ASUS ZenFone 4 Review - Mighty midrange 5MP cameraphone for the entry-level market

Most cameraphones offer users a number of features that aren't available to standard smartphones that have cameras. This includes fast focus, better quality lenses and better resulting images or videos. Quite often, you won't find such features in an entry-level smartphone much less one going for below RM300, which is why we were quite impressed with the performance shown by the ASUS ZenFone 4, the company's entry-level offering for their new range of ZenFone smartphones. How exactly does the ASUS ZenFone 4 impress and does it offer more than just cameraphone capabilities? Check out our full review of the ASUS ZenFone 4 below to find out.

The ASUS ZenFone smartphones all share the same overall design but we have to admit that the ASUS ZenFone 4 is a bit more chunky (thick) compared to the ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 6 at 11.5mm. The overall build is a mix of plastic, glass and metal with the 4-inch screen protected by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (something you rarely see on any entry-level smartphone of this price range).

The ASUS ZenFone 4 offers premium metalic design on the bottom panel and the buttons with tough Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and casings with different textures

The bottom front panel is metal with a concentric circle design available on the ASUS ZenBook. It feels like very fine brushed metal and looks great. This metallic circle design is also on the power and volume rocker on the side, which gives the buttons a bit more texture and grip. The backside is plastic and comes in a number of different colours including black, white, red, yellow and blue but what sets the ZenFone 4 apart in this case is that different colours have a different feel to them.

While the back casings are plastic and pop off easily, each colour feels different. The white one for example feels like ceramic.

You don't have to take out the battery just to insert the microSIM cards

According to ASUS Malaysia contacts, this is done through an anodization layer process over the plastic casing which lets the white coloured casing feel like ceramic while the black and red coloured casing feels rubberized. Having felt both the black and white casings we can safely say that this is true but we have yet to feel the casing that they said feels like brushed metal. The ZenFone 4 fits nicely in the palm of your hand thanks to the curved backside but it does feel a little less solid thanks to the back casing which can pop off rather easily. Build quality is still very good though and the phone has a nice balance to it. It seemed a little bit too small for my big hands but those with normal sized hands or slim fingers will find that the ZenFone 4 fits the hand just nicely.

The side is quite slim but at it's thickest point it is quite chunky at 11.5mm

Make no mistake here, while ASUS are targeting the entry-level market with the ZenFone 4, many of it's features and tech specs are definitely in the midrange. While the 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z2520 processor is listed as dual-core, CPU-Z reports it as a quad-core thanks to hyper-threading tech built into the Intel chip. There is 1GB of LPDDR2 RAM, again a feature that isn't available in many entry-level smartphones. While the 4-inch display offers 480 x 800 pixel resolution for a respectable 233 ppi pixel density, it is covered by a layer of the thinner, lighter and stronger Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for better protection. Our review unit had the standard 4GB of storage but you can easily expand this by up to 64GB through the microSD slot.

Check out the four working cores on the dual-core Intel Z2520 processor

One of the major features of the ZenFone smartphone range is the PixelMaster camera tech, and the 5MP rear camera and 2MP front camera on the ZenFone 4 both have access to most of the PixelMaster features. This includes Time Rewind, which takes a 3-second shot and lets you select 1 second forward or 2 seconds backward for the shot you might have missed. You can also do a super-fast 100 shot burst mode that works for both the rear and the front camera. The camera tech also offers a number of features such as built-in anti-shake and optimization for both still images as well as video.

Burst mode works on both the rear and front cameras

You can also customize these features along with autofocus, ISO and exposure. The volume rocker can be set as the camera shutter key and you can also press it twice to bring the camera up direct from standby. We cannot confirm what type glass or sensor is used but the 5MP camera sensor is certainly better than average thanks to the PixelMaster algorithms working together with the hardware. Other features include a selfie mode, a Panorama mode, GIF animation mode, beautification mode and smart remove mode. While there is no Low-light mode, there is a Night mode. You can also record smooth 1080p video at 30fps in MPEG4. The only thing missing here is a refocus mode but most entry-level users will find that there are more than enough camera options to choose from.

Anti-shake enhancement is built-in for both video capture and image capture while you can also record 1080p video at 30fps on the ASUS ZenFone 4

The ZenFone 4 packs in a removable 1200 mAh battery, which is rather small even for an entry-level smartphone but ASUS Malaysia are packing in an extra battery you can swap out. The smartphone supports GPS, dual-SIM (micro SIM), WiFi, 3G HSPA+ and Bluetooth 4.0 while also offering the Android 4.3 based ASUS ZenUI which is set for an Android 4.4 KitKat update soon (rumours say Q3 of 2014). The ZenUI also packs in a large amount of fairly useful apps, including the Omlet messenger for emoji messaging, a fairly smart What's next schedule and reminder manager, a widespread Pocket-like Do-it-later task manager and much more. There's also a bunch of Link (Share Link, Party Link, PC Link, Remote Link) apps which let you share files and media (usually through WiFi direct or WiFi). ASUS rounds this already large featureset up with Open Cloud and free 5GB of lifetime ASUS WebStorage. All of these come at a price though as nearly 3GB of the existing storage is taken up by the system and apps.

The ZenUI is a lot cleaner and easier to navigate while offering some really useful apps as well

On AnTuTu the ASUS ZenFone 4 scores a remarkable 15260, placing it around the same region as former flagship and current midrange smartphones. It excels in graphics too with an Epic Citadel score of 57.9fps at 800 x 480 pixel resolution while in 3DMark the ZenFone 4 gets 5262 on Ice Storm and 4503 on Ice Storm Unlimited. If you haven't guessed already, this is very good performance for an entry-level smartphone and in the medium level for a midrange smartphone.

The ASUS ZenFone 4 scores a respectable 15260 in AnTuTu

The ASUS ZenFone 4 does well enough on 3DMark

The ASUS ZenFone 4 does quite well on Epic Citadel thanks to good hardware and a lower resolution

Testing out it's real life performance, the ZenFone 4 handled practically everything we threw at it, including high-end first-person shooters and racing games. Our 1080p movies played smoothly and had no lag at all. Granted, the display clarity isn't very sharp but it is still head and shoulders above what most entry-level smartphones currently offer. The smartphone does run almost hot after some continuous and intense 3D gaming but it is never scorchingly so. Audio performance was surprisingly clear considering there is only one speaker. While it wasn't that loud, we could clearly distinguish different instruments in music and individual sounds in movies.

First-person shooters can be played quite smoothly

Reception and Wifi performance are very good for the ZenFone 4 and you should not have any problems using it as a phone. We particularly liked the new and improved ZenUI but found that the inability to uninstall these apps automatically categorizes them as bloatware, no matter how useful they may actually be. Truth be told, we found most of the ZenUI apps to be very useful but users who like the stock Android experience may be annoyed. As usual, we found the ASUS PowerSaver function to be very efficient with not much effect on performance.

The PowerSaver function is very good, extending battery life by about 2-3 hours without affecting performance too much

As mentioned above, the main highlight of the ZenFone 4 is it's camera capabilities and it does not dissappoint. Auto-focus is surprisingly fast at a 1.1 to 1.8 second while the PixelMaster optimizations really help to improve the image quality in terms of exposure and clarity, but the 5MP camera sensor does have some problems keeping up. This is most evident in features like the burst mode or Time Rewind as the only optimized and therefore brighter and clearer looking image captured in the feature is the first image. Following images after the first shot tend to be a bit darker and slightly blurry compared to the first optimized one.

The ASUS ZenFone 4 has quite a few cameraphone options to choose from

5MP, Automatic mode, Works quite well even in Low-light conditions

We're certain that this should not be an issue in the faster and more capable 8MP and 13MP sensors of the ZenFone 5 and 6 but it is one of the few low points in the ZenFone 4. Battery life is the only other low point as the smartphone lasts about 3 hours on continous heavy usage like playing games or watching 1080p movies. If it's just with wifi on and minimal use the ZenFone 4 can last about 8 to 10 hours on a single charge which should be good enough for most users.

While the features like the Time Rewind are awesome, only the first image has the optimizations for light and sharpness

While subsequent images are still quite sharp, they aren't as bright as the first image

At RM299 the ASUS ZenFone 4 is priced as an entry-level smartphone. A quick look at Mobilemegamall.com listings reveal the closest competitors within this price range to include Nokia Asha smartphones, the Lenovo A560, Alcatel OneTouch Pop C1 and Samsung Galaxy Pocket. None of them offer the same performance, tech specs and cameraphone features but nearly all of them can outlast the ZenFone 4 in terms of battery life. This is mainly because all of these entry-level smartphones use less capable and less demanding components so while you can't do much with them you are almost guaranteed about 1 day or so worth of battery life on a single charge.

All in all, the ASUS ZenFone 4 is an excellent performance entry-level smartphone. In terms of pure processing power, there is no other RM299 smartphone that can match it and it is on par or better than some midrange smartphones. As a cameraphone it packs in a huge array of features and it is both responsive as well as fast. However, it is still a 5MP camera sensor regardless of how much better the lens or the sensor is compared to other entry-level smartphones. So while it can outperform the cameras on other entry-level smartphones, it isn't fast enough to keep up with some of it's features.

Our only major concern is that of the battery life, which runs down quickly due to the fact that the ZenFone 4 is so much more capable than other entry-level smartphones. If you were to use it like a normal entry-level smartphone, answering calls, checking emails and once in a while browsing something, the ZenFone 4 can easily last a day. However, because the ZenFone 4 can do so much more, some users may find that the battery life goes faster than they expect. Thankfully, there is a second battery which you can quickly swap out and the ASUS PowerSaver function works quite well even if you don't swap out the battery.

Design-wise, it is a very good looking smartphone, despite it's rather chunky thickness and it should be a good entry-level or even a midrange smartphone replacement unit. You can also use it as a secondary smartphone, but we expect that you may end up using it even more than your midrange smartphone.

*TechNave.com would like to thank ASUS Malaysia for the ASUS ZenFone 4 review unit. It allowed us to do a more in-depth review and highlight more features.


