Tag Archives: ARM Cortex-A53

vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition : What You Need To Know!

After introducing the V21 4G smartphone, vivo just launched the V21 5G Exclusive Edition variant!

Here is what you need to know about the new vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition smartphone!

 

vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition : OIS Cameras FTW!

The vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition is the ultimate vivo V21 flagship smartphone.

Built around the MediaTek Dimensity 800U, it offers flagship-class performance, with OIS cameras in both front and rear!

Let’s take a look at its key features!

6.44-inch AMOLED Display

The vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition comes with a large 6.44-inch AMOLED display, with 500 nits of maximum brightness and a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.

On top of that, its HDR10-certified display has a higher 90 Hz refresh rate, and is protected by AG Matte Glass.

Performance

The vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 800U, which is a new mid-range mobile SoC, roughly equivalent to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G.

It has two fast ARM Cortex-A76 cores running at 2.4 GHz for sustained performance, six power-efficient ARM Cortex-A55 cores running at up to 2.0 GHz, and a tri-core ARM Mali-G57 MC3 GPU.

Memory + Storage

The V21 5G Exclusive Edition comes with 8 GB of RAM, but has the ability to expand it with 3 GB of Extended Memory (virtual memory).

It also comes with 256 GB of internal UFS 2.2 storage, which offers 110% faster read speed and 95% faster write speed, compared to the vivo V20.

Its storage can be further expanded using a microSD card – shared with SIM2 in a hybrid SIM tray.

44 MP OIS Selfie Camera

The vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition comes with a 44 MP selfie camera, with a wide f/2.0 aperture; and support for Super Night Selfie and AI Night Portrait.

This 44 MP selfie camera boasts two world-leading features :

  • its 44 MP selfie camera supports optical image stabilisation (OIS), which allows you to take super-steady photos and videos even while walking!
  • it is the first phone to feature Dual Selfie Spotlight, for radiant selfies even in low light conditions!

Triple Rear Camera System

The vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition features a triple camera setup, that consists of:

  •  a 64 MP main camera with f/1.79 aperture,
  • an 8 MP wide-angle camera with f/2.2 aperture,
  • a 2 MP macro camera with f/2.4 aperture, and
  • a single LED flash.

The 64 MP main camera with a 4-axes OIS technology, allowing you to take photos and record videos with incredible stability.

Large Fast-Charging Battery

The vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition has a large 4,000 mAh battery, which supports 33 watt fast charging. And yes, it comes with the 33 watt FlashCharge 2.0 charger in box!

 

vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition : Specifications

We created this table to take it easier for you to compare the 4G and 5G variants of the vivo V21!

Specifications vivo V21 5G vivo V21 4G
Display Size 6.44-inch
Display Panel AMOLED
Resolution 1080 x 2400 pixels
Brightness 500 nits
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
Operating System Funtouch OS 11.1 (Android 11)
Platform MediaTek
Dimensity 800U
RAM 8 GB + 3 GB Virtual RAM
Storage 256 GB 128 GB
Front Camera 44 MP OIS (f/2.0)
Rear Cameras 64 MP OIS (f/1.79)
8 MP wide-angle (f/2.2)
2 MP macro (f/2.4)
Network Support 5G 4G
Connectivity Wi-Fi : 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Bluetooth : BT 5.1
USB : Type C
GPS GPS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS
Battery 4,000 mAh
Charging 33 W fast charging
Dimensions 73.90 mm wide
159.68 mm tall
7.29 mm thick
Weight 176 g – 177 g

 

vivo V21 5G Exclusive Edition : Price + Availability

The new V21 5G Exclusive Edition is available for purchase with immediate effect, with a launch price of RM1,899 (about US$459 / £324 / A$593 / S$606)

Here are online purchase options :

 

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NXP iMX 8M Plus To Use Kingston eMMC Memory!

Kingston just announced that their eMMC memory has been selected to be used in the NXP iMX 8M Plus reference board!

 

NXP iMX 8M Plus To Use Kingston eMMC Memory!

On 8 April 2021, Kingston Technology announced that their eMMC embedded memory will be featured in NXP iMX 8M Plus evaluation kits.

Although Kingston did not reveal which eMMC part was selected, the picture they released appears to show the EMMC08G-MB29, which boasts these key features :

  • 8 GB capacity
  • 3D TLC in pMLC NAND memory
  • eMMC 5.1 standard
  • 11.5 x 13 x 0.8 mm package size

They will be used as storage in the NXP iMX 8M Plus reference boards, which will be used for development and engineering verification.

 

NXP iMX 8M Plus : What Is It?

The NXP iMX 8M Plus is an application processor – a System-On-a-Chip (SoC) designed for infrastructure solutions like smart home, intelligent city and industrial IoT devices.

  • two or four ARM Cortex-A53 processors (up to 1.8 GHz)
  • a neural processing unit (NPU) operating at up to 2.3 TOPS
  • ARM Cortex-M7 controller (up to 800 MHz)
  • 32-bit DDR4 and LPDDR4 interface (up to 4.0 GT/s)
  • dual image signal processors (ISP) : up to 12 MP, up to 375 MPixels per second
  • two MIPI CSI camera interfaces
  • two Gigabit Ethernet LAN interfaces
  • two USB 3.0 / 2.0 with Type C PHY
  • PCI Express Gen 3 support
  • 14 nm FinFET process

 

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HUAWEI MatePad T 10s : Hands-On Preview!

HUAWEI just introduced the MatePad T 10s – an affordable 10.1-inch tablet with 4G LTE connectivity for the family!

Take a look at the new HUAWEI MatePad T 10s, and find out what it offers!

 

HUAWEI MatePad T 10s : Hands-On Preview!

The HUAWEI MatePad T 10s boasts a 10.1-inch IPS display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, and TÜV Rheinland-certified Eye Comfort.

This display is enhanced by HUAWEI ClariVu technology, which automatically optimises colour, brightness and saturation. It also uses a Super Resolution algorithm to upscale lower-resolution content.

Build around the HUAWEI Kirin 710A platform, it comes with 3 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card (up to 512 GB).

Impressively, this affordable tablet comes with built-in 4G LTE connectivity, ensuring that you can stay connected wherever you are. Powering all that is a large 5,100 mAh battery, that supports 10 watt fast charging.

 

HUAWEI MatePad T 10s : Price + Availability

The HUAWEI MatePad T 10s is available for sale starting 10 October 2020, with this recommended retail price :

  • 3 GB + 64 GB : RM 999 (about US$241 | £186 | A$334 | S$327)

Here are online purchase options :

 

HUAWEI MatePad T 10s : Specifications

Specifications HUAWEI MatePad T 10s
Model AGS3-L09
Display 10.1-inch IPS
– 1920 x 1200 pixels (224 ppi)
Protection None
Operating System EMUI 10.1 (based on Android 10)
Platform HUAWEI Kirin 710A
Processor 4 x Arm Cortex-A73 (2.0 GHz)
4 x Arm Cortex-A53 (1.7 GHz)
GPU Arm Mali-G51
Memory 3 GB
Storage 64 GB
External Storage microSD Card (up to 512 GB)
Front Camera 2 MP fixed focus camera (f/2.4)
– 720p video recording
Rear Camera 5 MP auto focus camera (f/2.2)
– 1080p video recording
Connectivity 4G LTE (WCDMA / GSM)
Wi-Fi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz)
Bluetooth : BT 5.0
USB : USB 2.0 Type C
GPS Support GPS, AGPS, GLONASS, BeiDou
Fingerprint Sensor None
Other Sensors Ambient Light, Distance, Gravity
Audio Stereo speakers tuned by Harman Kardon
Single microphone
Battery 5,100 mAh
Charging 10 watt charger
Size 240.2 mm wide
159 mm tall
7.85 mm thick
Weight 450 g

 

HUAWEI MatePad T 10s : Box + Contents

The HUAWEI MatePad T 10s comes in a white cardboard box.

When fully unboxed, these are the items you will find inside :

  • One HUAWEI MatePad T 10s tablet
  • One set of HUAWEI MatePad T 10s documents (not shown here)
  • One 22.5 watt HUAWEI SuperCharge fast charger
  • One USB Type A to USB Type C cable
  • One SIM tray pin

Next Page > HUAWEI MatePad T 10s : A Closer Look!

 

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HUAWEI MatePad T 10s : A Closer Look!

Let’s take a closer look at the HUAWEI MatePad T 10s tablet, and its key features.

Front Camera

In the front, it has a 2 MP fixed focus camera with an f/2.4 aperture. This camera supports 720p video recording.

Rear Camera

In the back, it has a 5 MP camera with a slightly wider f/2.2 aperture, and 1080p video recording capability. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with an LED flash.

Power + Volume Control Buttons

The only buttons you will find are the Power and Volume control buttons, both located along the top edge  (if held horizontally) together with the front and rear cameras.

Ports + Speakers

The ports are all located at the bottom – a USB 2.0 Type C port, and a 3.5 mm audio port, next to the SIM tray.

It also comes with two Harman Kardon-tuned speakers, one at the bottom here, and one at the top.

SIM + microSD Card Tray

The SIM and microSD card tray is located at the bottom, next to the 3.5 mm audio port and USB-C port.

Unlike other tablets in the same price range, it comes with 4G LTE connectivity, and supports a single nano SIM card.

The MatePad T 10s only comes with 64 GB of storage, but fortunately, it also supports a microSD card, which lets you add up to 512 GB of additional storage.

 

HUAWEI MatePad T 10s : Where To Buy?

Here are online purchase options :

 

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Samsung Galaxy A51 Unboxed : What Will We Find Inside?

Samsung just sent us their new Galaxy A51 smartphone, and we unboxed it to see what’s inside! Check it out!

 

Samsung Galaxy A51 : At A Glance!

The Samsung Galaxy A51 comes with a large 6.5-inch edge-to-edge Infinity-O display, with a Super AMOLED panel.

It is powered by the Samsung Exynos 9611 mobile platform, and comes with 6 GB LPDDR4x memory, and 128 GB internal storage.

It has a 32 MP front camera, and a quad-camera system at the back, which consists of :

  • a 48 MP main camera (f/2.0 aperture)
  • a 12 MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.2 aperture)
  • a 5 MP macro camera (f/2.4)
  • a 5 MP depth sensor (f/2.2)

 

Samsung Galaxy A51 Unboxed : What Will We Find Inside?

Once we unboxed the Samsung Galaxy A51, this is what we found inside :

  • Samsung Galaxy A51 smartphone
  • Samsung Galaxy A51 clear bumper case
  • Samsung Galaxy A51 documents – Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card, Regional Lock Guide
  • Samsung basic earphones
  • 15 W Samsung travel fast charger
  • USB-C data and power cable
  • Tray extractor pin

 

Samsung Galaxy A51 Specifications

Specifications Samsung Galaxy A51
Display 6.5-inch Infinity-O display
– Super AMOLED
– 1080 x 2400 pixels (~394 ppi)
Operating System Android 10 Q
System Platform Samsung Exynos 9611
Processor 4 x ARM Cortex-A73 cores (2.3 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.7 GHz)
GPU ARM Mali-G72 MP3
RAM 6 GB LPDDR4x
Storage 128 GB internal storage
microSD slot (512 GB)
Front Camera 32 MP sensor with f/2.2 aperture
Rear Cameras Quad Camera System
– 48 MP main camera (f/2.0)
– 12 MP ultra-wide camera (f/2.2)
– 5 MP macro camera (f/2.4)
– 5 MP depth sensor (f/2.2)
Connectivity 4G : LTE
Wi-Fi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth : BT5.0
USB : USB Type C 2.0
Fingerprint Sensor Yes, In-Display
Battery 4,000 mAh battery
15W fast charging
Dimensions 73.6 mm wide
158.5 mm tall
7.9 mm thick
Weight 172 g

 

Samsung Galaxy A51 Price + Availability

The Samsung Galaxy A51 is available in three colour options – Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush White and Prism Crush Blue, with a fourth colour option of Prism Crush Pink in some countries.

It has a recommended retail price of RM 1,299 / ~S$436 / ~US$314 / ~£242 / ~A$467. Here are online purchase options :

 

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Samsung Galaxy A30s 2020 Gets 128GB Upgrade!

The Samsung Galaxy A30s just received a nice 128GB upgrade for 2020. Here are the specifications, price and availability of the new Samsung Galaxy A30s 2020 smartphone!

 

Samsung Galaxy A30s 2020 Gets 128GB Upgrade!

Launched in September 2019, the Samsung Galaxy A30s just received a 128GB storage upgrade for 2020, effective immediately!

The Samsung Galaxy A30s comes with a 6.4-inch Infinity-V display, with a HD+ resolution. It is powered by the Exynos 7904 mobile platform fabricated on the 14 nm process technology.

It comes with 4 GB of LPDDR4x memory and 64 GB storage, with a 16 MP front camera. At the back, it comes with a 25 MP main camera with an 8 MP ultra-wide secondary camera, and a 5 MP depth sensor.

It also comes with an on-display fingerprint sensor, and support both Samsung Pay as well as Samsung Knox.

 

Samsung Galaxy A30s 2020 Specifications

In this table, we compare the improved Galaxy A30s 2020, with its 2019 predecessor :

Specifications Samsung
Galaxy A30s
Samsung
Galaxy A30s (Enhanced)
Display 6.4-inch Infinity V display
720 x 1560 pixels
– Super AMOLED
6.4-inch Infinity V display
720 x 1560 pixels
– Super AMOLED
System Platform Samsung Exynos 7904 Samsung Exynos 7904
CPU 2 x Cortex-A73 (1.8 GHz)
6 x Cortex-A53 (1.6 GHz)
2 x Cortex-A73 (1.8 GHz)
6 x Cortex-A53 (1.6 GHz)
GPU ARM Mali-G71 MP2 ARM Mali-G71 MP2
RAM 4 GB LPDDR4x 4 GB LPDDR4x
Storage 64 GB
microSD (up to 512 GB)
128 GB
microSD (up to 512 GB)
Front Camera 16 MP with f/2.0 lens 16 MP with f/2.0 lens
Rear Cameras 25 MP with f/1.7 lens
8 MP ultra-wide
5 MP depth sensor
25 MP with f/1.7 lens
8 MP ultra-wide
5 MP depth sensor
Fingerprint Sensor Yes, In Display Yes, In Display
Samsung Pay Yes Yes
Battery 4,000 mAh
15 W fast charging
4,000 mAh
15 W fast charging

 

Samsung Galaxy A30s 2020 Price + Availability

The Samsung Galaxy A30s 2020 is available in three colour options – Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush White and Prism Crush Green.

It has the recommended retail price of RM 999 / ~US$242 / ~£187 / ~A$362 / ~S$337, and comes with 2 months of YouTube Premium for FREE!

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You can still get the Galaxy A30s (64 GB) for RM 899, although we found it being offered for just RM 779 in Malaysia, and S$278 in Singapore!

 

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Samsung Galaxy A10s (SM-A107) : What You Need To Know!

Samsung just introduced the Galaxy A10s smartphone, targeted at young Millennials.

Here is everything you need to know about the new Samsung Galaxy A10s, including its price, key features and specifications!

 

The Samsung Galaxy A10s Smartphone

The Samsung Galaxy A10s (Price Check) is designed to target features that Millennials favour, including a very affordable price tag.

Millennials, for example, consume most of their content on smartphones, so the Galaxy A10s (Price Check) comes with a large 6.2-inch Infinity-V display with HD+ resolution.

They also play a lot of mobile games, and socialise on their smartphones, so Samsung gave it a large 4,000 mAh battery to last a full day.

To help them take better “Instagrammable” photos, its 13 MP main camera is paired with a depth sensor that lets you apply bokeh effects to your pictures for that professional portrait look.

Taking great Instagram selfies should be pretty easy with its 8 MP front camera, that has a wide and bright f/2.0 aperture.

It has just 2 GB of RAM, but comes with 32 GB of internal eMMC 5.1 storage. If that’s not enough, you can add a microSD card to add up to 512 GB of additional storage.

Its MediaTek helio P22 is a mid-range platform with old A53 CPU cores and an average GPU. Don’t expect too much from it when it comes to gaming, especially with 2 GB of RAM.

Curiously, it seems to lack dual-band WiFi or Bluetooth 5.0 or even a compass – features commonly found in other mid-range devices, and ostensibly supported by the helio P22.

This means it will have slower WiFi speeds, and will not come with an e-compass. GPS functionality is still there, so Google Maps and Waze will work, but they won’t be able to give you an accurate heading.

 

Samsung Galaxy A10s Specifications

Specifications Samsung Galaxy A10s
Model SM-A107
Display 6.2-inch PLS display
– 720 x 1520 pixels
Operating System Android 9.0 Pie
Platform MediaTek helio P22
Processor 4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (2.0 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.5 GHz)
GPU IMG PowerVR GE8320 (650 MHz)
Memory 2 GB LPDDR3
Storage 32 GB internal storage
microSD slot (up to 512 GB)
Front Camera 8 MP with f/2.0 aperture
Rear Cameras 13 MP camera with f/1.8 aperture
2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture
Connectivity 4G : LTE
WiFi : 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz only)
Bluetooth : BT 4.2
USB : micro USB 2.0
Dual SIM Yes, Dual nano SIMs, dual standby
Samsung DeX No
NFC No
Fingerprint Sensor Yes, Rear-mounted
Other Sensors Accelerometer, Light, Proximity
Battery 4,000 mAh battery
Dimensions 75.8 mm wide
156.9 mm tall
7.8 mm thick
Weight 168 g
Colour Options Green / Black / Red

 

Samsung Galaxy A10s Price + Availability

What’s most exciting about the Samsung Galaxy A10s (Price Check) is, arguably, its price.

It is available with immediate effect with a recommended retail price (RRP) of RM 529 / ~US$126 / ~£103 / ~A$187.

At launch, it is available in three youthful colour options – Green, Black and Red.

Here are some direct purchase links for your convenience :

 

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HUAWEI MediaPad M5 lite Price + Pre-Order For Malaysia!

At the launch of their nova 5T smartphone, HUAWEI also announced the availability of the MediaPad M5 lite tablet.

Here is everything you need to know about the official MediaPad M5 lite price and pre-order deal for Malaysia!

Here is a summary of its key features :

  • 10.1-inch Full HD IPS display with HUAWEI ClariVu technology
  • Enhanced Eye-comfort mode (low blue light) for children
  • Quad speakers tuned by Harman Kardon for more bass and less distortion
  • HUAWEI Histen 5.0 3D surround sound technology
  • HUAWEI M-Pen lite stylus has 2,048 levels of sensitivity
  • 7,500 mAh battery that takes less than 3 hours to fully recharge
  • Metal body with 2.5D curved glass edge

 

HUAWEI MediaPad M5 lite Specifications

SpecificationsHUAWEI MediaPad M5 lite
Display10.1-inch IPS display
- 1200 x 1920 pixels, 221 ppi
Operating SystemAndroid 8.0
PlatformHiSilicon Kirin 659
Processor4 x ARM Cortex-A53 (2.4 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorARM Mali-T830 MP2
Memory3 GB LPDDR3 memory
Storage32 GB internal storage
microSD card slot (up to 256 GB)
Front Camera8 MP FF camera
Rear Cameras8 MP AF camera
ConnectivityWiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz)
Bluetooth : BT 4.2
USB : USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C
Fingerprint SensorYes, Side Power Button
Other SensorsGravity, Ambient Light, Distance, Hall, Compass
Battery7,500 mAh lithium-ion battery
- supports 18 W fast charging
Dimensions162.2 mm wide
243.4 mm tall
7.7 mm thick
Weight475 g
Colour OptionsSpace Gray

 

HUAWEI MediaPad M5 lite Price + Availability

It is available for pre-order from 29 August until 5 September 2019, with an official recommended retail price of RM 1,299 / ~$309 / ~£249 / ~A$459.

Recommended : HUAWEI nova 5T Malaysia Price + Pre-Order Confirmed!

 

HUAWEI MediaPad M5 lite Pre-Order Deal

Every unit you pre-order will receive these exclusive gifts :

  • a HUAWEI Mini Speaker worth RM99, and
  • a HUAWEI M-Pen Lite worth RM159

 

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Here Is The New Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Smartwatch!

Here is everything you need to know about the new Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 smartwatch – the four models, features, and specifications!

