Samsung Galaxy Fold Review – A foldable phone on an entirely different level

2019 is not only when we expect 5G phones, but it’s also a huge year for foldable display phones. That said, we haven't seen many foldable display phones around in the market.

The Samsung Galaxy Fold is one of the most anticipated foldable display phones with a forward-looking design. However, with its eye-watering price of RM 8399, the Galaxy Fold is clearly not intended to be a mass-market device but it could be appealing to the ultra-niche super premium early adopter market. Let’s see how it handles in our review here.

Positioned as a premium and luxury product, the Galaxy Fold wows with its innovative foldable screen instead of the common slate-like design for most other smartphones. It is not made of traditional glass smartphone screen but a special protective layer so the screen is flexible enough to fold.

However, according to Samsung, users should avoid pressing the screen with a hard or sharp object (say goodbye to your stylus pen), and not to push the screen too hard to prevent damage.

Important reminders before you get started

The 7.3-inch dynamic AMOLED display has a resolution of 2152 x 1536 pixels that delivers an immersive viewing experience with bright and vivid colors. It is comfortable to hold in the hand but you may notice a crease after multiple foldings.

When it’s folded, a smaller 4.6-inch AMOLED screen is used for phone mode which can be easily fitted in your pocket. You can use apps and check notifications on the smaller screen but the 7.3-inch main display is undoubtedly the better experience.

Gap between the phone body and the hinge when it’s folded

When folded, the Galaxy Fold is considerably heavier than other phones; when opened up, it feels lighter but will not be ideal for one-handed use. Despite looking cool, there are some downsides to the device.

It lacks any IP68 water and dust resistance, supports only one SIM card along with an e-SIM and there is no microSD card for expandable memory which may likely become an inconvenience for some. Though it doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack, it does have a pair of its new wireless Galaxy Buds. Just forget about the wired headphone!

Comes with free Samsung Galaxy Buds in the box

Two-piece Aramid Fiber case With the case, it looks even more like a clutch purse or wallet

Now, let’s take a look at the specs. As a high-end luxury smartphone, it is not surprising that the Galaxy Fold comes with flagship specs such as Snapdragon 855 chipset, 512GB storage + 12GB RAM and other specs that you would expect from a flagship phone.

On the other hand, the phone is powered by a 4380mAh battery which is quite wimpy for a 7.3-inch screen. It supports 15W fast charging, not the usual 25W fast charging which is pretty disappointing too but 15W fast charging is better than no fast charging.

Camera wise, it sports a total of six cameras. There are three rear cameras (12MP regular camera + 12MP telephoto camera + 16MP ultra wide-angle lens), two front cameras (10MP selfie cameras and 8MP RGB Depth) and a 10MP cover selfie camera.

The cover selfie camera allows users to snap a selfie with one free hand. When the device is unfolded, it can be difficult to take photos from certain angles with both hands.

The shutter button is fixed on the left of the main display’s camera interface. Hence, taking photos with both hands is more convenient

The cover display has the usual camera interface

It is also worth mentioning, that Galaxy Fold users will get to enjoy the Galaxy Fold premier service with 24/7 helpline, one-on-one access with Samsung product experts and priority express lane at Samsung’s service centres. Sounds great?

The Galaxy Fold allows you to switch seamlessly between cover display and main display and it automatically transfers the app to the main display. However, you will need to set the transition from main display to cover display manually. Also, you can run up to three apps on the main display simultaneously.

The apps stay open even after folded and unfolded

The Galaxy Fold comes with Samsung Knox with enhanced security via pin, fingerprint or face recognition before you access to apps.  Amongst all the other unlock functions, the traditional capacitive fingerprint sensor is the most reliable as the face recognition unlocking has no 3D scanning. Still, face recognition works faster most of the time and is more convenient to use.

Fingerprint reader on the right edge of the Galaxy Fold (below the power button)\

Equipped with the Snapdragon 855, the Galaxy Fold managed to push out a score of 446,847 on AnTuTu. However, with more recent AnTuTu updates, the benchmarking process and scoring mechanism has changed, hence we can’t have a fair comparison.  Nonetheless, the performance can be tested through other benchmarking apps.

As for graphics, we ran the gaming-centric 3DMark benchmark test and it managed to nab 5662 on 3DMark OpenGL and 4910 on Vulkan. Needless to say, it is certainly a powerhouse where performance is concerned.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Fold delivers a gaming experience that is pleasurable especially when playing COD in landscape mode with more immersive screen.

At the same time, the speaker can be rotated to the upper part so you wouldn’t cover up the powerful Dolby Atmos stereo speakers that offers crisp and clear sound.

Speaking of video, the viewing experience may not be as nice, as the Galaxy Fold has an aspect ratio of 2:3 which is very different from the usual aspect ratio of 9:16 or 9:18. This means, you will see black bars around the side when you watch most videos.

Battery wise, the Galaxy Fold can last about 10 to 14 hours of continuous heavy usage (including Google Maps for navigation and gaming). However, this device is mainly targeted at business people, and it can easily last up to 16 hours for normal usage such as documents checking, web browsing, article editing, phone calling and messaging.

In other aspects, the Galaxy Fold offers clear audio during phone calls (compared to traditional handset designs) and stable WiFi or 4G LTE connectivity. It doesn’t overheat after hours of intense gameplay too!

Camera wise, the Galaxy Fold delivers similar performance as the Galaxy S10 series and Galaxy Note 10 series (as they have the same camera setup). The only difference is that both hands are required to take photos. For one-handed use, fold it to the smaller screen!

2x optical zoom, sharp color and details

Night mode. Good lighting, brightness and noise reduction on a rainy night

Cover display and main display come with 10MP, both take sharp selfies!

The selling price of the Galaxy Fold is likely unattainable for most consumers. It has a completely different screen setup than any other traditional smartphone, and is very much a symbol of status and luxury.

In addition to the foldable screen, the Galaxy Fold has similar specs like Samsung’s other flagship series (except for the Snapdragon 855 and Exynos 9825) – so you may opt for the Galaxy Note 10 series or S10 series if you don’t really want a foldable screen. If you are looking for Snapdragon 855-powered device in particular, there are too many to mention.

So, while the Samsung Galaxy Fold is definitely too niche to recommend to the masses. But if you can afford it or you have too much money burning a hole in your pocket then why not?

What do you think? If you had the money would you get the Samsung Galaxy Fold? Let us know on our Facebook page and for the latest on tech reviews and news, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy Fold goes official, unfolding from 4.6-inch to 7.3-inch display for ~RM8051

Besides the Samsung Galaxy S10 series, Samsung also showcased its all-new and first foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold. THIS IS a gorgeous piece of gadget and caught almost everyone off guard by announcing this first during the event. Anyway, let's check out the tech specs below.

Starting with the exterior design, the display is only 4.6-inch but when unfolded, it offers a massive 7.3-inch touchscreen display. To fully support the foldable phone, they installed a New Hinging Mechanism inside so it's not just a piece of glass folding together. If you unfold the phone, you can actually make it flip horizontally like a fully functional tablet. This works with YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, Asphalt 9, Google Maps and many many more! You can even fit three apps at the same time, although it probably won't apply for all the apps.

Multi-Active Window is supported on the Galaxy Fold

This is how the bottom looks like with the USB Type-C port on the left,and the speaker on the right side

The tech specs are similar to the Galaxy  S10+ with a 12MP + 16MP + 12MP triple rear camera combo, using a wide-angle, ultra wide-angle and telephoto lens. While the dual front camera is a 10MP + 8MP combo (there's also a 10MP cover front camera).

It's sporting a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset (7nm), 12GB of RAM and there's a pretty big 512GB ROM (UFS 3.0) gor internal storage. There are actually two batteries on each side but combining together it is 4380mAh in total.

No news yet on any Malaysia release dates but they are planning to release it on 26 April 2019 for $1980. That estimates to ~RM8051! So what do you think of the Galaxy Fold? Tell us on our FaceBook page and stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy Fold is expected to be available around Fall of 2019

The Samsung Galaxy Fold, which was delayed due to various technical issues presented by the foldable screen, is finally given an availability window somewhere around July of 2019. That being said, there will probably be a press conference held in which they'll address the issues and the steps Samsung has taken to fix it.

Based on our previous coverage, we know that Samsung has reduced the gap between the top and bottom parts of the hinge in order to prevent foreign substances from getting in under the display.

Secondly, they have also made it harder to remove the protective layer on top of the folding screen. They have also stuck on a much “larger” warning sticker on top of the displays as well, in order to sway users from peeling the layer off. Let’s hope we don’t see another “Foldgate” making the headlines, after the official availability of the Samsung Galaxy Fold. For more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy Fold is ready to hit the market, says Samsung executive

We are halfway through 2019 and there's still no sign of the Samsung Galaxy Fold which was supposed to make its debut in early May in Malaysia. Understandably, Samsung recalled most of the devices back in order to have another round of test to ensure the display are working with the ambiguity of the release date, but according to one Samsung executive, it's "ready to hit the market."

According to Samsung Display Vice President Kim Seong-cheol, he said that "Most of the display problems have been ironed out, and the Galaxy Fold is ready to hit the market," and “The Galaxy Fold, when released, will receive a lot of attention in the market.” So that's good news to those who have been waiting to get their hands on the Galaxy Fold, but he didn't precisely say when. If we have to assume, it has the potential to be released on the same day as the Galaxy Note 10 on 7 August 2019 in New York City..

Despite the "whoopsie" PR stunt of claiming the Galaxy Fold's durability, and yet recalling them back again after several screen crack reports. We think Samsung is handling it rather well from the setback. Until then, we can only wait from the official word from the company so stay tuned for that at TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy Fold is reportedly done with its final tests and may be re-released soon

Many Samsung fans have been waiting for awhile now for the re-release of the Samsung Galaxy Fold - especially those who have pre-ordered. It has been reported that the smartphone has passed its final phase of testing with flying colours and may be re-released soon.