Logitech releases two accessories for Apple iPad Pro and iPad Mini 4 for RM699 and RM199 in Malaysia

The Logitech CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case

Good news for iPad users, Logitech did a collaboration with Apple recently and the company has unveiled its first accessories designed for the new Apple iPad Pro and iPad Mini 4. Introducing the with Logitech CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case and the Logitech Focus Flexible Protective Case, both accessories are available now for RM699 (with GST) and RM199 (with GST).

“The iPad Pro coupled with iOS 9 opens new ways to create, work and play on the tablet,” said KP Sim, Logitech Country Manager of Malaysia, Philippines and Brunei. “With this in mind, we worked closely with Apple to design the Logitech CREATE and Logitech Focus to unleash even more possibilities. This has resulted in two functional yet beautiful cases, and the best iPad keyboards we’ve ever created. From compatibility with the Apple Smart Connector to the color and finish of the keyboard, every detail was meticulously crafted to perfectly complement the iPad Pro and the iPad Mini 4.”

A protective case and backlit keyboard made just for the iPad Pro, the lightweight accessory is powered on by the iPad Pro with the Apple Smart Connector feature making it flexible and always ready whenever you need it without Bluetooth. The keyboard layout is completely full-sized and follows iOS shortcut keys, built as comfortable and convenient as it can for productivity.

(Update) On the other hand, the Logitech Focus Flexible Protective Case is built for the iPad Mini 4. It is not equipped with a built-in Bluetooth Keyboard with well-spaced keys and iOS shortcuts like the CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case, as it is only a protective case. However, it can hold the device at any viewing angle, within a 50-degree range.Both accessories come in black, red or blue and are already available in Bluelogic Enterprise Sdn Bhd and MCL Bhd. For more information, visit either one of Logitech's website below to check it out.


Logitech to acquire Jaybird, expanding into the fast-growing wireless audio wearables market

Today, Logitech International has announced Jaybird LLC of Salt Lake City, Utah, was acquired by them for approximately $50 million in cash, with an additional earn-out of up to $45 million based on the target's achievement growth over the next two years.

For those who aren't familiar with Jaybird, Jaybird is one of the leading companies manufacturing wireless audio wearables for sports and active lifestyles in 2008. Bracken Darrell, Logitech President, and Chief Executive Officer commented that Logitech is impressed by their technology, products, and marketing that Jaybird did, and since both share a passion for products, they decided to work as one team

"With advantages of Jaybird’s strong brand and sports expertise, and our combined audio engineering and design capabilities. With both the Ultimate Ears and Jaybird brands in our portfolio, we are expanding the long-term growth potential of our music business.” Judd Armstrong, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jaybird, said, “It has been an incredible journey. We love what we do, and we’re stoked to continue to innovate and bring amazing new products to our fans. Jaybird will benefit from Logitech’s global distribution network and deep engineering prowess. We’ve watched as they’ve connected incredible products with passionate consumers under the UE brand, and we’re thrilled to be part of the team.”

As recently shared at the company's Analyst and Investor Day last month, Logitech is not expecting the acquisition to impact their FY 2017 guidance, because the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the coming weeks. A financial advice by Stifel provided Jaybird some insight throughout the acquisition process.


Logitech unveiled the G560 PC Gaming speaker and G512 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard part of their latest Logitech G series lineup

Logitech G560 PC Gaming Speaker and the Logitech G512 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard will both feature the new Logitech G LIGHTSYNC™ technology that is able to display 16.8 million colours that can synchronize itself with the sounds of the game through the Logitech Gaming Software.

To name a few important details regarding the products mentioned, the Logitech G512 Mechanical Gaming keyboard features two different variants of the product. One being the tactile version which allows the gamers to feel the actuation point of the key switch while pressing it down, another version which uses a linear switch for a much smoother keypress compared to the tactile version. Another key feature worth mentioning is the long-lasting comfort and durability of the keyboard, which is designed with an anodized and brushed aircraft-grade 5052 aluminium top case.

The Logitech G512 PC Gaming Speakers, on the other hand, features the Logitech LIGHTSYNC Technology along with the ability to synchronize your game audio with the lighting controller of the speakers. This allows the speakers to react and display light effects based on the sound heard in the game you are playing such as but not limited to footsteps, gunshots, and explosions. Not only that, with the 240 Watts power feeding the subwoofers along with the two satellite speakers on it. Expect to feel and hear every detail of games and music you're listening to.

In terms of pricing in Malaysia, the Logitech G512 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and the Logitech G560 PC gaming Speaker is priced at RM579 and RM999 respectively. For more information on the products mentioned, check out Logitech's official website.


Logitech unveils G502 Proteus Spectrum RGB gaming mouse, coming in January for RM369

Logitech has revealed a new gaming mouse for Malaysia and it’s a new addition to Logitech’s Proteus Core line - the G502 Proteus Spectrum RGB Gaming Mouse. The battle mouse will be available soon in mid January with a price tag of RM369 (with GST).

The new G502 Proteus Spectrum is designed to be customizable to the gamer’s needs with 11 programmable buttons, removable weights, and changeable per-game profile settings with the help of Logitech Gaming Software.

Looking into the tech specs, the G502 Proteus Spectrum offers one of the most accurate and highest quality sensors in the gaming market, with RGB support of up to 16.8 million colors through a combination of the PMW3366 sensor. Not only that, the DeltaZero technology offers gamers a huge DPI range of 200 - 12000 with zero sensor acceleration, zero smoothing or filtering and zero pixel rounding.

To learn more about the new mouse, visit Logitech’s website.


Logitech wants you to take control of your tech household

Technology has changed our lifestyle completely and they play a huge role in our daily lives, from having a bulky CRT television sets in the early 1950’s to our current day Full HD flat screen Smart TV’s. It’s not uncommon for every member of the family to own a smartphone together with either a tablet, laptop or a PC. This highlights the popularity and growth of technology in our society, research findings from Strategy Analytics predicts that the number of devices will rise up to 33 billion by 2020 and the number of connections per person will more than double to 4.3.

With this, Logitech have came up with an an ingenious plan. They have developed and manufactured a series of multi-device Bluetooth Keyboards to assist family households in multitasking between their smartphone, tablets and PCs, allowing the user a quicker response to switch in-between devices. For example, a parent spending time with his or her children through video chatting and switching work agendas on the laptop or computer.

This is where the Logitech multi-device keyboards - Logitech K380 , Logitech K480 and Logitech K400 Plus come in, able to sync between 2 or 3 tech gadgets at the same time with just a click of a button. Users are able to type on anything with comfort and convenience of the K380 and K480, the K400 plus on the other hand, enable parents to have complete control of their smart TV from their couch and search for educational and entertaining YouTube videos with ease.

The K380 is a lightweight, portable device with Bluetooth supported. Same goes to the K480, a multi-platform and cross-platform with familiar keyboard layout that you can find on Windows, Mac, Andriod and iOS mobile. The K400 Plus is mainly designed for a “kick back and relax” navigation control between the PC and TV for entertainment purpose.

As technology continues to upgrade itself faster, Logitech, a brand of innovation and quality recognizes that we also need to constantly upgrade ourselves with knowledge and tool skills to keep up with the modern times. For the sake of balancing family lifestyle and spending more quality time together virtually, Logitech is committed to design products with a mindset to help everyone having a richer experience, more comfortable, fun, productive, convenient and delightful time in the ever growing digital world.

To find out more about the keyboards mentioned above, visit any of the links below.


Logitech wins 9 awards at iF Design Awards 2017

At the recent iF Design Awards 2017, Logitech also won a handful of awards and it counts for the seventh consecutive year that iF, the German design organization, has recognized Logitech. A new total record for Logitech, the company has won product design across many categories, as well as brand identity and product packaging. Below are some of the products that they have won:

“It’s been our mission to be respected for innovation across any category we play in, in essence, to be a Design company,” said KP Sim, Logitech Country Manager of Malaysia, Philippines and Brunei. “Design is at the center of our product creation process, leveraging our historical and growing strength in engineering. We’re really proud of the recognition by iF and the larger design community. These iF DESIGN AWARDS are a terrific honor, one we will try to live up to by putting design at the center of everything we do.”

The iF DESIGN AWARDS honor products based on criteria such as innovation and elaboration, functionality, aesthetics, responsibility and positioning. Recognized as a symbol of design excellence around the world, the iF DESIGN AWARDS are judged by 60 experts from more than 20 countries.


Look at this tiny phone! A first look at the smallest rugged 4G smartphone in the world, the UniHertz Atom

Today we've got a very interesting phone to share with you guys, the UniHertz Atom. This smartphone is currently the world's smallest rugged 4G smartphone. By rugged I mean, you can throw it at a person and the phone won't break but the person would. This tiny smartphone boasts some impressive specs and keeps the features you'd want on any other smartphone such as the front and back camera, a USB-C port, a touch display, a fingerprint reader, facial recognition and the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Tech specs of this device include an octa-core 2GHz processor, 4GB RAM + 64GB internal storage, 2000mAh battery capacity, IP68 waterproof, a 2.45 inch display, and more. As for the camera, it comes with a single rear camera setup with 16MP and the selfie camera is 8MP. The design of the smartphone is pretty interesting as the whole thing is covered in rubber. We tested out the waterproof and shockproof capabilities and we were impressed.

If you're interested in getting your own Atom, you can find it in this link right here. Would you trade your everyday smartphone for this? Let us know what you'd like to see us unbox next on TechNave's social media pages!


Looking for a better Zoom? This Microsoft Teams premium package is free to use for 6 months

In light of Zoom taking the spotlight for the wrong reasons and fixing issues on-the-go, it seems that barely anyone has paid any attention to Microsoft Teams at all. We have mentioned them a couple of times before but today, we just found out that the company is actually offering a 6-month free trial to their premium version (for more than a month now).

We aren't sure why this offer wasn't advertised or marketed to social media widely, but here we are bringing you the news. If you have no idea what Microsoft Teams is, it's a video chat/call application which comes as part of the Microsoft 365 suite. Since 4 March 2020, Jared Spataro, the Corporate Vice President for Microsoft 365, tweeted that anyone can use Microsoft Teams premium package free-of-charge for 6 months in view of the COVID-19 outbreak.