 

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is a new active lifestyle smartwatch. Available in two sizes, it comes with a slew of healthcare and activity monitoring features. Let’s check out what’s new…

Four Different Designs

To cater to different lifestyles, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 comes in two sizes – 44 mm and 40 mm, and in two styles :

  • lightweight aluminium, with a casual Fluoroelastomer (FKM) band
  • premium solid stainless steel, with a leather strap

They can be further personalised with a range of stylish straps and watch face options.

Match Your Outfit!

You can now customise your Galaxy Watch Active2 face to your outfit of the day, using the My Style colour extraction algorithm.

Simply use the Galaxy Wearable app to take a photo of your outfit, and choose from five different colour patterns to change to a matching watch face!

Digital Touch Bezel

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 features a digital touch bezel. Directly turn the digital bezel on the curved display edge in either directions!

Your Wellness Compansion

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 is designed to provide actionable insights into your health.

It automatically tracks seven types of workouts – running, walking, cycling, swimming, rowing, elliptical and dynamic, with more than 30 other workouts you can manually track.

It can also track your real-time stress levels through Samsung Health, and better analyse your sleep patterns at night.

Stay Connected!

Designed for a connected lifestyle, the Galaxy Watch Active2 keeps you connected on-the-go.

You can access social media content, and even video clips from your wrist. And if you are travelling, it supports real-time voice and text translations in over 16 languages!

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Through Samsung’s partnership with Spotify, you can now enjoy listening to music and podcasts on-the-go using your Samsung account!

Galaxy Synergy

You can use its Watch Camera Controller app to remotely control your Samsung smartphone’s camera – to take photos, record videos, switch between camera lenses and so on.

And you can use the Wireless PowerShare capability of Samsung smartphones like the Note10, S10+, S10 and S10e to wirelessly recharge your smartwatch!

 

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Specifications

Specifications

Galaxy Watch Active2
(44 mm)

Galaxy Watch Active2
(40 mm)

Display

1.4-inch (34 mm) Super AMOLED
– 360 x 360 pixels

1.2-inch (30 mm) Super AMOLED
– 360 x 360 pixels

Display Protection

Corning Gorilla Glass DX+

Durability

5ATM + IP68
MIL-STD-810G

Operating System

Tizen

System Platform

Samsung Exynos 9110

Processor

2 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores @ 1.15 GHz

Graphics Processor

ARM Mali-T720MP1

Memory

4 GB RAM

Storage

768 MB flash storage

Connectivity

WiFi : 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 5.0 + NFC

GPS

GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou

Sensor

Heart Rate (8 photodiodes)
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Accelerometer (up to 32G of force)
Gyroscope
Barometer
Ambient Light

Battery

340 mAh

247 mAh

Charging

WPC-based wireless charging

Strap

20 mm interchangable straps

Dimensions

44 mm x 44 mm x 10.9 mm

40 mm x 40 mm x 10.9 mm

Weight

30 g (Aluminium)
42 g (Stainless Steel)

26 g (Aluminium)
37 g (Stainless Steel)

 

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Xiaomi Redmi 7A Price, Specifications + Availability Confirmed!

Xiaomi just launched the highly-affordable Redmi 7A smartphone! Here are its official price list, specifications and availability!

 

The Xiaomi Redmi 7A Smartphone

The Xiaomi Redmi 7A is their new entry-level smartphone, offering a major upgrade over the Redmi 6A.

It has a better design built around a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 platform, a larger 4,000 mAh battery, and splash resistance.

The Redmi 7A has a 5 MP front camera, with a 12 MP rear camera. It also has a 5.45-inch HD+ display, with low blue light eye protection certified by TÜV Rheinland.

 

Xiaomi Redmi 7A Specifications

SpecificationsXiaomi Redmi 7A
Display5.45-inch IPS display
- 720 x 1440 pixels
- 70% NTSC colour gamut
ProtectionSplash-resistant coating
Operating SystemAndroid 9.0 Pie with MIUI 10
PlatformQualcomm Snapdragon 439
Processor8 x ARM Cortex-A53 (2.0 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorQualcomm Adreno 505 (650 MHz)
Memory2 GB LPDDR3 memory
Storage16 GB / 32 GB
microSD card slot (up to 256 GB)
Front Camera5 MP sensor with f/2.2 lens
Rear Cameras12 MP sensor with f/2.2 lens
ConnectivityWiFi : 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth : BT 4.2
USB : micro-USB 2.0
SIM Support2 x nano SIM cards
Dual SIM, Dual Standby capable
Hybrid SIM tray
IR EmitterNo
Fingerprint SensorNo
Other SensorsGyroscope, Accelerometer, Distance, E-Compass, Ambient Light
Battery4,000 mAh lithium-ion battery
- supports 10 W fast charging
Dimensions70.41 mm wide
146.30 mm tall
9.55 mm thick
Weight165 grams
Colour OptionsMatte Black, Matte Blue, Gem Blue, Gem Red

 

Xiaomi Redmi 7A Price + Availability

Globally, the Xiaomi Redmi 7A is available in four colour options – Matte Blue, Matte Black, Gem Blue, and Gem Red.

In Malaysia, it is only available in Matte Blue and Matte Black, at the following price points :

  • 2 GB + 16 GB : RM 399 / ~US$97 / ~£78 / ~€86
  • 2 GB + 32 GB : RM 439 / ~US$107 / ~£85 / ~€95

Xiaomi is only making the 2 GB + 16 GB model available online, starting 22 July 2019 on Shopee, and 26 July on Lazada.

 

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Samsung Galaxy M20 Infinity-V Smartphone In-Depth Review!

The Samsung Galaxy M20 is the first mid-range Samsung smartphone to offer a large 6.3-inch Infinity-V display, a large 5,000 mAh battery and dual rear cameras at an incredibly affordable price.

Find out if this is the smartphone for you in our in-depth review!

 

The Samsung Galaxy M20 First Impressions + Specifications

The Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) is designed to be an affordable mid-range smartphone that offers dual rear cameras and a long battery life.

It comes in two variants – a base model with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage, and a higher-end model with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.

SpecificationsSamsung Galaxy M20
Display6.3-inch Infinity-V display
-1080 x 2340 pixels (409 ppi)
- 19.5:9 aspect ratio, >90% screen-to-body ratio
Operating SystemAndroid 9.0 Pie
System PlatformSamsung Exynos 7904
Processor2 x ARM Cortex-A73 (1.8 GHz)
6 x ARM Cortex-A53 (1.6 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorARM Mali-G71 MP2
Memory3 GB / 4 GB
Storage32 GB / 64 GB
microSD card (up to 512 GB)
Front Camera8 MP sensor with f/2.0 lens
Rear CameraDual Camera System
- 13 MP main camera with f/1.9 lens
- 5 MP ultra-wide angle camera with f/2.2 lens
ConnectivityWiFi : 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz only)
Bluetooth : BT 5.0
USB : USB 2.0 Type C
Battery5,000 mAh lithium-ion battery (non-removable)
- supports 15 W fast charging
Fingerprint SensorYes, Rear-mounted
Other SensorsAccelerometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Virtual Light Sensor
NFC / Samsung PayNo / No
Dimensions74.5 mm wide
156.4 mm tall
8.8 mm thick
Weight186 grams
Colour OptionsCharcoal Black / Ocean Blue

 

Samsung Galaxy M20 Price + Availability

The Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) has two colour options – Charcoal Black and Ocean Blue. Which do YOU prefer? The Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) was originally launched in India on 5 February 2019, in two variants :

  • 3 GB + 32 GB : ₹10,990 / ~RM 652 / ~US$ 159 / ~£120
  • 4 GB + 64 GB : ₹12,990 / ~RM 771 / ~US$ 188 / ~£141

Here is the official Galaxy M20 price for Malaysia :

  • 4 GB + 64 GB : RM 799 / ~US$ 195 / ~£147

Here are some direct purchase links :

Next Page > Samsung Galaxy M20 Up Close + Key Features

 

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The Samsung Galaxy M20 Up Close!

The Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) is designed around a large 6.3-inch Infinity-V display, and a large 5,000 mAh battery.

This display has a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, with more than 90% screen-to-body ratio!

Let’s take an up close look at the Samsung Galaxy M20, and its key features!

The SIM tray is located on the left side, with the Power and Volume control buttons on the right. The 3.5 mm audio port is located at the bottom, next to the USB Type C port.

 

Samsung Exynos 7904

The Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) runs on the new Samsung Exynos 7904 mobile SoC.

With a 2+6 architecture, the Exynos 7904 has two fast Cortex-A73 cores running at 1.8 GHz, and six low-power Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.6 GHz.

It also has a dual-core ARM Mali-G71 GPU to accelerate graphics and games.

 

Memory + Storage

The Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) has two variants – a base model with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage, and a higher-end model with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.

There is considerable bloat though. Out of the 4 GB memory capacity, 1.9 GB or just under half is available for use. We definitely recommend going with 4 GB of RAM.

The operating system and built-in apps take up just under 13 GB, which leaves you about 51 GB of free space. In the base model which has 32 GB of storage, you will only have about 19 GB of free space to use.

 

Triple Card Tray

Don’t worry about running out of storage space though. The Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) comes with a triple card tray.

This allows you to use two nano SIM cards, and a microSD of up to 512 GB in capacity.

 

Fingerprint Sensor

The Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) comes with a rear fingerprint sensor, aligned centrally.

 

V-Notch

Covering most of the front is a large 6.3-inch IPS display, which Samsung calls an Infinity-V display because of its V-shaped notch.

The smaller V-notch allows for a larger display area, specifically space for more notifications. Barring the complete removal of the notch, this is about as good as it gets!

Next Page > Samsung Galaxy M20 Cameras, Battery Life + Recharging Speed

 

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Samsung Galaxy M20 Cameras

Concealed within the teardrop notch of the Samsung Galaxy M20’s Infinity-V display is an 8 MP selfie camera with f/2.0 lens.

The front camera does not have a dedicated LED flash, but is supported by screen flash instead.

In the back, it has a 13 MP main camera with f/1.9 lens, and a secondary 5 MP ultra-wide angle camera with f/2.2 lens.

The ultra-wide angle camera is really useful for certain shots. Let’s show you what the difference between the main camera (with a 76° angle) and the ultra-wide angle camera (120°)

 

Battery Life

We tested the Samsung Galaxy M20’s battery performance using PCMark. It basically ran the PCMark work tests until its battery capacity dropped to 20%.

Work 2.0 Samsung Galaxy M20 Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 OPPO R17 Pro Realme 3
Battery Capacity 5,000 mAh 4,000 mAh 3,700 mAh 4,230 mAh
Battery Life 12 hours 49 mins 12 hours 19 mins 11 hours 54 mins 10 hours 35 mins
Battery Utilisation 5.20 mAh / min. 4.33 mAh / min. 4.15 mAh / min. 5.33 mAh / min.
Review Links Redmi Note 7
Review
OPPO R17 Pro
Review
Realme 3
Review
Price Check MY | US MY MY | US MY

Thanks to its large 5,000 mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) lasted almost 13 hours! This is not just screen-on time. It’s running the Work 2.0 benchmark over, and over again, for over 12.75 hours!

 

Battery Recharging Performance

The Samsung Galaxy M20 supports 15 watt fast charging. Let’s see how fast it recharges its 5,000 mAh battery!

Recharging Speed OPPO R17 Pro Samsung Galaxy M20 Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Realme 3
Battery Capacity 3,700 mAh 5,000 mAh 4,000 mAh 4,230 mAh
Charger Output 50 Watts 15 Watts 10 Watts 10 Watts
Recharging Time 33 Minutes 123.5 minutes 133 mins 190 minutes
Recharging Speed 90 mAh / minute 32.4 mAh / minute 24.0 mAh / minute 17.8 mAh / minute
Review Links OPPO R17 Pro
Review
Redmi Note 7
Review
Realme 3
Review
Price Check MY | US MY | US MY MY

The Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) took 2 hours and 3.5 minutes (123.5 minutes) to recharge its battery from 20% to 100%.

This gives it a good battery life : recharging ratio of 6.2 : 1. A rule of thumb – for one hour of battery life, you will need to charge it for 9.5 minutes.

Next Page > Samsung Galaxy M20 Photo + Video Samples

 

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Samsung Galaxy M20 Photo Samples

Here are eight full-sized unedited photo samples taken using the Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US).

At the full 13 MP resolution, the photos are 4128 x 3096 pixels in size, with file sizes between 3 MB and 4 MB.

Click on them to expand – you can also download them to “peek” at the pixels!

The Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) produced very good pictures, particularly when you consider its price point. However, you need to be aware of two issues.

Its wide aperture is great for low-light photography, but introduces a narrow depth-of-field. That means you may need to “help” it focus on your subject, or it will turn out blur – out of focus.

The other thing is that it requires some distance to focus properly. So macro shots will be a challenge.

 

Samsung Galaxy M20 Video Samples

Despite sporting a 13 MP camera, the Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) only supports 1080p video recording. Here are two video samples :

Video Sample #1 : Live Performance

The image quality was excellent, but it was painfully obvious that it was not even electronically-stabilised.

There were also some exposure issues – sometimes it was overly dark, and when we tapped on the subject to correct – the background got overblown.

But on the bright side, the audio quality was very good. It was richer, with a markedly widerly range, than most smartphones at the same price range.

Video Sample #2 : Auto Show

This walk around of a small auto show demonstrates just how important stabilisation is when you record a video.

We can understand the lack of optical image stabilisation, but why didn’t Samsung throw in electronic image stabilisation?

This is a real shame, because the image quality was good, even though there were some exposure issues.

Next Page > Samsung Galaxy M20 Performance, Our Verdict

 

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Work Performance – PCMark

We tested the Samsung Galaxy M20’s performance using PCMark, which simulates work applications like web browsing, playing video, writing text and editing photos.

Work 2.0 Realme 3 OPPO R17 Pro Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Samsung Galaxy M20
Performance Score 7309 6475 6145 5359
Web Browsing 7779 6572 5684 5348
Video Editing 5292 5387 5099 4702
Writing 7479 5617 6433 4982
Photo Editing 13871 10740 11091 7554
Data Manipulation 4921 5331 5255 4673
Review Links Realme 3
Review
OPPO R17 Pro
Review
Redmi Note 7
Review
Price Check MY MY | US MY MY | US

Samsung Exynos processors have never been particularly strong at work performance, and the Samsung Exynos 7904 is no exception. It was 13% slower than the Redmi Note 7 which uses the 2-year old Qualcomm Snapdragon 660.

 

Gaming Performance – 3DMark

We then tested the Samsung Galaxy M20’s gaming performance using 3DMark, using the Ice Storm Unlimited test.

Ice Storm Unlimited Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Realme 3 OPPO R17 Pro Samsung Galaxy M20
Gaming Score 26746 20205 15354 13358
Graphics 29525 19444 15788 13499
Physics 20118 23414 14005 12885
Graphics Test 1 164.1 fps 119.9 fps 136.5 fps 112.0 fps
Graphics Test 2 105.4 fps 65.3 fps 45.8 fps 39.8 fps
Physics Test 63.9 fps 74.3 fps 44.5 fps 40.9 fps
Review Links Redmi Note 7
Review
Realme 3
Review
OPPO R17 Pro
Review
Price Check MY MY MY | US MY | US

The Samsung Exynos 7904 was not fast at games either, with its dual-core ARM Mali-G71 GPU.

It was actually half as fast as the Redmi Note 7 which uses the 2-year old Qualcomm Snapdragon 660. It was closest in performance to the OPPO R17 Pro, which uses the MediaTek Helio P60.

 

Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) is an interesting mid-range contender. It comes with a large 6.3-inch Full HD+ display and a large 5,000 mAh battery to keep it going for hours and hours…

It also comes with a nice complement of cameras. Its 8 MP front camera boasts a fast, bright f/2.0 lens. In the back, it has an excellent 13 MP main camera, with a very useful secondary ultra-wide angle 5 MP camera.

However, its muted colour makes its chassis look like a budget device, a far cry from the premium look of the cheaper Realme 3!

We also wish Samsung added electronic image stabilisation to their camera. It would have made the Galaxy M20 (MY | US) a more compelling device. After all, the Redmi Note 7 offers electronically-stabilised video recording at the same price point!

The Samsung Galaxy M20 (MY | US) is a good effort by Samsung to defend its lower mid-range market share. However, it will find strong headwinds from Chinese smartphones like the Redmi Note 7 and the Realme 3.

 

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The Realme C2 Smartphone – Everything You Need To Know!

There is a new Entry-Level King in town – the Realme C2 smartphone! Here is everything you need to know about the latest entry-level smartphone from Realme!

 

The Realme C2 Smartphone

The Realme C2 is an evolutionary upgrade of the Realme C1, which decimated the entry-level market last year.

Dewdrop Display

The Realme C1 had a 6.2-inch notched display. The Realme C2 comes with a 6.1-inch dewdrop display, with a slightly wider resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels and aspect ratio of 19.5:9

Faster 12 nm Mobile SoC

The Realme C2 runs on a faster MediaTek Helio P22 mobile SoC. More importantly, the Helio P22 was built on the 12 nm process technology, which makes it more power-efficient.

Smudge-Free Chassis

Realme maintained the same diamond-cut chassis design, but upgraded it with a smudge-free treatment. It is offered in the same two colours – Black and Blue.

Smaller Battery

Thanks to its more power-efficient SoC, the Realme 2 comes with a slightly smaller 4,000 mAh battery.

Front + Rear Cameras

The Realme C2 maintains the same 5 MP front camera, as well as the 13 MP + 2 MP dual-lens camera in the back.

 

Realme C2 Specifications Compared

In this table, we compare the specifications of the Realme C2 against the Realme C1.

SpecificationsRealme C2Realme C1
Display6.1-inch dewdrop display
- 720 x 1560 pixels
- 89.35% screen ratio
6.2-inch notch display
- 720 x 1520 pixels
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassNA
Operating SystemAndroid 9.0 Pie with ColorOS 6.0Android 8.1 with ColorOS 5.1
PlatformMediaTek Helio P22 (MT6762)Qualcomm Snapdragon 450
Processor8 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (Up to 2.0 GHz)8 x ARM Cortex A53 cores (up to 1.8 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorPowerVR GE8320 (650 MHz)Qualcomm Adreno 506
Memory2 GB / 3 GB LPDDR4x memory2 GB LPDDR3 memory
Storage16 GB / 32 GB
microSD card slot (up to 256 GB)
16 GB internal flash storage
microSD card (up to 256 GB)
Front Camera5 MP sensor5 MP sensor with f/2.2 lens
Rear Cameras13 MP camera with f/2.2 aperture
2 MP depth sensor
- single LED flash
13 MP image sensor with f/2.2 lens
2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 lens
Network CapabilityLTE Cat4
- up to 150 Mbps DL
- up to 50 Mbps UL
LTE Cat4
- up to 150 Mbps DL
- up to 50 Mbps UL
SIM Support2 x nano SIM cards
Dual SIM, Dual Standby capable
2 x nano SIM cards
Dual SIM, Dual Standby capable
ConnectivityWiFi : 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.1
USB : micro USB 2.0
Audio : 3.5 mm port
WiFi : 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.1
USB : micro USB 2.0
Audio : 3.5 mm port
Fingerprint SensorNoNo
Other SensorsGyroscope, Accelerometer, Proximity, Gravity, Ambient LightLight Sensor, G-sensor, Acceleration sensor,
Magnetic induction, Proximity Sensor
Battery4,000 mAh lithium-ion battery4,230 mAh lithium-ion battery
Dimensions73.7 mm wide
154.3 mm tall
8.5 mm thick
75.6 mm wide
156.2 mm tall
8.2 mm thick
Weight166 grams168 g
Colour OptionsDiamond Black / Diamond BlueElectric Blue / Electric Black

 

Realme C2 Price + Availability

The Realme C2 comes in two variants, at these price points :

  • 2 GB + 16 GB : RM 429 / ~US$103 / ~£80 / ~€92
  • 3 GB + 32 GB : RM 499 / ~US$120 / ~£93 / ~€107

It will be available for sale starting 18 May 2019 in stores across Malaysia.

Online, the first sale will only kick off on 21 May 2019 exclusively on Shopee.

 

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The Realme 3 (RMX1821) Review – An Incredible Bargain!

The new Realme 3 smartphone is here! It boasts a new design, new cameras, and a more powerful processor – all at an INCREDIBLE PRICE!

Find out what the Realme 3 offers over its predecessor, and why we gave it out Reviewer’s Choice Award!

