. In fact, we can expect the next Amazfit smartwatch to feature the new Zepp OS. Until that launches, stay tuned to TechNave.com for further updates.


Huami is making a mask that works with Face ID and also able to disinfect by itself

During this time, going out without a mask could risk yourself being exposed to Covid-19. Before the situation comes to an end (let's believe it will), a face mask is basically an essential item now in our daily lives. However, normal mask has a problem with technology which is your face would be undetectable while using a face recognition system, especially the widely-used Face ID. For that, Huami has taken on the challenge by developing a mask which allows Face ID to recognize you and also able to disinfect itself after each use.

According to CNET's report on the project, it is said that Huami is working with the Amazfit Aeri mask which comes with removable air filters and will have built-in ultraviolet light emitters. By plugging the mask into a USB-C plug, the mask will disinfect itself. Besides that, another thing that would attract you to purchase the mask would be its compatibility with Face ID. The material used to make the mask is a type of transparent anti-fog material. Therefore, unlocking your phone with Face ID while wearing a mask to keep you safe is not a problem after all.

Furthermore, the mask has also been designed in a way that consumers can customize the mask with accessories like an eye shield or a fan, which can make wearing the mask slightly less suffocating. However, don't expect that you'll be able to buy one soon, as it is said that 6 to 12 months would be needed for the company to turn the concept images into an actual product. For the price, you can expect it to be friendly as the company has a decent record of making affordable tech products.

Let us know what you think about this Huami's mask on our Facebook page. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more interesting tech gadget news.


Huami reveal new AmazFit earbuds at CES 2020, one with sleep-tracking functions

Some people don't like having things shoved into their ear canals, but for those of you who prefer earbuds, you're about to get even more options. At CES 2020, Huami announced the new AmazFit PowerBuds and ZenBuds true wireless earbuds, which will do more than just play your music.

The AmazFit PowerBuds is designed for active people, who want earbuds that can be worn while exercising or when playing sports. It's a pair of true wireless earbuds that's robust, waterproofed, and can even measure your heart rate. When connected to the relevant app, it can even playback words to cheer you on when you're exercising. It will retail for USD 99.90 (~RM410) and is expected to be out in February 2020.

Next is the AmazFit ZenBuds, which are earbuds meant for a different use-case scenario. It is a pair of smart earplugs that come with noise-blocking and sleep-tracking, which will record your heart rate, sleep position, and sleep quality. They are also comfortable enough to wear to bed, considering that it's super lightweight at 1.78g. These earbuds have an estimated battery life of 12 hours, or 8 hours if you are using it to play pre-installed sounds that help you get to sleep easier. The ZenBuds will be priced at USD 149.90 (~RM615), with no release date announced yet.

While the AmazFit PowerBuds is a more standard true wireless earbuds, it's interesting to see Huami release something specifically for sleep-aid. What do you think of the new earbuds? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more CES 2020 coverage.


Huami to launch new smartwatch with new chipset and OS

Smartwatches have been around for years, with Samsung considered one of the best in terms of operating systems. However, even Samsung sees the need for a change to WearOS. So it's not too surprising to hear that Huami is going for an OS overhaul too.

Recently, it was announced that Huami would be hosting an event on 13 July 2021. The company is expected to unveil a new smartwatch at the conference. It's going to feature the first generation Huangshan chipset, which will come with an integrated GPU. Why a GPU? Well, we think that the GPU will allow it to display some fancy animations.

Besides that, the new smartwatch is going to come with a new in-house operating system. Currently, we don't know what the new OS would offer yet. However, teaser images hint at heart-rate tracking, sleep tracking, temperature reading, and possibly swim tracking. Huami's CEO even recently shared a teaser showing what the OS would look like.

The new OS is rather interesting news, as it could come with new features. If that's the case, what kind of new feature would you like to see? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more news like this.


Huawei 11.11 Super Sale as low as RM1.11 and lucky draw prizes worth up to RM16000

From now on until 11 November, Huawei Malaysia have started the 11.11 Super Sale event and there are plenty of gadgets which includes smartphones, tablets, earbuds, smartwatches and more. You may get a great deal from different sales on the platforms which include the Huawei Store, Lazada, and Shopee.