The testing was done by members of the industry and professors at the Seoul National University alongside its own KAIST research institute. Issues from the original batch of Samsung Galaxy Folds could not be replicated again with the current model. A source from one of the testers had mentioned that the foldable smartphone had aced the tests and is ready for launch.

Sources claim that the Korean manufacturer had extended the top layer and wrapped it around the corners. The screen now looks like it is now part of the device instead of a screen protector. Meanwhile, the gap between the hinge as well as the crease has been fixed and the phone has been given some added durability.

Right now it is a race between Huawei and Samsung to release their foldable smartphones. The Huawei Mate X is set to be released this summer. No word has been mentioned about the smartphone’s re-release date or if it would be coinciding with the Samsung Galaxy Note 10’s launch on the 7th of August but we’ll let you know on TechNave.com!


Samsung Galaxy Fold may be out first before Huawei's foldable smartphone

The Samsung Galaxy Fold will be Samsung’s first foldable 5G smartphone which may be set to be unveiled on the 21st of February. It is speculated to have a hefty price tag of USD$1700 (~RM6983) and may be powered by the Exynos 5100 modem.

South Korea will be the first to be able to get their hands on the smartphone as the country already has 5G networks set up and are now just waiting for 5G devices to trickle into the market to utilize the feature. A few days ago, Huawei had introduced their latest 5G modem into the market and will be bringing their first 5G smartphone to MWC 2019. Seeing that Samsung’s Unpacked 2019 will be happening before the event, it is likely that Samsung may have won this race.

Regardless of who releases their device first, odds are they’re too expensive for many to own one. However, since no official statement has been made, do take this article with an extra dose of salt. Be the first to hear about Samsung’s Unpacked 2019 on TechNave.com!


Samsung Galaxy Fold may be relaunched on September 6

It’s been months since Samsung had withdrawn the Samsung Galaxy Fold due to malfunctions on the device. After a long time of silence, we may finally see the phone relaunched on the 6th of September in South Korea.

On the same day, the Europe’s largest trade show, IFA 2019 is due to take place in Berlin. Perhaps we may be seeing the device launched once more during the event as a surprise. Despite these claims, there are also other rumours mentioning that the device is also due to be launched in other countries such as the US and China in other dates in the month of September.

Regardless, this rumour is definitely welcome after the long wait for Samsung’s first foldable smartphone. Despite it being shelved for awhile, it seems like Samsung may still be coming out as the first company to release their foldable device, beating out the Huawei Mate X. So are you excited to the relaunch of the device? Let's hope the fixes they've done to the device is enough to keep it in one piece! Keep up with the latest Samsung news on TechNave.com!


Samsung Galaxy Fold pre-orders sold out on the first day in Malaysia

We had a chance to play with the Samsung Galaxy Fold last week and it was pretty epic. Sure, the price tag is pretty hefty and it caters to a specific demography but the innovation behind it is very impressive. Clearly a lot of people agree as the foldable smartphone is all sold out on the first day of pre-orders here in Malaysia!

For those of you not up to speed, the Samsung Galaxy Fold features tech specs which include the Snapdragon 855 chipset, 12GB RAM + 512GB internal storage, a 7.3 inch Infinity Flex display (4.6 inches when folded), a 4380mAh battery capacity and more. For the camera, it comes with a triple rear camera setup with 12MP + 16MP + 12MP sensor whereas the front cameras come as a duo with 10MP + 8MP sensors. There is also another camera on the sensor at 10MP.

Yes, pre-orders for the device begin today with many excited customers lining up at participating Samsung Experience stores as well as chain store retailers throughout Malaysia. For you guys who missed out on the pre-order, more updates will be coming soon about the foldable phone so stay tuned. Will you be getting one for yourself? Keep up with the latest Samsung news on TechNave.com!


Samsung Galaxy Fold to be the first foldable phone in Malaysia starting 3 May 2019

Samsung has given us a heads-up that the Samsung Galaxy Fold will be launched in Malaysia on 3 May 2019 at 9:30AM. Unfortunately, other than the invitation that was sent to us, Samsung did not disclose the official local price of their first foldable smartphone.

However, based on what we know from the initial launch alongside the unveiling of the Galaxy S10 series in San Francisco, United States. The smartphone is priced at 1980USD, which is about RM8192 locally. Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates regarding Samsung’s first folding smartphone.


Analyst says new iPad Pro's mini-LED display needed more local dimming zones

As you may know, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 comes with a mini-LED display. Apple had hoped that this display would deliver great video quality, but it still has an issue with blooming. Now, an expert on the subject has commented on why it has that issue.

According to Ross Young, the new iPad Pro's 1000000:1 contrast ratio is still not enough to prevent the blooming effect. This refers to the soft haze/glow you'd see on the edges of bright objects in a dark scene for those unaware. However, do note that this is only noticeable when you're environment is also dark. Anyway, Young said that the mini-LED panel needed even more local dimming zones to prevent this.

Hearing alot about the halo effect in the new 12.9" miniLED iPad Pro. Here it is explained from our MiniLED Report. So even 1M:1 contrast ratio displays can get it. Need more dimming zones. Not a problem for OLEDs though. pic.twitter.com/Zin0nE4tmr

This isn't a problem for OLED displays, which has lighting control down to the pixel level. On the other hand, Young also points out that an advantage of mini-LED displays is that they're brighter. This could be why there's still some blooming, despite the increased contrast ratio. However, it could also mean that improving the lighting control could resolve the issue.

Some enthusiasts may prefer if mini-LED was just as good as OLED. But for the average user, this isn't going to be a deal-breaker. After all, you'll see more bright scenes than dark ones in most videos or movies (except maybe Batman). But what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more tech news like this.


Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 and Galaxy Gear 2 Neo smartwatches revealed, powered by Tizen

At the ongoing MWC 2014, Samsung revealed their next generation smartwatches the Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 Neo. Major differences with the original Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch include the fact that both new smartwatches are running Tizen, Samsung's mobile operating system and that the camera has been moved to the chassis and not the strap. A new IrLED blaster lets you control your TV and other devices. Both smartwatches have more or less the same tech specs and features except that the Galaxy Gear 2 Neo doesn't have any camera. Check out the Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 and Galaxy Gear 2 Neo tech specs below:

According to Samsung the new tech specs allow for 2 to 3 days usage despite the smaller battery and larger MP camera, perhaps due to the use of Tizen. Samsung says that on low usage the smartwatches should last up to 6 days but haven't clarified if this applies for just the Galaxy Gear 2 Neo or the Galaxy Gear 2. The Galaxy Gear 2 Neo is significantly lighter at 13g and is probably also more affordable, but there still isn't any news on Malaysia pricing just yet. Malaysia release dates are expected to start from April 2014. With the recent spate of updates, the new Samsung smartwatches should be compatible with many Samsung Galaxy smartphones.[Source]


Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 smartwatch unboxing

Samsung Malaysia recently dropped off the Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 smartwatch for us to check out and we started it out with an unboxing video which you can see below. As it is, the Gear 2 remains one of the most feature filled smartwatches currently in the market, complete with a heart rate sensor, IRLED sensor, 2MP camera and IP67 water resistance certification. Stay tuned for more hands-on videos and the full review but for now, do check out the unboxing video below:


Samsung Galaxy Gear Review - Feature-filled Samsung-only smartwatch

The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch has many different coloured straps and watchfaces.

The race for the world's best smartwatch is currently on and while the market is still fairly new, the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch is probably the most feature filled of the bunch. Packing in a 1.9MP camera, a 1.6mm Super AMOLED screen and Bluetooth 4.0 LE connectivity this is one of the few smartwatches that you can use to take calls from, provided you have your smartphone connected. It is also locally available here in Malaysia for RM999. Does it live up to the hype? Read on and find out in our Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch review.

It's hard not to compare the design of the Samsung Galaxy Gear against other smartwatches, mainly because other smartwatches have maintained a mostly square or rectangle slab of touchscreen on a strap design. The Samsung Galaxy Gear on the other hand, looks like a digital watch from the watch face. The chrome plating is stylish while the screws give it an industrial look. It also comes in many colours, both for the straps as well as for the watchface frames. Unfortunately, if you look at it from the side, you'll see that the Gear is still very much a thick slab of touchscreen, just rounded out more to look like a watch. The straps also seem to fit a certain type of wrist as those with thin arms who tried it out found it rather loose while others with meatier wrists found it to be quite tight. Does it look better than most smartwatches? Yes, but not necessarily better than a normal watch, which it doesn't. However, rather than place the smartwatch on the watch itself (and make it more clunky) Samsung have cleverly built it into the strap which does make aiming it a bit easier.

The 1.9MP camera is built into the strap rather than the watch, allowing it to be less bulky.

The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch packs in an 800 MHz processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB storage, a 1.9MP backside-illuminated camera, a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display with 320 x 320 resolution, accelerometer, gyroscope, pedometer, microphone, speakers and 315 mAh battery for up to 25 hours of use on a single charge, at least according to Samsung. It is also IP55 rated so it can stand a little dust and water. It connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth but needs to pair first by tapping it via NFC. While Samsung have said that it will be compatible with other Samsung smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S4, S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note II, the Gear only works with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 for now. This is because the other smartphones don't have their Android 4.3 updates yet and therefore cannot support Bluetooth 4.0 LE. Once it has been connected it can then receive notifications that your phone receives for social media or emails, playback music on your phone and send pictures or videos to your phone that you've taken using the Gear's 1.9MP camera. You can also call and answer calls from the Gear but again this is an ability tied to your smartphone, so if you don't have it within range, it won't work.