At Microsoft, the health and safety of employees, customers, partners and communities is our top priority. By making Teams available to all for free for six months, we hope that we can support public health and safety by making remote work even easier. https://t.co/e8aaocLzYD

While the basic package is already free in the first place, it lacks some features that the premium version has. For example, better access for scheduling and meetings, a 50GB mailbox per user, 1TB cloud storage, sending attachments up to 150MB, an "Enterprise-grade security" and more. The premium version also includes Words, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Also, if you are already licensed for Office 365, you already have it!

After the 6-months free trial, the fee will be just $5 (~RM21) user/month. If you are interested in using Microsoft Teams as an alternative to Zoom, you can check it out at their webpage right here. Stay tuned for more tech news at TechNave.com.


Looking for an Intel® Evo™ laptop but don't know what it actually is? Find out what it can do for you

When you buy a laptop, why are you buying it? For most of us, it's the convenience of having a portable computer. Smartphones are the same, but there's nothing like getting work done on a proper laptop.

Many Malaysians prefer Intel® laptops, and there are quite a few models under the Intel® Evo™ category. So, have you been looking for an Intel® Evo™ laptop without knowing what it actually is and who it would benefit? The short answer is - someone who needs a machine that's as powerful as it is portable. For the longer answer and more details, do read on.

First, Intel® Evo™ laptops are categorically slim. Being slim means that you can store the laptop in a bag, and not feel like there's a bulky item taking up space. In fact, you could stick them into small messenger bags, depending on the size. This is great for those who have to work on the go.

As you can tell, mobility is the key for many people. With that in mind, lightweight laptops are also in demand. Well, Intel® Evo™ laptops are relatively lightweight so they fit that requirement. On average, these laptops all weigh under 2kg. If you factor in accessories like a mouse or stylus, you can comfortably work on the go without having to carry too much weight around.

Last but not least is the performance. Despite their slim and lightweight bodies, these laptops are by no means weak. Intel® Evo™ laptops come with at least 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 or Core™ i7 processors, which deliver uncompromised performance for productivity and content creation. Some models even come with enhanced graphics performance for your gaming needs! Needless to say, Intel® Evo™ laptops are some of the most responsive laptops you'll find.

Those who are always on the go will face one issue - a lack of power sockets. When you do find one, you end up staying longer because your laptop's battery is running low. But sometimes you don't have the luxury to wait, so it's better if your laptop can charge faster. Well, Intel® Evo™ laptops can last long enough to last you for a good part of your day. And even if you need to charge the laptop mid-way through the day, a 30-minute charge delivers about 4 hours of battery life. Nice!

Unless you're in a date centre with Ethernet cables, chances are you're using Wi-Fi networks when you're away from the office (or even in the office). That means wireless connectivity becomes important, and Intel® Evo&trade laptops promise faster Wi-Fi speeds with Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+). In fact, Intel® claimed that you can get up to 3 times faster Wi-Fi connectivity in video conferences.

Simple reasons, right? But they're factors that we can all appreciate. So, what types of Intel® Evo™ laptops are you looking for? What kind of user are you? To help make it easier for you, here are 8 Intel® Evo™ laptops on promo from TMT catering to 3 types of users!

If you're just the average person looking for an affordable laptop, there are plenty of options you could go for. But for basic productivity, you can take a look at these 4 models that TMT has on promo. They are the Fujitsu CH 13, Acer Swift 3, Lenovo Yoga Slim 7, and Acer Spin 5. These laptops offer reliable performance while remaining ultraportable. The Spin 5 can even be used like a tablet.

Of course, the more affordable models might not be enough for you. For those looking to get something with better specs and features, there are two mid-rangers available on promo. There's the ASUS Zenbook 14 X OLED with its awesome OLED display, and the ultra-lightweight Microsoft Surface Pro 8.

Need a laptop that's more powerful, but remains relatively light? No problem, there are also Intel® Evo™ laptops that fulfil that need. In fact, there are two models from TMT that are great for light content creation and gaming. If that's what you want, the HP Spectre X360 14 is a solid option for content creation on the go, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has a discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 mobile GPU that can also be used for gaming.

What do you think, do any of these laptops suit your budget and needs? If you're interested, you can find out more by clicking on the link included below. You can also visit the Thundermatch website for other promotional deals. We've also included the laptops' promotional prices below!

Don't forget to leave your comments on our Facebook page. And stay tuned to TechNave for more of the latest news on laptops, smartphones, and other mobile gadgets!


Looking for an Ultrafast 4G LTE provider? Come and try Celcom's BIGGEST Internet plan

Are you searching for a network operator that can provide you the best streaming service quality? Well YouTube has just made your life easier, as they have just released an internet measurement tool called Video Checkup and Celcom happens to be one of the best internet service providers.

Before we get to Celcom’s 4G LTE network strength, for those who don’t know, Video Checkup allows users to review online by comparing different operators’ internet service quality during a YouTube video playback. Moreover, they can also check the network’s quality of streaming in respective locations with YouTube Checkup.

As mentioned in our news before, Celcom has scored 4 out of 5 stars rating in 147 major towns i.e. Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Alor Setar, Kuala Terengganu, Penang, Melaka, Ipoh, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and many places more. Thanks to Celcom 4G LTE network, they have managed to have smooth HD video streaming consistently. Talk about over-achievement!

With that, it makes sense to subscribe to Celcom’s Ultrafast 4G LTE network. Celcom has the BIGGEST Internet plans after all for you to stream your favourite YouTubers, like Celcom’s FIRST GOLD plan consisting 20GB Internet data (10GB weekday + 10GB weekend), unlimited calls to all networks, unlimited Whatsapp and WeChat usage for just RM80/month. It’s certain a great value for money!

To find out more about the biggest Internet plan in Malaysia, kindly visit their official Internet plan page to find out more.


ASUS ZenFone 4 Selfie Lite officially listed in Philippines for ~RM663, coming to Malaysia soon?

The ASUS ZenFone 4 Selfie Lite was recently and officially listed at ASUS Philippines from 7995 Philippines pesos (~RM663) to 8995 Philippines pesos (~RM745). Featuring nearly identical tech specs with the other ZenFone 4 Selfie phones, obvious downgrades include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor and 2GB RAM with either 16GB or 32GB of storage.

Other tech specs include a 13MP front and rear camera, both with LED flash and a front fingerprint sensor. Initially headed for Malaysia for RM899 it could still be coming along with the ZenFone 4 or ZenFone 4 Pro due this month but we still have no specific Malaysia release dates or official pricing.

In light of recent releases like the Huawei Nova 2i or the Wiko View would you get the ASUS ZenFone 4 Selfie Lite for RM899? Stay tuned for more at TechNave.com and we'll keep you updated.


Looking for devices that are perfect for your work and entertainment pleasure at home? Why not both? | HUAWEI MatePad 11 & HUAWEI Matebook D15(2021)

Looking for a new laptop or device that can pull off your working tasks or for your entertainment enjoyment at home? Why not both? HUAWEI Malaysia has announced the pre-order launch for the MatePad 11 starting from RM1999 (128GB) and HUAWEI Matebook D15(2021) starting from RM2999! With the collaboration mode, you will enjoy every bit working from home!The HUAWEI MatePad 11 is Huawei's first-ever tablet to support a maximum of 120Hz refresh rate display as well as DCI-P3 colour gamut and TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certified. While the HUAWEI Matebook D15 (2021) is powered by either the 10th or 11th Generation Intel Core i5 with 8GB RAM! Check out the video below to take a closer look how seamlesssly it both works together for you!


Looking for good deals? Check out Thunder Match's roadshow happening this week!

As we approach the last 2 months of the year, expect to see more promotions and events coming along as sales season is on the horizon. TMT by Thunder Match is one of them.

In conjunction with its 25th anniversary, TMT is running a roadshow at Pavilion Bukit Jalil's Centre Court from 1-6 November 2022. There will be plenty of activities for everyone, as well as great deals for products from Acer, ASUS, Ban Leong, HP, Lenovo, Razer, Sony, and more waiting for you! Here are some details about the event.

What's the first thing you look for at a roadshow? We'll tell you: Lucky draws! That's right, TMT is running a "Pick Your Lucky Ball" activity at the event. Throughout the roadshow, customers who make purchases can redeem lucky balls, depending on how much they spend.

Specifically, you get 1 spin when you spend at least RM300, 2 spins for RM500, and 3 spins for a minimum of RM1000. Each customer has a maximum of 3 spins, which could net you some tech brand freebies and e-wallet credits. To redeem your spins, just show your receipt at the redemption counter.

Of course, these lucky balls aren't the only thing you could redeem at the TMT 25th anniversary roadshow. There's another spend-and-win contest, where you could grab big prizes worth up to RM18000.

What you need to do is spend at least RM500, then fill up the receipt with your details for a chance at a variety of prizes. The winners would be announced on 6 November 2022 via a Facebook Live on TMT's Facebook page. Also, check out the available prizes!

Not looking to spend and just want to hang out at the event? That's fine too, as there will be mini-games for you to enjoy. The "Take Me Think!" and "Tech Me Training" will give limited quantities of RM5 vouchers, which you can use during the roadshow or at TMT outlets. On the other hand, the "Snap & Win" mini-game would be where you could win one of 10x Xiaomi Powerbanks.

So what great deals can we expect from this roadshow? While not all of them can be listed, here are some notable ones from the big brands.

For those on a budget, check out the HP Victus 16-e1044AX. This gaming laptop comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 6600H CPU, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU for just RM3699.

Another gaming laptop on promo is the Lenovo Legion 5 15ARH7 (82RE0034MJ). This model features an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H CPU, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU. The RAM and GPU are not as powerful here, but it has a better CPU and a lower price tag of RM5499.

There's also the ASUS VivoBook A516J (AEJ3955WS), which uses an older Intel Core i5-1035G1 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. For just RM2199, it's a modest laptop that's suitable for your everyday needs.