Besides that, there are some items on a flash sale price tag as low as RM1.11 and this will happen on 11 November at 10.08 am at the Huawei Store and respective platforms. Please refer to the table below to check out the items.

There are more gadgets that you must buy on 11 November and the sale is only available for a day. Please refer to the table below to check out the items.

On the other hand, there is a store pick up service a.k.a O2O (Online-to-Offline) service. You may check out the stock online and choose to pick up at your preferred stores, this can help you to save your time and receive your goods earlier.

As for the lucky draw, you may visit Huawei Store on 11 November to enjoy 20% off for extended warranty and screen protection for the selected smartphones. On the other hand, you also stand a chance to win a grand prize which is an E-bike Orbit EB350W and E-Scooter Starlight ES200B as a consolation prize.

For more tech news, please be sure to stay tuned on TechNave.com.


Huawei 5G CPE Pro unveiled with a download speed up to 4.6Gbps and more

Along with the new foldable Huawei Mate X smartphone, MateBook X Pro (2019) and MateBook 14, the company also showcased the Huawei 5G CPE Pro. As the name suggests, the 5G Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) Pro provides customers with 5G high-speed internet broadband and intelligent Dual-link features and it's powered by the Balong 5000 modem chipset that Huawei has been talking about before MWC 2019.

With the Balong 5000 modem chipset at hand, it's able to perform industry benchmarks download speeds. At Sub6 GHz, it can go up to 4.6Gbps, whereas a 4G network can achieve up to 1.6Gbps. That's over twice as fast and should the 5G connectivity weaken, the 5G CPE Pro will switch to 4G automatically to save time and keep the internet line stable. To add to that, WiFi 6 or 802.11ax is also supported and it can go up to 4.8GBps on WLAN. That's 15 times faster than WiFi 4 (802.11n; 2x2), the current one that we are using. It's also said that even an 8K video or Computer Graphics VR game is not a problem (but we shall see).

Speed comparison between the WiFi versions

A single 5G can unite many different devices together

Besides that, Huawei also announced the Huawei HiLink, a smart home interconnection platform that works well with the 5G CPE Pro to connect to any network with just a click. This means it can connect to all types of smart devices and users do not need to get WiFi connection as it's compatible with WPS. Supporting both dual bands of 2.4GHz and 5GHz, it can intelligently identify nearby devices so say if you're nearer to it, you'll enjoy the 5GHz connectivity while the ones further away will be in the 2.4GHz channel.

No price or availability was announced, but we don't think we will be seeing those in Malaysia soon until we got 5G connectivity rolling. Perhaps the year 2020? Stay tuned for more Huawei news at TechNave.com.


Huawei 5G here to stay as Ren Zhengfei warmly welcomes Tun M’s Beijing visit?

Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister of Malaysia recently made a visit to Huawei Technologies’ Beijing office where he was warmly welcomed by Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei. Looking much like an endorsement from Malaysia and Huawei on 5G development within Malaysia, the visit comes hot on the heels of various 5G trials within the country along with the 5G Malaysia Showcase.

5G networks not only promise faster downloads and smoother 4K video streaming, they also encourage such facilities as remote control surgery, self-driving or autonomous cars and more. Huawei actually showed off a 5G video call with Tun M using the Huawei Mate X and the Huawei Mate 20 X 5G. Huawei remains the main supplier and developer of 5G technologies in the world.

Still no news on when exactly Malaysia’s 5G roll-out will come out commercially, but Malaysia’s telco’s are gearing up for some big changes, so we might well see something 5G related as early as late this year. In the meantime, stay tuned to TechNave.com for all the latest tech news.


Huawei Announce World's Slimmest 6.18mm Smartphone Ascend P6

While the press release seems to have been pulled (perhaps waiting for the official launch event to be finished), the Huawei Ascend P6 has been officially announced. At 6.18mm thick, it is the slimmest smartphone in the world (for now). To put it in perspective, most biscuits are thicker than 6.18mm so you can understand why this is a big thing. Other tech specs for the Huawei Ascend P6 include:

The Huawei Ascend P6 is due in China in June, while Western Europe is set to get it in July followed by other markets. No details on pricing just yet.