A lengthy hands-on to explain how to use the Samsung Galaxy Gear with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3

According to Samsung the Gear will activate when you bring it up to your face, so it should be ready when you need it but this feature does not work all the time. The microphone and speakers are built into the watchstrap clasp so all you need to do to answer a call directly is to bring it up to your face and speak, which is only a little less ridiculous looking than using a tablet as a phone. Most of the interface is swipe oriented so you can swipe left, right, up or down for different functions. You can also install different apps, but so far, the amount of apps you can install are limited. While the Gear's screen is good enough to watch video, it isn't very easy to type things on it. Instead, most of the interface is voice activated through S Voice, which isn't always accurate. Rather than charge through a USB cable, the Gear charges up through a cradle which is rather bulky and which you will need to carry about with you if you want to charge it on the go.

While the Samsung Galaxy Gear has the potential to be an awesome device, it is largely crippled by it's limitations. Yes, you can receive notifications from your phone but since you can't answer any of these notifications you're still going to have to pull out your phone if you want to answer that email, or see it's attachment or type in that social media status. Also, if you're the type to get notifications nearly non-stop, the Gear will also vibrate non-stop as well, which can get irritating very quickly. This leads you to turning off the vibrate function which also makes it less likely for you to know you've received a notification, defeating the whole purpose of the thing. Sure, you can playback music, but there are only very basic media control functions which include volume, skip, play and pause. You can't change the album or artist, which you'll still have to pull out your phone for. While S Voice is certainly useful it is not 100% accurate, and correcting mistakes like unique names can get very frustrating, and talking angrily to yourself in Malaysia certainly has it's own social stigma.

Many colours gives you many options on how you want the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch to look.

So far, the only useful major function seems to be the direct calling function. What about the 1.9MP camera? Well, still images are certainly good quality and the quick launch of 2-3 seconds is certainly useful, but it doesn't handle moving objects very well (the usual blur) or low light conditions (no flash, no ultrapixels). True, you can record 720p video in 15-second chunks, but what do you do with your pictures and videos afterwards? You still need to transfer it to your phone before you can do anything useful with them as the Gear has no WiFi or USB connectivity of it's own and you can't post stuff to Facebook or other social media directly from the smartwatch. All the features come at an energy cost though, as the battery life on the Gear is very short. With normal usage you can expect to have to charge the Gear after 12 hours. But to be fair, the 315 mAh battery in the Gear can last more than a day on very minimal usage (25 hours = 1 day + 1 hour), but it is still the shortest battery life of any smartwatch to date.

At RM999, the retail price of the Samsung Galaxy Gear is more than some entry-level to mid-range smartphones. And to use it, you also have to have the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, which currently costs RM2399 without a contract. That means that if you want to use the Samsung Galaxy Gear you need to spend at least RM2399 + RM999 for a whopping RM3398. Sure, you can use the Gear with your Galaxy S4 (the update is currently rolling out), S3 or Note II by the end of the year, but will you want to? Can you wait for it? Will there be better smartwatches coming soon? Unfortunately, the answer to this last question is Yes, as just 3 months later in 2014, quite a lot of other smartwatches are slated for reveals during CES 2014 while other indie project smartwatches are due by the end of the year.

You can get it to play Candy Crush but you have to sideload it rather than download it from the app store.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Gear certainly is the most feature filled smartwatch in the market at the moment. But is it a smartwatch worth your time and lots of money? We think not, unless you are the type with a lot of money to burn and you like playing with the latest gadgets. OR you want to try hacking the Gear, which has recently been proven to be possible without having to root it. You'll still need the Note 3 for it to work though, but if you like tinkering with Android devices and also have a lot of money to burn, then by all means. For everyone else, we recommend that you wait, as even Samsung themselves have said that the first Samsung Galaxy Gear seems to be lacking something special, which could indicate an even better Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 in next year's CES 2014. Our wishlist for such a device would be more useful apps (preferably intuitive keyboard apps), built in SIM with 3G or at least WiFi, a thinner profile, easier charging and longer lasting battery life, but all we can do is hope that Samsung are listening. Many of these hurdles can be solved with a flexible or curved screen, which Samsung have already proven they can do.


Samsung Galaxy Gear Smartwatch Malaysia Release Date and Specs

Samsung Malaysia have just released the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch at a local launch event held today in Malaysia. It marks the availability of the Galaxy Gear smartwatch in Malaysia from 25 September 2013 at RM999. The smartwatch comes with a number of features and tech specs which include an 800 MHz processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB storage, 1.9MP backside-illuminated camera, 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display with 320 x 320 resolution, accelerometer, gyroscope, pedometer, microphone, speakers and 315 mAh battery for up to 25 hours of use on a single charge. The Galaxy Gear is also IP55 rated so it can stand a little dust and water.

Please check out the Samsung Galxy Note 3 Malaysia release date and info.

Other features notable for the Galaxy Gear include the ability to take notifications and answer actual calls while doing other things on it's own like taking pictures or videos and using it's own apps like LINE, Evernote and Runkeeper. It even uses S Voice for voice assisted commands. The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch is available in six colours which include Jet Black, Mocha Gray, Wild Orange, Oatmeal Beige, Rose Gold and Lime Green. While it will eventually work with other Samsung Galaxy smartphones, the Galaxy Gear will only work with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 for now, and Samsung Malaysia are not offering a combo deal with the two devices. Samsung leave the option to the local telco instead. So you might need to crap the FREE Galaxy Gear chance fast when you signing up with the telco.While there is no combo deal from Samsung, there is currently a Samsung Malaysia backed contest for Samsung Galaxy Note 3 buyers to get a free Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch. Users log on to Facebook or Twitter and post Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Samsung Galaxy Gear related statuses to participate in the contest which has 20 daily winners. Winners will then be required to purchase their Samsung Galaxy Note 3 smartphones on 25 September at the Samsung Experience Store in The Gardens Midvalley Kuala Lumpur to redeem their free Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch. There are currently 3 days left for the contest as it will end on 23 September 2013. For more information check out the Contest site or go to the Samsung site.

Samsung Malaysia has confirmed the launch of the Galaxy Note 3 and its release date in Malaysia should be on September 20, the Galaxy Gear smartwatch will also be announced at the event. The Samsung Galaxy Gear could be available in Malaysia along with the Galaxy Note 3 on September 25 or earlier. The Samsung Galaxy Gear Malaysia price at RM999 so far. Good news is this Samsung smartwatch will be given FREE when you signed up the telco's plan (T&C applied).

The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch is currently the frontrunner amongst all the other branded smartwatches in the market. On top of having the most features it also looks the best as well, which is why quite a few people are eagerly awaiting it's arrival here in Malaysia. Malaysia release dates for the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch are also set to 20 September 2013 and it should be locally available shortly afterwards. Unfortunately, there has been no leaked information regarding the price or Malaysian pricing of the Samsung Galaxy Gear. So far, it is currently being sold overseas for $299 (RM981) so we could expect it to go for RM999 just to round things out. Tech specs for the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch include:


Samsung Galaxy Gear Smartwatch drafted and trademarked

Just like everyone else, Samsung are developing a smartwatch and according to trademark application forms drafted to the US patents office, it will be named the Samsung Galaxy Gear. In statements that are nearly impossible to miss the application states a wristwatch device for notifications much in the same way as other smartwatch devices. In related news, Samsung was also caught patenting some wristwatch designs including a flexible display model that curls up like a wristband. No news when it will be coming to Malaysia and other markets or for how much but we expect very soon, especially with the upcoming unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy Note III. For now, check out the various patent drawings and applications below for a look at what could be Samsung's new smartwatch.


Samsung Galaxy Gear can be hacked into full Android device, plays Candy Crush

While it is currently the most feature-filled smartwatch from a big company on the market, the Samsung Galaxy Gear is still far from being the smartwatch that everyone wants. However, it turns out that this could be partly due to the limitations that Samsung have put on it, as the guys from Ars Technica have hacked the smartwatch to run Android 4.2.2 and even play a game of Candy Crush. Utilizing a technique called side-loading through ADB and USB debugging enabled, they not only loaded some full apps, they even watched some videos on the tiny 1.6-inch screen. However, since the tech specs of the Galaxy Gear just consist of an 800MHz processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB storage and no WiFi, what you can do or install on the smartwatch is still very limited.

Many of these limitations are because the Gear smartwatch lacks WiFi or a more direct means of connecting to the Internet on it's own. So even if you install a web browser, you won't be able to do much with it. The movie playback does have some potential as it looked okay enough (no pixelation, smooth, no lag) to watch. Check out the source for a video of how they did it and some instructions on how you can try and do it to your Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch as well. Be warned though, this will definitely violate your warranty and there is no guarantee that you won't brick the smartwatch entirely.


Samsung Galaxy Gear can now work with the Nexus 5

While the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch probably offers the most in terms of functionality for any smartwatch currently on the market one of it's main limitations was that it only works with certain Samsung smartphones. This short compatibility list included the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Note 2, S4 and S3 with Android 4.3 firmware. However, this is no longer the case as Smart Watch Fans have come up with a guide showing how to make the Galaxy Gear smartwatch work with a Nexus 5 smartphone. It may require you to download some files, extract them and rename them, but there isn't any arduous programming or too-technical stuff to do to make it work. Do bear in mind that most of the apps work, except for S-Voice and Weather. Other smartwatch fans are saying that they have also made the Galaxy Gear work with the Sony Xperia Z Ultra, provided that it is the pure vanilla Google Edition version.[Source]


Samsung Galaxy Gear sales beat the odds, but what do you really want from a smartwatch?

Despite poor reviews (ourselves included) of the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch, Samsung still managed to move 800000 units of the smartwatch, making it probably the most profitable smartwatch to date. It does help that the smartwatch market is still very small but this is still a cause for celebration, at least for Samsung. However, it does raise the question of what you would really want in a smartwatch. Quite obviously, many of the smartwatches available on the market aren't what you want. So, what would you want from a smartwatch or what sort of smartwatch would you really want? How much would it cost?

