Samsung just launched their latest flagship smartphones for the year 2022. They launched a few things last night. You see the Samsung Galaxy S22 series launched, including a Samsung Galaxy Note-esque Galaxy S22 Ultra. Alongside the Ultra is the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S 22+. They also launched their latest larger-than-life tablet that is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 in three variants as well – the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8, Galaxy Tab S8+, and Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra.
With the new devices, they have also announced a new commitment to their devices, new and old. They have announced that they are going to be supporting updates to up to four generations for their latest Samsung Galaxy devices. That means that their new shiny Samsung Galaxy S22 devices will stay relevant until the year 2026 (if my math is right) at least. If you count the security updates, that could mean 2027 even.
The commitment is not just made for Samsung’s latest Galaxy devices that was launched last night though. The four generations of support extend of some of Samsung’s devices that was launched last year too. This includes the flagship models like the Samsung Galaxy S21 series and the Galaxy Z series of foldable devices. It also extends to certain Samsung Galaxy A devices coming this year, none of the older Galaxy A series gets the treatment. You Samsung Galaxy Watch4 devices will also get updated for the next four years.
While 4 years is a big deal in the world of Android, it still pales in comparison to what Apple has been doing over the years though. Their Apple iOS 15.2 is available even to the Apple iPhone 6S, a device launched in 2015. That is seven years of software update and support, which is already normal to Apple iPhone users at this point. That also means that if you are on an Apple iPhone, you may not have to worry about not getting the latest and greatest from Apple until your device is old. That also eliminates the need for you to upgrade every few years or so. That saves you some bucks too, of course.
To be fair, while we are avid fans of the Android ecosystem, we must admit that the manufacturers have horrible track record in keeping their devices relevant for more than two years, let alone three. Earlier Samsung devices would only be updated to the next iteration of Android once before becoming completely irrelevant in the coming months. It is highly annoying, and if you want to be updated, it gets expensive.
Four years, compared to Apple’s seven may still pale in comparison. But it is a start, a commitment at least from Samsung that their devices should remain relevant in the coming years. That also means that if you are on a Samsung Galaxy S21, or even a Galaxy Z Fold3, you can hold off your device upgrade until 2025 or so, and you will be completely fine. Still, we do hope that Samsung and Google can commit to a more robust and stretch their software support to at least five years; we think that is a reasonable amount of time before you upgrade your smartphone.
Samsung’s commitment to tabs hasn’t wavered since its first lineup of tablets. The Galaxy Tab S series emerged from the chaotic Android tablet landscape with Samsung taking the lead in creating a tablet experience that made a difference. More recently, the Galaxy Tab S7 series took a sharp focus on bringing a seamless, multi-device experience with other Galaxy devices. The newly announced Galaxy Tab S8 series takes that focus and turns things up to a 20.
Source: Samsung
For the first time, Samsung announced not one, two but three tablets: the Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+ and Tab S8 Ultra. The new lineup takes a sharp focus on enhancing the experience that the Galaxy Tab S7 series brought when it came to multitasking and productivity and turns it up a notch for a more hybridized life with work from anywhere.
Technologically Packed for a Future of Hybrid Living
The Tab S8 series comes with the same 4nm processors used in the S22 series and the same enhanced S Pen from the S22 Ultra. Of course, it goes without saying that the size of the S Pen is larger than the one on the Ultra. With up to 16GB of RAM on the Tab S8 Ultra and up to 12GB of RAM on the Tab S8 and S8+, the new lineup should be able to handle nearly anything you throw at it. It also has up to 256GB of internal memory with support for additional memory via a microSD card.
The new tablets share the same build DNA as the Galaxy S22 series. It is made of armour aluminium for added strength and rigidity. The Tab S8+ and S8 Ultra come with a Super AMOLED display with support for up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The former has a 12.4-inch display while the latter comes with a humungous 14.6-inch display. The Tab S8 comes with a smaller 11-inch LTPS TFT display which supports the same 120 Hz refresh rate.