The Acer Predator Helios 300 (PH317-55-76CR) has a more powerful Intel Core i7-11800H CPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU. Combined with its other hardware, this is a solid 17-inch gaming laptop for a reasonable price of RM5999.

Those who need a pair of top-notch Bluetooth headphones should make a beeline for the Sony WH-1000XM5. This is the latest in Sony's line of wireless noise-cancelling headsets and is now available for just RM1399.

Were you looking to keep your place clean? Check out the Ecovacs X1 Omni at the roadshow. This intelligent robotic vacuum and mopping cleaner will be available for RM4599, a nice discount for everyone.

As you can see, any of the options above could get you started on the activities at the roadshow. Sounds good? Then, drop by the TMT roadshow at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, especially if you have free time this weekend! The company will have a "Starbuy Promotion" where you can grab some cool stuff at significantly discounted prices.

Those planning to go should visit the TMT official website for more details on the roadshow and its promos. If you do go, let us know which activity you're most looking forward to in the comments! And as always, stay tuned to TechNave.com for more of the latest news and promos.


Looking inside of the Honor 5C: the bigLITTLE, FinFET difference

In our previous article about how Honor 5C's Kirin 650 processor saves power consumption, we know it's equipped with a 16 nm (nanometer) FinFET employing the "bigLITTLE" architecture on its SoC. But what does 16 nm mean? What is FinFET? Read below to find out more!

Since last year, FinFET was possibly the biggest news in the semiconductor industry because the Apple iPhone 6S's next generation A9 application processor, for example, employs FinFET's new transistor architecture, indicating that FinFET has begun to take over the handset processor industry. Now it's Honor 5C's turn to use the 16 nm FinFET Plus state of the art technology and the "bigLITTLE" architecture, resulting in greater performance.

Before FinFET came to be, transistors all used MOSFET architecture. The problem with MOSFET was that below 20 nm, there was no way of controlling conductivity effectively allowing electrons to sneak from the source to drain, causing leakage. FinFET's real impact is in how it has broken the limits on superconductors once announced by Intel, allowing Moore's Law to continue its magic. So at the core of this technology is the way the source and drain are pulled tall, creating a 3D planar structure, increasing the surface area of contact between the gate and channel. This development allows the transistor to break the 20 nm bottleneck and become smaller and denser.

And what of the "big.LITTLE"? Well to give you an analogy, it is like you have a choice between four tall, strong people to move bricks, and eight thin people who together take up the same amount of space as the four. Naturally, if four people move the bricks, then they will be more tired, sweat more, and the overall temperature in the room will increase. If the job is done by the eight thinner people, then for larger bricks, they will require more time in order to coordinate.

Unlike traditional "big.LITTLE" chipsets, the Kirin 650 uses 8 of the same Cortex A53 processors either in a set of 4 at a faster 2.0GHz clock speed (the four tall, strong people) or all 8 processors (the eight thin people) at a slower 1.7GHz clock speed. Traditional "big.LITTLE" chipsets typically have 4 stronger processors and 4 slower more energy efficient processors, with each set of 4 doing work at a single time.

But if that's the case, why do handsets still have issues with overheating and lag? This is an issue of manufacture: The time lag created by the exchange of information between the tall and short people within the N+N strategy. In order to resolve this issue, Huawei has developed its N (big, tall, and strong) + N (short) strategy: for larger chunks of data, the handset sends the stronger, taller 'people' (but who get tired easily and who give off heat); for smaller tasks, the handset sends the thinner people to resolve the issue – a more efficient allocation of resources.

In other words, the denser the transistor, the smaller the core surface area, allowing for greater functions and performance. This allows better control of power consumption and heating, as well as savings on electricity consumption. What is key during this process is to integrate better sized and stronger Ns within a smaller space, resulting in space efficiency and great gains in work efficiency.

The honor 5C uses the Kirin 650 chipset to maintain energy efficient yet powerful performance

Phew! That was a lot to take in. Anyway, at this moment, the bottom line is that through the Kirin 650 chipset, the honor 5C can offer an affordable smartphone with flagship capabilities! In addition, the Honor 5C comes with a 6-month one-to-one exchange policy from honor Malaysia (with Terms and Conditions apply). For more product information, visit their online stores, VMall Malaysia and Lazada Malaysia.


Looks like Google Pixel 5 could look almost the same as the Pixel 4a?

Based on a bunch of renders posted by @onleaks on his Twitter account, it seems that the design of the Google Pixel 5 will be similar to that of the Google Pixel 4a. While not much is known in regards to the release date of the Pixel 5, we do know that it will come equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset.

Other than that, the Pixel 5 will have a 128GB internal storage as well as around a 5.8-inch display. With all that said, do take some of the information with a grain of salt, due to the fact that Google has yet to provide an official statement on the leak.

Pixel 4a 5G = 128GBPixel 5 = 128GBif there are 64GB models, I haven't seen them.

Not only that, but there’s also no news on the Malaysia release date, local pricing, and exact tech specs for now. Would you be interested in getting the Google Pixel 5 as soon as it is available in the local market? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Looks like Google might be killing off the Google Play Movies and TV app

Looks like Google recently confirmed that they will be shutting down the Google Play Movies & TV app on 15 June 2021 and instead be pushing existing customers to their YouTube apps in order to access their existing movie purchases. But that’s not all, 9to5Google also mentioned that the app will not be accessible on Roku, as well as other smart TV brands such as LG, Samsung, Vizio, and potentially more.

With that being said, Google will most likely be focusing on the YouTube app to bring it up to speed so that it can replace the Play Movies & TV app. Not only that, but Google will also be giving away a promo code for a free movie for customers who were using the service for a long time.

What are your thoughts on Google shutting down Google Play Movies & TV app? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Looks like Huawei and ZTE will work on 6G network technology in China

Based on a statement by gizchina, it seems that ZTE and Huawei will take the lead in the development of 6G technology in China. While not much is known in regards to when the technology will be officially available for use, estimations suggest that it should be ready somewhere around 2030.

Compared to 5G, 6G uses satellites to transmit data and it is about 50 times faster than 5G while having the lowest latency possible. However, do take some of the information with a grain of salt, due to the fact that some of the details mentioned might change during development.

What are your thoughts on ZTE and Huawei working on 6G technology? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Looks like Malaysia could be getting a National Digital Identity system in the future

Earlier today, the Cabinet has given the go-ahead in developing a National Digital Identity system which will go hand-in-hand with the pre-existing NRIC. As of now, the MCMC will be in charge of conducting a nine-month-long study on how feasible the proposed system will be.

To elaborate more, the proposed National Digital Identity system will function similar to that of an identification card albeit in a virtual form. It allows the average Malaysian citizen to authenticate themselves when conducting an online transaction. Not only that, but it also acts as their national profile which then can use to log in to government services.

With the aforementioned system, big-ticket transactions can be more secure and traceable which gives a peace-of-mind to the buyer and the seller. What do you think of the proposed National Digital Identity system? Let us know on our Facebook page, and for more updates like this stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Looks like Redmi smartphones released this year won't come with an LCD display?

It seems that Redmi’s product manager might have confirmed that Xiaomi had no plans to release a Redmi smartphone that’s equipped with an LCD display. That said, all of the smartphones released under the Redmi lineup will come equipped with an OLED display instead.

This largely due to the fact that OLED displays have slowly become the standard for mid-range smartphones due to their benefits over LCD displays. These include better colour reproduction, and it requires less power in order to reproduce darker colours.

With that in mind, what are your thoughts on Xiaomi not producing smartphones equipped with an LCD display? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Looks like Samsung Pay will be officially launching in Malaysia this week!

Samsung Pay, which was previewed in partnership with Maybank roughly a month ago, will soon be officially launched in Malaysia on 24th February 2017.

What is Samsung Pay? It is a wallet-less mobile payment system, that allows payments to be made at card terminals using compatible Galaxy smartphones (Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Galaxy A Series (2016) and Galaxy A Series (2017)).

While it was initially available only to Maybank VISA card holders, with the official launch, Samsung Pay will finally be able to accept both Mastercard and VISA cards issued by CIMB, Citi, and Standard Chartered too. One of the more unique capabilities of Samsung Pay is that it uses both NFC and MST technology, allowing it to be compatible with most card terminals, including those that are not equipped with NFC or PayWave technology.

With Samsung Pay, payments are authorised through a fingerprint scan or PIN authentication. In addition to that, each transaction uses an encrypted digital token, which acts to hide the actual card number from the merchant.

A 4-day roadshow will be held at KLCC Centre Court between 24th February until 28th February to demonstrate this truly simple and secure experience, as well as to reward early adopters of Samsung Pay. If you are the highest Samsung Pay spender of the day, you’ll stand a chance to win a Galaxy S7 Edge! There are also 100 Samsung Wireless Charger (worth RM279) to be given away for the first 100 daily users whom had made a minimum RM30 transaction for 3 times via Samsung Pay. Do visit the Samsung Pay page for more details.


Looks like Samsung will be manufacturing Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4 series chipsets

Based on a statement by techradar.com, it seems that Qualcomm has contracted Samsung to manufacture their Snapdragon 4 series chipset which is geared towards entry-level smartphones. While there is no news on which smartphones will come equipped with the aforementioned chipset, our source mentioned that the chip will be used by manufacturers such as Motorola, OPPO, Xiaomi, and more.

Not only that, the upcoming chipset will also come equipped with 5G, which reduces the barrier of entry for those who do not own a 5G smartphone. With that said, would you be interested in getting a smartphone equipped with the new Snapdragon 4 series? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


ASUS ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro review - An almost perfect ASUS Selfie Phone

Thanks to the upcoming happy go lucky self-loving millennial generation, selfie smartphones are increasingly getting more popular nowadays and many smartphone manufacturers are jumping on the band wagon. Of course, this is nothing new, but we are here to talk about it anyway with the ASUS ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro. A selfie pro? How "pro" can it be? Let's find out in this review below.