For us, we want a standalone device that has WiFi and 3G, has successfully solved the battery life and input problems plaguing other smartwatches and is capable of replacing our smartphone. It still looks rather ridiculous answering calls by lifting up the smartwatch to your ear, but there is always the option of a bluetooth headset. Then again there is still the problem of price. Currently, smartwatches can go up to as high as $349 (RM1110) which is about how much you'd pay for an entry-level to mid-range smartphone. How much would you consider to be a reasonable price for a smartwatch? For us, we're fine with that price as long as we get the performance and functionality of a smartphone and not a glorified extension of our existing smartphone. Check out some concepts and discuss, let us know what you think in our comments section and Facebook page. Maybe some smartwatch makers might be listening. ;)


Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch concept render shows up

Recently the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch got a trademark application along with a couple of patents giving a flexible look to Samsung's upcoming smartwatch. In view of this some renderers have come up with some glossy looking pics of how the smartwatch would look, based on these patents. The renders do look good but admittedly don't have a very official look to them. However, they could give some idea as to how the smartwatch may be personalized if the design does get adopted for the Samsung Galaxy Gear. For now, check out the pics of the smartwatch in colour and see if it's futuristicly flexible screen is the one you'd wrap around your wrist if you were ever in the market for a smartwatch.


Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch gets a price cut in India to $120 (RM397), Malaysia next?

The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch offers the most amount of features around but one of the main reasons it didn't really take off in Malaysia was it's RM999 price tag. Recently Samsung cut down the price of the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch in India down to $120 (RM397), with the original initial pricing set at an even higher $365 (RM1208). Samsung has not given any official announcement on a global cut-down in pricing for markets like Malaysia yet but since India got it, China, Malaysia and other Asian markets will probably follow soon after. The price cut is also indicative of what could be coming as well, as many are expecting the Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 smartwatch or S Band bracelet to be revealed in 2014. No specific Malaysia release dates just yet, but we're expecting it to come in or after the end of February 2014. [Source]


Analyst speculates that Huawei could sell their sub-brand HONOR

Based on a statement by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, it seems that there could be a possibility Huawei might be planning on selling their sub-brand HONOR, which could remove HONOR off the entity list. With HONOR off the entity list, they might be able to do business with US-based companies, which means they’ll gain access to hardware and software needed to manufacture their devices.

However, do take some of the information with a grain of salt, due to the fact that Huawei recently dismissed these claims and they did not provide an update on whether they’re selling their sub-brand or not. The analyst did mention that selling off HONOR could allow them to develop better smartphones without breathing down their necks.

With all that said, what are your thoughts if Huawei were to sell the HONOR sub-brand? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch officially announced, priced $299 (RM981)

As expected, the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch was officially announced along with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Featuring a metallic chrome bezel it certainly looks better than the earlier leaked "prototypes" and comes in black, grey, red, yellow and white plastic watch straps. It confirms many tech spec rumours which include a camera, microphones and speaker built into the strap along with a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED screen that has a 320 x 320 pixel resolution. Tech specs for the Samsung Galaxy Gear include an 800 MHz processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB storage and a 1.9MB camera capable of taking 720p video. According to Samsung, while it only packs in a 315 mAh battery it should last "about a day" although they are unclear if this is 24 hours or an 8 hour working day.

In terms of usage, while the Samsung Galaxy Gear is technically a Bluetooth smartwatch you can use it to take pictures and video thanks to the autofocus camera. You can also take calls from it direct due to the built-in speakers and microphone. This means that while it still tethers to your smartphone, you don't actually need to take the smartphone out once you've got the Gear on your wrist. As usual, it handles the typical notifications but also packs in voice command S features that let you dictate a Voice memo, messages, calendar entries, alarms or even check the weather. Other features include an S health pedometer and up to 70 different apps including eBay, Evernote and Line messaging. One of our favourite features is the Find My Device option which makes the Note 3 beep, light up and vibrate.

While you need a smartphone tethered to take calls, you can use these apps and take photos and video on it's own. So far, the only major downside apart from the battery life is that it only works with Samsung Galaxy smartphones. It works with the new Samsung Galaxy Note 3 right out of the box which means other Samsung Galaxy smartphones may need a firmware upgrade to work with the Gear smartwatch. The Samsung Galaxy Gear will have a Malaysia release date later in September 2013 (or afterwards) while US and Japan release dates will be in early October 2013. While the Malaysia retail price could be lower or higher, the US retail price is $299 or RM981. Check out the Samsung site for more details and information.


Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch will work with other smartphones... eventually

When it was first introduced, the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch was said to only be able to work with Samsung Galaxy smartphones and even then, it would only work with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 at the time. While it still only works with the Note 3 a recent announcement reveals that the smartwatch may soon be compatible with any smartphone provided that it supports Bluetooth LE and has Android 4.3 (which still means no go for you iOS users hoping for some cross compatibility). According to the announcement, firmware upgrades are being sent out and the Gear may soon be compatible with the Samsung Galaxy SIII, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Samsung Galaxy Note II. Ryan Bidan, Samsung Director of Product Marketing said:

"[I]t is just the timetable of bringing that software to other devices. It is nothing other than engineering work to do it.... Part of that functionality is tied to some updates in Android 4.3. So we are working to bring 4.3 to all those devices as well and so that is definitely one of the factors influencing adoption.    [...]We were working to make sure that we had the right engineering to do it on the Galaxy Note 3. So, here we are at the launch of the Galaxy Note 3 and here is Galaxy Gear. There is more to come, for sure."


Samsung Galaxy Gear to be compatible with many more Galaxy smartphones

While compatibility with just the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Note 10.1 2014 Edition is one of the main constraints of the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch, this may no longer be the case as Samsung have announced that quite a few Galaxy devices are going to get compatible soon. This includes the Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S III and Samsung Galaxy Note II as soon as they receive their Android 4.3 updates, which are currently being rolled out in phases. Following these are the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, S4 Active, Mega 5.8, Mega 6.3 and S4 Zoom. While the software update will again be released in phases, these devices will begin getting the update by the end of October. Bear in mind though that certain functions and features available for use on the Samsung Galaxy Gear will depend on the tech specs available to each device.


Samsung Galaxy Gear update let's you customize notifications for every app

One of the main limitations of the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch is the fact that you can't pick and choose what notifications to get and some apps just aren't listed as being able to send notifications either. Thankfully, Samsung have come out with an official update for the Galaxy Gear (build V700XXUAMK7) that lets you view notifications for nearly every app on your smartphone. This Gear Manager update also lets you customize what notifications you want to enable or disable so you don't have to live with a constantly vibrating smartwatch on a busy day. While the update doesn't do much else, it is clearly a good step in the right direction from Samsung. We're looking forward more such updates which could perhaps extend battery life and add more functionality for the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch.


Samsung Galaxy Gio Review

Samsung is really going stars with the quality and quantity of the number of Android Smartphones it had announced this January 2011. While phones like Samsung Galaxy S II are competing in the high end segment with iPhones and HTCs, Samsung has also been considering the mid segment of price conscious buyers. “Gio” is the Italian word for Jewel and rightfully Samsung has played one more good move with this release.

Galaxy Gio - Build:It  is comparatively a small phone with dimensions of 58 X 111 X 12 mm  and its rounded shaped edges makes the phone more stylish. It weighs about 102 grams so its very light on the hand too.  Looks of Samsung galaxy Gio will surely amaze as you are having a fully featured large screen display with touch as a prime input method.  Samsung Galaxy Gio is having a dotted base behind the screen that looks awesome.Galaxy Gio - Processor:Powered by 800 MHz Qualcomm chipset the Gio puts up a decent performance. The phone has 158 MB user available RAM.Galaxy Gio - Software:As with the trend the phone has Android software. It is having TouchWiz 3.0 interface on Android Froyo 2.2. In such a small budget you can hardly any quality Android OS device.

Galaxy Gio - Display:It has a 3.2 inch LCD display with a decent 320 x 480 pixels resolution which gives a much better performance than a regular TFT-LCD screen in this segment.

Galaxy Gio - Memory:The Gio comes with a 2 GB microSD card. If needed you can swap it to a maximum of 32 GB. Internal Memory of the device is just 158 MB.

Galaxy Gio - Camera:The 3.2 MP camera with image resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels, Auto focus, LED flash and GEO tagging are some of the extra camera features does has a humble performance. The handset records videos at QVGA resolution at 15 fps. Galaxy Gio - Connectivity:As normal in this range the Gio has 7.2 Mbps HSPDA 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth3.0, A-GPS, DLNA and FM Radio with RDS. The DLNA allows the handset to connect with PC or TV and stream multimedia wireless.

For the comfort of the user the Galaxy Gio is having power lock button on the right side, for entertainment it is having FM radio, Music player, voice memo, speaker and 3.5mm audio jack.Galaxy Gio - Battery Life:The 1350 mAh battery has a decent 6 hours and 40 minutes life with talk time on 3G. Although its decent but nothing so extra ordinary.Verdict:The Samsung Galaxy Gio is a perfect buy in the mid segment range. It surely doesn’t has any out of class specifications and it also has many plus points like a good screen and a decent processor. Considering the price it surely is a good.


Samsung Galaxy Go tech specs leaked, starting price might be from ~RM1430

There are plenty of rumours about the Samsung Galaxy Pro laptop and it might launch at the upcoming Unpacked event. Here, we found another leak about the Galaxy Go tech spec and it may come with 2 variants which are Wi-Fi and LTE.

According to sources, the laptop might come with a 14-inch IPS LCD with a Full HD resolution. This laptop may feature an ARM version of Window 10, Snapdragon 7c chipset, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB internal storage (there's a MicroSD slot for expansion purposes). On the other hand, the device could come with a backlit keyboard, a large trackpad, and a 720p webcam.