 

The Official Realme 3 Tech Briefing

Let’s start off with the official Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) tech briefing!

 

India + International Variants

Before we kick off the preview, we need point out that there are two Realme 3 variants. Internationally, it runs on the MediaTek Helio P60. Yes, the same mobile SoC used in the far pricier OPPO F9.

The Indian variant though runs on the faster MediaTek Helio P70 mobile SoC. What’s different?

  • Its four high-speed ARM Cortex-A73 cores run 2.1 GHz, instead of 2.0 GHz
  • Its ARM Mali-G72 MP3 GPU runs at 900 MHz, instead of 800 MHz

Basically, the Helio P70 variant has a slightly faster CPU, with a GPU that is said to be 13% faster.

 

Realme 3 Colour Options

Globally, there are three colour options – Radiant Blue, Dynamic Black and Classic Black. However, here in Malaysia, they are only bringing in the Radiant Blue and Dynamic Black, which are 3D gradient colours.

The Radiant Blue colour combines semi-transparent blue-green colours with a silver mirror reflective layer.

The Dynamic Black colour, on the other hand, is created by black and blue painting in three separate spray and bake sessions, with pearl powder added to add depth.

 

Realme 3 Price List + Deals

The Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) will be available in two configurations, from 6 April 2019 onwards.

  • 3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage : RM 599 / ~US$ 147 / £ 112
  • 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage : RM 699 / ~US$ 172 / £ 131

 

Unboxing The Realme 3

The Realme 3 (Price Check) comes in a grey cardboard box that features the new Realme visual identity.

Let’s take a look at the box and unbox it to see what’s inside!

When you fully unbox it, you will find the following items :

  • One Realme 3 smartphone, wrapped in plastic
  • One Realme 3 clear TPU bumper case
  • One set of Realme 3 documents
  • 10 watt Realme fast USB charger
  • One micro USB data and power cable
  • One SIM tray extractor pin

We really like its bundled bumper case, and highly recommend that you use it. It provides a thick protective border along all sides of the display. It is also thick enough to protect the camera bump.

Next Page > The Realme 3 Up Close | How To Setup | Full Specifications

 

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The Realme 3 Smartphone Up Close!

Evolving from last year’s Realme 2, the Realme 3 uses the same form factor.. In fact, it is just 0.1 mm shorter, and 0.1 mm thicker – virtually similar in size!

The Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) retained the 6.2-inch display, with the same resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels. The display notch has, however, been replaced with a smaller dewdrop notch.

Realme also added Gorilla Glass protection, although we are not sure what version they used. Most of what’s changed is literally under the hood.

On the left side, you will find the SIM tray positioned right above the two Volume buttons.

The Power button is located on the right side.

Realme chose to stick with the old micro USB port, probably to ensure compatibility with older cables and devices. The new bidirectional USB Type C port is, frankly, far more convenient to use. We are glad to see the 3.5 mm audio port though.

The only microphones we spotted are here – between the audio port and micro USB port. It looks like it may lack noise cancellation capabilities. The longer row of ports are the speaker ports.

 

Setting Up The Realme 3 Smartphone

It’s really easy to setup the Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB). After all, it is running on the new Android 9.0 Pie. It should take you no more than 5 minutes to set it up as a new device.

 

Realme 3 Specifications Compared

We created this table to show you the differences between the Indian and International variants. You can also compare them against last year’s Realme 2 smartphone.

SpecificationsRealme 3 (India)Realme 3 (International)Realme 2
Display6.2-inch display
- 720 x 1520 pixels
- 19:9 aspect ratio, 271 ppi
6.2-inch display
- 720 x 1520 pixels
- 19:9 aspect ratio, 271 ppi
6.2-inch display
- 720 x 1520 pixels
- 19:9 aspect ratio, 271 ppi
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassCorning Gorilla GlassNA
Operating SystemAndroid 9.0 with ColorOS 6.0Android 9.0 with ColorOS 6.0Android 8.1 with ColorOS 5.1
PlatformMediaTek Helio P70MediaTek Helio P60Qualcomm Snapdragon 450
Processor4 x ARM Cortex-A73 cores (2.1 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (2.0 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A73 cores (2.0 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (2.0 GHz)
8 x ARM Cortex A53 cores (up to 1.8 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorARM Mali-G72 MP3 (900 MHz)ARM Mali-G72 MP3 (800 MHz)Qualcomm Adreno 506
Memory3 GB / 4 GB RAM3 GB / 4 GB RAM3 GB / 4 GB RAM
Storage32 GB / 64 GB internal flash storage
microSD card (up to 256 GB)
32 GB / 64 GB internal flash storage
microSD card (up to 256 GB)
32 GB / 64 GB internal flash storage
microSD card (up to 256 GB)
Front Camera13 MP image sensor with f/2.0 lens13 MP image sensor with f/2.0 lens8 MP image sensor with f/2.2 lens
Rear Camera13 MP image sensor with f/1.8 lens
2 MP depth sensor
13 MP image sensor with f/1.8 lens
2 MP depth sensor
13 MP image sensor with f/2.2 lens
2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 lens
Fingerprint SensorYes, Rear-mountedYes, Rear-mountedYes, Rear-mounted
Other SensorsLight Sensor, G-sensor, Acceleration sensor, Proximity Sensor, E-compassLight Sensor, G-sensor, Acceleration sensor, Proximity Sensor, E-compassLight Sensor, G-sensor, Acceleration sensor, Magnetic induction, Proximity Sensor
NFCNot availableNot availableNot available
Battery4,230 mAh lithium-ion battery4,230 mAh lithium-ion battery4,230 mAh lithium-ion battery
Dimensions75.6 mm wide
156.1 mm tall
8.3 mm thick
75.6 mm wide
156.1 mm tall
8.3 mm thick
75.6 mm wide
156.2 mm tall
8.2 mm thick
Weight175 g175 g168 g
Available ColoursBlack, Dynamic Black, Radiant BlueBlack, Dynamic Black, Radiant BlueDiamond Black, Diamond Red, Diamond Blue

Next Page > Realme 3 Key Features

 

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Dewdrop Notch Display

The Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB)has a 6.21-inch display with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels, like the Realme 2.

But Realme upgraded it with a dewdrop notch, and added Gorilla Glass protection. This gives it a distinct advantage over smartphones at the similar price range, like the HONOR 8C.

Thanks to the smaller notch, there is a lot more space for your notifications. It also increases the screen-to-body ratio to 88.3%.

 

A Big Boost In Performance!

The last generation Realme 2 used the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, which is a decent mid-range mobile SoC.

This year, the Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) gets a big performance boost in the form of the MediaTek Helio P60.

It boasts four high-speed ARM Cortex-A73 cores and four low-power ARM Cortex-A53 cores – all running at 2.0 GHz. In addition, it has a faster ARM Mali-G72 MP3 GPU running at 800 MHz.

On top of that, the Helio P60 is fabricated on the newer 12 nm FinFET process technology. This means a significantly lower power consumption, and thermal output.

The MediaTek Helio P60 modem supports LTE Cat7 (300 Mbps) download and LTE Cat13 (150 Mbps) upload, as well as 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity.

 

Memory + Storage

The Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) comes with 4 GB of RAM with 2.25 GB of free memory to use. If you opt for the 3 GB model, you will probably have 1.25 GB of available memory to use. That’s still more RAM than entry-level smartphones come with!

The base model comes with 32 GB of storage., Our higher-end model comes with 64 GB, of which 48 GB or 75% is free to use.

This is enough space to store about 13,000 photos or 6 hours of 1080p videos.

 

MicroSD + SIM Card Tray

If you don’t find 64 GB of storage sufficient, the Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) comes with a dedicated microSD card slot that supports up to 256 GB of additional storage.

Even if you don’t use that much storage, using a microSD card will help protect your data in the event the phone is damaged or destroyed.

Those who need dual SIM capability will be delighted to know the Realme 3 comes with two dedicated nano SIM slots. So you can use two SIM cards together with a microSD card. This is as good as it gets!

 

Fingerprint Sensor

The Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) retained the same rear fingerprint sensor as the Realme 2. It is fast and accurate, taking only about a dozen finger presses to register. 

The Realme 3 also supports basic facial recognition using the front camera. It is certainly convenient, but for those who are security conscious, we recommend sticking with the fingerprint sensor.

 

Aesthetics

Despite its very modest price point, the Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) looks premium, thanks to its injection-moulded unibody with curved edges and a really beautiful gradient colour scheme.

This combination of a curvy silhouette and gradient colours, with a mirror-like finish gives the Realme 3 a really premium look and feel.

Realme offers a classic Black option in some countries, but most countries will have two 3D gradient colour options – Dynamic Black and Radiant Blue.

The Radiant Blue colour combines semi-transparent blue-green colours with a silver mirror reflective layer.

The Dynamic Black colour, on the other hand, is created by black and blue painting in three separate spray and bake sessions, with pearl powder added to add depth.

Next Page > Realme 3 Camera Features + Ergonomics

 

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Better Cameras

The Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) has a new 13 MP main camera with a new, brighter f/1.8 lens. While it is still a 13 MP sensor, this sensor has larger 1.12 µm pixels.

The brighter lens and larger pixels will deliver better low-light performance with lower noise levels.

In addition, this new camera now supports 90 fps slow-motion video recording at the 720p resolution.

Like the Realme 2, it is still paired with a 2 MP depth sensor, and supported by a single LED flash.

The depth sensor does not actually take any pictures. Instead, it lets the camera to more accurately differentiate the subject from its background, allowing for more realistic software bokeh effects..

The front camera has been upgraded with a higher-resolution 13 MP sensor with a brighter f/2.0 lens. The Realme 2, you may recall, has an 8 MP front camera with f/2.2 lens.

 

Nightscape Mode

For the first time at this price range, the Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) camera has a Nightscape mode.

Like the HDR feature, it takes multiple shots in quick succession and combine them for a brighter scene, and to bring out the details in the shadows.

Nightscape goes beyond, applying a combination of AI and anti-shake algorithms to dramatically increase exposure in extremely dim lighting, while keeping noise under control.

 

Chroma Boost Mode

Also new to this price range is the Realme 3’s Chroma Boost mode. It is similar to the Scene Optimiser feature in flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S10+ or the Samsung Galaxy Note9.

It uses AI algorithms to recognise scenes in a photo, and automatically optimise the photo’s colour, dynamic range and detail. The resulting pictures have greater dynamic range and have more vivid colours.

 

Ergonomics

Despite its large display size, the Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) is just 75.6 mm wide, and 156.1 mm tall. Thanks to its narrow bezels and dewdrop notch, it feels relatively compact in the hand.

Even though it only delivers a HD+ resolution on such a large screen, the icons and text look sharp and crisp. Realme did not reveal its maximum brightness, but it held up well in bright sunlight.

The ultra-wide aspect ratio is great for playing games, but you will have to live with some pillarboxing – a black bar on each side of a movie.

Next Page > Realme 3 Camera Performance – Photo + Video Samples

 

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Realme 3 Camera Performance – Photo Samples

The Realme 3’s main camera has a new 13 MP sensor with larger 1.12 µm pixels. In addition, it is paired with brighter f//1.8 lens usually found in flagship-class smartphones.

The maximum 13 MP resolution is attained with the 4:3 aspect ratio. The photos are 4160 x 3120 pixels in size; with a file size of between 3 MB and 4 MB.

Here are 12 high-resolution unedited samples for you to check out. Click on them to load the full-sized photos. You can also download them to examine up close.

Despite its modest price point, the Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) is delivering close to flagship-class photos. Blow up the picture to 100% and marvel at the detail the sensor captured.

Even without using its Chroma Boost feature, the camera is already capable of producing remarkably vivid colours.

We have to point out though that the camera is not great for macros. It has trouble focusing at short distances. But you can get pretty good results if you are careful about the focus distance.

The bright f/1.8 aperture naturally creates a narrow depth of field, with a nicer bokeh effect. But for the ultimate bokeh effect, you should leverage its Portrait mode, which leverages its depth sensor to separate the subject from the background and lets you create really nice bokeh for the background.

 

Realme 3 Camera Performance – Video Samples

The Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) only supports 1080p video recording from both the front and rear cameras. Here are two video samples.

Video Sample #1 : Piano Performance

When you play the video, you will notice that it lacks both optical and electronic stabilisation. So if you can afford it, get a gimbal. It will iron out this problem.

Later in the video, you will see us zoom in and out. The Realme 3 does not have a zoom lens, but it has a 2X software zoom button. However, we don’t recommend using it because it seems to have focus issues.

The audio recording was not good either. It was overly bright, with too much echo and an odd background buzz. Without doubt, the Realme 2 Pro has superior video recording capabilities.

Video Sample #2 : Street Market

In this video, you can clearly see that there is no stabilisation of any kind. So make sure you get a gimbal if you want to do serious video recording.

You can also clearly hear the background buzz we were talking about in the previous video. That’s not wind noise, because we are not moving that fast. It’s just ever-present in the video, even when we paused for a moment.

Next Page > Realme 3 Performance – Work, Gaming, Battery Life + Recharging Speed

 

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Work Performance – PCMark

We tested the Realme 3’s performance using PCMark, which simulates work applications like web browsing, playing video, writing text and editing photos.

Work 2.0 Realme 3 Honor Play OPPO R17 Pro Samsung Galaxy A7 2018
Performance Score 7309 7361 6475 5379
Web Browsing 7779 7695 6572 5278
Video Editing 5292 5499 5387 4413
Writing 7479 6649 5617 5056
Photo Editing 13871 13326 10740 7427
Data Manipulation 4921 5764 5331 5147
Review Links   Honor Play
Review
OPPO R17 Pro
Review
Galaxy A7 2018
Review
Price Check MY MY | US | UK MY | US MY | US | UK

The Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) did very well in this test. Its MediaTek Helio P60 virtually matched the flagship-class Kirin 970 powering the HONOR Play.

It was 13% faster than the far more expensive OPPO R17 Pro, and 35% faster than the Galaxy A7 2018 smartphones!

 

Gaming Performance – 3DMark

We tested the Realme 3’s gaming performance using 3DMark, using the Ice Storm Unlimited test.

Ice Storm Unlimited Honor Play Realme 3 OPPO R17 Pro Samsung Galaxy A7 2018
Gaming Score 31622 20205 15354 15354
Graphics 37351 19444 15788 15788
Physics 20576 23414 14005 14005
Graphics Test 1 208.9 fps 119.9 fps 136.5 fps 136.5 fps
Graphics Test 2 132.8 fps 65.3 fps 45.8 fps 45.8 fps
Physics Test 65.3 fps 74.3 fps 44.5 fps 44.5 fps
Review Links Honor Play
Review
  OPPO R17 Pro
Review
Galaxy A7 2018
Review
Price Check MY | US | UK MY MY | US MY | US | UK

The Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) also delivered good gaming performance. It was 36% slower than the HONOR Play which boasts the flagship-class Kirin 970 mobile SoC.

On the other hand, it was 32% faster than the OPPO R17 Pro and Galaxy A7 2018,, which are both more expensive mid-range smartphones!

 

Battery Life – PCMark

We then tested the Realme 3’s battery performance using PCMark. It basically ran the PCMark work tests until its battery capacity dropped to 20%.

Work 2.0 OPPO R17 Pro Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Realme 3 Honor Play
Battery Capacity 3,700 mAh 3,300 mAh 4,230 mAh 3,750 mAh
Battery Life 11 hours 54 mins 11 hours 25 mins 10 hours 35 mins 9 hours 56 mins
Battery Utilisation 5.18 mAh / min. 4.82 mAh / min. 6.66 mAh / min. 6.29 mAh / min.
Review Links OPPO R17 Pro
Review
Galaxy A7 2018
Review
  Honor Play
Review
Price Check MY | US MY | US | UK MY MY | US | UK

Thanks to its large battery, the Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) delivered a good battery life of 10.5 hours. Note that this is not just screen-on time. It’s running the Work 2.0 benchmark over, and over again, for 10.5 hours!

That said, it is the least efficient model in this comparison, using 6% more power than the HONOR Play, 28.5% more than the OPPO R17 Pro, and 38% more than the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018.

 

Battery Recharging Performance

The Realme 3 comes with a 10 watt fast charger. Let’s take a look at how fast it recharges the 4,230 mAh battery.

Recharging Speed OPPO R17 Pro Honor Play Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Realme 3
Battery Capacity 3,700 mAh 3,750 mAh 3,300 mAh 4,230 mAh
Charger Output 50 Watts 18 Watts 7.75 Watts 10 Watts
Recharging Time 33 Minutes 92 mins 115 minutes 190 minutes
Recharging Speed 112 mAh / minute 40.7 mAh/ / minute 28.7 mAh / minute 22.3 mAh / minute
Review Links OPPO R17 Pro
Review
Honor Play
Review
Galaxy A7 2018
Review
 
Price Check MY | US MY | US | UK MY | US | UK MY

The Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) took 3 hours and 10 minutes (190 minutes) to recharge its battery from 20% to 100%. This is not very good performance for a 10 watt charger, because the Galaxy A7 2018 recharges 29% faster with its less powerful 7.75 watt charger.

Its battery life : recharging ratio of 3.3 : 1 is also below average. A rule of thumb – for one hour of battery life, you’ll need to charge it for 18 minutes.

Next Page > Realme 3 – Our Verdict + Award | Specification Comparison

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Our Verdict + Award!

Since its inception, Realme has shocked the industry with their ability and willingness to push against the boundaries of what’s possible.

Their first slew of smartphones were incredible value propositions that helped make Realme a household name in just a few months. And they did it without noticeably sacrificing quality or features.

The new Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) impressed us no less with its incredible combination of great features, a classy unibody design, and an unbelievable price point. Unbelievably, it is a BIG UPGRADE from its predecessor, the Realme 2.

First, they gave it a big performance boost with the MediaTek Helio P60 processor.  Impressively, the Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) was as fast as the flagship-class Kirin 970 in work performance, and delivered 32% faster gaming performance than the mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 and Samsung Exynos 7885 processors.

Next, they upgraded the display; replacing the wide notch with a small dewdrop notch, and adding Gorilla Glass protection. The biggest upgrades though came in the form of its front and rear cameras.

In the front, Realme replaced the 8 MB selfie camera with a higher-resolution 13 MP camera with a brighter f/2.0 lens.

In the back, it upgraded the 13 MP camera with a new sensor with larger pixels, and a new, brighter f/1.8 lens. This camera also boasts new AI capabilities in the form of Nightscape and Chroma Boost photography modes.

Everything was packed into a really classy unibody chassis with a large 4,230 man battery. The Radiant Blue model is especially beautiful, with its blue-green gradient tones.

Now, here is the punchline. These features are not unique to Realme. You can find them in other smartphones from other brands. But only the Realme 3 offers all that at these incredible price points :

  • 3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage : RM 599 / ~US$ 147 / £ 112
  • 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage : RM 699 / ~US$ 172 / £ 131

Ultimately, the Realme 3 (64 GB | 32 GB) offers you a powerful mid-range smartphone with high-resolution front and rear cameras, at the price point of entry-level smartphones!

For delivering an incredible value proposition.. an incredible bargain.. yet again, we proudly award the Realme 3 our Reviewer’s Choice Award! Great job, Realme!