To start things off, the Selfie Pro doesn't have a very pleasing aesthetic design even though there's a pair of cameras at the front. Still, it could look boring to some who wants to show off and to some, they could be fine with the overall design. There is one thing I really like about the design, though, it's not about how it looks but rather how the 5.5-inch display fits and it doesn't feel like I'm holding a big phablet (I'm not a fan lol), also the phone is really lightweight so +1 mark there for mobility.

5.5-inch FHD AMOLED display with the dual front cameras, the fingerprint sensor responds quite fast

The trademark ASUS rear camera design and two straight antenna lines from top and bottom, nothing much to look here

Volume rockers and power button, this device is 6.85mm thin only!

Headphone jack, micro USB 2.0 (OTG) and speaker grill, there's nothing at the top

Here are the specifications for the Zenfone 4 Selfie Pro:

As a self-proclaimed Selfie Pro, the smartphone does pack a fair amount of selfie arsenal under its belt. The dual front camera module isn't just two normal cameras with the standard sensors, but a 24MP DuoPixel camera technology and a 5MP 120-degrees wide angle lens camera. But don't get so excited yet, because it's not what it seems.

A closer look at the dual front cameras with 24MP DuoPixel tech on the ASUS ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro

You see, the 24MP DuoPixel camera technology is not really 24MP, it's cleverly disguised as a Sony IMX362 12MP dual pixel sensor that can take in twice the number of light-capturing photodiodes. After taking the image, the DuoPixel technology will help to double the pixel resolution by using the information captured by the sensor, which then automatically creates a high-resolution 24MP image digitally.

On the other hand, the secondary 5MP camera has a 120-degrees wide angle lens, I don't think this needs an explanation as it helps to capture a wider view that's perfect for wefies without having to turn your wrist.

There's also a Selfie Master app on the device, it comprises BeautyLive, Camera, Video, Collage and Slideshow options inside. Why does ASUS need to implement another camera feature inside there when there's already one on the outside? I thought the same thing as you too, but I guess the fair argument here is that the Selfie Master is a direct access to BeautyLive that lets you do your 4K Selfie Video live stream via Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Also, you can have some fun time to organize photo collage and slideshows.

But still, I find the Camera and Video option inside the app a bit unnecessary because the Camera app can do the same thing already.

It lets you record your games (and yourself if you want) and post it on YouTube and Twitch

If you think this Selfie Pro phone can't keep up with other tasks such as gaming, you are mistaken. Testing the Asphalt 8: Airborne game app on it was surprisingly smooth, even the heat at the back was quite minimal so you don't have to worry about getting your finger tips burned. That's the good news, but not so much for the battery performance. The battery life drops pretty fast when you game heavily, luckily this is not the case for photography and surfing social apps.

Charging takes really long to fully charge, about 2 hoursThe sharp drops in the chart was when I was gaming

As for the camera performance, I have mixed feelings about it because of the secondary 5MP wide-angle lens. Granted, the 120-degrees lens is a great idea but poorly executed because it's just 5MP sensor. Even if you take a wefie under a well-lit environment (for example, a ballroom with chandeliers), a sharp eye will definitely notice a huge amount of noise in the image. The only viable condition to actually use the wefie is the outdoors, but sometimes even that has some problems, such as the background will produce too much whiteness. Plus, no OIS on board so that's a bit of a let down there.

Not all hope is lost, though. The 24MP DuoPixel technology is pretty great for selfies, same goes to the rear camera and I'm actually quite impressed at how well the image turns out from that, displaying well-balanced colour contrast and details in it too, all thanks to the ASUS SuperPixel Engine inside the camera system. Anyway, see the picture samples below for yourself and you'll be the judge. All selfie pics are using the 24MP DuoPixel technology.

P.S. - Please excuse my derp selfie photos

Selfie even with the lamp post behind is quite good

You can see the white background is really overexposedBut at least the selfie is still good

Using the wide angle mode, same position

The colour contrast in this photo is quite good

Taking a selfie in indoors could prove challenging, sometimes it can be oversaturated or underwhelming

As long the photographer understands how to play with the lighting, the Selfie Pro excels

Taking a wefie with the 24MP DuoPixel technology isn't so bad

Wide angle mode test no.4, you can see how the colour is washed out and the tiny amount of noise there

Of course, it's not complete without a food picture

Low light shot, this is suppose to be darker than it looks

The ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro is almost a perfect selfie smartphone, if it wasn't for the somewhat subpar 5MP camera sensor performance, it could have easily been the go-for selfie smartphone in the Malaysia market (#soclose). If you don't really mind about that, then go for it. The 24MP DuoPixel technology is great, same goes for the rear camera, it is a compact device, has good battery performance (but not for intense gaming) and the Selfie Master app should prove to be a favourite for selfie lovers and vloggers too.

As a RM1799 selfie device, there are other rivals that are worthy of the challenge. The obvious one is from vivo with its line up of vivo V5 (RM1299), V5s (RM1299) and V5Plus (RM1799) which are just as good. Those were the original prices back then, by now the prices should have depreciated so these are the cheaper options. Let's not forget the Huawei Nova 2 Plus as well, it's packing a 20MP front camera with that 3D Facial Recognition and Portrait Mode feature for RM1999 (review coming soon).

Hopefully, future ZEN U.I. update patches will make the camera performance even better. But what do you think? Are the selfie pictures pretty good already or am I overanalysing it? Let us know in the comments below, thanks for reading and stay tuned for more reviews at TechNave.com


Looks like Samsung will have a Galaxy Z Flip 5G Mystic Bronze model too

Yesterday, we had a good look at the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra in Mystic Bronze which looks gorgeous. While this flagship has striking similarities with the Galaxy S20 series, we suddenly got ourselves a treat of the Galaxy Z Flip 5G model in Mystic Bronze as well.

As the rumours suggest, the Galaxy Z Flip 5G design is not that different from the vanilla version with a frosted glass finish body. However, the internal tech specs have some changes such as featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset, as well as having two sets of batteries of 2500mAh and 704mAh respectively. This is according to the listing from TENAA.

Besides that, TENAA listing also showed that the 8GB of RAM is still the same. But for the cameras, the 12MP ultrawide lens got degraded to just 10MP for some reason. Well, looks like there are some inconsistencies with the tech specs but since we are just a month away from the annual Samsung Unpacked event, all will be revealed by then.

What do you think of the Mystic Bronze Galaxy Z Flip 5G model? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Looks like a new HTC phone is coming soon at the end of June 2022

Back in March, the once smartphone maker juggernaut, HTC announced that it's planning to its own metaverse ecosystem with VR, AR, AI, 5G & NFTs. Seems like the company is ready to showcase some Viverse technologies soon on 28 June 2022.

It's interesting to note that the showcase could be a new HTC phone that has something to do with the Viverse. While we have no official information about it, rumours have it that the new HTC phone could focus heavily on VR and AR within the Viverse. It could also be compatible with the Vive Flow VR headset.

Some AR apps could be supported as well since it was reported that HTC would be partnering with Taiwan Mobile, Chunghwa Telecom and FarEasTone for that. The new HTC phone was supposed to appear earlier in April but was delayed due to supply chain issues.

We are not sure what to expect from the new HTC phone. But what about you? Are you still a HTC fan? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Looks like markets other than the US and China will get the SD888 variant of the Galaxy S21 series?

Based on a statement by techradar, it seems that there could be a possibility that markets other than the US and China might be getting the Samsung Galaxy S21 that's equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. While not much is known in regards to the Malaysia release date, it’ll be interesting to see which country will be getting it.

However, do take some of the information with a grain of salt, due to the fact that Samsung has yet to provide an official statement on the leak. Not only that, but there’s also no news on the release date, exact tech specs, and local pricing for now.

Would you prefer to get a Samsung Galaxy S21 series with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Looks like the Huawei Carnival on 27 July 2019 is going to be just as BIG as the BIG featured Y9 Prime 2019

As Huawei Malaysia recently announced their Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 for just RM899, they also revealed that it’s going to get BIG on possible rewards, prizes and deals (up to RM1,000,000, yo!) for this year’s Huawei Carnival from 27 July 2019 to 4 August 2019. Looking at the teaser video, while the Y9 Prime 2019 already packs in BIG features like a 6.59-inch completely fullview FHD+ display, 4GB RAM + 128GB storage and a big 4000 mAh battery, there’s also going to be various BIG sets of wheels that could include a Mercedes Benz, various e-bikes and e-scooters.

There’s been no news yet on how many sets of wheels prizes we’ll be seeing during the Huawei Carnival yet, but if we just go by the amount shown on the teaser video, 1x Mercedes Benz, 3x e-bikes and 3x e-scooters are still plenty of prizes to be won. Huawei are also throwing in other rewards for the Y9 Prime 2019, such as a free 6-month VIU subscription but we also expect various other discounts and deals for Huawei’s other devices such as the Mate 20 series, MateBook laptops and MediaPad tablets.

Are you excited for the Huawei Carnival and the Huawei Y9 Prime 2019? What deals, discounts and promotions in particular are you interested in? Let us know on our Facebook Page and stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Looks like the Qualcomm Snapdraogn 865 Plus will be unveiled around July 2020?

Based on a statement by Ice Universe on the user’s weibo account, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 Plus chipset will most likely be unveiled somewhere around July 2020 provided there are not hiccups. With that said, we can expect many smartphone manufacturers to unveil a few flagship smartphones that come equipped with the aforementioned chipset.

While not much is known in regards to which smartphone will come equipped with the new chipset, sources did mention devices such as the ROG Phone 3 and the Galaxy Z Flip 5G might have it. However, do take some of the information mentioned with a grain of salt, due to the fact that Qualcomm has yet to provide an official statement on the leaks.

Not only that, but there’s also no news on the Malaysia release date and local pricing for any of the smartphone that comes with the new chipset. With all that said, would you be interested in getting a smartphone that is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Looks like the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 will not come with an S-Pen after all

A report by thelec.kr seems to state that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Fold 2 will not come equipped with S-Pen, due to the fact that the feature will be exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy Note series. It does, however, expected to come with Ultra-Thin Glass which was developed in partnership with Corning.