Besides that, the laptop may be powered with a 42.3WHr battery and support a 25W fast charge. It claims that the laptop can stay up to 48 hours on a single charge. It also might sport with LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, one USB 2.0 port, and a USB 3.1 port.  The WiFi variant may come with a price tag of $349 (~RM1430) and the LTE version with a price tag of $550 (~RM2254). Do you think this laptop will be unveiled during the Unpacked event? Let us know what do you think about the Galaxy Go and dont forget to comments below and be sure to stay tuned for more tech news on TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy Golden officially launched, another dual-screen flip-phone

The other rumoured Samsung flip-phone, the Samsung Galaxy Golden has recently been officially released in South Korea. Featuring dual 3.7-inch Super AMOLED screens with a physical keypad the Samsung Galaxy Golden will be sold for KRW790000 (RM2332) which is quite high considering the other tech specs. These tech specs include a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, FM Radio, 8MP camera, a pedometer and various S features. No news when it would be available here in Malaysia or for how much but we're guessing that this could be a Korea only release. However, if you're pining for the flip-phone form factor there's always the Samsung Hennessey.


Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 officially announced with bigger 5.25-inch screen

When the Samsung Galaxy Grand first came out, it offered users a mid-range smartphone with average processor and a big but rather low resolution screen. Nearing the end of 2013, Samsung have officially announced the Galaxy Grand 2 which not only packs in a better processor but also a marginally bigger screen. This time around the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 packs in a 5.25-inch screen with a bit more respectable resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. In terms of looks it now has a plastic artificial leather-like backing just like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Other tech specs and features have also received an upgrade with a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1.5GB RAM, 8GB storage with up to 64GB microSD support, an 8MP AF rear camera with LED flash, a 1.9MP front camera and a much larger 2600 mAh battery. No 4G LTE support but it does have a GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, dual-SIM and a couple of S applications like S Health and S Translator. The Grand 2 measures in at 146.9 x 75.3 x 8.9mm and 163g. It should come running Android 4.3 in black, pink or white. No news about Malaysia release dates or pricing but we expect the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 to come soon.


Samsung Galaxy Grand Lite already passed by FCC

The Samsung Galaxy Grand 2 continued the large but budget smartphone trend when it was released but fearing that the price for it may have been a bit too high, Samsung quickly came out with the Samsung Galaxy Grand Lite. Now, the Galaxy Grand Lite has yet to be officially announced, and is expected to be revealed at MWC 2014, but it has already passed the FCC in the US. This basically confirms it's existance along with it's model number which will be the GT-I9060. Unfortunately, the FCC isn't as revealing as Tenaa in China with the only other tech specs to be revealed being a 2100 mAh battery and the ability to connect via WiFi and Bluetooth.

Other yet unconfirmed tech specs include a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, MicroSD support, 5-inch display with a 480 x 800 pixel resolution, dual SIM, a 5MP rear camera, VGA front camera and maybe Android 4.3. The device is rumoured to be available in black, green and orange. In related news, a more affordable version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 called the Samsung Galaxy Note Lite is also rumoured to be revealed at the MWC, and with the Lite naming already confirmed with the Galaxy Grand Lite it could very well be true. No news on pricing or Malaysia release dates yet but just wait a month or so and we'll find out.[Source]


Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo GT-I9060 gets listed on Samsung website

While there isn't any official announcement just yet, Samsung has officially listed the Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo or GT-I9060 on the main website. Based on the Samsung Galaxy Grand 2, the Galaxy Grand Neo is placed in between the Galaxy Grand 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Grand. The variant offers tech specs which include a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, a 5-inch display with 480 x 800 pixel resolution, a 5MP rear camera with LED flash and autofocus, a VGA front camera and 2100 mAh battery. The smartphone will support HSPA+, WiFi, DLNA, Bluetooth 4 LE and weigh in at 163g. Other features include colours which include black, lime green, orange and white but there isn't any Malaysia pricing or release dates at this time. Initial estimates have it coming by the end of Q1 2014 though.[Source, Source]


Analyst suggests Samsung's next flagship after Galaxy Note 8 will finally have an in-screen fingerprint scanner

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is not even released yet and this is our first news about the Galaxy Note 9. Thanks to KGI Securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, we have new information about the phablet that it will come with an in-screen fingerprint scanner. But will it be too late?

As some of you already know, the so called in-screen fingerprint scanner was supposed to be featured in the Galaxy S8 series but it was a no show so hence, the oddly positioned fingerprint scanner beside the main camera behind. This applies to the Note 8, which is said to still have the same rear mounted fingerprint scanner, same goes to Apple for its attempt to integrate the fingerprint scanner embedded under the display in the upcoming iPhone 8 (rumours).

So far, only vivo has publicly shared their "success" of installing the fingerprint scanner underneath the display, called ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and rumours are heavily suggesting that the vivo XPlay 7 will be the first to have it, beating Samsung and Apple in the rat race. The smartphone scheduled reveal date is not known yet.

Before the Note 9 can have that technology, the Galaxy S9 series should be the first in Samsung's lineup to have it next year. But competition will be tough, as more smartphone manufacturers appear to be gearing towards a bezel-less display with an embedded fingerprint scanners beneath it.

So what do you think of the technology? Will the hype die down by the time Samsung introduces it next year? Stay tuned for more Samsung news at TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime officially announced aimed at the selfie crowd

The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime was officially announced recently with it's most notable feature being a 5MP wide-angle front camera. Designed for the selfie taking user, especially those who like group selfies other tech specs include a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 5-inch display with 540 x 960 pixel resolution and 2600 mAh battery. Measuring in at 144.8 x 72.1 x 8.6mm and weighing 156g, the smartphone also packs in Android 4.4 KitKat. While there is still no Malaysia release date or pricing, it is priced about $250 (RM820) in India and should come here soon considering how many people love taking selfies and group selfies in Malaysia.


Samsung Galaxy Grand Review - Big Screen Budget Smartphone

Released around the time when Samsung was building up the hype for their Samsung Galaxy S4 flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Grand is an entry-level to mid-range smartphone with a relatively large 5-inch screen. Designed for those on a budget, the smartphone has less features than some of the other Samsung models but offers some good basic performance with a large screen. For some people this is more than enough. Read on to see if one of these people is you.

Since it was released around the time when the Samsung Galaxy SIII was still relevant, the Samsung Galaxy Grand looks just like a larger version of the former flagship smartphone. While it does pack a larger 5-inch screen the resolution is just 480 x 800 pixels for a rather low 187 ppi pixel density. You can still watch HD videos on it with reasonable viewing angles, but details are definitely less sharp compared to similarly sized screens with higher resolution. Build quality is good, if a bit plastic and a little slippery, as the backplate doesn't have the same patterned look and feel as the Samsung Galaxy SIII. Due to the larger screen size, it does weigh in a bit heavier at 162g but it should fit well for those with larger hands. The buttons are also larger while the icons on the interface are about tablet sized.

As a smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Grand offers all of the standard features such as 3G, A-GPS and WiFi. Unsurprisingly, it doesn't have LTE or NFC but manages to throw in Bluetooth 4.0 LE (Low Energy) support as well. The 8MP rear camera is surprisingly good for such a budget phone and even comes with an LED flash. While there isn't a dedicated camera shutter button the software features are good with a smile shot, continuous shot, panorama shot and the ability to focus on touch. Unfortunately, it can't handle HDR. This makes it great for outdoor and daytime shots but not so good with night time and low light conditions. It can handle indoor shots with good enough lighting though. In those conditions, the Grand's camera can also do good video recording even up to 1080p. A 2MP front camera lets you do the same. At just 8GB worth of internal storage it is good that the phone supports expandable microSD.

Powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core Broadcom processor and 1GB RAM, the Samsung Galaxy Grand isn't the fastest smartphone out there but it does deliver steady yet stable performance. The smartphone can do most of the things you'd want a smartphone to do like taking calls, answering emails and browsing the web, but heavier tasks like video editing is probably not a good idea. Out-of-the-box performance may seem a little laggy due to the interactive screensaver and other bloatware, but even if you remove all that, there is still some lag when switching between apps. With an AnTutu score of just 6053 it should run most apps but won't be able to handle the larger more demanding stuff like 3D games. Battery performance for the Samsung Galaxy Grand is surprisingly good though, lasting about 2 days or so on a single charge with normal use. As a phone the Samsung Galaxy Grand is a stable performer, getting strong reception despite poor coverage while the Phonebook and contacts provide plenty of options to customize.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Grand is good budget phone for people who want a larger screen but don't need high-end specs or performance. The better than average 8MP rear camera is a bonus while the 2100 mAh battery provides a good 2 day's worth of standby time. However, while the 5-inch screen is large, the lower 480 x 800 pixel resolution gets stretched thin because of this, making some details not as sharp as it could be. The Samsung Galaxy Grand actually comes in two flavours, the single-SIM I9080 and the dual-SIM I9082. Both have the same specs except for the dual-SIM feature of the I9082. It is a bit difficult to find an I9080 in Malaysia these days but both versions are priced more or less the same around RM995 or so (much lower than the initial price of RM1299). I can see my father or older friends thoroughly enjoying the Samsung Galaxy Grand as sharper details wouldn't be that important to them while the price and good 8MP camera should be quite tempting. The younger crowd could get disappointed by the lack of other higher-end features though, but as long as you're aware of this the Samsung Galaxy Grand should be a good budget buy in the long run.


Samsung Galaxy Grand vs Galaxy S III vs Galaxy S II Plus: Best Bang For your Buck

Samsung have a lot of different products in the market, and not all of them are new nor are they all targeted at the high-end market. There are now just as many Samsung smartphones out there for the mid-range to lower-end market as there are those for the high-end. Recent deals by telcos and other organizations have caused the price to drop even further, especially for Samsung smartphones which used to be the flagship models of their time. Therefore it can be rather confusing finding the best Samsung smartphone bang for your buck, which is what this review is for. This comparison review compares the Samsung Galaxy Grand, Samsung Galaxy SIII and the Samsung Galaxy SII Plus. You can also checkout the specs comparison here.