 

Realme 3 Specifications Compared

SpecificationsRealme 3 (India)Realme 3 (International)Realme 2
Display6.2-inch display
- 720 x 1520 pixels
- 19:9 aspect ratio, 271 ppi
6.2-inch display
- 720 x 1520 pixels
- 19:9 aspect ratio, 271 ppi
6.2-inch display
- 720 x 1520 pixels
- 19:9 aspect ratio, 271 ppi
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassCorning Gorilla GlassNA
Operating SystemAndroid 9.0 with ColorOS 6.0Android 9.0 with ColorOS 6.0Android 8.1 with ColorOS 5.1
PlatformMediaTek Helio P70MediaTek Helio P60Qualcomm Snapdragon 450
Processor4 x ARM Cortex-A73 cores (2.1 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (2.0 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A73 cores (2.0 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (2.0 GHz)
8 x ARM Cortex A53 cores (up to 1.8 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorARM Mali-G72 MP3 (900 MHz)ARM Mali-G72 MP3 (800 MHz)Qualcomm Adreno 506
Memory3 GB / 4 GB RAM3 GB / 4 GB RAM3 GB / 4 GB RAM
Storage32 GB / 64 GB internal flash storage
microSD card (up to 256 GB)
32 GB / 64 GB internal flash storage
microSD card (up to 256 GB)
32 GB / 64 GB internal flash storage
microSD card (up to 256 GB)
Front Camera13 MP image sensor with f/2.0 lens13 MP image sensor with f/2.0 lens8 MP image sensor with f/2.2 lens
Rear Camera13 MP image sensor with f/1.8 lens
2 MP depth sensor
13 MP image sensor with f/1.8 lens
2 MP depth sensor
13 MP image sensor with f/2.2 lens
2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 lens
Fingerprint SensorYes, Rear-mountedYes, Rear-mountedYes, Rear-mounted
Other SensorsLight Sensor, G-sensor, Acceleration sensor, Proximity Sensor, E-compassLight Sensor, G-sensor, Acceleration sensor, Proximity Sensor, E-compassLight Sensor, G-sensor, Acceleration sensor, Magnetic induction, Proximity Sensor
NFCNot availableNot availableNot available
Battery4,230 mAh lithium-ion battery4,230 mAh lithium-ion battery4,230 mAh lithium-ion battery
Dimensions75.6 mm wide
156.1 mm tall
8.3 mm thick
75.6 mm wide
156.1 mm tall
8.3 mm thick
75.6 mm wide
156.2 mm tall
8.2 mm thick
Weight175 g175 g168 g
Available ColoursBlack, Dynamic Black, Radiant BlueBlack, Dynamic Black, Radiant BlueDiamond Black, Diamond Red, Diamond Blue

 

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Samsung Galaxy A50 + Galaxy A30 Price + Specifications!

At a celebrity-studded “Era Of Live” event, Samsung launched the Galaxy A50 and Galaxy A30 smartphones! Get the full low-down o the new Galaxy A50 and Galaxy A30 smartphones!

 

The Samsung Galaxy A50 Smartphone

The Samsung Galaxy A50 is designed to replace the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018.

Built around the new Samsung Exynos 9610 mobile SoC, it has four fast ARM Cortex-A73 cores running at 2.3 GHz, and four low-power A53 cores running at 1.7 GHz.

It has an ARM Mali-G72 GPU, and comes with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal flash storage. Powering it all is a large 4,000 mAh battery that supports 15 watt fast charging.

Like the Galaxy A7 2018, it boasts a triple camera system with a 25 MP main camera (f/1.7 aperture), an 8 MP ultra-wide angle camera (f/2.2 aperture), and a 5 MP depth sensor.

It also features an in-display fingerprint sensor, but unlike the Galaxy S10 series, it uses an optical sensor instead of an ultrasonic sensor.

 

The Samsung Galaxy A30 Smartphone

The Samsung Galaxy A30, on the other hand, is positioned just above the Galaxy M20 smartphone which launched separately on the same day.

It uses the same Exynos 7904 mobile SoC, with two fast ARM Cortex-A73 cores running at 1.8 GHz, and six low-power A53 cores running at 1.6 GHz.

It has an ARM Mali-G71 GPU, and comes with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal flash storage. Powering it all is a large 4,000 mAh battery that supports 15 watt fast charging.

It has an improved version of the Galaxy M20‘s dual camera system. Its main camera has a higher- resolution 16 MP sensor with a brighter f/1.7 aperture. But it uses the same 5 MP ultra-wide angle camera with f/2.2 aperture.

 

Samsung Galaxy A50 + Galaxy A30 Specifications

Here is a table comparing the specifications of the Galaxy A50 vs the Galaxy A30.

SpecificationsSamsung Galaxy A50Samsung Galaxy A30
Display6.4-inch Super AMOLED display
-1080 x 2340 pixels
- 19.5:9 aspect ratio
6.4-inch Super AMOLED display
-1080 x 2340 pixels
- 19.5:9 aspect ratio
Operating SystemAndroid 9.0 PieAndroid 9.0 Pie
System PlatformSamsung Exynos 9610Samsung Exynos 7904
Processor4 x ARM Cortex-A73 (2.3 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 (1.7 GHz)
2 x ARM Cortex-A73 (1.8 GHz)
6 x ARM Cortex-A53 (1.6 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorARM Mali-G72 MP3ARM Mali-G71 MP2
Memory6 GB4 GB
Storage128 GB
microSD card (up to 512 GB)
64 GB
microSD card (up to 512 GB)
Front Camera25 MP sensor with f/2.0 lens16 MP sensor with f/2.0 lens
Rear CameraTriple Camera System
- 25 MP main camera with f/1.7 lens
- 8 MP ultra-wide angle camera with f/2.2 lens
- 5 MP depth sensor with f/2.2 lens
Dual Camera System
- 16 MP main camera with f/1.7 lens
- 5 MP ultra-wide angle camera with f/2.2 lens
ConnectivityWiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz)
Bluetooth : BT 5.0
USB : USB 2.0 Type C
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz)
Bluetooth : BT 5.0
USB : micro USB 2.0
Battery4,000 mAh lithium-ion battery (non-removable)
- supports 15 W fast charging
4,000 mAh lithium-ion battery (non-removable)
- supports 15 W fast charging
Fingerprint SensorYes, In-DisplayYes, Rear-Mounted
Other SensorsAccelerometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor, Proximity SensorAccelerometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor
NFC / Samsung PayNo / NoNo / No
Dimensions74.7 mm wide
158.5 mm tall
7.7 mm thick
74.7 mm wide
158.5 mm tall
7.7 mm thick
Weight166 grams165 grams
Colour OptionsWhite / Black / BlueWhite / Black / Blue

 

Price + Availability

Both the Samsung Galaxy A50 and the Galaxy A30 are available with immediate effect at these prices :

They will both be available in three colour options – Blue, Black and White.

 

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The Definitive Realme 2 vs. Realme C1 Comparison!

Realme began their global expansion with three big bangs – the Realme 2 Pro, the Realme 2 and Realme C1 smartphones. While the Realme 2 Pro is clearly positioned as a killer mid-range smartphone, there is still some confusion about the Realme 2 and Realme C1 smartphones.

Despite their names, both Realme smartphones are very similar in many aspects. They are even similar in design and size! In this comparison, we will show you the differences between the two Realme smartphones. Find out which is the best option for you!

 

Realme Smartphone Video Comparison

Let’s start with a video comparison of the three new Realme smartphones!

 

Realme 2 vs. Realme C1 – By The Numbers!

Display : Same

Both Realme smartphones have the same 6.2-inch IPS display with a HD+ resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels.

CPU + GPU : Same

Both Realme smartphones run on the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 platform, with eight ARM Cortex-A53 CPU cores and the Adreno 506 GPU.

Memory : 2 GB vs. 3 / 4 GB

The Realme C1 comes with 2 GB of RAM, while the Realme 2 comes with either 3 GB or 4 GB of RAM.

Storage : 16 GB vs. 32 / 64 GB

The Realme C1 comes with 16 GB of storage, while the Realme 2 comes with either 32 GB or 64 GB of RAM.

Front Camera : 5 MP vs. 8 MP

The Realme C1 comes with a 5 MP front camera, while the Realme 2 comes with a higher-resolution 8 MP front camera.

Rear Camera : Same

Both smartphones boast the same dual-lens camera, with a 13 MP image sensor, and a 2 MP depth sensor. Their dual-lens camera is also supported by a single LED flash.

Fingerprint Sensor : Only In The Realme 2

Only the Realme 2 comes with a fingerprint sensor, and it’s located at the back.

Battery : Same

Both smartphones are powered by the same 4,230 mAh lithium-ion battery.

Colour + Finish : Diamond Cut vs. Mirror

The Realme 2 comes with a Diamond Cut glossy finish with 15 tangent planes. It is available in two colour options – Diamond Black and Diamond Red.

The Realme C1, on the other hand, has a mirrored glossy design, and comes in the Mirror Black and Navy Blue colour options.

Size + Weight : Same

Both Realme smartphones have the same dimensions, and even weight! They are both 75.6 mm wide, 156.2 mm tall and 8.2 mm thick, and they both weigh just 168 grams.

Price : Cheap, Cheaper… CHEAPEST!

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The Realme 2 comes in two variants. The high-end 4 GB + 64 GB model costs RM 699 / Rp 2,299,000 / ~US$ 167, while the mid-range 3 GB + 32 GB model costs RM 599 / Rp 1,999,000 / ~US$ 143.

The Realme C1 is available only with 2 GB RAM + 16 GB storage. It has a launch price of just RM 499 / Rp 1,499,000 / ~US$ 119!

But amazingly, Realme is currently offering the Realme C1 at just RM 399 in Malaysia for a limited time! That’s a RM 100 off – a 25% discount! You can get it from this link!

 

Realme 2 vs. Realme C1 Specifications Compared!

SpecificationsRealme 2Realme C1
Display6.2-inch display
- 720 x 1520 pixels
- 19:9 aspect ratio, 271 ppi
Operating SystemAndroid 8.1 with ColorOS 5.1
PlatformQualcomm Snapdragon 450
Processor8 x ARM Cortex A53 cores (up to 1.8 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorQualcomm Adreno 506
Memory3 GB / 4 GB RAM2 GB RAM
Storage32 GB / 64 GB internal flash storage
microSD card (up to 256 GB)
16 GB internal flash storage
microSD card (up to 256 GB)
Front Camera8 MP image sensor with f/2.2 lens5 MP image sensor with f/2.2 lens
Rear Camera13 MP image sensor with f/2.2 lens
2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 lens
Fingerprint SensorYes, Rear-mountedNot available
Other SensorsLight Sensor, G-sensor, Acceleration sensor, Magnetic induction, Proximity Sensor
NFCNot available
Battery4,230 mAh lithium-ion battery
Dimensions75.6 mm wide
156.2 mm tall
8.2 mm thick
Weight168 g
Available ColoursDiamond Black, Diamond Red, Diamond BlueNavy Blue, Mirror Black
Launch PriceRM 599 - 699
Rp 1,999,000 - 2,299,000
RM 499
Rp 1,499,000

 

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The Realme 2 Price, Offers, Specifications + Tech Briefing!

The Realme 2 smartphone has now been unveiled in Jakarta and Malaysia to thunderous applause. Here are the Realme 2 price and offers, as well as its official tech briefing and full specifications!

 

Who Is Realme?

Created by OPPO as a sub-brand, Realme recently became an independent brand. Realme Southeast Asia Marketing Director, Josef Wang, gave a quick overview of Realme as a new smartphone brand, and how well they did in their first market – India.

 

Realme Interview Session

We also had the opportunity to grill Realme’s Josef Wang and Felix Christian about their ties with OPPO and the three new Realme smartphones that they just revealed!

 

The Official Realme 2 Tech Briefing

The Realme 2 smartphone is a more premium version of the Realme C1 smartphone. Designed with the tagline “Power Meets Style” in mind, the Realme 2 boasts more elaborate craftsmanship than is usually seen in its market segment.

It is currently in its original Indonesian, but we are in the process of dubbing it in English, so check back later for the English translation!

 

Realme 2 Specifications

SpecificationsRealme 2
Display6.2-inch display
- 720 x 1520 pixels
- 19:9 aspect ratio, 271 ppi
Operating SystemAndroid 8.1 with ColorOS 5.1
PlatformQualcomm Snapdragon 450
Processor8 x ARM Cortex A53 cores (up to 1.8 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorQualcomm Adreno 506
Memory3 GB / 4 GB RAM
Storage32 GB / 64 GB internal flash storage
microSD card (up to 256 GB)
Front Camera8 MP image sensor with f/2.2 lens
Rear Camera13 MP image sensor with f/2.2 lens
2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 lens
Fingerprint SensorYes, Rear-mounted
Other SensorsLight Sensor, G-sensor, Acceleration sensor, Magnetic induction, Proximity Sensor
NFCNot available
Battery4,230 mAh lithium-ion battery
Dimensions75.6 mm wide
156.2 mm tall
8.2 mm thick
Weight168 g
Available ColoursDiamond Black, Diamond Red, Diamond Blue

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Realme 2 Price + Offers

Here are the Realme 2 price list and offers in Indonesia and Malaysia!

Indonesia

Sales began at 11 AM on 16 October 2018, with the following Realme 2 price list :

  • 3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage : Rp 1,999,000 (~US$ 131 / ~£100 / ~RM 545)
  • 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage : Rp 2,299,000 (~US$ 158 / ~£120 / ~RM 655)

Malaysia

Sales will begin on 24 November 2018, with the following Realme 2 price list :

  • 3 GB RAM + 32 GB storage : RM 599 (~US$ 144 / ~£109)
  • 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage : RM 699 (~US$ 168 / ~£128)

Next Page > Realme 2 Key Features, Complete Realme Jakarta Presentation 

 

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Realme 2 Key Features

Here is a summary of its key features :

2.5D Composite Multi-Laminate Back Panel

The Realme 2 features a diamond-inspired back cover made from a composite material with multiple glass-like layers that are scratch- and wear-resistant. It is also optically-coated to deliver  a refractive lustre.

Notch Full Screen

The Realme 2 has a 6.2-inch Notch Full Screen, with 88.8% screen-to-body ratio. Thanks to its bezel-less design, it offers a 17% larger view for gaming and multitasking.

Long-lasting 4,230mAh Battery

The Realme 2 has a large 4,230 mAh battery that is managed by their AI Power Master software to provide all-day endurance, by intelligently suspending inactive apps and processes to minimise power consumption. Here are the results of Realme’s lab tests :

Normal Network Calls 44 hours
Music Playing (WiFi) 18 hours
Video Playback (WiFi) 15 hours
Gaming (WiFi) 10 hours
Surfing the Internet (WiFi) 18 hours

AI Power Manager

Without affecting smooth working of apps, AI Power Manager automatically optimises the power consumption of apps and controls the number of active processor cores.

  • App-Freezing Power Saver: Smartly restricts apps running in background to reduce overall power consumption and extend battery life. On average this feature allows the applications to save power by 5%-11%, and it can also be manually adjusted.
  • Quick App Freezing: AI Power Manager can put the background apps in the quick-freezing folder to effectively cut off the frequent and meaningless mutual wake-up between apps to save power. Laboratory data: About 5% energy saved per 24 hours compared to mobile phones without turning on app-freezing.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 octa-core processor

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 is an octa-core processor built on the 14 nm process technology, and runs at 1.8 GHz.

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  • Efficient, low power consumption with the ARM Cortex-A53 processor cores that consumes less power, and employs an efficient performance boosting feature;
  • Its GPU is 25% faster in image rendering, with 30% lower power consumption than the Snapdragon 435.

Memory + Storage

The Realme 2 in two variants – 3 GB of RAM with 32 GB of storage, or 4 GB of RAM with 64 GB of storage. It can be upgraded with a microSD card of up to 256 GB in capacity.

AI Photography

The Realme 2 has an AI-powered dual camera in the rear. It consists of a 13 MP camera paired with a 2 MP depth sensor, that is capable of recording 1080p videos. In the front, it has an 8 MP selfie camera that supports Portrait Mode, and AI Beauty Selfies.

 

The Complete Realme Jakarta Presentation

Here is the complete Realme Jakarta presentation for the Realme 2 Pro, Realme 2 and Realme C1 smartphones :

 

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The Realme C1 Price, Offers, Specifications + Tech Briefing!

The Realme C1 smartphone has now been unveiled in Jakarta and Malaysia to thunderous applause. Here are the Realme C1 price and offers, as well as its official tech briefing and full specifications!

 

Who Is Realme?

Created by OPPO as a sub-brand, Realme recently became an independent brand. Realme Southeast Asia Marketing Director, Josef Wang, gave a quick overview of Realme as a new smartphone brand, and how well they did in their first market – India.

 

Realme Interview Session

We also had the opportunity to grill Realme’s Josef Wang and Felix Christian about their ties with OPPO and the three new Realme smartphones that they just revealed!

 

The Official Realme C1 Tech Briefing

The Realme C1 smartphone is really a cut-down version of the Realme 2 smartphone. Offered at an incredibly low price, it’s designed to be the “New King of Entry Level” smartphones, in Realme’s own words.

It is currently in its original Indonesian, but we are in the process of dubbing it in English, so check back later for the English translation!

 

Realme C1 Specifications

SpecificationsRealme C1
Display6.2-inch display
- 720 x 1520 pixels
- 19:9 aspect ratio, 271 ppi
Operating SystemAndroid 8.1 with ColorOS 5.1
PlatformQualcomm Snapdragon 450
Processor8 x ARM Cortex A53 cores (up to 1.8 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorQualcomm Adreno 506
Memory2 GB RAM
Storage16 GB internal flash storage
microSD card (up to 256 GB)
Front Camera5 MP image sensor with f/2.2 lens
Rear Camera13 MP image sensor with f/2.2 lens
2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 lens
Fingerprint SensorNot available
Other SensorsLight Sensor, G-sensor, Acceleration sensor,
Magnetic induction, Proximity Sensor
NFCNot available
Battery4,230 mAh lithium-ion battery
Dimensions75.6 mm wide
156.2 mm tall
8.2 mm thick
Weight168 g
Available ColoursElectric Blue, Electric Black

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Realme C1 Price + Offers

The Realme C1 is now available in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Indonesia

Priced at Rp 1,499,000 (~US$ 99 / ~£75 / ~RM 409), sales began on 30 October 2018.

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On 11 November 2018, Lazada Indonesia will offer the Realme C1 at just Rp 1,399,000 (~US$ 92 / ~£70 / ~RM 382), for one day only. Get the deal here!

Malaysia

Priced at RM 449 (~US$ 108 / ~£82), sales will begin on 22 November 2018.

It will be offered at a special price of RM 399 (~US$ 96 / ~£73) on Lazada Malaysia, from 22 November to 22 December 2018.

Next Page > Realme C1 Key Features, Complete Realme Jakarta Presentation 

 

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Realme C1 Key Features

Here is a summary of its key features :

Notch Full Screen

The Realme C1 has a 6.2-inch Notch Full Screen, with 88.8% screen-to-body ratio. Thanks to its bezel-less design, it offers a 17% larger view for gaming and multitasking.

Nature-Inspired Design

Mimicking the natural reflection of a water surface, the rear panel is made of 12 layers of nanoscale composite material. The result is a mirrored design that reflects light with every movement you make.

Long-lasting 4230mAh Battery

The Realme C1 has a large 4,230 mAh battery that is managed by their AI Power Master software to provide all-day endurance, by intelligently suspending inactive apps and processes to minimise power consumption. Here are the results of Realme’s lab tests :

Music Playing (WiFi) 18 hours
Video Playback (WiFi) 15 hours
Gaming (WiFi) 10 hours
Surfing the Internet (WiFi) 18 hours

AI Power Manager

Without affecting smooth working of apps, AI Power Manager automatically optimises the power consumption of apps and controls the number of active processor cores.

  • App-Freezing Power Saver: Smartly restricts apps running in background to reduce overall power consumption and extend battery life. On average this feature allows the applications to save power by 5%-11%, and it can also be manually adjusted.
  • Quick App Freezing: AI Power Manager can put the background apps in the quick-freezing folder to effectively cut off the frequent and meaningless mutual wake-up between apps to save power. Laboratory data: About 5% energy saved per 24 hours compared to mobile phones without turning on app-freezing.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 octa-core processor

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 is an octa-core processor built on the 14 nm process technology, and runs at 1.8 GHz.

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  • Efficient, low power consumption with the ARM Cortex-A53 processor cores that consumes less power, and employs an efficient performance boosting feature;
  • Its GPU is 25% faster in image rendering, with 30% lower power consumption than the Snapdragon 435.

Memory + Storage

The Realme C1 comes with 2 GB RAM and 16 GB of internal flash storage. It can be upgraded with a microSD card of up to 256 GB in capacity.

AI Photography

The Realme C1 has an AI-powered dual camera in the rear. It consists of a 13 MP camera paired with a 2 MP depth sensor, that is capable of recording 1080p videos. In the front, it has a 5 MP selfie camera that supports Portrait Mode, and AI Beauty Selfies.

 

The Complete Realme Jakarta Presentation

Here is the complete Realme Jakarta presentation for the Realme 2 Pro, Realme 2 and Realme C1 smartphones :

 

Recommended Reading

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The 4X Camera Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (SM-A750) Review!

Samsung recently launched the Galaxy A7 2018 smartphone, with triple rear cameras at the incredible Galaxy UNPACKED KL 2018, and we received one of the first units! Read our in-depth review and find out if this is the smartphone for you!