While not much is known in regards to the exact tech specs of the foldable smartphone, we do know that the Fold 2 will come equipped with up to 120Hz display and well as some form of water or dust resistance. In terms of the release date, we can expect the aforementioned device, as well as the Note 20 series, to be unveiled during Samsung’s first online Unpacked Event which will take place around August 2020.

What are your thoughts on the Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 not coming with S-Pen support? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Looks like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 will be unveiled on 5 August 2020 after all

It seems that a recent tweet by Twitter user @DSCCRoss, it seems that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 will most likely be unveiled during the Galaxy Unpacked event which is happening on 5 August 2020. Furthermore, the user’s tweet also hinted that the foldable device will come equipped with a 7.59-inch 120Hz display with a screen resolution of 2213 x 1689 pixels.

Previously, we’ve mentioned that the Galaxy Z Fold 2 will come equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus, up to 64MP rear camera while the front has a 10MP selfie camera. With all that said, do take some of the information with a grain of salt, due to the fact that Samsung has yet to provide an official statement on the leaks.

Fold 2 fans, confirmed with my sources that it will be announced at Unpacked, although may not ship till as late as early October. Assembly starts in September. Also, why are leakers/media saying 7.7". As we said on 4/20, it is 7.59"...No change. pic.twitter.com/CBJ380tYnb

Not only that, but there’s also no news on the Malaysia release date, local pricing, and exact tech specs for now. Would you be interested in getting the foldable device as soon as it is available in Malaysia? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Looks like the realme GT smartphone will be unveiled globally in May as well?

Based on a statement by techradar.com, it seems that there could be a possibility that the realme GT will be globally unveiled somewhere around the end of May 2021. While not much is known in regards to the Malaysia release date, it does give us a better idea of when to expect the aforementioned smartphone.

In terms of the expected pricing, our source mentioned that the aforementioned smartphone could be priced around RMB2899 (~RM1863) or lower. As for the tech specs, the realme GT comes equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset, 6.43-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, 65W fast charging and up to 64MP main camera.

However, do take some of the information with a grain of salt, due to the fact that realme has yet to provide an official statement on the leak. Not only that, but there’s also no news on the local pricing for now as well.

Would you be keen on getting the realme GT as soon as it is available in the local market? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Looks like the vivo S5 will be coming to Malaysia very soon

vivo has officially announced that the vivo S5, which was initially launched in China yesterday, will be coming to Malaysia very soon. While we’re not sure about the exact Malaysia release date, as well as the official local pricing of the said device. We can expect the smartphone to be available anywhere between the end of November to December 2019.

In terms of what the aforementioned device to the table, it comes with a 6.44-inch FHD+ OLED display with a punch-hole notch towards the top right. Not only that, but it also comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 chipset, 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. Camera-wise, it has a quad-camera setup with up to a 48MP main camera and a 32MP front-facing selfie camera.

Check out our launch article on the vivo S5, if you want to know about the smartphone that will soon be available in the Malaysian market. Would you be interested in getting the vivo S5? Let us know on our Facebook page, and for more updates like this stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Looks like there's going to be an iPhone 13 mini after all?

Earlier this year, we released an article hinting that there will most likely not be an iPhone 13 Mini variant that will be released alongside the iPhone 13 series that’s due to be released in H2 2021. However, it seems that new leaks are hinting that there might be a Mini variant coming after all based on leaks noted by techradar.com.

Other than the Mini variant, it seems that the iPhone 13 Pro and the Pro Max might have been confirmed as well, giving us a better idea of what to expect from Apple during the official launch. However, do take some of the information with a grain of salt because Apple has yet to provide an official statement on the leak.

Not only that, but there’s also no news on the Malaysia release date, local pricing, and exact tech specs for now. What are your thoughts on Apple potentially releasing a Mini variant of the iPhone 13 series? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


ASUS ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro unboxing and hands-on video

We've wanting to do an ASUS ZenFone 4 Selfie Pro for two weeks now ever since the Taiwan trip. But we sure got a surprise of the special box edition with Gong Yoo's signature in it that ASUS Mobile Malaysia gave us so here's a shout out of thanks to them! The device is your average midranger with Snapdragon 625 processor, 4 GB + 64 GB memory, 5.5-inch display, 16MP main camera and of course, the dual front camera comprising the 24MP DuoPixel Technology sensor and 5MP wide-angle lens sensor. Without further ado, check out the video below!


Looks like there won't be a new foldable phone other than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 2 and Z Fold 3

Based on a statement by sammobile.com, it seems that Samsung might only unveil the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, as well as the Z Flip 2. With that being said, it doesn’t seem like Samsung will be unveiling anything other than both the smartphones mentioned.

With that being said, do take every bit of information with a grain of salt, due to the fact that Samsung has yet to provide an official statement on the leak. Not only that, but there’s also no news on the Malaysia release date, local pricing, and exact tech specs of any of the phones mentioned for now.

What are your thoughts on Samsung smartphones at the moment? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Looks like you know which Apple iPhone to choose as iPhone 8 beats out iPhone X in GeekBench 4

If you were one of the few to say that the Apple iPhone X is your future then perhaps you'd like to take back your words as Cult of Mac reports the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus beat out the iPhone X in GeekBench 4. Logically, it is something we fully expected considering that all of these new iPhones are running the A11 Bionic chip and the iPhone X bezel-free display and Face ID no doubt saps a good deal of processing power. The full single core and multi core scores are below:

For a more detailed tech spec comparison check out our comparison tool at TechNave.com so you can see what other differences the 3 new Apple iPhones might have. Our recent analysis also might reveal just how much you'll have to save up to get the latest Apple iPhone of your choice as well, so stay tuned to TechNave.com for all the latest tech news, analysis and reviews.


Lossless Audio & Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos arriving on Apple Music in June 2021 for free

Yesterday, we reported that Apple could be introducing Lossless music but it turned out to be something better than that. So not only did Apple announce Lossless music but as well as Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos support for Apple Music users. More than 75 million songs will be available in Lossless starting in June, free of charge.

Speaking of free of charge, all Apple AirPods and Beats headphones with an H1 or W1 chip, as well as the built-in speakers in the latest versions of iPhone, iPad, and Mac will be able to play Dolby Atmos songs automatically. Moreover, Apple Music is working closely with artists and labels to add new releases and the best catalogue tracks for the Spatial Audio experience.

For Lossless audio, AirPods, AirPods max or AirPods Pro won't be able to support that and HiRes formats due to the Bluetooth AAC codec. Lossless Audio ranges from 16-bit 44.1 kHz playback to 24-bit 48 kHz playback, whereas Hi-Res Lossless offering 24-bit 192 kHz quality. Nonetheless, Apple uses ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) to preserve every single bit of the original audio file and we think the company will release a new pair of wireless AirPods for that in the future.

Apple will release Lossless Audio, Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos features when iOS 14.6, iPadOS 14.6, macOS 11.4 and tvOS 14.6 launches in June 2021. When updated in the future, Apple users can go to the settings > music > audio and set whichever format they want to listen in. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


Lotus Eletre Malaysia launch - 3 car variants, starting price from RM578,000

In conjunction with the MoU signing between Lotus and Gentari, Lotus Malaysia also launched its latest fully-electric high-performance SUV (Hyper-SUV) - the Lotus Eletre. A first new breed of pure electric SUVs, the Eletre also delivers several firsts for Lotus – the first model outside sports car segments, the first lifestyle electric vehicle (EV).

There are three variants of the Lotus Eletre and all will be available for the Malaysian market – Eletre, Eletre S and the range-topping Eletre R. As of today’s launch, the Hyper-SUV has collected 140 bookings with a total of only 200 units available for the whole of 2023. All prices are on-the-road, without insurance and road tax, for Peninsular Malaysia only.

The Eletre is built on Lotus’ all-new 800v Electric Premium Architecture (EPA) with an integrated, high-voltage power distribution system. This architecture uses aluminium and high-tensile steel for optimum structural rigidity. It can also accommodate C+ to E+ vehicle class battery sizes, motors, component layouts and intelligent driving technologies.

The Eletre and Eletre S are powered by a single-speed system, which delivers 603 hp and 710 Nm of torque with 0-100 km/h performance of 4.5 seconds and 80-120 km/h in less than 2.2 seconds respectively. Both variants are capable of achieving top speeds of 258 km/h and a maximum WLTP driving range of 600 km.

As for the flagship Eletre R, it comes with a dual-speed system that offers an output of 905 hp and 985 Nm of torque. Delivering a sprint time of just 2.95 seconds and an acceleration of 80-120 km/h in less than 1.9 seconds with a top speed of 265 km/h, it is currently the world’s fastest dual-motor pure electric SUV. Maximum WLTP driving for the Eletre R is 490 km.

The Lotus Eletre comes with a choice of two powertrains, each with two electric motors, one driving the front wheels and another driving the rear wheels to deliver all-wheel-drive (AWD) capabilities. Moreover, it also has five drive modes, which adjust the steering, damper settings, powertrain and accelerator pedal response. The modes are Range, Tour, Sport, Off-Road and Individual, and are standard on all three variants.

The Eletre R gets an additional Track mode, which provides a lowered ride height and more performance-oriented settings. These include active rear-wheel steering, adaptive dampers, and active anti-roll control to deliver a higher level of dynamic performance. Track mode also includes a fully open active grille and launch control with instant access to the car’s full power.

All three variants feature a 112 kWh battery and a 350 kW charger that enables a rapid charging time of 10-80% in just 20 minutes. It also comes with the ability as standard to accept 22kW AC charging. On top of that, they also come standard with lightweight brake discs and six-piston callipers – in standard black colour for the Eletre and with a choice of colours for the Eletre S and Eletre R.

The Eletre rides on Pirelli P-Zero tyres with 22-inch 10-spoke silver diamond forged alloy wheels. The Eletre S comes standard with Pirelli P-Zero tyres and 22-inch 10-spoke grey diamond forged alloy wheels. The Eletre R is fitted with the Pirelli P-Zero CORSA performance tyres and 22-inch 10-spoke gloss black forged alloy wheels. For more personalisation, customers can opt for different wheels with five designs to choose from.