Huawei AppGallery Carnival giving rewards worth RM100K and a chance to win a Huawei Mate 20 Pro

As usual for every Christmas season, companies are sure to put up some promotion sales. This season, the AppGallery Carnival returns for a treat for both Huawei and HONOR users and it's currently running until the end of the year with Huawei Christmas Night and a chance to win a Mate 20 Pro.

So first up, the Huawei Christmas Night will be an exclusive fan invite night on 20 December 2018. On top of that, fans who are planning to attend the event will also receive door gifts and lucky draw prizes in courtesy of Huawei brand partners - Aerocentric, Palm Garden Golf Club, Poseidon’s Reserve Caviar & Oyster Bar, Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur and Viu. Keep in mind that only 10 lucky fans will get an invite, if you think you're the lucky one, all you have to do is purchase and download any app in AppGallery before 14 December 2018.

Next up, if you wanna win a free Mate 20 Pro, all you have to do is download a Carnival Themes collection on Huawei's Themes App or get any in-app purchase and stand a chance to bring home Huawei's latest flagship. You will also be rewarded with Lazada and Starbucks cash vouchers up to RM400, and speaking of that, there will be a digital Santa in the app giving out several goodies such as free TGV movie tickets, Zalora discounts, Shopback cashback bonus, a RM10 Eatigo cash voucher and many more as long as you download any apps.

That said, the user who has the highest accumulated in-app and paid themes purchase get to walk away with the Mate 20 Pro as the grand prize. Below are the steps on how to get rewarded:

For more information, you can check on Huawei AppGallery Carnival and its terms and conditions of the campaign participation too. Stay tuned for more Huawei news at TechNave.com.


Huawei AppGallery November Bash begins with rewards worth RM1.6 million

As mentioned last week, Huawei Malaysia is throwing its 11.11 Single Day Sale promo and this is in conjunction with the Huawei AppGallery November Bash. According to the company, they are giving away over RM1.6 million worth of rewards for Huawei and honor users from now until 11 November 2018.

So what are the rewards? Well, users will be rewarded with a free RM10 top-up if they download Touch 'n Go eWallet from AppGallery. Moreover, other big brands such as Malaysia Airlines, Sunway Pals, Zalora, KK Box, and ShopBack are on board to have some giveaways, all you have to do is access into the AppGallery and enter the gift centre to install the aforementioned app, then you will be able to claim gifts including *RM50 vouchers to shop on Huawei online shop.

Just some of the rewards from the AppGallery

In addition, new Mate 20 series users can automatically be a member of Mate20 VIP by simply scanning a QR code at any Huawei retail stores and downloading the Huawei VIP App from the AppGallery. Upon registration on the VIP page, they can immediately enjoy several rewards worth up to RM10,000, as well as privileges from Malaysia Airlines, CARS International, Aerocentric, Los Flowerpeckers, Atlas Gourmet, Watches of Switzerland, Club 21, Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, Gintell, Palm Garden Golf Club, Auto Bavaria and Maxis. Mate 20 series users can also download new beautiful themes and wallpapers from the AppGallery for free.

By the way, there will be a Flash Deal happening on the Huawei online store starting today (5 November @ 3PM) with the 6700mAh power bank for just RM11. For more information, just visit the AppGallery or follow its official Facebook page here. and stay tuned for more Huawei news at TechNave.com.

*For a limited time only with terms and conditions apply*


ASUS Offers 2-for-1 Deal with Transformer Book Trio

Taking a page from the Transformer AIO the new ASUS Transformer Book Trio does more or less the same thing in a more portable package. Taking the form of an ASUS notebook computer like the Transformer Book, the screen is detachable and functions as an Android tablet when detached. What sets it apart is the fact that the keyboard dock can be attached to another display unit, allowing it to function as a desktop, which means you get 2 systems for the price of one.

Tech specs for the tablet screen include:

Tech specs for the desktop - keyboard dock include:

Design-wise both feature the same metallic look that the Transformer Book notebook computer has. No news if the tablet allows you to stream Windows 8 as long as you're within range of the desktop like the Transformer AIO but it shouldn't be that hard to implement. The ASUS Transformer Book Trio is expected to launch in Q3 of 2013 but there have been no details on pricing just yet.