Updated @ 2018-11-02 : Upgraded to a full review, with four new pages, five videos and many new photos.

Updated @ 2018-10-16 : Upgraded to a preview of the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018, with three videos.

Updated @ 2018-10-15 : Added the CPU and GPU specifications of the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018!

Updated @ 2018-10-12 : Added the official Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (and Galaxy A9 2018) presentation, as well as its price and pre-order offer!

Originally posted @ 2018-09-21


 

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Smartphone Revealed!

Samsung revealed the Galaxy A7 2018 and Galaxy A9 2018 smartphones in a glamorous Galaxy UNPACKED event that was held for the first time in Malaysia, with Korean celebrities like Yook Sung-jae, AOA (Ace of Angels) and DJ Soda, headlining the event.

As their designer, Sang Il Park, recently revealed, the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) is targeted at Millennials with a new minimalistic yet expressive design language.

 

Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Colour Options

Samsung is offering the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) in four colour options – Black, Blue, Gold and Pink. Here is a video comparing the four colour options:

In many countries, only three of those four colour options will be available for sale, at least initially. Here in Malaysia, it will only be available in Black, Blue and Gold colours.

 

Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Price + Availability

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) officially launched on 11 October 2018 at the Galaxy UNPACKED 2018 event in Kuala Lumpur, and is currently available for purchase.

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It has a recommended retail price of RM 1,299 / ~US$ 325 / ~£236.

Here is the cheapest price we found online (as of 1 November 2018) in Malaysia :

And here are the direct purchase links in the US and UK :

  • Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (International Version) : $329.99
  • Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (UK Version) : £309.99

 

Unboxing The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 is not available for sale, but we managed to get our hands on one of the first retail unit, albeit one meant for the German market. Let’s unbox it, and see what we find inside!

Once you fully unbox the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018, you will find the following items :

  • One Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 smartphone
  • One set of Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 documents
  • One 7.75 W Samsung travel adaptor
  • One micro-USB 2.0 cable
  • One pair of white Samsung earphones
  • One SIM tray extractor pin

Next Page > The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Up Close + Specifications

 

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The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Up Close!

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) has a large 6.0-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2220 pixels. This is an Infinity Display, which means it has very thin bezels, delivering a more immersive viewing experience. Especially with its support for Dolby Atmos.

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) runs on Samsung Exynos 7885 octa-core processor with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal flash storage. The Exynos 7885 is a mid-range SoC, which pairs two high-performance ARM Cortex-A73 cores with six low-power ARM Cortex-A53 cores.

All that is powered by a 3,300 mAh battery, ensconced in a chassis that is only 7.5 mm thick, and weighs less than 170 grams.

Surprisingly, Samsung reverted to a micro-USB 2.0 port, even though the previous-generation Galaxy A7 2017 was their first model to feature a USB-C port. They also ditched the IP68 dust- and water-resistance that was a key feature of the Galaxy A7 2017.

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Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Specifications

SpecificationsSamsung Galaxy A7 (2018)
Display6.0-inch Super AMOLED display
- Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2220 pixels)
- Corning Gorilla Glass protection
Operating SystemAndroid 8.1 Oreo
PlatformSamsung Exynos 7 octa (Samsung Exynos 7885)
Processor2 x ARM Cortex-A73 (2.2 GHz)
6 x ARM Cortex-A53 (1.6 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorARM Mali-G71 MP2 (1100 MHz)
RAM4 GB RAM
Storage64 GB or 128 GB internal flash storage
microSD slot (up to 512 GB)
Front Camera24 MP sensor with f/2.0 lens
Rear CameraTriple Camera System
- Main 24 MP PDAF camera with f/1.7 lens
- Wide-Angle 8 MP camera with f/2.4 lens
- 5 MP depth sensor with f/2.2 lens
Network4G : LTE Cat12, 3CA
ConnectivityWiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 / 5 GHz)
Bluetooth v5.0
micro-USB 2.0
GPS SupportGPS, GLONASS, BeiDou
Fingerprint SensorYes, Side-Mounted
Other SensorsAccelerometer, Gyro, Geomagnetic, Hall sensor, Proximity, RGB light sensor
NFCYes
Water ResistanceNo
Battery3.300 mAh lithium-ion battery
Dimensions76.8 mm wide
159.8 mm tall
7.5 mm thick
Weight168 g
Available ColoursBlack, Blue, Gold

For details and specifications of the Samsung Galaxy A9 2018, please click here!

Next Page > The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Key Features

 

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Four Cameras, 4X The Fun?

The key selling points of the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) are its front and rear cameras.

It has a single front camera, built around the incredibly high-resolution 24 MP Sony IMX576 sensor and f/2.0 lens. In dark conditions, its front camera can combine four pixels into one for even better low-light performance.

Despite its high resolution though, Samsung opted to limit to recording just 1080p videos.

In the back, it features a triple camera system, which is made up of :

  • a main 24 MP camera with f/1.7 lens,
  • 120° wide angle 8 MP camera with f/2.4 lens, and
  • a 5 MP depth sensor with f/2.2 lens.

Even though there are three cameras, only two of them actually take pictures or videos. The depth sensor is not an imaging camera, and is only used for better depth perception, and subject separation (from the background).

The 24 MP main camera uses the same high-resolution Sony IMX576 sensor, with very bright and fast f/1.7 lensThe depth sensor is slaved to the main camera, allowing to deliver Live Focus and more accurate software bokeh capabilities.

The wide angle camera, on the other hand, boasts the same 120° viewing angle as the human eye. Here are some photos to show you just how useful the ultra-wide angle camera can be :

Both imaging cameras feature a new Scene Optimizer technology that uses AI algorithms to identify the subject and automatically adjust its colour, contrast and brightness for the best possible image quality.

However, just like with the front camera, Samsung limits both rear cameras to 1080p video recording.

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Side Fingerprint Sensor

For the first time, Samsung is deploying a side fingerprint sensor, that doubles as a power button. It allows for smaller bezels, while allowing the fingerprint sensor to be used even when the Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) is attached to a car mount.

The side fingerprint sensor takes some getting used to, because there is less tactile guidance. It is harder to determine (by feeling) where the sensor is. But the good news is muscle memory will kick in eventually.

For ease of use, we would recommend registering the third finger of your left hand, and/or the thumb of your right hand.

Next Page > More Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Features

 

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Triple Card Tray

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) has Dual SIM, Dual Standby capability, with support for LTE Cat12 connectivity. The good news is – it comes with a triple card tray. In addition to the two nano SIM cards, it has a dedicated slot for a microSD card.

Now, it comes with 64 GB of internal storage, which should be plenty for most users. The microSD card slot allows you to add more storage – up to 512 GB.

The microSD card is also useful for another reason. The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) is not water-resistant, so storing your recorded photos and videos on the microSD card protects them, in case you accidentally drop your phone into water… or let a car run over it.

 

A Step Backwards

Last year’s Galaxy A7 2017 was the first Samsung Galaxy A series smartphone to boast IP68 dust- and water-resistance. That means it was capable of withstanding complete immersion in water up to 1.5 m in depth, for up to 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, Samsung dropped this capability in the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK). This is a real shame, because the IP68 rating is a major KSP (key selling point) for Samsung. It is one of the few ways they are able to differentiate their A series smartphones from the competition.

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2017 was also the first Galaxy A series smartphone to use the USB Type C port, with 15 watt fast charging capability. The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK), however, reverted to the old micro-USB 2.0 port, and slower 7.75 watt charging.

Samsung also trimmed its battery capacity to 3,300 mAh, down from 3,600 mAh in the Galaxy A7 2017.

 

The Ergonomics

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) has a large 6.0-inch display, but feels more like a 5.5-inch smartphone, thanks to its Infinity Display. Basically it has thin bezels, allowing Samsung to fit the large screen into a smaller body.

While it fits comfortably in our hands, this is definitely a two-handed device. If you prefer to use only one hand, you can turn on the One-handed mode option (Settings > Advanced Features).

The Super AMOLED display is beautiful as always. However, the FHD+ resolution of 1080 x 2220 results in a non-standard 18.5:9 display ratio. Watching movies will result in some pillarboxing – a black bar on each side of the movie.

Even though it lacks the gradated colour scheme of the Samsung Galaxy A9 2018, it has a very shiny, albeit easy-to-smudge, glass back panel with a 2.5D curved edge all around. Very classy. Just watch out for those fingerprints!

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Setting Up The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) runs on Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, and is very easy to set-up… although you may get stuck a bit registering your fingerprints! If you are setting it up as a new device, it should take you only 5-7 minutes to finish the setup process.

 

Available Memory & Storage

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) comes with 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory. There is relatively little bloat, with 2 GB (50%) of memory available for use. This is plenty enough to run several apps simultaneously, even memory-guzzling games.

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) comes with 64 GB of internal flash storage, with 51 GB of free space for you to use. That is enough space to store about 10,000 photos, or 6 hours of 1080p videos.

If that’s not enough, you can top it up with a microSD card (up to 512 GB), for a total storage capacity of 1 TB!

Next Page > Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Camera Performance – Photos + Video Recording

 

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Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Camera Performance – Photos

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) uses the superb 24 MP Sony IMX576 in its primary camera, with a really bright and fast f/1.7 aperture. It is supported by an 5 MP depth sensor with f/2.2 aperture.

The maximum 24 MP resolution is attained with the 4:3 aspect ratio, with 5664 x 4248 pixels, and a file size of between 4 MB and 6 MB.

Here are six high-resolution unedited samples for you to check out. Click on them to load the full-sized photos, which you can also download to examine.

The resolution and detail in the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018’s photos are incredible. You can see the intricate detail of the flower petals, the individual buds of the broccoli florets, and the texture of the star anise.

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It also did a great job of bringing out the colour of the subject matter. Every colour is accurately rendered and automatically “amped up” by AI algorithms. If you do not like the increased vividness though, you can turn off the Scene Optimiser feature.

The f/1.7 aperture naturally creates a very narrow depth of field, with a nicer bokeh effect. But you have to be more careful in framing the shot, because the subject may end up out-of-focus.

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) has a Live Focus feature, but it’s not the same as the Live Focus capability in Samsung Galaxy Note9, because it lacks the telephoto camera. Instead, it uses the depth sensor to separate the subject from the background, before applying a software bokeh effect to the background.

 

Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Camera Performance – Video Recording

Despite its highly-capable sensor and powerful SoC, Samsung limited the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) to 1080p video recording from both front and rear cameras. Fortunately, they maintained the ability to switch between the two rear cameras, while recording a video – a very useful feature!

Video Recording Test #1 : Piano Performance (1080p)

In this video, you can see the amount of detail the sensor captures, even at just 1080p. Its cameras do not support OIS (optical image stabilisation), but its electronic image stabilisation capability works great.

Its auto-focus capability was also excellent – you don’t see the camera losing focus and seeking – a very irritating problem in some cameras.

Noise cancellation was decent, but the audio was too bright and lacks bass. With Samsung excelling in image quality, we think it’s time they look into improving the audio quality instead.

Video Recording Test #2 : Street Market (1080p)

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) has very good electronic image stabilisation, thanks to a combination of its high resolution sensor and the 1080p video recording limit.

Next Page > Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 Performance – Work, Gaming, Battery

 

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Work Performance – PCMark

We tested the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018’s performance using PCMark, which simulates work applications like web browsing, playing video, writing text and editing photos.

Work 2.0 Honor Play Honor 10 Samsung
Galaxy S9
Samsung
Galaxy A7 2018
Performance Score
(Average)
7361 7106 5618 5379
Web Browsing 7695 7295 5357 5278
Video Editing 5499 5159 5265 4413
Writing 6649 6752 4673 5056
Photo Editing 13326 12910 7560 7427
Data Manipulation 5764 5524 5616 5147
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Samsung Exynos SoCs have never been particularly strong in work applications, and the Samsung Exynos 7885 is no exception. After all, it only has two high-performance ARM Cortex-A73 cores.

 

Gaming Performance – 3DMark

We tested the Galaxy A7 2018’s gaming performance using 3DMark, using the Ice Storm Unlimited test.

Ice Storm Unlimited Samsung
Galaxy S9
Honor Play Honor 10 Samsung
Galaxy A7 2018
Gaming Score 39588 31622 30560 15354
Graphics 45577 37351 34801 15788
Physics 27116 20576 21423 14005
Graphics Test 1 267.9 fps 208.9 fps 206.2 fps 136.5 fps
Graphics Test 2 157.2 fps 132.8 fps 119.5 fps 45.8 fps
Physics Test 86.1 fps 65.3 fps 68.0 fps 44.5 fps
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The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) has modest gaming performance. Unlike the Honor Play and Honor 10, which boast a 12-core GPU, or the Galaxy S9 with its 18-core GPU, the Galaxy A7 2018 only has a dual-core GPU.

 

Battery Life – PCMark

We then tested the Galaxy A7 2018’s battery performance using PCMark. It basically ran the PCMark work tests until its battery capacity dropped to 20%.

Work 2.0 Samsung
Galaxy A7 2018
Honor Play Samsung
Galaxy S9
Honor 10
Battery Life 11 hours 25 mins 9 hours 56 mins 9 hours 6 mins 8 hours 56 mins
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Now that is really amazing battery life – just short of 11.5 hours! This is not just screen-on time. It’s running the Work 2.0 benchmark over, and over again, for over 11 hours!

It lasted 1.,5 hours longer than the Honor Play, 2 hours longer than the Samsung Galaxy S9, and an astounding 2.5 hours longer than the Honor 10!

Of course, it was still not as good as last year’s Galaxy A7 2017, which lasted 12 hours on its larger 3,600 mAh battery.

 

Battery Recharging Performance

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) comes with an adaptive fast charger with a power output of 7.75 W. Take a look at how fast it recharged the 3,300 mAh battery.

It took the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) just 115 minutes (1 hour 55 minutes) to recharge its battery from 20% to 100%. Pretty good performance, considering it’s just using a 7.75 watt charger.

That is a battery life : recharging ratio of 5.8 : 1 – a good ratio. A rule of thumb – for one hour of battery life, charge it for 10.5 minutes.

The fastest recharging happened up to the 90% level. This took just 87.5 minutes. Then the recharging speed slowed down, and it took a further 27.5 minutes to top up the remaining 10%.

Next Page > Our Verdict, Where To Buy The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018?

 

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Our Verdict

Last year, the Samsung Galaxy A7 2017 really impressed us with a great combination of features and performance. It was also the first Galaxy A series smartphone to feature IP68 dust- and water-resistance, as well as the USB Type C port.

This year’s Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) followed through, introducing a new 24 MP front camera, as well as a new triple rear camera system. Together with the Galaxy A9 2019, it is also the first Galaxy A series smartphone to feature the Infinity Display, with ultra-thin bezels.

If that’s not enough, it is the first Samsung smartphone to feature a side fingerprint sensor, allowing you to unlock it with your fingerprint even when it’s mounted to your car’s dashboard.

However, the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) also took a step backwards in some areas, to better differentiate it from the higher-end Galaxy A9 2019.

It lost its IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating, and reverted to the old micro-USB 2.0 port. Its fast charging capability was also cut from 15 watts to just 7.75 watts. It also came with a slightly smaller battery (3,300 mAh, instead of 3,600 mAh), with a slightly shorter battery life.

That does not mean it’s a better idea to just get last year’s Galaxy A7 2017. The new Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) has a faster processor, more memory and double the storage. On top of that, it has a larger 6.0-inch display in a narrower, slimmer and lighter body!

More importantly, Samsung made the Galaxy A7 2018 MUCH CHEAPER. The Galaxy A7 2017 had a launch price of RM 1,899 (~US$ 475). The new Galaxy A7 2018 has a launch price of just RM 1,299 (~US$325) – a whopping 32% price reduction!

Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) offers great value for your money, if you don’t mind the lack of IP68 water-resistance, and the micro-USB 2.0 port.

 

Where To Buy The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018?

The Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (MY | US | UK) officially launched on 11 October 2018 at the Galaxy UNPACKED 2018 event in Kuala Lumpur, and is currently available for purchase in four colour options – Black, Blue, Gold and Pink. Here is a video comparing the four colour options:

In many countries, only three of those four colour options will be available for sale, at least initially. Here in Malaysia, it will only be available in Black, Blue and Gold colours.

It has a recommended retail price of RM 1,299 / ~US$ 325 / ~£236.

Here is the cheapest price we found online (as of 1 November 2018) in Malaysia :

And here are the direct purchase links in the US and UK :

  • Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (International Version) : $329.99
  • Samsung Galaxy A7 2018 (UK Version) : £309.99

 

Recommended Reading

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The Honor 8X Sneak Preview – Fresh From The Oven!

Two years ago, Honor launched the honor 8 smartphone with its iconic Aurora Glass finish. Here is our sneak preview of the honor 8X that we got fresh from the oven!

Find out what’s new in the honor 8X, and see why it’s really quite different from its namesake!

 

The Honor 8X Specification Comparison

First, let’s compare the specifications of the new honor 8X against the honor 8. Look at the difference :

Specificationshonor 8Xhonor 8 (Premium)
ModelJSN-L22FRD-L14 (US), FRD-L19 (EU & Asia)
Available ColoursNASapphire Blue, Sunrise Gold
Display6.5-inch IPS display
- 1080 x 2340 resolution (396 ppi)
5.2-inch LTPS LCD display
- 1080 x 1920 resolution (423 ppi)
- 1500:1 contrast ratio, 96% NTSC colour gamut
ProtectionNACorning Gorilla Glass 3
Operating SystemAndroid 8.1 with EMUI 8.2.0Android 6.0 with Huawei Emotion UI 4.1
Processing PlatformHiSilicon Kirin 710HiSilicon Kirin 950
Processor4 x ARM Cortex-A73 (2.2 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 (1.7 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A72 (2.3 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 (1.8 GHz)
i5 co-processor
Graphics ProcessorARM Mali-G51 MP4ARM Mali-T880 (650 MHz)
System Memory4 GB LPDDR4 memory4 GB LPDDR4 memory
Storage64 GB internal flash memory
microSD slot (supports up to 400 GB)
64 GB internal flash memory
microSD slot* (supports up to 128 GB)
* shared with SIM2 (L19)
Selfie Camera16 MP sensor, with f/2.0 lens
- 720p video recording
8 MP sensor, with f/2.4 lens
- 1080p video recording
Main Camera20 MP PDAF sensor with f/1.8 lens
2 MP depth sensor
Dual 12 MP cameras (monochrome + colour)
- Sony IMX286 sensor
- f/2.2 lens, dual LED flash and hybrid auto-focus
- 1080p video recording with EIS
GPS SupportGPS / AGPS / GLONASSGPS / AGPS / GLONASS
SIM SupportDual nano SIM, Dual Standby Single nano SIM (L14)
Dual nano SIM, Dual Standby (L19)
Connectivity4G : LTE FDD LTE Cat13 : 150 Mbps (UL), LTE Cat12 : 600 Mbps (DL)
3G : WCDMA
2 G : GSM
Bluetooth : 4.2 BLE
OTG, VoLTE
4G : LTE FDD LTE Cat6 : 51 Mbps (UL), 301 Mbps (DL)
3G : WCDMA
2 G : GSM
Bluetooth : 4.2 BLE
OTG, VoLTE
WiFi Capability802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 GHz only)
Hotspot supports up to 4 devices
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz dual-band)
Hotspot supports up to 8 devices
USB PortmicroUSB 2.0USB 2.0 with USB Type C interface
Fingerprint SensorYes, rear-mountedYes, 3D fingerprint recognition, 0.4 second unlock with Smart Key customisation
Infra-Red TransmitterNoYes, with Smart Control 4.0
NFC SupportNoYes, tag read/write, P2P transfer, mobile payment
AudioHiSilicon Hi6402 audio DSP with Dolby DTS and HiRes Audio support
Dual-microphone noise reduction
Battery3,750 mAh lithium-polymer battery
18 W fast-charging capability
2,900 mAh lithium-polymer battery
18 W fast-charging capability
Dimensions76.6 mm wide x 160.4 mm tall x 7.8 mm thick71.0 mm wide x 145.5 mm tall x 7.45 mm thick
Weight175 g153 g
Launch PriceNARM 1,899 (~US$ 475)

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The Honor 8X Up Close!

The new honor 8X looks deceptively small. It actually boasts the industry’s largest display, edging out the Samsung Galaxy Note9, and matching the Apple Xs Max. Yet it still fits comfortably in our hands, thanks to extremely thin bezels and a display notch.