Lotus Eletre comes with a five-year / 150,000 km manufacturer’s warranty, while the battery comes with an eight-year / 200,000 km warranty. The standard exterior colour for Eletre and Eletre S is Kaimu Grey, while the Eletre R comes in stunning Solar Yellow. At launch, there are six exterior colours to choose from – Natron Red, Galloway Green, Stellar Black, Kaimu Grey, Blossom Grey and Solar Yellow. As for the prices, you can refer to them below:

For more information about the all-new Lotus Eletre Hyper-SUV, visit www.lotuscars.com.


Louis Vuitton jumps on the true wireless earbuds bandwagon, releases a model priced at ~RM4034

Wireless earbuds, wireless earbuds everywhere! If there's a piece of gadget we've seen a lot of lately, it has to be true wireless earbuds. Nobody wants to be left out because even a brand like Louis Vuitton has decided to make one, one that will cost you a jaw-dropping USD 995 (~RM4034).

According to Engadget, the new Loius Vuitton Horizon wireless earphones were made in collaboration with Master & Dynamic. It's unusual to see a fashion brand like Louis Vuitton come up with something like this, but fans of the brand will probably appreciate it. The Horizon is supposed to come in four different colours: Black with white initials, red monogram with gold initials, and one that's black with yellow and blue initials.

In terms of specs, it's likely packed with 10mm Beryllium drivers and should deliver about 3.5 hours of continuous playback. That doesn't sound like much, but it will also be accompanied by a charging case that can provide an extra battery life of up to 10 hours, which should ensure that you have enough juice to last you most of a day.

No other tech specs were detailed but the release date is slated for January 2020. Having said that, the Horizon's price tag is quite steep and we doubt anyone other than Loius Vuitton fans would want it. Would you? Do let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for more news like this.


Love Apple and own a BMW? Apple's CarPlay may be for you from RM513 for 12 months

BMW Malaysia has just introduced Apple’s CarPlay for their models. The first 6 months is free (from the time the car is assembled) and after that, users will be charged a fee. For the first 3 months, users will be charged RM5 if they’re not willing to commit just yet. CarPlay comes with a 12-month plan which costs RM513 and a 36-month plan at RM799. If you want unlimited access forever, it will set users back RM1899.

If you’re lost, Apple CarPlay is a car radio with an iOS interface. Users just need to plug in their iPhone and authorize the device using the passcode or thumbprint. It allows the integration of calls, texts, music, maps and Siri with your car radio basically. This prevents distracted driving.

So on top of paying for your expensive car, you now have to pay for your entertainment system. Nice. From what’s been heard, the decision for CarPlay to charge fees came from Apple with BMW gaining nothing from it. Other than Malaysia, the subscription service is also happening in the US, Australia and the UK. However, the service is free to use on other car models supporting the service such as Audi, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, Mazda and more. At the time of writing, it just makes me realise how I probably will never be able to afford CarPlay because I’ll never be able to use it because I’ll never be able to afford these cars (#thebrokelife). What about you? Keep up with the latest news in Malaysia on TechNave.com!


Love Marvel? The Redmi K20 Pro Marvel Hero Limited Edition was announced in China

The Redmi K20 is called the Xiaomi Mi 9T here in Malaysia. When we couldn’t think the phone could get cooler, Redmi unveils the Redmi K20 Pro Marvel Hero Limited Edition in China which pays tribute to our favourite Marvel heroes.

Redmi shared out images of the device which comes in the colours Black and Gray. The design on the back is pretty cool with the Iron Man’s logo. From the poster, it seems that the device may also feature either a customized Iron Man UI or special wallpapers.

Tech specs wise, it remains the same to the standard Redmi K20 Pro with the Snapdragon 855 chipset, up to 8GB RAM, up to 256GB internal storage, a 6.39 inch AMOLED display and more. As for its camera, it comes with a triple rear camera setup with 48MP + 13MP (ultrawide) + 8MP (long focus) sensors whereas the selfie camera comes with a 20MP selfie camera.

So far, only the standard edition of the Redmi K20 has been announced here in Malaysia (renamed as the Xiaomi Mi 9T). So far there has been no word if Xiaomi Malaysia is planning on bringing the device to the country but fingers crossed that they do. Would you be grabbing this limited edition device? Keep up with the latest Redmi news on TechNave.com!


Love special edition smartphones? Here are 6 of our personal favourites!

With the start of a new year, you can bet that we'll be seeing a lot of new electronics and gadgets that are fancy and cool. Since we primarily cover mobile devices, the ones that we see most often are smartphones and there's no shortage of special edition devices every year.

Some have been good and others... not so good. In that case, what are the most memorable or coolest ones we've seen? So today, let's take a look at some of the coolest special edition smartphones launched recently.

If we talk about something more recent, we'd have to say one of the coolest would be the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Joker and Harley Quinn edition. This edition of the Galaxy Z Flip sees Joker and Harley Quinn both occupying the two halves of the phone, displaying both at the back when unfolded. Designed by the folks at Caviar, it looks fancier than the plain (if you can call it that) gold plating that the company favours. The Joker and Harley Quinn art aren't of high quality, but you definitely can't call this smartphone ordinary.

Speaking of Samsung, we also like the Galaxy Note 10+ Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker special edition. The movie may have been bad (for many), but this phone really looks sleek in this version. You can see Kylo Ren's helmet depicted on the box and the back of the phone here. Also, its rear camera island, buttons, and S-Pen all have a nice red trim to accentuate the black colour. In particular, the S-Pen kinda looks like a red lightsabre here. Neat, right? You could also get the Galaxy Buds in the same design, which is a nice touch.

Want something equally as sleek but more tailored to the preferences of a car enthusiast? Then maybe you want to take a look at the OPPO Find X2 Pro Lamborghini Edition that was launched last year. It has an exterior designed to look like that of the Aventador SVJ Roadster, with the logo emblazoned on the back. The phone itself doesn't have any other fancy design elements to it. But you do get an exclusive case, a pair of TWS earbuds (complete with charging case), and a car charger all with the same design theme.

What, you want to see more geeky stuff and wonder if OPPO has something for that? Sure, we know just the thing! In that case, the one model we found really cool is the OPPO Reno Ace Gundam Edition. If you're a fan of the classic mecha Gundam series, the elegant silver body for this phone will definitely catch your eye. It even has blue and red trims to fit the Gundam theme, as well as a crimson red case with a golden cross that looks like the Gundam RX-78-2's shield. Even the box, charging adapter, and the cable come with the same colours.

OnePlus has quite its fair share of geeky special edition models too! If you're a Marvel Avengers fan, the one model we think you would like is the almost 3-year-old OnePlus 6 Marvel Avengers Edition. If you just glance at the phone itself, the phone itself doesn't have a lot of fancy design or detail. It does have the OnePlus and Avengers logo etched on the back in gold, which contrasts with its sleek carbon weave back. On top of that, you get nice red and white cable and cool cover case that looks like the mask of Ironman to go with the phone.

If you're into games, then you'll probably love our last pick for this special edition article. CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 launched last month and saw relative success, despite its launch issues and bugs. But before the game launched, OnePlus launched the OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition in China. Sporting design elements inspired by the game, it has an enlarged area for the camera module to house the stylised script and the Cyberpunk logo at the back. What we found really cool were the tweaks to the software. For example, when you unlock the phone via the under-display fingerprint sensor, it plays a cyberpunk-ish animation. Quite a nice touch, if you ask us.

Rather than call it cool, perhaps it would be more appropriate to call Huawei's special editions as ultra-premium. And the one you'll see every year would have to be the Porsche Design editions. Last year, Huawei supposedly launched its last ever model with this design - the Mate 40 RS Porsche Design. Following the Porsche theme, you get two variants in black or white, both built with a high-strength nano-tech material. They have a super sleek design that is reminiscent of the aerodynamic form of sports cars. You also get exclusive cover cases that give it that extra bit of colour.

We mentioned the design house Caviar earlier, right? That company loves making special editions of premium models, like the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Caviar. It's also not what we'd call cool, but its back looks like the internals of a timepiece (there are other designs), which gives it a super-premium feel. On top of that, the entire thing is packed with gold plating! In fact, each unit alleged has about 500g of pure gold used on the back. If that's not fancy enough for you, I don't know what is, although if you look a bit more you might find one made from a piece of the Titanic. This is definitely a toy for the rich.

So, those are some of the more recent (within 2-3 years) special editions we found really cool. But what do you think about them? Is there a special edition you like that we may have left out? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for more articles like this.


Low Light Photography Tips to stand out of the crowd with Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra!

Do you know what makes Nightography stand out the most even though it is not on Auto Night Mode? How about the Pro Mode for the ExpertRAW app on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra? By using these two, just how much does it take nightography and photography to another level? Let us lead you on a step-by-step guide.

By using the Pro Mode of the ExpertRAW app, you can adjust the Shutter Speed, ISO, White Balance and more! It is not only available for the main lens but also for all the other lenses. The most convenient part about this mode is that it allows you to edit the photos straight with Lightroom Editor in just a few clicks! Check out the video below to see the results.


Low YouTube video quality begins now around the world for 30 days

As many of you may have noticed, but YouTube have officially come forward to announce that their video quality setting has been lowered. We know, it's annoying to see such inferior resolution but it will only be temporarily for 30 days. Also, this is so that the servers can keep up with everyone staying at home binge-watching YouTube videos.

That said, sources say that users can still adjust the setting to HD instead of SD, but YouTube recommends that it's best to not to "stress on the system during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic" (fair enough). Anyway, below is the official statement from a spokesperson for Google (yes, they own YouTube in case you forgot).

“We continue to work closely with governments and network operators around the globe to do our part to minimize stress on the system during this unprecedented situation,” said the Google spokesperson “Last week, we announced that we were temporarily defaulting all videos on YouTube to standard definition in the EU. Given the global nature of this crisis, we will expand that change globally starting today.”

So far, Netflix has also reduced the video quality in Europe (for 30 days) and trying to do the same for Australia, India and some countries in Latin America. Disney+, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video have yet to take action on this.