Huawei AppGallery is now the 3rd largest Applications Store with over 400 million monthly active users!

Since the ban from the US Government’s Commerce Department back in 2019, Huawei has launched its own Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) with its own App Store. Now, the company has stated that Huawei AppGallery is the third-largest App Store after Google and Apple.

As the ban has resulted in losing the use of various technologies and also the technologies from its partner companies based in the country, Huawei had to start fresh on its new HMS platform and attract various developers into its APP Store. But in the recent report, it has more than 55,000 groups of apps being found in the platform and over 400 million monthly active users which shows it's already chasing up against the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Huawei has also announced that there will be a “Quick App” service available soon in the AppGallery which allows users to have a trial version of the apps without downloading and installing it. The main purpose of it is to reduce the storage constraints on smartphones. Also, Huawei Mobile Services is now collaborating with local developers from Asia Pacific, Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Latin America in developing more apps for the users.With that said, seems like Huawei AppGallery is keeping up the pace faster than expected. So are you one of the the Huawei App Store active users? Let us know at our Facebook page and stay tuned for more news updates on TechNave.com!


Huawei Ascend G6 4G hands-on video

We recently managed to get a hands-on with the Huawei Ascend G6 4G. Offering the same look and feel as the original Huawei Ascend G6 but with 4G LTE connectivity, the smartphone retails for just RM899, finally offering an affordable smartphone for 4G LTE users here in Malaysia. Other notable tech specs include a quad-core processor, 8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera and a 4.5-inch display. We'll be coming out with the full review soon but in the meantime you can check out the hands-on video of the Huawei Ascend G6 4G below:


Huawei Ascend G6 4G review - Good looking 4G LTE smartphone for below RM1000

The Huawei Ascend G6 4G is the refresh of the Huawei Ascend G6 with new 4G LTE connectivity. Originally designed to provide a more affordable midrange offering of the former flagship Huawei Ascend P6, the Ascend G6 features the same look and feel with a slightly smaller 4.5-inch screen and a thicker 7.9mm thin chassis. Does it still offer enough punch for today's users? Check out our full review of the Huawei Ascend G6 4G below to find out.

Huawei seem to have followed the maxim of "if it's not broke don't fix it" for the overall design of the Huawei Ascend G6 4G. This is because it looks more or less the same as the previous Huawei Ascend G6, right down to the alloy metal sides. The only major difference is that the back cover is now removable but rather slippery plastic. In short, it looks a lot like the Apple iPhone with it's flat and thin design but with a rounded bottom half instead. It still looks quite stylish and should appeal to those who want an Android smartphone that looks like an Apple iPhone with a bigger screen.

The Huawei Ascend G6 4G retains the same rounded top half with metal alloy sides as the Apple iPhone with a rounded bottom half

The removable back cover looks good but the plastic backside is a little slippery

While there is no flex from top to bottom, there is some flex on the sides, perhaps due to the removable back cover. Since there is very little change to the overall design, the 3.5mm jack is still placed rather strangely on the side at the bottom. Fairly functional capacitive backlit navigation keys line the bottom of the 4.5-inch display which offers a reasonable 540 x 960 pixel resolution. While we don't like that you have to remove the back cover just to get access to the SIM card and micro SD slots, at least you don't have to remove the 2000 mAh battery either.

The design is still very stylish and up-to-date

The back cover reveals a custom Huawai battery and the SIM and microSD slots

While you do have to remove the cover, at least you don't need to remove the battery just to add or change the SIM or microSD

In terms of tech specs and features, again not much has changed from the original Huawei Ascend G6 which you can see using our Huawei Ascend G6 vs Huawei Ascend G6 4G comparison tool. We found that apart from the 4G LTE processor and 4G LTE connectivity, there isn't much difference between the two. Despite that, the Ascend G6 4G LTE still retains some features which let it stand out somewhat from the current midrange crowd. These tech specs and features include NFC (which is normally reserved for flagship smartphones) and DTS sound enhancements but the full tech specs listing can be seen below:

While the older tech specs and features don't detract from the overall functionality, we did find that the Huawei Emotion UI 2.0 Lite interface lacks many of the features available in newer Huawei Emotion UI. This includes no extra motion control features, no suspend button and no double-tap wake-up, features which were available with either the Huawei Ascend P7, Huawei Honor 3C or Huawei MediaPad X1. Considering that the hardware isn't that much different, we wondered why Huawei didn't update the UI here as it would help add more features (and value) to the smartphone.