Despite its more modern design, honor went back a little, reintroducing the old microUSB 2.0 port. This is surprising since they first introduced the bidirectional USB-C port in the honor 8 two years ago!

They also dropped the IR transmitted at the top, which allowed the.honor 8 to be used as a remote control.

Next Page > The honor 8X Key Features

 

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New Level Of Mid-Range Performance

The honor 8X smartphone boasts the new Kirin 710 mobile SoC from HUAWEI’s HiSilicon subsidiary.

It is not the flagship-class SoC like the Kirin 950 used in the honor 8, but thanks to advances in semiconductor design and fabrication, it offers better performance with lower power consumption.

The Kirin 710 is actually a mid-range version of the Kirin 970 SoC that powers the honor 10 smartphone.

It uses the same four high-performance Cortex-A73 cores, with the same four low-power Cortex-A53 cores – just with slightly lower clock speeds.

It is paired with 4 GB of LPDDR4 memory, and 64 GB of internal flash storage.

Advances in LTE technology allows the Kirin 710 to deliver much faster Cat13 upload speeds of up to 150 Mbps, and Cat12 download speeds of up to 600 Mbps.

However, its WiFi support is limited to a/b/g/n protocols, and only in the 2.4 GHz band.

 

Display Notch

The honor 8X has a Full HD+ display, with an aspect ratio of 19:9 and a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. It features the display notch made popular by the iPhone X, to maximise its display size.

Although the notification icons nearest to the notch can appear “cut-off”, the hnor 8X is smart enough to work around the notch. In games and applications that don’t support the notification area, it just displays the main 1080 x 2240 section.

 

The Honor 8X Cameras

Hidden in the display notch is a high-resolution 16 MP camera with f/2.0 lens. It is supposedly capable of recording 1080p videos, but in our early firmware, it is limited to 720p video recording.

We were hoping that the honor 8X’s AI Camera would be based on the dual-camera design of the honor 10 and the honor 8 smartphones, they went instead with a single 20 MP camera paired with a 2 MP depth sensor.

The 20 MP camera uses a PDAF (phase detection autofocus) sensor paired with a fast and bright f/1.8 lens.

The 2 MP depth sensor has only one job – to deliver better depth perception, so the honor 8X can better differentiate the background from the subjects and more accurately apply the software bokeh effects.

Despite its high-resolution image sensor, the 20 MP camera can only record 1080p videos at up to 60 fps. It is not optically-stabilised, and surprisingly lacks electronic image stabilisation.

 

Fingerprint Sensor

To maximise display size in a relatively small form factor, honor had to use a rear fingerprint sensor. You may recall that they used a front sensor for the honor 10.

The honor 8X’s rear fingerprint sensor is very good – easy to train and works fast and accurately. The only problem that all rear fingerprint sensors have – you can’t use it while it’s attached to a car mount. If you intend to use it while driving, make sure you set-up and use the Face unlock feature.

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Triple Slot Tray

honor smartphones all have dual SIM, dual standby capabilities. However, to save space, the honor 10 offered two nano SIM trays and removed the microSD card slot. The honor 8, on the other hand, opted for a hybrid SIM tray – the second nano SIM can be swapped out for a microSD card.

The honor 8X offers the ultimate option – a triple slot tray. You can use a microSD card to expand its storage, while still using two nano SIM cards.

 

Ergonomics

With its very large 6.5-inch display, the honor 8X is definitely a much larger smartphone than the honor 8 or honor 10 smartphones.

The honor 8X is just over 76 mm wide, and 160 mm tall, but remains under 8 mm thick. It is comparable in size to the new Apple iPhone Xs Max, but quite a bit lighter at just 175 grams.

The IPS display is very bright and vivid indoors, and does a decent job outdoors despite not being an AMOLED display. The non-standard 19:9 aspect ratio, while useful in giving you more screen space, will result in some pillarboxing for movies.

Next Page > honor 8X Camera Performance – Photos + Videos

 

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honor 8X Camera Performance – Photos

honor did not reveal the model of the sensor used in the 20 MP main camera, but the photos have a resolution of 5120 x 3840 pixels, with the 4:3 aspect ratio.

Despite the high resolution, Honor appears to use a more efficient (or lossier) compression algorithm, resulting in a file size of between 3 MB and 4 MB in most photos.

Here are 8 high-resolution samples for you to check out. Click on them to load the full-sized photos, which you can also download to examine.

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honor 8X Camera Performance – Video Recording

Despite its high-resolution 20 MP sensor, the honor 8X can only record 1080p videos at up to 60 fps. Here are two videos we recorded to test its video recording capabilities.

Honor 8X Video Recording Sample #1 : Piano

First off – we can see that there is no optical or electrionic image stabilisation, so the video can get very jerky. The audio also lacks sufficient noise cancellation.

On the bright side, the image quality is very good, and the colours are vivid, albeit a little oversaturated. There is also very good control of the highlights. A shame about the lack of stabilisation.

Honor 8X Video Recording Sample #2 : Food Fair

The lack of image stabilisation is obvious from the jerkiness. A real shame because the image quality is very good.

 

Never Coming – The Full Review

When HONOR loaned us this unit, they said that it was a production unit running on a beta version of the firmware.

We were planning to upgrade this preview to a full review after testing with a production firmware, but the review sample never received it.

 

Recommended Reading

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Honor Play In-Depth Review – Mobile Gaming FTW!

The Honor Play debuted in China last month as a gaming-centric smartphone, and it’s coming to a store near you. Read our In-Depth Review of the Honor Play, and find out why it’s designed for mobile gaming!

 

The Honor Play – Designed For Mobile Gaming

The Honor Play is specially-designed for mobile gaming. From the front, it looks like the Honor 10 (Price Check, with a display notch and an ultra-wide FullView display. Instead of an Aurora Glass back panel, it features a metal unibody design and a larger 6.3-inch display.

Like the Honor 10 (Price Check), the Honor Play is powered by the Kirin 970 SoC, which features a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that speeds up certain AI functions. To ensure that you get to play your games for hours on-end, it comes with a larger 3,750 mAh LiPo battery that supports 18 W fast charging.

 

Honor Play Full Specifications

Here are the specifications of the Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check), compared against the Honor 10 (Price Check) smartphone.

SpecificationsHonor PlayHonor 10
Display6.3 inch Full HD+ IPS display
- 1080 x 2340 pixels (409 ppi)
- 83% screen-to-body ratio
5.84" Full HD+ IPS display
- 1080 x 2280 pixels (432 ppi)
- 19:9 aspect ratio
Operating SystemAndroid 8.1 Oreo with EMUI 8.2Android 8.1 Oreo with EMUI 8.1
System PlatformHisilicon Kirin 970Hisilicon Kirin 970
Processor4 x ARM Cortex-A73 (2.4 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 (1.8 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A73 (2.4 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 (1.8 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorARM Mali-G72 MP12ARM Mali-G72 MP12
Memory4 GB RAM4 GB RAM
Storage64 GB internal flash storage
microSD card slot (up to 256 GB, shared with SIM 2 slot)
128 GB
No microSD card slot
Front Camera16 MP sensor with f/2.0 lens
- 1080p video recording @ 30 fps
24 MP sensor with f/2.0 lens
Rear CameraDual Lens Camera with LED flash
- 16 MP PDAF sensor with f/2.2 lens
- 2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 lens
- 4K / 1080p video @ 30 fps
Dual Camera System
- 16 MP RGB sensor with f/1.8 lens
- 24 MP monochrome sensor
- single LED flash
SIM CapabilityDual SIM, Dual Standby
Hybrid SIM Card Slot (shared with microSD)
Dual SIM, Dual Standby
ConnectivityWiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac dual band
Bluetooth : BT v4.2
USB 2.0 Type C
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac dual band
Bluetooth : BT v4.2
USB 2.0 Type C
GPSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
FM RadioYesYes
Fingerprint SensorYes, Rear-MountedYes, Front-Mounted
Other SensorsAccelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, CompassAccelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass
Infrared EmitterNoYes
Battery3,750 mAh Li-Po battery (non-removable)3,400 mAh Li-Po battery (non-removable)
Dimensions74.3 mm wide
157.9 mm tall
7.5 mm thick
71.2 mm wide
149.6 mm tall
7.7 mm thick
Weight176 g153 g
Available ColoursBlack, Blue, VioletPhantom Blue / Phantom Green / Midnight Black / Glacier Grey

 

Unboxing The Honor Play

The Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) comes in a plain white box. It is, after all, a mid-range smartphone. Don’t expect bling.

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Once you fully unbox it, you will find the following items :

  • One Honor Play smartphone
  • One soft TPU bumper case
  • One SIM tray extractor pin
  • One 18 watt Huawei Quick Charge USB adaptor
  • One USB Type C cable

The package may be sparse but practical. Who needs cheap earbuds? What’s more important is that it comes with a free TPU bumper case so you can protect your new smartphone right out of the box!

Next Page > Honor Play Up Close, Cameras + Fingerprint Sensor

 

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The Honor Play Smartphone Up Close!

Designed for mobile gaming, the Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) is powered by the Kirin 970 SoC, which features a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that speeds up certain AI functions. To ensure that you get to play your games for hours on-end, it comes with a larger 3,750 mAh LiPo battery that supports 18 W fast charging.

Because it is a larger device, the Honor Play is heavier than the Honor 10 (Price Check). But surprisingly, it is slightly thinner even though with a 10% larger battery!

 

Front + Rear Cameras

The Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) comes with a high-resolution selfie camera in the front. It has a 16 MP sensor, paired with a fast f/2.2 lens. There appears to be a laser diode on the other side, which is probably used for their AR emoji and 3D face lighting features. It doesn’t have a flash, but uses screen flash instead.

The camera at the back uses a dual-lens system that consists of a 16 MP camera (with a PDAF sensor and f/2.2 lens), and a 2 MP depth-sensing camera. The depth-sensing camera helps the main camera differentiate between the subjects in a photo and its background, allowing for more accurate software bokeh effects.

Please note that the main camera lens module will protrude through the TPU bumper case. The bumper case, therefore, cannot prevent damage to the main camera.

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Fingerprint Sensor

Honor opted to go with a rear fingerprint sensor with the Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check). It is very fast and accurate, and allows you to trigger specific actions with different fingers.

The only downside? You can’t use it to unlock the device while it’s attached to a car mount. That’s when you need to use the Face Unlock feature. It uses the front camera and facial recognition algorithms to authenticate your identity, so it will work even with the Honor Play mounted on your car’s dashboard.

Next Page > Hybrid SIM, Display Notch, GPU Turbo, AI Game 4D Experience, Game Suite

 

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Hybrid SIM Tray

Unlike the Honor 10 (Price Check), the Honor Play has a hybrid SIM tray. This means the SIM 2 slot doubles as a microSD card slot. You can either use a second nanoSIM card, or a microSD card for extra storage capacity.

Its 64 GB internal storage capacity is plenty for many people, but microSD storage offers additional peace of mind – even if the phone is physically damaged or destroyed, you can still recover your data or photos and videos from the microSD card.

 

Display Notch

The Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) has a Full HD+ display with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9, and a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. It features a display notch that is noticeably larger than that of the Honor 10 (Price Check).

The display notch allows for notifications to be confined to the top, giving you more space for your work… or really, your games. Heh… In games or apps that do not support the notch, it will simply “disappear” by turning black.

 

GPU Turbo

GPU Turbo is a hardware and software combination that increases the “efficiency” of the GPU by up to 60%. It does not mean you get a 60% boost in frame rate, although Honor says it will greatly reduce the jitter rate (variance between the highest and lowest frame rates), while appreciably increasing the overall frame rate.

Honor also claims that it will reduce the Kirin 970 SoC‘s power consumption by 30%, extending its battery life.  In a specific test using King Glory 1.34.1.11, the Honor Play lasted 4.5 hours – 30 minutes longer than the Apple iPhone X (Price Check).

How does GPU Turbo work? From what we understand, it uses a proprietary algorithm in the graphics driver to detect the change between the current frame being rendered, and the next one. This allows the Honor Play to boost CPU and GPU performance for completely new frames, and reduce them for frames with few changes.

The only downside? GPU Turbo support is currently limited. Extremely limited. From what we understand – it will only work with PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and King Glory. Naturally, game support will be extended to more games over time.

 

AI Game 4D Experience

The Honor Play also offers an “AI Game 4D Experience” with a feature they call Smart Shock. In certain games (like PUBG), Smart Shock will vibrate the device according to the type of weapon used in the game.

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The AI Game 4D Experience also includes the 3D Gaming Audio capability. Basically, it’s a 3D spatial surround sound effect that helps you to judge the azimuth of a particular sound effect (like footsteps or an explosion).

 

Game Suite

This is a software feature that reduces network latency and game lag, and offers an uninterrupted gaming experience. Turning it on restricts the notifications that you receive, and allows you to play your game while receiving calls simultaneously.

You will only receive notifications for incoming calls, your alarms and low power alerts. Even these notifications will appear smaller, so they won’t disrupt your gaming experience.

Next Page > Setting Up The Honor Play, Ergonomics, Available Memory + Storage

 

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Setting Up The Honor Play

Setting up the Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) is easy, and takes no more than 10 minutes if you are setting it up as a new device. Take a look at a video of the initial setup process.

 

Ergonomics

The Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) is definitely much larger than the Honor 10 (Price Check). In fact, it is about the same size as the Samsung Galaxy S9+ – they both have similar-sized displays. It is a phablet that is a better fit for those with bigger hands and pockets.

The 6.3-inch IPS display is bright and brilliant even in daylight, which means you get to play your games wherever you go. The non-standard 18:9 aspect ratio of the main display section gives you more screen space for gaming, but you will get some pillarboxing while watching movies.

 

Available Memory + Storage

For a mid-range smartphone, the Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) comes with rather large memory and storage capacities. It has 4 GB of memory, of which 1.52 GB (38%) is available for use. That is a considerable amount of bloat, but still enough to run several memory-guzzling apps at the same time.

The Honor Play comes with 64 GB of internal storage, of which just under 51.2 GB (80%) is available for use. That’s enough for over 12,000 photos, or 5.5 hours of 1080p videos, or 2.5 hours of 4K videos.

Next Page > Honor Play Camera Performance – Photos + Videos

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Camera Performance – Photos

The Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) has a depth-sensing dual-lens camera, with a 16 MP image sensor paired with f/2.2 lens.  Photos from this camera have a 4:3 aspect ratio, with 4608 × 3456 pixels and an average file size of between 2 MB and 3 MB.

Photos from the wide-angle secondary camera have a 4:3 aspect ratio, with 3264 × 2448 pixels and an average file size of between 6 MB and 7 MB.

Here are 10 high-resolution samples from this 16 MP camera for you to check out. Click on them to load the full-sized photos, which you can also download to examine.

As you can see, the Honor Play’s main camera can take really great photos, with bright, vivid colours. And the software bokeh effect is much more accurate, thanks to its depth-sensing camera. However, note that its dual-lens design requires a greater distance to work, so it won’t be able to focus if the object is very close – less than 10 cm or so.

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Camera Performance – Video Recording

Despite its humble price point, the Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) supports 4K video recording. There is a 10 minute limit, and each clip is also limited to 4 GB in size. It even supports the newer and more efficient H.265 (HEVC) codec.

The Honor Play also supports electronic video stabilisation. However, it is disabled for videos that are recorded in 4K or 1080p at 60 fps.

Video Recording Test #1 : Piano (1080p)

The video stabilisation while recording at 1080p was very good. It’s not quite gimbal-level of stabilisation, but close enough. The Honor Play also showed good control of the highlights – you can see deep into the Padini Concept Store in the background. The recorded audio though was overly bright and lacks dynamic range.

Video Recording Test #2 : Piano (4K)

The 4K resolution is amazing, but there is noticeably less control of the highlights. The video is also jerky, because the Honor Play does not support video stabilisation at this resolution.

Video Recording Test #3 : Street Market (1080p)

The Honor Play’s video stabilisation is very good at this resolution. It felt like it was attached to a gimbal. There was minimal jerkiness even when we panned. There was also good control of the highlights. Very good!

Video Recording Test #4 : Street Market (4K)

Switching to 4K recording disabled video stabilisation, so the end result was a very jerky video. If you really want to record in 4K using the Honor Play, you should do so when it’s attached to a tripod or a gimbal.

Next Page > Work Performance, Battery Life + Recharging Speed

 

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Work Performance – PCMark

We tested the Honor Play’s performance using PCMark, which simulates work applications like web browing, playing video, writing text and editing photos.

Work 2.0 Honor Play Honor 10 ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 Samsung Galaxy S9
Performance Score
(Average)
7361 7106 6118 5618
Web Browsing 7695 7295 5815 5357
Video Editing 5499 5159 4898 5265
Writing 6649 6752 5722 4673
Photo Editing 13326 12910 10041 7560
Data Manipulation 5764 5524 5240 5616
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The HiSilicon Kirin 970 is a flagship SoC and it shows. Powered by the Kirin 970, both Honor Play and Honor 10 (Price Check) devices beat the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 as well as the Samsung Galaxy S9 (Price Check)!

 

Battery Life – PCMark

We then tested the Honor Play’s battery performance using PCMark. It basically ran the PCMark work tests until its battery capacity dropped to 20%.

Work 2.0 ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 Honor Play Samsung Galaxy S9 Honor 10
Battery Life 14 hours 12 mins 9 hours 56 mins 9 hours 6 mins 8 hours 56 mins
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Review
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Despite its large 6.3-inch display, the Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) managed to deliver a battery life of just under 10 hours!

Thanks to its larger 3,750 mAh battery, it will last about one hour longer than the Samsung Galaxy S9 (Price Check) or Honor 10 (Price Check) smartphones. Only the ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1 (Price Check), with its phenomenal 5,000 mAh battery, lasted longer.

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Battery Recharging Performance

The Honor Play supports 18W fast charging, and comes with an 18W quick charger. Take a look at how fast it recharged its 3,750 mAh battery.

It took the Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) just 92 minutes (1 hours 32 minutes) to recharge its battery from 20% to 100%. This gives it a battery life : recharging ratio of just under 6:5.

Next Page > Gaming Performance, Our Verdict + Award, Price + Availability

 

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Gaming Performance – 3DMark

We tested the Honor Play’s gaming performance using 3DMark, using the Ice Storm Unlimited test.

Ice Storm Unlimited Samsung Galaxy S9 Honor Play Honor 10 ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1
Gaming Score 39588 31622 30560 19752
Graphics 45577 37351 34801 20707
Physics 27116 20576 21423 17008
Graphics Test 1 267.9 fps 208.9 fps 206.2 fps 113.5 fps
Graphics Test 2 157.2 fps 132.8 fps 119.5 fps 74.6 fps
Physics Test 86.1 fps 65.3 fps 68.0 fps 54.0 fps
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As expected, the 12-core ARM Mali-G72 used in the Honor Play (and Honor 10) is fast, flagship-class GPU. The faster Samsung Galaxy S9 (Price Check) actually uses the same GPU, just with 18 cores.

 

Our Verdict

As Huawei’s sister company, Honor has a reputation of offering similar models with better features at an even more affordable price point. The Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) is yet another example of the incredible value for money that Honor always offers.

The Honor Play is really an improved version of the HUAWEI nova 3i smartphone. They both have the same 6.3-inch FullView display with a notch, and the same 16 MP + 2 MP depth-sensing dual-lens main camera.

Where they differ though are mainly in five aspects.

  • The HUAWEI nova 3i has a 24 MP + 2 MP depth-sensing dual-lens front camera, while the Honor Play only has a 16 MP front camera.
  • The Honor Play features a flagship-class HiSilicon Kirin 970 SoC, while the nova 3i only uses a mid-range Kirin 710 SoC.
  • The HUAWEI nova 3i comes with 128 GB of internal storage, while the Honor Play only comes with 64 GB of storage.
  • The Honor Play comes with a larger 3,750 mAh battery, while the nova 3i only has a 3,340 mAh battery.

This is why Honor is far from being Huawei’s little brother. They are a key driver of Huawei’s phenomenal growth. By offering devices with even better features at a lower price point, Honor always has a price-performance advantage over its bigger brother.

We earlier reviewed the smaller Honor 10 (Price Check), which is a great smartphone in its own right. It too is great for gaming and comes with a gorgeous Aurora Glass back panel. The Honor Play is, in a way, a larger version of the Honor 10.