The Samsung Galaxy Grand may seem like the newest model in the bunch with its January 2013 release date while the Samsung Galaxy SIII was released in 2012. Surprisingly, the Samsung Galaxy SII Plus is probably the newest as it was released in February 2013. This is because the SII Plus is a refresh of the former flagship Galaxy SII. Of the three, the Samsung Galaxy Grand is the only smartphone specifically targeting the middle-range to lower-end market while the other two are either former flagship or flagship refresh models.

The Samsung Galaxy SII Plus is actually a refresh of the SII

According to Samsung the Samsung Galaxy Grand is available off contract at RM1299 while the Samsung Galaxy S II Plus is available at RM1000 (also off contract). The Samsung Galaxy SIII is probably the lowest at RM599 but requires signing up for a 24 month contract under Maxis's TalkMore48 + 1GB Data plan. Without a plan or a contract the Samsung Galaxy SIII is about RM1699 although you can get it at a discount price of RM1488 at certain online retailers.

The Samsung Galaxy SII Plus has a slightly more squarish design (kind of like the older generation of Apple iPhones) and while the screen is only 4.3-inch it is still a Super AMOLED (with 217 pixel per inch pixel density) which is better than the Samsung Galaxy Grand's larger 5-inch TFT screen (with 187 pixel per inch pixel density. The Samsung Galaxy Grand and the Samsung Galaxy SIII both share the same rounded look and probably look the best but at 121g, the Samsung Galaxy SII Plus is the lightest. The Samsung Galaxy SIII will turn heads the most as it not only has the latest design (still looks like a Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV) and has a still very nice looking 4.8-inch Super AMOLED screen with the highest resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels (for 306 pixels per inch). While all of them are made from plastic, the Samsung Galaxy SIII looks and feels more premium than the other two.

The Samsung Galaxy Grand features and design

While all three share the same 8MP autofocus camera and 1GB of RAM, the Samsung Galaxy SIII has the most powerful quad-core 1.4GHz processor. The Samsung Galaxy Grand and the Samsung Galaxy SII Plus on the other hand both use a dual-core 1.2GHz processor. The Samsung Galaxy Grand and Samsung Galaxy SIII share the same 2100 mAh battery while the Samsung Galaxy SII Plus only has a 1650 mAh battery. While all of them have access to similar Samsung software features the Samsung Galaxy SIII still has more mainly because it has more sensors to detect them. All of the smartphones here have WiFi, A-GPS and Bluetooth support.

On the AnTuTu benchmark the Samsung Galaxy SIII got a score of 16300 (although some users have got higher up to 17000+ and above) while the Samsung Galaxy SII Plus got a score of 6575. The Samsung Galaxy Grand did marginally better with a score of 6661. In terms of battery life the Samsung Galaxy Grand did the best with 10 hours talk time while the Samsung Galaxy SII Plus offered 9 hours and 38 minutes. The Samsung Galaxy SIII probably had the lowest battery life of about 8 hours to 9 hours depending on usage. This is probably because the Samsung Galaxy SIII has more resources (bigger better screen, more powerful processor, etc.) but in terms of overall performance the Samsung Galaxy SIII is king.

Our overall champion in this comparison would have to be the Samsung Galaxy SIII as it is head and shoulders above the other two in terms of performance and features. You may have to pay about RM200 or so more for the model without contract but the Maxis RM599 offer should definitely be considered as well. Second place surprisingly goes to the Samsung Galaxy SII Plus as we feel that the better looking Super AMOLED screen and cheaper price along with the similar performance and battery life make it a better choice than the Samsung Galaxy Grand. If you don't care about the screen and instead just want a larger screen size, this is about all that the Samsung Galaxy Grand has going for it.


Samsung Galaxy Home Mini to launch in South Korea soon for ~RM341

In the midst of leaks on new Samsung products, there hasn't been a single thing on audio devices aside from the Galaxy Buds Plus. However, it seems Samsung indeed has something else in the works that will supposedly be revealed after Samsung Unpacked itself. This audio device is supposed to be the Galaxy Home Mini.

According to SlashGear, the Galaxy Home Mini is basically a miniaturised version of the Galaxy Home smart speaker that was introduced in 2018. Unlike other smart speakers, it comes with an IR blaster, which allows users to control other appliance with it. Besides that, it can be connected to other Samsung smart home devices and has Bixby voice assistant included.

Currently, Samsung is only planning to launch this device in its home country of South Korea on 12 February 2020 for a price of 99000 Korean Won (~RM341). We are unable to confirm if Samsung has plans to launch it overseas so we'll just have to wait and see. To the Samsung users out there, would you consider buying this smart speaker? Let us know on our Facebook and follow us TechNave.com for further updates.


Samsung Galaxy J 2016 series is officially coming to Malaysia on 15 June 2016

After the TechNave exclusive pics and tech specs of the Samsung Galaxy J3 2016, Galaxy J5 2016 and Galaxy J7 2016 were revealed, Samsung Malaysia have gone and made it official by sending out invites for the Samsung Galaxy J 2016 series launch in Malaysia. The launch is set to happen on 15 June 2016, confirming earlier reports of the event.

No official tech specs or Malaysia pricing details were revealed but you can check our lists below for a refresher. If you need help deciding which Galaxy J 2016 you should be saving up for, go check out our comparison of the three.


Samsung Galaxy J (2017) series getting a name change, starting price at RM699

In a turn of events, the supposedly Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) that passed SIRIM earlier this month is apparently getting a name change. According to sources, the name will be called Galaxy J5 Pro instead and this could happen to both Galaxy J3 (2017) and Galaxy J7 (2017) too, as Galaxy J3 Pro and Galaxy J7 Pro.

Why we think the name change could happen is because the J5 Pro and Galaxy J5 (2017) share the same tech-specs. All three Galaxy J Pro models will have the same full metal design as seen in the cover image, and prices for each model were also leaked, which are RM 699 (J3 Pro), RM 1199 (J5 Pro), and RM 1399 (J7 Pro). Below is the list of confirmed tech-specs so far for each phone:

So what do you think? Is the name change necessary? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for more Samsung news at TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy J Max officially announced with 7-inch HD display, coming to Malaysia soon?

It appears that Samsung have also embraced the tablet phone form factor with the official announcement of the Samsung Galaxy J Max which comes with a 7-inch 720p HD display (1280 x 800 pixel resolution). Priced at 13400 INR (RM798), other tech specs are similarly lower end with a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. We expect it to have the latest 4G LTE dual SIM capabilities as the Galaxy J1 2016 though and it does come with a large 4000 mAh battery.

Here are the Samsung Galaxy J Max tech specs and features listed:

No Malaysia release dates yet but we expect the Galaxy J Max to make an eventual appearance as there are quite a few tablet phone users in Malaysia. Stay tuned for more at TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy J Pro Series (2017) now official in Malaysia from RM699 + free bundle warranty package

Finally, after weeks of Samsung Galaxy J Pro Series (2017) news, Samsung Malaysia Electronics has revealed the three smartphones with the confirmed price just like the one we reported, plus a free bundle package that consists of a one-year extended warranty and a one-year screen crack protection with any purchase of the Galaxy J3 Pro, J5 Pro, and J7 Pro until 30 September 2017 starting today.

All three Galaxy J Pro smartphones are available at all Samsung Experience Store with the following price of RM699 (J3 Pro), RM1149 (J5 Pro) and RM1299 (J7 Pro) inclusive of GST. Customers can also choose four colour options which are Blue Silver, Pink, Black or Gold. Comparing with the previous Galaxy J 2016 Series last year, the newer ones have a huge makeover design making them look more premium. housing a 2.5D glass and a full metal body.

The tech-specs are also improved in camera, battery life and internal storage (expandable memory up to 256GB via microSD card), and the chipset remain as 64-bit octa-core processor. For the full tech-specs of each phone, check out our post here and the J5 Pro unboxing and hands-on pictures here as well.

For more details, kindly visit their promotion page here and stay tuned for more Samsung Malaysia news at TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy J Pro at the Lowest Price, Guaranteed or FREE power bank and more!

Great news TechNavers! You can now get the latest Samsung Galaxy J Pro series (Samsung Galaxy J3 Pro, Samsung Galaxy J5 Pro, Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro) on Shopee at the Lowest Price, Guaranteed from as low as RM599, RM979 or RM1109 (with this price always updating!). Available till 31 August 2017, you also get 1 year screen protection + 2 year extended warranty from Samsung.

If you're looking for a bit more battery life, Thunder Match is offering the Galaxy J3 Pro, Galaxy J5 Pro and Galaxy J7 Pro along with a FREE Cager 20000 mAh fast charging powerbank (RRP RM169) for RM699, RM1149 or RM1299. Also available till 31 August 2017 with the same 1 year screen protection + 2 year extended warranty from Samsung and Shopee, while shipping is also free for a value-added bargain on Shopee.

Thats not all! Thanks to an exclusive deal with Shopee, loyal TechNavers can also get an RM50 discount, slashing the price further so you can get these 3 smartphones at just RM545, RM935 and RM1059, all well below the current price (sweet!) or with the Cager 20000 mAh powerbank for RM649, RM1099 and RM1249. Shop from this link and use the code "SHOPEEJPRO" upon checkout, but better rush as this voucher lasts until 15 August 2017 and is valid for the first 100 buyers only!

As part of Shopee's Lowest Price Guaranteed campaign, if you can find prices on the J Pro Series lower than the ones listed here, Shopee will throw in a cash voucher worth 120% of the price difference after you've bought it. Lowest Price Gurantee also covers a wide variety of other smartphone models, so if you're shopping for a new phone, you're likely to find some great options at the lowest prices here.

Getting started on Shopee is easy, just download the Shopee app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or visit shopee.com.my. Sign up and go to this link to find the Samsung J Pro series deals, or browse all the other mobile phone models covered by Shopee's Lowest Price Guarantee here.