The interface is smooth with no lag while the Qualcomm processor is quite reliable

When it first came out, the Huawei Ascend G6 could have been said to be one of the better smartphones in terms of performance. This is evident with benchmark scores that include 16534 on AnTuTu, 4462 on 3DMark: Ice Storm, 4013 on 3DMark: Ice Storm Unlimited and 55.2fps at a resolution of 960 x 544 pixels on Epic Citadel. However, it is clearly showing signs of age. While it can handle 720p video playback, 1080p video playback lags and stutters. On the plus side, the extra audio enhancements like DTS ensure very good audio with clear individual sounds but it isn't very loud. For the most part, the phone is quite responsive still with no lag in between screens, but it cannot run certain higher-end apps or games smoothly. Battery life is above average, lasting about a day or so on normal usage but just about 4-5 hours on continuous heavy use. Standby time is also rather short with about 3-5 days. Connectivity is good for the most part.

The Huawei Ascend G6 4G packs in a score of 16534 on AnTuTu

The Huawei Ascend G6 4G still does well with 3D in Epic Citadel but this is partly due to the lower resolution

Camera performance is good with clear pictures and good colours, however it is a little slow, perhaps because the camera hardware hasn't been refreshed either. Compared against the Huawei Honor 3C which also packs in similar specs (8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera) the G6 is definitely less responsive. This can be seen in the burst mode which lags somewhat, but make no mistake, the cameras still work well and capture good images along with 720p video recording. Low light performance is not as good as newer smartphones (again, probably because of older filters) with the same 8MP rear camera and 5MP front camera but it is still better than your average entry-level cameraphone. The 5MP front camera does surprisingly well though and delivers good performance for the most part.

Colours are captured well, while the 5MP front camera does a good job as a selfie camera

The Panorama shot is quite good, but not as smooth or as fast as newer cameras which you can see in the transition between each frame

Burst mode works well, but like other camera features, lags a bit due to the older hardware. Everything is still in crystal clear resolution though, which is what really matters.

At RM899 the Huawei Ascend G6 4G is priced quite high compared to other below RM1K 4G LTE smartphones. This inlcudes the ASUS ZenFone 5 LTE, the OPPO Neo 5, the Motorola Moto G LTE and the upcoming Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G. However, asides from the ASUS ZenFone 5 LTE it does look more premium than many of these smartphones while still offering midrange tech specs and some flagship features. These tech specs do the Ascend G6 4G well, but with none of the features that the newer Huawei smartphones have, it does mean you're basically getting a smartphone with older components. We expect a further price drop would make it more competitive unless Huawei have some more affordable models waiting for release in Malaysia like the Huawei Honor 3C 4G.

Overall, the Huawei Ascend G6 4G is a good stylish midrange smartphone with 4G LTE connectivity that looks better than most 4G LTE smartphones within it's price range. While it may be a bit older and less responsive than newer smartphones, it still packs in some features like NFC and better audio than most other below RM1K smartphones while still looking very good for it's age. It should fit well with those on a budget who want a better looking smartphone but still want to browse fast mobile Internet on the go.

Our unboxing for the Huawei Ascend G6 4G smartphone

Our hands-on video for the Huawei Ascend G6 4G smartphone

*TechNave.com would like to thank Huawei Malaysia for providing us with a Huawei Ascend G6 4G review unit. It allowed us to do a more in-depth review and test out more features.