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Powered by the same flagship-class Kirin 970 SoC, which features a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), it offers a much larger display for greater enjoyment of movies and games. It also comes with a larger battery that gives you longer battery life.

The Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) also comes with GPU Turbo and “AI Game 4D Experience” with Smart Shock built-in. While both features currently have very limited reach, so don’t expect much from them just yet. However, they are steps in the right direction towards a more immersive gaming experience.

Overall, the Honor Play (US Price Check | MY Price Check) offers a great combination of a large high-resolution display with flagship-class performance and a large battery, in a svelte metal-glass chassis. In fact, when compared to the HUAWEI nova 3i, the Honor Play is obviously the better choice.

This is why we believe the Honor Play deserves our Reviewer’s Choice Award. Congratulations, Honor!

 

Honor Play Price + Availability

The Honor Play launched in China in June at RMB 1,999, which is about US$ 293 / MYR 1,189. Honor started rolling it out globally in August, with the following countries being first :

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  • Malaysia : RM 1,249 (10 August 2018)
  • Singapore : SGD 429 (8 August 2018)
  • Philippines : PHP 15,990 (13 August 2018)

You can now purchase the Honor Play at these online stores :

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Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite Price, Specifications + Features Revealed!

A year after Xiaomi released their first Android One smartphone – the Mi A1, they are now releasing TWO Android One devices – the Xiaomi Mi A2, and the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite. Here are the Mi A2 Lite price comparison, availability and specifications!

 

What’s The Difference?

The two devices run on Android One, but are quite different in many ways.

The Mi A2 has a traditional rectangular 18:9 display, and is powered by the more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 660. It comes with at least 4 GB of memory but lacks a microSD card slot. It is thinner and lighter, but only comes with a 3,000 mAh battery.

The Mi A2 Lite, on the other hand, has a wider 19:9 display with a notch, and is powered by the rather dated Qualcomm Snapdragon 625. It comes with at least 3 GB of memory, and a microSD card slot. It is thicker and slightly heavier, but has a much larger 4,000 mAh battery.

In addition to those display and performance differences, the two devices also differ in their photographic capabilities. The more expensive Mi A2 model comes with dual high-resolution cameras at the back, and a high resolution selfie camera in the front. The more affordable Mi A2 Lite has a 5 MP selfie camera and a dual-lens depth-sensing camera at the back.

 

Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite Specifications

Here are the specifications of the two new Xiaomi smartphones compared!

SpecificationsXiaomi Mi A2Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite
Display5.99-inch IPS display
- 1080 x 2160 pixels (403 ppi)
5.84-inch IPS display
- 1080 x 2280 pixels (432 ppi)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Unknown
Operating SystemAndroid 8.1 OreoAndroid 8.1 Oreo
System PlatformQualcomm Snapdragon 660Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
Processor4 x Kryo 260 Gold (2.2 GHz)
4 x Kryo 260 Silver (1.8 GHz)
8 x ARM Cortex-A53 (up to 2.0 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorQualcomm Adreno 512Qualcomm Adreno 506
Memory4 GB LPDDR4X SDRAM3 GB LPDDR3 SDRAM
Storage64 GB internal storage
No microSD card slot
32 GB internal storage
microSD card slot
Front Camera20 MP IMX376 sensor with f/1.75 lens
- single LED flash
- 1080p @ 30 fps video
5 MP sensor with f/2.2 lens
- 1080p @ 30 fps video
Rear CameraDual Lens Camera
Main Camera : 12 MP Sony IMX486 sensor with f/1.75 lens
Low-Light Camera : 20 MP IMX376 sensor with f/1.75 lens
- PDAF capability
- Dual-tone LED flash
- 2160p @ 30 fps video
12 MP Sony IMX486 sensor with f/1.8 lens and PDAF capability
5 MP depth sensor with f/2.2 lens
- Dual-tone LED flash
- 2160p @ 30 fps video
ConnectivityWiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (dual band)
Bluetooth : BT 5.0
USB : USB 2.0 Type C
WiFi : 802.11/b/g/n (dual band)
Bluetooth : BT 4.2
USB : microUSB 2.0
RadioNoNo
GPSWith A-GPS, GLONASS, BeidouWith A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
Infra-red EmitterYesYes
Fingerprint SensorYes, Rear MountedYes, Rear Mounted
Other SensorsAccelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, CompassAccelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Compass
Battery3,000 mAh lithium-ion4,000 mAh lithium-ion
Dimensions75.4 mm wide
158.7 mm tall
7.3 mm thick
71.6 mm wide
149.3 mm tall
8.7 mm thick
Weight166 g178 g
Available ColoursBlack, Gold, Blue, Red, Rose GoldBlack, Gold, Lake Blue

 

Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite Price + Availability

Here is the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite price comparison for a few countries. Please note that the Indian pricing is not yet confirmed, because they have not yet been launched in India. In fact, it is said that Xiaomi will bring in the Mi A2 but not the Mi A2 Lite.

Model RAM + Storage US Europe China India Malaysia
Mi A2 Lite 3 GB + 32 GB $210 €179 Rs 14,400 RM 699
4 GB + 64 GB $270 €229 Rs 18,500

 

Suggested Reading

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Neffos X9, C9, C9A + C7A Smartphones by TP-Link Revealed!

On the 26th of July 2018, TP-Link revealed four highly-affordable smartphones – the Neffos X9, the Neffos C9, the Neffos C9A and the Neffos C7A. With a price range of just RM 359-799 (US$ 89-199), these new Neffos smartphones are sure to rumble the market. Check them out below!

 

Neffos X9, C9, C9A + C7A Smartphones by TP-Link

TP-Link is making a major push with these four Neffos smartphones. Targeting the low-end mass market, these new smartphones are only priced between RM 359-799 (US$ 89-199)! Yet they offer an impressive set of features at those price points.

The Neffos X9

The Neffos X9 boasts a dual-camera system and a large 5.99-inch FullView display. It offers both a fingerprint sensor and a Face Unlock feature using the front camera.

Neffos is offering the X9 in two variants – 3GB RAM with 32GB storage at just RM 599 / US$ 149, and a premium variant with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage (available at the end of August 2018) for just RM 799 / US$ 199.

The Neffos C9 + C9A

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Both the Neffos C9 and Neffos C9A come with a 13 MP rear camera, but the C9 has an 8 MP Softlight Camera in the front, while the C9A has a 5 MP Softlight Camera instead.

They also have different screen sizes and battery capacities. The C9 has a 5.99-inch display and a 3,840 mAh battery, while the C9A has a 5.45-inch display and a 3,020 mAh battery.

Both C9 and C9A will be available in two colours – Cloudy Grey and Moonlight Silver. The Neffos C9A is available with immediate effect at just RM 429 / US$ 107, while the Neffos C9 will be available at the end of August 2018, at just RM 479 / US$ 119.

The Neffos C7A

The Neffos C7A is an entry-level smartphone with a quad-core processor, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage. It boasts a 5-inch HD display, an 8 MP rear camera with f/2.2 lens and a 2 MP front camera with f/2.2 lens.

Available in Grey colour, it will start shipping at the end of August 2018, retailing at just RM 359 / US$ 89!

 

Neffos X9, C9, C9A + C7A Specifications

SpecificationsNeffos X9Neffos C9Neffos C9ANeffos C7A
Display5,99-inch FullView IPS display
- 720 x 1440 pixels (269 ppi)`
5,99-inch FullView IPS display
- 720 x 1440 pixels (269 ppi)`
5,45-inch FullView IPS display
- 720 x 1440 pixels (295 ppi)
5,0-inch IPS display
- 720 x 1280 pixels (269 ppi)`
Operating SystemAndroid 8.1 OreoAndroid 8.1 OreoAndroid 8.1 OreoAndroid 8.1 Oreo
System PlatformMediaTek MT6750MediaTek MT6759WWMediaTek MT6739WWMediaTek MT6737
Processor4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.5 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.0 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.5 GHz)4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.5 GHz)4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.25 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorARM Mali-T860MP2 (520 MHz)IMG8XE1PPC (570 MHz)IMG8XE1PPC (570 MHz)ARM Mali-T720MP1 (600 MHz)
Memory3 GB RAM2 GB RAM2 GB RAM2 GB RAM
Storage32 GB internal storage
microSD card slot (up to 128 GB)
16 GB internal storage
microSD card slot (up to 128 GB)
16 GB internal storage
microSD card slot (up to 128 GB)
16 GB internal storage
microSD card slot (up to 128 GB)
Front Camera8 MP with soft light flash8 MP with soft light flash5 MP with soft light flash2 MP camera with f/2.2 lens
Rear CameraDual Lens Camera
- 13 MP main camera
- 5 MP secondary camera
13 MP camera13 MP camera8 MP camera with f/2.2 lens
Network4G : LTE Cat4 (150 Mbps / 50 Mbps)4G : LTE Cat4 (150 Mbps / 50 Mbps)4G : LTE Cat4 (150 Mbps / 50 Mbps)4G : LTE Cat4 (150 Mbps / 50 Mbps)
SIM CapabiltyDual SIM, Dual Standby
SIM1 and SIM2 : 2G / 3G / 4G
Dual SIM, Dual Standby
SIM1 and SIM2 : 2G / 3G / 4G
Dual SIM, Dual Standby
SIM1 and SIM2 : 2G / 3G / 4G
Dual SIM, Dual Standby
SIM1 and SIM2 : 2G / 3G / 4G
ConnectivityWiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n (dual band)
Bluetooth : BT 4.1
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4 ghz)
Bluetooth : BT 4.1
WiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4 ghz)
Bluetooth : BT 4.1
WiFi : 802.11/b/g/n (2.4 ghz)
Bluetooth : BT 4.1
Fingerprint SensorYes, Rear-MountedYes, Rear-MountedYes, Rear-MountedNo
Other SensorsAccelerometer, Compass, Ambient Light, ProximityAccelerometer, Compass, Ambient Light, ProximityAccelerometer, Compass, Ambient Light, ProximityAccelerometer, Compass, Ambient Light, Proximity
Battery3,060 mAh lithium-ion3,840 mAh lithium-ion3,020 mAh lithium-ion2,330 mAh lithium-ion
Dimensions76.3 mm wide
159.4 mm tall
7.85 mm thick
76.6 mm wide
158.7 mm tall
8.45 mm thick
70.9 mm wide
146.5 mm tall
8.3 mm thick
72.9 mm wide
145.0 mm tall
9.45 mm thick
Weight168 g170 g145 g138 g
Availble ColoursSpace Black / Moonlight SilverCloudy Grey / Moonlight SilverCloudy Grey / Moonlight Silver8Grey

 

Neffos X9, C9, C9A + C7A Price + Availability

Here are their prices and availability summarised :

  • Neffos X9 (4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage) : RM 799 at the end of August 2018
  • Neffos X9 (3 GB RAM, 32 GB storage) : RM 599 starting 27 July 2018
  • Neffos C9 (2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage) : RM 479 at the end of August 2018
  • Neffos C9A (2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage) : RM 429 starting 27 July 2018
  • Neffos C7A (2 GB RAM, 16 GB storage) : RM 359 at the end of August 2018

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The Honor 10 AI Camera Smartphone Reviewed!

Officially launched on 15 May 2018 in  London, the Honor 10 is one of the most eagerly-anticipated mid-range smartphone of 2018. It offers a flagship processor with an AI chip, a full HD+ display and large memory and storage capacities at an affordable price point.

In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the Honor 10 – its key features, specifications and performance. We will also look at the quality of the photos and videos its AI Camera takes.

 

Honor 10 Specifications

SpecificationsHonor 10
Display5.84" Full HD+ IPS display
- 1080 x 2280 pixels (432 ppi)
- 19:9 aspect ratio
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass
Operating SystemAndroid 8.1 Oreo with EMUI 8.1
PlatformHisilicon Kirin 970
Processor4 x ARM Cortex-A73 cores (2.4 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 cores (1.8 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorARM Mali-G72 MP12
Memory4 GB
Storage128 GB
No microSD card slot
Front Camera24 MP sensor with f/2.0 lens
Rear CameraDual Camera System
- 16 MP RGB sensor with f/1.8 lens
- 24 MP monochrome sensor
- single LED flash
SIM CapabilityDual SIM, Dual Standby
ConnectivityWiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (dual band)
Bluetooth 4.2
USB 2.0 Type C
GPSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFCYes
Fingerprint SensorYes, front-mounted
Infrared EmitterYes
Battery3,400 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery (non-removable)
Dimensions71.2 mm wide
149.6 mm tall
7.7 mm thick
Weight153 g
Available ColoursPhantom Blue / Phantom Green / Midnight Black / Glacier Grey

 

Unboxing The Honor 10

The Honor 10 (Price Check) comes in a white cardboard box with a simple 10 printed in blue. Let’s unbox it, and see what we find inside!

To keep costs low, Honor provided only the essentials in the Honor 10 package :

  • One Honor 10 (Price Check) smartphone
  • One clear TPU bumper case
  • One 22.5 W Huawei SuperCharge charger
  • One USB Type C cable
  • One SIM tray extractor pin

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The Honor 10 Smartphone Up Close

The Honor 10 (Price Check) is built around the powerful Kirin 970 SoC with a dedicated NPU, with a 5.84″ Full HD+ display with a “notch”. It also comes with a dual-camera system, and large memory and storage capacities.

And you might have noticed it by now – the Honor 10 (Price Check) boasts the really great-looking Aurora Glass back that was first introduced in the Honor 8. What you might not have noticed – the Honor 10 does not come with a microSD card slot. More on that later…

Next Page > The Honor 10 Key Features

 

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The Honor 10 Cameras

The Honor 10 (Price Check) comes with a very high-resolution selfie camera in the front. It has a 24 MP sensor, with a fast f/2.0 lens. That allows it to better handle low-light conditions – important since the front camera does not have any flash.

Its killer feature is the AI Camera at the back. It consists of a 16 MP RGB camera with f/1.8 lens, and a 24 MP monochrome camera. This dual-camera set-up does not only improve depth perception (for more accurate bokeh effects), it also creates sharper, more detailed pictures.

The RGB sensor captures the colour data, while the monochrome sensor captures the details, with less noise and greater sharpness. Both cameras then combine their sensor data to create a final image that is sharper and with greater detail than would be possible with a single RGB camera

 

Fingerprint Sensor

The Honor 10 (Price Check) uses a front fingerprint sensor. The sensor is completely flat, which looks great because it merges seamlessly with the black bezel. Placing it in the front makes it is great for those who want to use their Honor 10 while it’s attached to a car mount.

The sensor is quite accurate but is rather hard to train, as our setup video will show. It is also relatively slow to detect your fingerprint. For best results, you’ll need to press your finger against the sensor with some force.

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No MicroSD Card Slot

The Honor 10 (Price Check) is the first Honor smartphone to do away completely with the microSD card slot. The tray you see below fits up to two nano SIM cards, but there is no microSD card tray.

Honor could have given it a hybrid SIM slot, as Samsung has done with the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ smartphones. Instead, they chose not to include a microSD card slot, and give the Honor 10 a large storage capacity of 128 GB.

 

Display Notch

The Honor 10 (Price Check) has a Full HD+ display, with an aspect ratio of 19:9 and a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels. It features the display notch made popular by the iPhone X.

Although the notification icons nearest to the notch can appear “cut-off”, the Honor 10 is smart enough to work around the notch. In games and applications that don’t support the notification area, it just displays the main 1080 x 2240 section.

Next Page > Initial Setup, Ergonomics, Available Memory + Storage

 

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Setting Up The Honor 10

Setting up the Honor 10 (Price Check) is quite easy, and takes no more than 10 minutes if you are setting it up as a new device. We only faced some issues in registering our fingerprints. Honor needs to look at that fingerprint sensor…

 

Ergonomics

The Honor 10 (Price Check) is an amazingly small smartphone, even though it sports a display that is almost 6″ is size. It is just over 7.1 cm wide, and under 15 cm tall, and weighs just 153 g. This is despite sporting the multilayer Aurora Glass back. It naturally fits very well for those with small hands, and small pockets.

The IPS display is very bright and vivid indoors, and does a decent job outdoors despite not being an AMOLED display. The non-standard 19:9 aspect ratio, while useful in giving you more screen space, will result in some pillarboxing for movies.

 

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Available Memory & Storage

For a mid-range smartphone, the Honor 10 (Price Check) comes with rather large memory and storage capacities. It has 4 GB of RAM, of which 1.62 GB (40.5%) is available for use. That’s plenty to run several memory-guzzling apps at the same time. Interestingly, the Honor 10 has more free memory than the Samsung Galaxy S9!

Honor chose to give the Honor 10 (Price Check) smartphone a TON of storage – 128 GB, with a whopping 115 GB of free space. That is enough to store about 28,750 photos, or 18 hours of 1080p videos, or 8 hours of 4K videos.

Next Page > Honor 10 Camera Performance – Photos + Videos

 

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Camera Performance – Photos

Honor did not reveal the sensors used in their dual camera system, but the final photos have a 24 MP resolution with the 4:3 aspect ratio, with 5632 x 4224 pixels. Despite the high resolution, Honor appears to use a more efficient (or lossier) compression algorithm, resulting in a file size of between 3 MB and 4 MB.

Here are 8 high-resolution samples for you to check out. Click on them to load the full-sized photos, which you can also download to examine.

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Camera Performance – Video Recording

Despite having 24 MP sensors on both front and rear cameras, the Honor 10 (Price Check) is only capable of recording 4K videos from the main AI camera. The 24 MP front camera can only record 720p videos. The 4K video recording by the main camera is also limited to just 10 minutes. This was likely done to prevent sensor overheating.

Video Recording Test #1 : Piano (1080p)

First off – we can see that there is no optical or electrionic image stabilisation, so the video can get very jerky. The audio, while clear, is very thin and overly bright (too much emphasis on treble).

Video Recording Test #2 : Piano (4K)

The 4K resolution is amazing, and there is good control of the highlights. You can see right into the Padini Concept Store. The audio recording is, however, quite a letdown. Honor should try to tone down the emphasis on the high frequencies, and boost the lower frequencies for a more balanced sound.

Video Recording Test #3 : Street Market (1080p)

There is absolutely no image stabilisation, so you get to experience every shake and jolt. Remember – we recorded this in the two-handed mode.

Video Recording Test #4 : Street Market (4K)

When recording at 4K, there appeared to be somewhat more noticeable jerkiness. Overall – not a very pleasant video to watch!

Next Page > Honor 10 Work Performance, Battery Life + Recharging Speed

 

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Work Performance – PCMark

We tested the Honor 10’s performance using PCMark, which simulates work applications like web browing, playing video, writing text and editing photos.

Work 2.0 Honor 10 Samsung Galaxy S9 Samsung Galaxy S9+ Samsung Galaxy A8 2018
Performance Score
(Average)
7106 5618 5303 5197
Web Browsing 7295 5357 5155 5035
Video Editing 5159 5265 4998 4433
Writing 6752 4673 5158 5607
Photo Editing 12910 7560 7082 7238
Data Manipulation 5524 5616 4458 4183
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The Kirin 970 powering the Honor 10 (Price Check) is a true flagship SoC. Look at how fast it was at Work 2.0, beating the Samsung Galaxy S9 (Price Check) by 26%, and Galaxy S9+ (Price Check) by 34%.

 

Battery Life – PCMark

We then tested the Honor 10′ battery performance using PCMark. It basically ran the PCMark work tests until its battery capacity dropped to 20%.

Work 2.0 Samsung Galaxy S8 Samsung Galaxy S9 Samsung Galaxy S9+ Honor 10
Battery Life 10 hours 32 mins 9 hours 6 mins 9 hours 5 mins 8 hours 56 mins
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The Honor 10 (Price Check) has a slightly smaller 3,400 mAh battery than the 3,500 mAh battery of the Samsung Galaxy S9+ (Price Check). It managed to last just under 9 hours in this stress test.

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Battery Recharging Performance

The Honor 10 (Price Check) comes with a Huawei SuperCharge fast charger with a power output of 22.5 W. Take a look at how fast it recharged its 3,400 mAh battery.

It took the Honor 10 (Price Check) about 107 minutes (1 hour 47 minutes) to recharge its battery from 20% to 100%. This is 11.5 minutes longer than Samsung Galaxy S9+ (Price Check) with its 18 W fast charger.

This gives it a rather poor battery life : recharging ratio of 5:1, even with a high-powered fast charger. Honor really needs to look into addressing this issue.