Remember, this video quality reduction is just temporary. As usual, keep your hygiene clean and stay at home. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.


ASUS ZenFone 4 ZE554KL price leak confirms it at RM2099

A new ASUS ZenFone catalog has appeared with proof confirming that the ASUS ZenFone 4 ZE554KL will be priced at RM2099. Coming in black, mint green and white, the ZenFone 4 packs in tech specs that include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 octa-core processor, 6GB RAM, 64GB storage, 5.5-inch FHD display and Android 7 + ASUS ZenUI 3.0 out of the box.

Like other ASUS ZenFone 4 smartphones, it comes with a dual rear camera with 12MP (F1.8) + 8MP (120 degree wide angle) sensors. No specific Malaysia release dates yet, but we expect it to arrive sometime in the middle of September 2017, so stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Lower priced 4GB RAM Xiaomi Mi 6 announced for $350 (RM1466)

Xiaomi has announced an additional 4GB RAM version of the flagship Xiaomi Mi 6 smartphone.  The 4GB RAM variant will also come with 64GB internal storage according to PlayfulDroid.

This is perhaps to cater for those looking for a great bargain with the original 6GB RAM Mi 6 flagship device which initially costs RM1700-RM1800 in Malaysia. The new 4GB version will have a price cut with the end price being around $350, which is the rough equivalent of the Malaysian RM1466.

If it does come to Malaysia, the 4GB Mi 6 will be one of the only devices with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset around that price range. Not to mention the awesome 12MP+12MP dual main camera.

The release was only announced in China for now with no clear indication that it may go worldwide yet but it would be really nice if it could come to Malaysia (please).

So, would you get the Xiaomi Mi 6 at that price? Or is it still too much of a stretch? Leave your comments below and stay tuned to Technave.com for more news and updates.


Lowest monthly commitment postpaid plan with Data8 by redONE

Malaysia Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) redONE, is offering the lowest monthly commitment postpaid plan Data8, at only RM8 a month. You will receive 500MB of mobile data and Unlimited FREE calls, available to all redONE users. Call rates are at RM0.15/min to all networks and SMS rates for all networks are at RM0.10 per text, RM0.05 per text to redONE users and RM0.20 per one MMS. You are required to sign up for a minimum 6 months contract, and if you choose to terminate early you will need to pay penalty charges.

Together with the Data8 plan you can use their add-on data bundle if you need more data for your plans. The bundles are from RM20/month for 1GB+, RM30/month for 2GB+, RM40/month for 3GB+ and RM60/month for 5GB+. These are all additional data bundle on top of your monthly RM8/month Data8 plan. You need to purchase the add-on to be able to use data even when your quota is finished with throttle speed of 64kbps otherwise you are subjected to their RM0.10/mb pay-per-use rate. For more information you can visit their website.


Lumia 535 gets certified at SIRIM databse, coming to Malaysia soon

The Lumia 535 is the first Windows phone to carry the Microsoft branding and it looks like the same device is all set to hit the Malaysian market pretty soon. It was recently spotted at the SIRIM database, which means the phone is already certified for our local market. The Lumia 535 is the successor to the Lumia 530 budget smartphone. It brings a lot of new upgrades, but retains some features from the earlier generation. For example, the processor remains the same as before with a 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 200 processor. However, Microsoft has increased the RAM capacity from 512MB to 1GB while the internal storage has also been upgraded from 4GB to 8GB. On the front, there is a 5-inch 960 x 540 pixel resolution IPS panel. At the rear, there is a 5MP camera with auto-focus and LED flash. The front camera now features a 5MP wide angle sensor, which should click better selfies than before. Microsoft has also improved the onboard battery to a 1905 mAh capacity one along with dual SIM card slots. Although Microsoft Malaysia has not yet announced any details for Malaysia release or pricing, we expect it to retail around RM400 with a possible Malaysia release date on 4 December 2015.


Lumia 830 launch in Malaysia happening on 25 September 2014 at GSC

Microsoft Devices Malaysia have sent out the invites for an event on 25 September 2014 and while they didn't mention it by name, the picture in the invite gives the smartphone to be launched away as the Nokia Lumia 830. Recently announced at IFA 2014, the Lumia 830 is one of the few midrange market smartphones to offer Optical Image Stabilization to go with it's 10MP PureView camera. Other tech specs and features include a 1.2GHZ quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 1GB RAM, 5-inch display with 720p HD resolution and the Lumia Denim Update for Windows Phone 8.1. While there isn't any Malaysia pricing yet, it was initially priced at 330 euros (RM1371) which is quite affordable for a Lumia with these tech specs.

The Nokia Lumia 830 will pack in a 10MP PureView rear camera

In terms of looks, the Lumia 830 will utilize the same metal frame as the Lumia 930 along with the usual colourful polycarbonate backside. While it wasn't mentioned in the invite, many are expecting the Lumia 735 to also make an apperance at the launch. Tech specs for the Lumia 735 include the same processor and RAM as the Lumia 830 but with a 4.7-inch display, support for dual-SIM and a 5MP front camera. Again, there are no specific pricing details but it was offered initially at 199 Euros (RM827). Both Lumia smartphones are already listed at the Microsoft Devices Malaysia site.

The Nokia Lumia 735 is postioned as the company's Selfie camera


Lure of Half-Life: Alyx is strong indeed, Valve's Index VR headset is almost sold out

Fans have been clamouring for more of Half-life through the years and their hunger shows since Valve's Index VR headset is almost completely sold out worldwide. The headsets selling out this soon proves that many are highly anticipating Valve's Half-Life: Alyx, the publisher's first virtual reality game.

According to Road to VR, the Index VR headset is sold out in nearly all 31 regions it is available in, with the exception of Japan. Valve is reportedly in the process of restocking and should have more units ready before the launch of Half-Life: Alyx. Of course, those who want to play the game can purchase it and play using third-party headsets like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, but those who purchase the Index VR will get a copy of the game for free.

The Index VR headset is not officially available in Malaysia so this news may not mean much for us here at the moment. But if the current supply and demand is an indication, we may not be able to purchase this locally anytime soon; Valve will want to restock for other regions first before even considering Malaysia. For now, all we can do is wait for Valve to announce an update on this.

Still, how many of you have managed to secure one through other means and how excited are you for Half-Life: Alyx? Let us know on our Facebook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com for updates on this.


Luxurious Vertu Signature Touch announced with Snapdragon 810, 4GB RAM and 21MP camera

Vertu are generally known for selling luxurious phones made from premium materials with super high price tags, but most of the time, tech specs for their phones have been rather underwhelming. The newly announced Vertu Signature Touch finally goes a step further in the tech specs department by offering a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, 5.2-inch FHD display with sapphire glass and a 21MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus and 4K video recording. Built from titanium, ceramics and handcrafted leather pricing begins from £6500 (RM43373) with a release date on 16 October 2015.


Lytro Illum officially announced at $1599 (RM5228)

The first Lytro camera revolutionized digital photography by allowing users to refocus after the shot was taken. The newly announced Lytro Illum takes it a step further by allowing you to do the same refocusing but at much higher definitions while letting you take both long range as well as close-up shots without having to change the lens. Tech specs and features include a 40 Megaray light ray sensor which is much larger than the 11 Megaray sensor in the original Lytro camera along with a much lighter lens.

While a similar DSLR could weigh in at 3.6kg with an equal lens and body, the Lytro Illum delivers the same performance at a mere 680g. In camera terms the Lytro Illum delivers a zoom range of 30 to 250mm with f/2 aperture and 1:3 macro made possible by a simpler lens construction that works with complex algorithms to provide the same performance. A mechanical shutter with the speed of 1/4000th of a second makes it even better for fast moving objects.

Other tech specs and features includes 8x optical zoom, a standard hot shoe, SD card support, a USB 3.0 port, a 4-inch tiltable touch screen and built-in WiFi. The controls are also simplified but still allow you access to ISO, Shutter and Manual controls. Pricing for the Lytro Illum is set at $1599(RM5228) from 15 July 2014 but you can pre-order from the Lytro site at an intro price of $1499 (RM4901) with free training and other freebies. It seems unlikely that there will be any Malaysia release date but we could see some come from third-party sellers.


Lytro-like camera appears in Apple patent, refocusing coming to iPhone 6?

Seemingly catching up with the rest of the refocusing cameraphone crowd, Apple have recently filed a patent for a camera technology which allows Lytro-like effects. Similar to the refocusing effect in Nokia's PureView cameras and some Sony Xperia cameraphones, the technology basically allows users to take a shot and then refocus it on any point or object in the picture. The technology in Apple's patent is different from Lytro in that it offers a high-resolution non-refocusable mode along with a low-resolution refocusable mode. While the patent is for a new camera sensor, it also covers an add-on version for any existing camera. This could mean we would see it come out for the Apple iPhone 6 or as an accessory for all camera equipped Apple devices.


M2 Mac mini confirmed? Popular retailer may have accidentally leaked Apple’s upcoming devices

An authorised Apple dealer and reseller in the United States, B&H Photo, Video & Pro may have jumped the gun and listed Apple products that haven’t even been released just yet. In its listings today, the company put various unreleased Apple products as ‘New Item - Coming Soon’, including the Apple Mac mini 8/256GB with M2 and Mac mini tower 8/256GB with M1 Pro.

Hence, it is likely that both devices may be release officially by Apple in the near future. Heck, it may even be released as early as tomorrow with the giant tech company set to hold its annual WWDC event in the early morning of 7 June 2022 (Malaysian time).

If the listings both turned out to be true, the Mac mini may be the first device by Apple to feature the new M2 processor, the successor to its powerful and efficient M1 chips. Furthermore, the Mac mini tower with the M1 Pro is also a rather curious device (if it is true), whereby the M1 Pro is only currently available with the Mac Studio for desktop devices.

Should the product really exist, it will be interesting to see how the M1 Pro in this alleged Mac mini tower would perform compared to M1 Pro on the MacBook Pro. Well, nothing is confirmed just yet, so we just have to wait until Apple make an announcement to really know.

What do you guys think? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest trending tech news.