Samsung Galaxy J officially launched in Taiwan, coming to Malaysia soon?

The Samsung Galaxy J was officially launched in Taiwan recently, bearing top tech specs with a metal casing. While it was initially thought to be the Samsung Galaxy S5 thanks to a rather vague teaser video, it does offer a number of tech specs which include those from the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. This includes a 5-inch Full HD 1080p Super AMOLED screen, Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM and 13MP camera in a casing with a brushed metal backside. Sources indicate that it will be sold from TWD21900 (RM2370) unlocked and can be bought in Red and White. While there is still no news yet about specific Malaysia release dates or pricing, the official Taiwan announcement indicates that we could soon see a more global roll out for this smartphone which was formerly only sold in Japan. [Source]


Analysts predict coming of Apple iPad Pro?

A number of industry analysts have voiced opinions that Apple may soon be coming out with a tablet with power to handle high-performance tasks. According to them, this tablet could be called the Apple iPad Pro and would focus on word processing, spreadsheets and presentations (which we feel can already be done with the right apps). Furthermore, they say that the recent announcement of the Apple iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display leaves room for a 'Pro' model to exist. Many of them think that there is a huge market for such a tablet and we'd have to agree with them, but probably not for the uses they've described. There exists a huge market of engineers, designers, programmers and other higher-end users who bemoan the fact that there are currently no tablets which can support their needs. These analysts go on to predict that the Apple iPad Pro may go for a 13-inch screen utilizing the 64-bit A7 processor. Others expect Apple to come out with a touchscreen notebook that could fold into a tablet while weighing under 2lbs much like many of the other tablet convertibles out there. No Malaysia release dates or pricing details were available but with all rumours and opinions do take this with a pinch of salt.


Samsung Galaxy J1 2016, J5 2016 and J7 2016 hands-on pics and tech specs

Thanks to Samsung Mobile Malaysia we managed to get some hands-on time with the new Galaxy J1 2016, Galaxy J5 2016 and Galaxy J7 2016. Priced respectively at RM449, RM849 and RM1049, the new Galaxy J 2016 series was launched yesterday and will be available today alongside the already available Galaxy J3 2016 which is priced at RM649.

Here are the tech specs and hands-on pics:

Featuring a plastic body, the 4.5-inch Galaxy J1 2016 feels light and comfortable with a reasonably solid build. While the back is plastic, it feels solid and has a shiny metallic looking matte backplate. It looks very much like the Galaxy J3 2016 we've seen earlier.

Going for a metal frame, the slightly larger Galaxy J5 2016 offers up a more robust build with seamless build. Design is similar to the Samsung Galaxy A 2016 series due to the side curve of the frame but with a slightly larger 5.2-inch display. The back plate is plastic but feels somewhat like ceramic.

Another metal body design, the phablet-sized Galaxy J7 2016 is larger and somewhat heavier. Like the Galaxy J5, it does not stray too far from the Galaxy A 2016-like design but does manage to pack in more features. Unlike the matte back of the Galaxy J5, the Galaxy J7 2016 has a metallic brushed metal back that looks more premium.


Samsung Galaxy J1 2016, J5 2016 and J7 2016 launched from RM449 + free 30GB YES 4G LTE SIM

Mr. Wing K. Lee, CEO, YTL Communications Sdn Bhd with Mr. Lee Jui Siang, Vice President of IT and Mobile, Samsung Mobile Electronics showing off the Samsung Galaxy J 2016 series

Samsung Malaysia Electronics have just announced their new Samsung Galaxy J 2016 series with the Galaxy J1 2016, Galaxy J5 2016 and Galaxy J7 2016. The Galaxy J3 2016 priced at RM649 is already available but the Galaxy J1 2016, Galaxy J5 2016 and Galaxy J7 2016 will be available in Malaysia tomorrow at RM449, RM849 and RM1049 respectively, with only these three coming with a free YES 4G LTE prepaid SIM card with 2 months of 30GB of data. This offer is also only available while stocks last, so if you're in for freebies and value, you know what you have to do tomorrow.

The most stand-out feature of the Samsung Galaxy J 2016 series is that they are all equipped with Samsung Ultra Data Saving Mode which saves mobile data by Opera Max Compression up to 50%, restricts app background data and ads, offers upload compression, extends battery standby time and frees up RAM for better performance. This means you can surf more data for longer with any of the Galaxy J 2016 smartphones.

The YES 4G LTE SIM card bundled with each of the three Galaxy J 2016 models offers 30GB of data for free for two months. More good news is expected for existing YES 4G LTE postpaid subscribers as they should expect 12GB of bonus data on the next bill cycle. Along with this, YTL are also expecting to launch a full range of Datafi YES 4G LTE plans by 30 June 2016. Stay tuned for that and more at TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy J1 2016 + YES 4G LTE SIM unboxing and hands-on video

Launched earlier last week, the Samsung Galaxy J1 2016 was not only priced at RM449, it also came free with a YES 4G LTE prepaid SIM card preloaded with 30GB of data (15GB a month x 2). We managed to do an unboxing and go hands-on with both but you can see the results for yourself below. Stay tuned for the full review and more at TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016) review - updated entry-level Galaxy J with Dual SIM 4G LTE VoLTE

The Samsung Galaxy J series have typically been known more for their value pricing than for their features but Samsung recently refreshed this series for 2016 and the Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016) is the updated entry-level Samsung Galaxy smartphone for this year. Featuring a solid plastic chassis made to look like metallic bodied smartphone, the Galaxy J1 offers a number of improvements over its predecessors. Find out if they are good enough for you to go out and get a new Galaxy J1 (2016) in our review below.

The previous Galaxy J1 smartphones have all looked rather plastic and while the new Galaxy J1 (2016) is still made from plastic, the frame and removable back have been coloured metallic, especially for the gold coloured version. Build quality is solid with the phone feeling compact and having a comfortable grip but you definitely won’t mistake the phone for anything else but an entry-level smartphone.

The Galaxy J1 (2016) has a new 4.5-inch Super AMOLED display, which is slightly larger than the previous 4.3-inch display for the Galaxy J1 but the 480 x 800 pixel resolution remains the same. You can still comfortably watch YouTube clips on it and surf the Internet but don’t expect very good playback for HD movies. It is bright enough to be visible outdoors but probably not in direct sunlight.

A quick comparison with the earlier Galaxy J1 and Galaxy J1 4G against the new Samsung Galaxy J1 2016 reveals a number of improved updates, not least of which include 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. The cameras remain the same but the quad-core processor has been updated along with a slightly larger 2050 mAh battery.

Here are the full Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016) tech specs and features:

The Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016) has a number of refreshed tech specs, mainly the RAM and storage

Testing out the Galaxy J1 (2016) with dual SIM cards shows that the smartphone can actually handle 4G LTE on both SIMS just as advertised so if you’re one of those users who needs dual SIMs then this is a big plus. While it has a Samsung Ultra Data Saving mode (that may save data and power) it wasn’t available with our Galaxy J1 (2016) at the time of testing but we’re told you can get this with an update.

The Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016) gives Galaxy Life access along with support for Yes 4G LTE

As is usual with a Samsung Galaxy device, you also get the TouchWiz UI and access to Samsung Galaxy Life benefits. Camera features are limited, but at least you get the usual panorama, sports, sound and shot and continuous shot modes on top of the auto mode. There is also a pro mode and beauty mode but these are less useful due to the hardware.

As usual, if you get a Samsung Galaxy device, you're going to have to deal with TouchWiz

You get a decent amount of camera options with the Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016)

There is also a Pro or manual mode for the Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016)

The performance on the Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016) is decidedly entry-level but has been significantly upgraded over it's previous iteration allowing you to play most games like Temple Run 2 and even Pokemon Go. However, more demanding games like Asphalt 8: Airborne are super laggy even on low quality. We couldn't run AnTuTu but Epic Citadel and 3DMark both returned a fairly good score for an entry-level phone of 41.2 fps and 4522 on Ice Storm.

The Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016) got fairly high scores in Epic Citadel for an entry-level phone

You can still play Temple Run 2 smoothly on the Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016)

Even Pokemon Go works just fine with the Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016)

Unfortunately, you get super laggy performance in Asphalt 8: Airborne, even on low quality visual settings

The phone is surprisingly capable where it matters though, as watching YouTube with the bundled Yes 4G LTE SIM is very fast and smooth. Thanks to this great connectivity we ended up using the Galaxy J1 (2016) more as a personal hotspot than a phone but VoLTE and call quality are both very good. As expected, audio is tinny but thankfully the phone does not become hot at all.

With many of the tech specs updated, we were kind of expecting it but battery life on the Galaxy J1 (2016) is not very energy efficient, especially if you have both dual SIM slots occupied. In such a situation the Galaxy J1 (2016) lasts a bit more than half a day on normal to medium usage but with a Single SIM you can expect almost a full day of battery life before you need to recharge. Charging time needs about 3 to 4 hours for a full 100%.

Sporting what could possibly be the slowest autofocusing rear camera we’ve seen in a while (perhaps because we've been seeing some really high-end cameras lately), the cameras on the Galaxy J1 (2016) are enough to do the job for the most part. However, this isn’t to say that you can’t get good shots, especially if you’re patient. Images which were captured patiently still had accurate colours with a good amount of detail to them, but don’t expect much zoom up quality from either the rear or front cameras due to the lower resolution.

Initially released at RM449, the Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016) is now priced as low as RM379 making it a more viable buy for those looking for an entry-level 4G LTE smartphone. All the updates like storage, RAM, VoLTE and dual SIM 4G LTE certainly make it an enticing buy but the single day battery life may be a disappointment for some. However, those looking to take advantage of those abilities like 4G LTE and VoLTE will really enjoy the phone, especially if you use it in tandem with the Yes 4G LTE SIM card.