Huawei Ascend G6 unboxing video

The Huawei Ascend G6 recently got a new release here in Malaysia with a version supporting 4G LTE. Featuring tech specs that include an 8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera and 4.5-inch screen to go with a 1.2GHz quad-core processor with 1GB worth of RAM. We managed to get some personal time with the smartphone and do an unboxing video, so if you've been wondering if the new Huawei Ascend G6 smartphone has what it takes for you, do check out the Huawei Ascend G6 unboxing video below:


Huawei Ascend GX1 passes TENAA and reveals tech specs

Alleged photos and specifications of a new Huawei device, dubbed the Huawei Ascend GX1 emerged this weekend. A few hours after the live images were leaked; the device hit TENAA, the Chinese certification agency which further confirmed the existence of such a Huawei smartphone. The GX1 will be a part of the Ascend family which is currently headed by the Huawei Ascend Mate 7. The tech specs as seen on TENAA indicate that the phone is a mid-range phablet. Inside, there is a 1.4GHz quad-core CPU with 1GB RAM onboard and 8GB internal memory which can be further expanded via MicroSD. Like the Mate 7, the Ascend GX1 features a 6-inch display but it comes with just 720p HD resolution. Measuring 161 × 84.5 × 9.55mm the device is also larger than the Ascend Mate 7. There is an 8MP camera at the back and a 2MP shooter up front. As for connectivity, the GX1 supports GSM, CDMA 1X, CDMA2000, LTE FDD, and TD-LTE. It comes with Android 4.4 KitKat out of the box along with a 3500 mAh capacity battery.  No Malaysia release dates or pricing details are available so far, but check out the images below where the leaked Ascend GX1 is compared with the existing Ascend Mate 7.


Huawei Ascend Mate 7 Monarch Edition announced for $710 (RM2480)

Huawei recently announced a special edition of the existing Ascend Mate 7 called the Huawei Ascend Mate 7 Monarch Edition. This special version retains the same design as the original phone but brings in a lot of other upgrades to justify the name. The Monarch version replaces the Gorilla Glass on its 6 inch 1080p display with a much more scratch resistant Sapphire glass. The company has also increased the internal storage from 32GB to 64GB of which 54GB is available to the user. This additional storage coupled with the expandable memory slot, which takes MicroSD cards up to 128GB increases the total storage to 182GB. The phone comes in gold color and its owners get a special VIP card which will give them 1 hour quick repair facility for any kind of problems with the device. Other tech specs are the same as the original model, which includes an octa-core HiSilicon Kirin 925 processor, 3GB RAM, 13MP rear camera, 5MP secondary camera, 4G LTE support and a fingerprint sensor. The device runs on Android 4.4.2 Kikat OS with Emotion UI 3.0 and comes with a large 4100 mAh battery. Huawei has priced the Mate 7 Monarch edition at $710 (RM2480). No details about a Malaysia release or pricing yet, but the original Ascend Mate 7 is available to purchase in the country for RM1799.  You can also check out our product demo of the original model as well.


Huawei Ascend Mate 7 and Ascend G7 officially announced

After a whole bunch of teasers, Huawei has unveiled the Huawei Ascend Mate7 and Ascend G7 smartphones at the IFA 2014. The Huawei Ascend Mate7 is a nearly bezel-free flagship smartphone with a large 6-inch full HD display and a single-touch fingerprint scanner and much more. The Huawei Ascend G7 on the other hand is their metal-body midrange smartphone with 4G LTE. While the Ascend G7 has the more obvious looking metal body, the Ascend Mate7 is actually made up of more than 95% metal, in particular aluminum alloy for the interior structure and frame. Both smartphones are quite slim at 7.9mm thin for the Ascend Mate7 and 7.6mm thin for the Ascend G7 and will come with Huawei's latest EMUI 3.0 user interface. Check out the tech specs for both the Huawei Ascend Mate7 and Huawei Ascend G7 below:

Introducing the Huawei Ascend Mate7

The Huawei Ascend Mate7 Ad

Introducing the Huawei Ascend G7

The Huawei Ascend G7 Ad

No exact Malaysia release dates or pricing but the Huawei Ascend G7 has a recommended retail price of 299 euros (RM1227). The Huawei Ascend Mate7 on the other hand will come in two versions with the 2GB RAM and 16GB storage version being priced at 499 euros (RM2047) while the 3GB RAM and 32GB storage version is going from 599 euros (RM2458). Both smartphones are set for release in Malaysia within 2014. We'll be able to tell you more as soon as we get a review unit on hand for either smartphone.

Check out the Huawei EMUI 3.0

Check out the latest Huawei HiSilicon Kirin 925 processor (available in the Huawei Ascend Mate 7)