Next Page > Honor 10 Gaming Performance, Our Verdict

 

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Gaming Performance – 3DMark

We tested the Honor 10s’ gaming performance using 3DMark, using the Ice Storm Unlimited test.

Ice Storm Unlimited Samsung Galaxy S9+ Samsung Galaxy S9 Honor 10 Samsung Galaxy S8
Gaming Score 42489 39588 30560 29509
Graphics 49852 45577 34801 33279
Physics 28009 27116 21423 21130
Graphics Test 1 308.6 fps 267.9 fps 206.2 fps 173.1 fps
Graphics Test 2 167.0 fps 157.2 fps 119.5 fps 124.3 fps
Physics Test 88.9 fps 86.1 fps 68.0 fps 67.1 fps
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While the Kirin 970 was very fast at work applications, it did not do so well in games. Its ARM Mali-G72 GPU only has 12-cores, while the ARM Mali-G72 GPU used in the Samsung Galaxy S9 (Price Check) by 26%, and Galaxy S9+ (Price Check) has 18 cores.

Even so, the Honor 10’s gaming performance was more than decent for a mid-range smartphone. It was slightly faster than the Galaxy S8, which uses the older ARM Mali-G71 GPU (with 20 cores).

 

Our Verdict

The Honor 10 (Price Check) is a rather impressive smartphone. It is a mid-range smartphone based on the Kirin 970 flagship platform, with 4 GB of RAM and a whopping 128 GB of flash storage. And it looks really good, thanks to its Aurora Glass back, and the almost bezel-less design.

It was no surprise to see the Honor 10 power through our benchmarks like a champ. It was especially fast at work applications, while offering good flagship-class gaming performance. And with so much RAM and storage space, there’s really nothing it cannot handle.

The Honor 10 (Price Check) is also one of the smallest smartphones with a 6″ display. Ergonomically, this is great for those with smaller hands, or small pockets

Its AI camera also worked as advertised, producing really high-quality 24 MP photos. This is yet another flagship feature Honor packed into this mid-range smartphone. However, its video recording capabilities are rather dismal.

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The Honor 10 AI camera does not support optical image stabilisation, and for some reason, Honor neglected to enable even electronic image stabilisation. So the video we recorded were shaky, even when recorded with two hands. The recorded audio was also too thin and overly bright.

Finally, it has a rather lacklustre battery life, lasting just under 9 hours in our stress test. While not the worst we have seen, it could be better.

Now, it is easy enough to criticise the Honor 10’s shortcomings, but we have to remember that this is a mid-range smartphone that is 30-40% cheaper than flagship smartphones with equivalent features. That itself is Honor’s chief accomplishment with the Honor 10 (Price Check).

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The Flash Plus 2 Review – Feature Packed At A Great Price

Alcatel OneTouch recently rebranded their Flash smartphone division as a separate brand – Flash. Building upon their success with the Flash 2 smartphone, they introduced the Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada). For our coverage of the launch, take a look at our article – Flash Plus 2 Smartphone Revealed!

The Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) promises to offer even more value for money with a renewed focus on delivering mobigraphy – the ultimate mobile photographic experience. Let’s take a look!

 

Flash Plus 2 Smartphone Specifications

SpecificationsFlash Plus 2
(2 GB Variant)
Flash Plus 2
(3 GB Variant)
Display5.5" IPS display (1080 x 1920 pixels, 401 ppi)
1000:1 contrast ratio (typical), 160° viewing angle
MiraVision 2.0 image technology
ProtectionAsahi Dragon Trail Glass
Operating SystemAndroid 6.0 Marshmallow
SoC PlatformMediaTek Helio P10 (MT6755)
Processor4 x ARM Cortex-A53 (1.8 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 (1 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorARM Mali-T860 MP2 GPU (550 MHz)
Memory2 GB LPDDR33 GB LPDDR3
Storage16 GB eMMC internal flash storage (10.4 GB free)
microSD slot (supports up to 128 GB)
32 GB eMMC internal flash storage (25.4 GB free)
microSD slot (supports up to 128 GB)
Front Camera5 MP sensor with 1.12 μm pixel size
f/2.2 wide-angle lens (84.4°)
LED flash with CRI of 80
Rear Camera13 MP OmniVision OV13853 sensor
Phase-detection auto-focus (PDAF) technology
5P wide-angle f/2.0 lens (76.5°) with blue optical glass filter
Dual-tone LED flash
1080p video recording at 60 fps
ConnectivityTDD: B38/B40/B41; FDD: B1/B3/B5/B7
LTE CA4 R9 Cat.4 (150 Mbps / 50 Mbps)
UMTS 850/900/1900/2100
GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
BT4.1/GPS/AGPS/Micro USB 2.0
Dual SIM CapabilityDual SIM Dual Standby
SensorsLight sensor, proximity sensor, G-Sensor, Accelerometer, E-Compass, Hall sensor, Gyro sensor
Fingerprint SensorYes, integrated with Home button
Audio CapabilityAKM4375 Chipset + NXP9890 Audio Amplifier
Stereo FM radio
Dual-microphone noise cancellation
Battery3,000 mAh lithium ion battery
Talk time: 16hrs(2G) / 15hrs(3G)
Standby time: 528hrs(2G) / 405hrs(4G)
Music Playback (headset default vol)(54h) / (speaker default vol)(12h)
Video Streaming WIFI (4h)
WIFI browsing (6h)
Video -H.264 (1080P) HW mode Video H.264 (1080P) (6h)
Fast Charging Capability9V / 1.67A fast-charging technology
Powered by the TI BQ25896 fast-charging chip
Size76.4 mm wide x 152.6 mm tall x 8.2 mm thick
Weight157 g
Available ColoursVenus Gold / Luna Silver

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Unboxing The Flash Plus 2

The Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) comes in a classy matte black box. The heart-shaped accent above the Flash Plus 2 logo has a fingerprint imprint, just in case you are not aware that the Flash Plus 2 has a fingerprint sensor. 🙂

With all the contents unpacked, you will find the following items:

  • One Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) smartphone
  • One 15 W Travel USB charger
  • One set of Quick Start Guide, Warranty Certificate, Safety and Warranty Information booklets
  • One “Welcome to Flash Community” card
  • One micro-USB cable

Surprisingly, the Flash Plus 2 does not come with earphones, a case or a screen protector. They were notable accessories in the Flash 2 smartphone package.

Next Page > Design & Build, Inside The Flash Plus 2, Setting It Up

 

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Design & Build

With a 5.5″ display, the Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) is a phablet, hence the “Plus” in its name. Beneath the display, there is a home button flanked by a pair of backlit capacitive keys. The home button does double duty as a fingerprint sensor, which allows the Flash Plus 2 to be unlocked in a fraction of a second.

While fingerprint sensors aren’t new, the Flash Plus 2 is the first to include one in this price segment. The choice of combining it with the home button may not be to everyone’s taste though. It requires the Flash Plus 2 to be woken up from standby (by pressing on the home button or power button) before being unlocked.

The Power button and Volume control buttons are located on the right side of the Flash Plus 2, near the top. That is not a very ideal location for the power button, although most users will just use the Home button to wake up the Flash Plus 2.

On the bottom, you will find the micro USB 2.0 port near the left edge, with the microphone port near the right edge. You will find a second microphone port at the top of the Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada), together with the headphone port. The two microphone ports helps with the noise cancellation, allowing for clearer audio to be recorded.

The biggest change from the previous Flash 2 smartphone is immediately apparent from the back. The Flash Plus 2 is the first model to feature a metal case. Now, it does not have a metal frame, or even a unibody design. Instead, it features a swappable metal back cover in the choice of two colours – Luna Silver and Venus Gold.

Even though it still uses a plastic frame, the metal back cover stiffens the Flash Plus 2, and gives it a more premium feel. The brushed aluminium finish also gives it a classier look. The top half of its back is dominated by its 13 MP camera, accompanied by a dual-tone LED flash. The bottom half features a speaker vent with a slight bump to maximise audio output when placed on flat surfaces.

While phablets are usually less ergonomic for those with smaller hands, the Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) fits our hands quite well. This is probably due to the rounded edges on its back. They allow for a more comfortable grip, although the brushed finish feels a little slippery. On the other hand, the finish is virtually impervious to fingerprint smudges!

 

Inside The Flash Plus 2

Now, we will show you how to carefully remove the metal back cover to gain access to the two SIM slots and the microSD card slot.

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Setting Up The Flash Plus 2

When you power up the Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) for the first time, it will take about 36 seconds to boot up. If you set it up as a fresh device, it will take you no more than 5 minutes to complete the initial setup. Check it out!

Next Page > The Flash Plus 2 Cameras, Display & Performance, Our Verdict

 

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The Flash Plus 2 Cameras

Like its predecessor, the Flash 2 smartphone, the Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) is focused on photography. Flash even coined a term for the ultimate mobile photography experience – mobigraphy. To achieve that, the Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) has a 5 MP front camera that not only uses larger 1.12 μm pixels, it is supported by a dedicated LED flash. The front camera also has a 84.4° wide-angle lens with f/2.2 aperture.

The 13 MP main camera at the back features PDAF (phase-detection autofocus) technology, which allows for faster focusing. It has a bright f/2.0 lens with a wide angle of 76.5° and a blue optical glass filter. It is supported by a dual-tone LED flash, for more realistic skin tones.

The main camera is not only capable of recording full HD (1080p) videos, it can even do so at 60 fps. So the Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) is not only great for taking photos, it’s great for taking videos. But with limited storage, it’s best to add a microSD card if you intend to take many videos.

 

Display

The Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) comes with a 5.5″ Full HD OGS (one glass solution) display with a pixel density of ~401 ppi. Coupled with MiraVision 2.0 technology, we find it very pleasing to our eyes in use. The screen looks crisp, with colours that aren’t overly vivid, while remaining properly saturated.

The screen brightness was pretty satisfactory, although the adaptive brightness feature does seem a little slow in responding to changes in ambient light levels. The viewing angles are mostly acceptable with minimal colour shift when viewing from an indirect angle.

The Full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 is perfect at this price point. It offers much greater resolution than competing devices with 720p displays, and you can really tell the difference. On the other hand, it saps less power than QHD displays (1440 x 2560) without a noticeable difference in sharpness.

The Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) uses Asahi Dragon Trail Glass to protect its display. This is similar to Gorilla Glass, offering a little extra ruggedness as well as high scratch resistance. Despite not fitting the Flash Plus 2 with a screen protector, we had not encountered any scratches within our period of use.

 

Performance

Under the hood, the Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) is powered by the MediaTek Helio P10 SoC. Also known as the MediaTek MT6755, it has an octa-core processor that consists of a set of 4 ARM Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.8 GHz, and a set of 4 ARM Cortex-A53 cores running at 1 GHz. It also has a dual-core ARM Mali-T860 MP2 GPU to handle 2D and 3G graphics.

The Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) comes in two variants. The basic model has 2 GB of LPDDR3 memory and 16 GB of internal flash storage. A higher-end model comes with 3 GB of LPDDR3 memory and 32 GB of internal flash storage. The model we tested came was the 2 GB model with 16 GB of storage.

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As expected, the Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) generally ran very smoothly, and switched between apps instantly. However, we did notice some slight lag after 2-3 days of continuous use. It could be due to the lack of polish in the UI, or an overly aggressive memory saving algorithm.

So, how does the processing package compare to other smartphones? Here are some results from common benchmarks :

AnTuTu Benchmark : 41,896
GeekBench 3 : 781 (Single Core), 3014 (Multi-Core)
Basemark OS II : 879 (Overall Score), 506 (Graphics Score)

This is decent performance, albeit nothing to shout about. Overall, this is no speed demon, but it’s fast enough to get the job done.

 

Our Verdict

The Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) is big jump in quality and capability from the Flash 2 smartphone. If you were impressed by the performance and value offered by the Flash 2 smartphone, you will undoubtedly be impressed by the Flash Plus 2. It is better than its predecessor in every way, and yet remains affordably priced.

Now, the Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) is not designed to take on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge (Amazon | Lazada) or the HTC 10 (Amazon | Lazada). It is targeted at those who want an affordable phablet with decent performance and photographic capabilities. In that perspective, the Flash Plus 2 has certainly achieved its goal.

At its price point, you will be hard-pressed to find a smartphone with similar performance and photographic capabilities, a fast fingerprint sensor and build quality. The Flash Plus 2 (Amazon | Lazada) challenges the perception that you can’t have a decent smartphone with good photographic capabilities at an affordable price point. We can’t wait to see what Flash will come up with next!

 

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TP-LINK Neffos C5 Max Smartphone Revealed

On June 28, 2016, TP-LINK announced the latest addition to its Neffos C5 family of smartphones – the Neffos C5 Max. With a 5.5″ display, it is literally the largest and most premium model in the Neffos C5 family of smartphones. Let’s check it out!

 

Neffos C5 Family

You might be wondering what’s the difference between the three Neffos C5 models. For your convenience, here is a specification comparison of all three models :

SpecificationsNeffos C5 MaxNeffos C5Neffos C5L
Display5.5" IPS Full HD display (1080 x 1920)5.0" IPS HD display (720 x 1280)4.5" FWVGA display (480 x 854)
Platform (SoC)MediaTek MT6753MediaTek MT6735Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 (MSM8909)
Processor8 x ARM Cortex-A53 (1.3 GHz)4 x ARM Cortex-A53 (1.3 GHz)4 x ARM Cortex-A7 (1.1 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorARM Mali-T720 MP3ARM Mali-T720 MP2ARM Adreno 304
Operating SystemAndroid 5.1Android 5.1Android 5.1.1
Memory2 GB2 GB1 GB
Storage16 GB (internal flash storage)
microSD card slot (up to 32 GB)
16 GB (internal flash storage)
microSD card slot (up to 32 GB)
8 GB (internal flash storage)
microSD card slot (up to 32 GB)
CameraFront : 5 MP
Rear : 13 MP with dual-tone LED flash and f/2.0 lens
Front : 5 MP
Rear : 8 MP with dual-tone LED flash
Front : 2 MP
Rear : 8 MP with LED flash
NetworkLTE FDD Cat4 (150/50 Mbps)
DC-HSPA+ (42/11 Mbps)
LTE FDD Cat4 (150/50 Mbps)
DC-HSPA+ (42/11 Mbps)
Connectivity802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) WiFi
Bluetooth 4.0
802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) WiFi
Bluetooth 4.2
802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) WiFi
Bluetooth 4.0
Dual SIM CapabilityDual SIM, Dual StandbyDual SIM, Dual StandbyDual SIM, Dual Standby
Battery3045 mAh lithium-ion battery2200 mAh lithium-ion battery2000 mAh lithium-ion battery
Dimensions76 mm wide
152 mm high
8.95 mm thick
72 mm wide
144 mm high
8.8 mm thick
67.7 mm wide
136 mm high
10.15 mm thick
Weight161 g141 g154 g
Available ColoursPearl White / Dark GreyPearl White / Dark GreyPearl White / Dark Grey

 

Neffos C5 Max Launch

Hugo Cai, Country Manager of TP-LINK Malaysia began the Neffos C5 Max with a speech, followed by the launch gambit.

Also present were Robert Hu, Regional Manager of Neffos Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa; CM Loo, ECS Senior Marketing Manager; and Bruce Lim, 11street Vice President for Merchandising.

Next Page > Neffos C5 Max Revealed, Key Features, Price & Availability

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Neffos C5 Max Revealed

In this video, Martin Zhu, Product Director of the Neffos Mobile Phone Division, reveals the key features of the Neffos C5 Max smartphone :


 

Neffos C5 Max Key Features

Clarity Redefined

The Neffos C5 Max sports a 5.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display which offers crystal clear picture quality. Equipped with high definition LCD technology, the display outperforms anytime with 178 degrees of impeccable clarity and boasts an impressive 1600:1 contrast ratio, providing users an immersive visual experience that is more brighter, sharper and defined.

 

Built To Last and Designed For Powerful Performance

Powered by a powerful MediaTek MT6753 octa-core 1.3GHz Cortex-A53 64bit processor and an ARM Mali-T720 MP3 GPU, the Neffos C5 Max is designed to provide users with a seamless mobile experience, whether for work or play.

This smartphone is also packed with 16GB of internal flash storage and 2GB of RAM, to allow users to seamlessly switch between multiple applications when on the go.

The Neffos C5 Max’s exterior is as powerful as its internal processor; with a built-in Corning Gorilla Glass 2 that is highly scratch resistant which increases the durability of the phone and enhances the touch interface experience.

 

Picture Perfect Camera

The Neffos C5 Max is equipped with a rear 13MP camera that captures beautiful, precise and detailed shots. With the camera’s large F2.0 aperture and dual LED flash, the Neffos C5 Max allows for extraordinary photos to be taken even in low-light environments.

The front-facing 5MP wide-angle lens, meanwhile, makes it possible for users to take endless we-fies and selfies with their loved ones, and capture their best moments through day to night.

 

A Personalized Mobile Experience

Combined with the highly customizable Android 5.1, the Neffos C5 Max features smart technology to simplify one’s life with a personalized interface, providing natural, colourful, effortless operations.

Consumers have the option of using the Smart Screenshot to capture multiple screenshots in one extended shot or awake their inner artist by drawing on their photos, make use of the different artistic filters on the Super Camera feature, and capturing perfect portraits with the Beautify Selfie mode.

 

Neffos C5 Max Price & Availability

The Neffos C5 Max is priced at RM699 / ~US$175 and comes in two sleek finishes – Pearl White and Dark Grey.

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Huawei P9 Plus Sneak Peek!

The Huawei P9 Plus is the (slightly) larger version of the Huawei P9 smartphone with the same capabilities and dual-lens camera. Its main difference is its larger display and battery, as well as a faster front camera lens. We recently came across the Huawei P9 Plus smartphone, and had some hands-on time with it. Hope you enjoy our quick coverage!

Note : This is a Chinese-spec model, which features a hybrid SIM card slot – you can opt to use a second SIM card, or use a microSD card instead. Otherwise, all other specifications remain the same.

 

Our Huawei P9 Plus Sneak Peek

In our Huawei P9 Plus Sneak Peek video, we will give you a quick rundown of its key features. Hope you enjoy it!

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Huawei P9 Plus Specifications

SpecificationsHuawei P9 Plus (Dual SIM version)Huawei P9 Plus (Single SIM version)
ModelVIE-L29VIE-L09
Display5.5" AMOLED full HD display (1080 x 1920)
Operating SystemGoogle Android 6.0 with Huawei EMUI 4.1
System PlatformHiSilicon Kirin 955
Processor4 x ARM Cortex-A72 (2.5 GHz)
4 x ARM Cortex-A53 (1.8 GHz)
Graphics ProcessorARM Mali-T880 MP4
Memory4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM
Storage64 GB internal flash storage
microSD card slot (up to 128 GB storage)
Front Camera8 MP sensor with f/1.9 lens
Rear CameraTwo 12 MP BSI CMOS sensors with Leica Summarit f/2.2 lens and dual-tone flash
Network4G : FDD-LTE, TDD-LTE
3G : UMTS, TD-SCDMA
2G : GSM
Dual SIM SupportDual SIM, Dual StandbyNo
ConnectivityWiFi : 802.11a/b/g/n/ac with WiFi Direct
Bluetooth : 4.2, with BLE support
USB 3.1 Type C
NFC SupportYes
FM RadioNo
IrDAYes, supports Smart Controller
Press Touch TechnologyYes
GPS SupportGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
SensorsFingerprint, Gravity, Gyroscope, Compass, Ambient Light, Proximity and Hall Effect
Battery3,400 mAh lithium-polymer battery
Size75.3 mm wide x 152.3 mm tall x 6.98 mm thick
Weight162 g
Available ColoursHaze GoldQuartz Grey / Ceramic White

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Some Sneak Peek Photos

Here are some photos we took of the Huawei P9 Plus smartphone. Unlike the Huawei P9, this model sports a front 8 MP camera with faster f/1.9 lens (instead of f/2.4). It shares the same Leica dual-lens camera as well as the fingerprint sensor at the back.

The only physical buttons are on the right side – a orange-rimmed Power button, and the Volume control. On the left side, you will find the SIM-microSD card slot. This unit is a hybrid dual SIM model which supports a second SIM card or a microSD card, but not both at the same time.

Fortunately, Huawei used the latest Type C USB 3.1 port. The Type C port is not only bidirectional, it also allows for much faster transfers.

 

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