Quite obviously, you’re not going to get an awesome cameraphone or great sounding audio but the Galaxy J1 (2016) does well in updating or refreshing the series. We only hope that the next iteration will focus a bit more on the energy efficiency, as most entry-level smartphones are known for having longer battery life. That being said, it does offer one of the lowest priced “memberships” into the Samsung Galaxy Life “club” but because of the above we probably would not recommend this as a secondary standby phone, unless you keep it turned off until needed of course.


Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016) spotted in Dubai for AED 499 (around RM596)

Today in Dubai, Samsung just dropped the bomb by revealing the speculated Galaxy J1 (2016) to be the real deal. The predecessor was proven to be a popular one among the budget conscious crowd, and this 2016 version is an improvement:-

Comparing the predecessor and 2016 Galaxy J1, the only thing that remains unchanged was the camera. Currently it only cost AED 499 (around RM596) and we expect the smartphone to arrive in Malaysia sooner than we think sometime in the first quarter of the year (unless if Samsung changes their mind). Stay tuned for more Technave news!


Samsung Galaxy J1 4G budget smartphone announced for RM578 in India

A few weeks back, Samsung announced the Samsung Galaxy J1 smartphone with modest specs targeted at the budget market. The phone didn't come with 4G LTE connectivity. However, now the South Korean giant has just announced a new version of the device called the Samsung Galaxy J1 4G with 4G LTE connectivity support. Apart from the 4G LTE support, the phone does have other small changes in the tech specs. The LTE version comes with a 1.2GHz quad-core processor with 768MB RAM and 4GB internal storage. This is further expandable up to 128GB via MicroSD. The device sports a 4.3-inch 800 x 480 pixel resolution display, 5MP rear camera with Auto Focus and a 2MP front facing shooter. The J1 measures 8.9mm in thickness and is quite light at 122 grams. It supports both TDD-LTE and FDD-LTE frequencies. Other connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and NFC. Finally, there is an 1850 mAh battery at the back which should provide decent usage time. The Samsung Galaxy J1 4G will be avariable in white, black and blue. It will go on sale in India starting the second week of March 2015 for a price tag of Rs. 9999 (RM578). No Malaysia release date or availability details have been revealed just yet.


Samsung Galaxy J1 Ace Neo quietly appears in Samsung South Africa website

With the recent quiet announcement of the Samsung Galaxy J Max, there was another one appearing in South Africa too, called the Galaxy J1 Ace Neo, as a tiny entry-level 4.3-inch smartphone. Below are the tech-specs listed from Samsung South Africa website:

For some reason, the Android OS version was not specified but we assume it's packing a 5.1 Lollipop in it with the given tech-specs. The phone handles video chats and will be available in white, black and blue. It also has Ultra Power Saving Mode for extending battery life.

We don't think we will be seeing this in Malaysia, but who knows? Stay tuned for more news at Technave.com.


Samsung Galaxy J1 officially announced, coming to Malaysia soon

Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy J1, one of the first new entry-level Samsung smartphones for 2015. While it hasn't been announced yet by Samsung Malaysia, it has been spotted in the SIRIM database, indicating that it should arrive here soon. Tech specs include a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB storage with microSD slot, 4.3-inch display with 480 x 800 pixel resolution, 5MP rear camera with LED flash, 2MP front camera and 1850 mAh battery. Features include dual-SIM support and Android 4.4 KitKat while measurements come up to 129 x 68.2 x 8.9mm and 122g. As mentioned earlier, there are no exact Malaysia release dates or pricing details but we should know about this soon, perhaps along side the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note Edge.


Samsung Galaxy J2 (2018) appears online in official website

Although Samsung has not made any official announcement about the Galaxy J2 (2018), it has silently made its way online at Samsung's website but interestingly, it's only showing the body cover colours in black, blue coral, gold and pink without the price nor tech-specs.

With that in mind, the Galaxy J2 (2018) smartphone will definitely be a low-entry smartphone tier. Rumours have it that the phone will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor with 1.4GHz quad-core, 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB expandable storage (wow, those still exist?). For the camera, the main one will use an 8MP sensor while the front is 5MP. The battery is 2600mAh and it will be running on Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

Since the J series is quite popular, there's a good chance that the Galaxy J2 (2018) will come to Malaysia. We shall see, stay tuned for more Samsung news at TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro - DO MORE FOR LESS

Smartphone could be very expensive sometimes, but it doesn't really satisfice all our needs. But with the Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro, it is a budget device that could actually do more than most other smartphones at this price range of RM499 here in Malaysia. Check out what it offers in the video down below.


Andrew Koh takes over at Canon Marketing (Malaysia), charts the future for Canon's cameras here in Malaysia

Andrew Koh, President and CEO for Canon Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

With nearly 20 years at Canon, Andrew Koh looks to be rolling out Canon's camera business for Malaysia as he has recently taken over as President and CEO of Canon Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. As the only camera manufacturer to produce the image sensor, image processor and interchangeable lens for cameras, printers, multi-function devices and more, Andrew looks to make Canon a full imaging business, consolidating the company's complete assets and encouraging growth in all aspects.

Talking about cameras, he expects plenty more new Canon devices coming soon, including the mirrorless Canon EOS M5 to go with devices like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. New markets that he intends to focus on include first time users, photographers who have never owned a dedicated camera before particularly the Malay market. SMEs are also a major group which Canon will be focusing on.

For 2017 they look to double their current mirrorless camera market share and camera market share up to 50% from 40% while maintaining Canon as a sustainable business. He acknowledges that Canon customers have high expectations of the company but he says that while the company has the research and development to back it up, consumers should be patient as the company is working to bring new innovations to market.


Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro is out in stores in Malaysia

Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro in 4 attractive colours

Samsung has launched their budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro going for RM499 in all Samsung Experience stores in Malaysia. The device will be available in 4 different colours including Black, Blue, Gold and lastly, Pink.

Tech spec wise, the Galaxy J2 Pro is powered by a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage with expandable storage of up to 256GB. The device will also house a 5-inch Super AMOLED display with screen resolution of 540 x 960 pixels. As for the camera, it has an 8MP rear camera as well as a 5MP front-facing camera. You can check out more about the device mentioned above on TechNave.com or even at the official Samsung website.


Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) shows its head, leaks almost full specs

We’ve all seen the Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017) and the Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) but today, we get to take a first pink look at the youngest sibling of the Samsung J-series phones, the Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017).

Perhaps the cheapest of the bunch, the J3 will sport the lowest level of specs in its innards but instead of the full-plastic look of its predecessor, the Galaxy J3 (2016) the J3 (2017) will have a full metal back plate.

Since the phone is focused on affordability, the specs are listed as below:

Yes you read it right, even as a low-budget phone it will still come with the Android 7.0 Nougat. Based on what can be seen, the phone will also be available in Blue and Black options.

The Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017) will be retailed at around €200 (~RM1000) and will probably be unveiled in a couple of weeks along with its elder siblings the Galaxy J5 (2017) and Galaxy J7 (2017). The Malaysian release is expected to be announced shortly soon after.

Make sure to stay tuned to TechNave.com for the latest news and updates.


Samsung Galaxy J3 (2018) certification spotted online, carries multiple names

Two days ago, we told you about the Samsung Galaxy J7 (2018) and now it's picking up some steam. The Galaxy J3 (2018) just got certified as well a few hours ago by Wi-Fi Alliance and this will be the youngest of the Galaxy J siblings.

According to the source, there isn't much information to scrap on, but the benchmark says it runs on an Exynos 7570 processor clocking in at 1.43GHz only and a small 2GB of RAM. Android Oreo is the latest version and that's about it. In addition, for America side, there seem to be a few variant models for the Galaxy J3 (2018). For example, T-Mobile, one of America's telco is said to launch under the name Galaxy J3 Prime 2, then there's also Galaxy J3 Emerge 2 by Sprint, AT&T's Galaxy Express Prime 3, Galaxy Sol 3 and...Galaxy Amp Prime 3.

We are not really sure why is there so many name variants, but we are pretty sure if it comes to Malaysia, it would probably be simply known as Galaxy J3 (2018) so simplicity sake. We expect to see a Galaxy J5 (2018) rumour coming out in a few days, so stay tuned for more Samsung news at TechNave.com.


Samsung Galaxy J3 Pro appears in Samsung's China website

Continuing the new Samsung Galaxy J series (2016) rumours, one new thing that we can confirm now is that there will a new Galaxy J3 Pro as it was revealed on Samsung's China website. As the name implies, it's a much better version of the Galaxy J3 (2016) version giving upgraded operating memory and storage space. Below are the specifications:

As you can comparing it with the standard Galaxy J3 (2016), the RAM power jumped from 1.5GB to 2GB, same goes to the original 8GB storage, doubling up to 16GB with an expandable memory available via microSD card up to 128GB. The battery power wasn't mentioned for some reason, but it should be 2600mAh from our special leak source.

Do you want the Galaxy J3 Pro to come in Malaysia? And are you excited of the new Galaxy J series (2016)? Stay tuned for more news at Technave.com!


Samsung Galaxy J4 is now available on U Mobile and Maxis

The Samsung Galaxy J4 is now available on Maxis’ NeXT for RM68 a month for a 24-month period. Maxis will also be providing a 24-month warranty period which allows for a 1-to-1 replacement of the device as well as a 6 months screen protection. The Maxis NeXT grants the user 5GB of data and free 50 minutes of talk time to all networks a month.

On the other hand, U Mobile is also offering the Samsung Galaxy J4 for free by subscribing to the Unlimited HERO P99 plan which grants unlimited data and talk time to all networks or even the Unlimited HERO P79 which grants 20GB of data as well as unlimited talk time to all networks.

To give a little insight regarding the tech specs of the device, the Samsung Galaxy J4 is running on an Exynos 7570 chipset, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage, 13MP rear camera, 5MP front facing selfie camera, 5.5-inch display with a screen resolution of 720x1280 pixels, and it is powered by a 3000mAh removable battery. For more updates like these, stay tuned to TechNave.com.