When it comes to the cameras, the tablets come with the same dual-camera setup across the board. The main sensor is a 13-megapixel sensor with autofocus. This is complemented with a 6-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. The cameras are built to help with content creation and also video calls. The focus on video calls is most apparent in the dual-camera setup on the front of the Galaxy Tab S8+. The setup consists of two 12-megapixel sensors: a wide and ultra-wide one. On the Tab S8 and S8+, this is a single 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor. However, both versions are augmented with software features that try to enhance the video calling experience.
The tablets promise all-day battery life with their large batteries. The Tab S8 comes with an 8,000mAh battery while the S8+ comes with a 10,090mAh and the Ultra comes with a larger 11,200mAh. The tablets support 45W fast charging which allows them to get a full charge in 90 mins.
Software Features that Make Sense
While the hardware may differ slightly in the Galaxy Tab S8 series, they all come with the same One UI 4 interface. The interface is built on Android 12 and brings a level of customizability that One UI has never had before. Everything from icons to colour accents on the interface can be changed.
Of course, a Samsung tablet experience would be incomplete without Samsung DeX. This interface allows the Tab S8 series to look and feel more like a laptop computer. The new Tab S8 series brings an updated version of DeX that will support more apps in windowed mode and work seamlessly across multiple Galaxy devices.
Samsung has also upped the ante when it comes to integration with other platforms particularly Windows. The Tab S8 series can function as an additional display when you’re using your Windows laptop. That said, it brings its own productivity features with enhancements brought by One UI 4. With One UI 4, you will be able to use up to three apps simultaneously in split-screen mode with the ability to shift and resize as needed.
The Galaxy Tab S8 series also comes with three mics for a better, more optimised video call experience. The mics work simultaneously with AI algorithms to cancel ambient noise and enhance your voice when on video calls. You’ll also be able to focus on your call as the camera also comes with Auto Framing which detects and optimised the frame for up to 10 individuals within 5 meters of the camera. You can even track yourself to ensure you’re always in frame.
Pricing & Availability
The Galaxy Tab S8 series will be available starting on February 10, 2022. The Galaxy Tab S8 and S8+ will be available in Silver, Graphite and Pink Gold. The S8 Ultra will be available only in Graphite.
The Tab S8 is priced starting from USD$699 (MYR2,925.45) while the Tab S8+ will start from USD$899 (MYR3,762.48) and the Ultra will be priced from USD$1,099 (MYR4,599.52).
In Malaysia, the Galaxy Tab S8 series will be priced as follows:
Samsung isn’t messing around with the Galaxy S series this year. With their refocusing of the Galaxy S22 and S22+, they’re also working on redefining their Galaxy S22 Ultra. After skipping the release of a new Galaxy Note last year, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is being imbued with the DNA and ethos of their most popular lineup.
The new Galaxy S22 Ultra is going through a total makeover this year and it starts with the design and seeps into its features. The first thing you’re going to realise about the new Galaxy S22 Ultra is that it doesn’t even share a hair with the design language of its siblings, the S22 and the S22+. Instead, its design cues hearken from the Galaxy Note series. In fact, it’s even adopted the integrated S-Pen slot! In essence, the Galaxy Note seems to have found new life as the top-of-the-line Galaxy S22 Ultra.
When it comes to materials, the Ultra shares the same materials that were used in its sibling devices. It comes with the same armour aluminium frame sandwiched in Gorilla Glass Victus+ that we see in the S22 and S22+. However, that’s where the similarities end. The Galaxy S22 Ultra adopts a dual-curved design that meets at the middle of the frame for a more ergonomic finish. It also has an angular finish. It has a rectangular silhouette that we saw in the Galaxy Note20+. However, like the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22+, the S22 Ultra is also thicker. The thickness gives it a more natural feel in the hand. The S Pen finds itself back where it belongs in a slot on the right side of the device. On the back, the cameras are nearly flush and protected by Gorilla DX.
Making a Note-able Comeback
Speaking of the S Pen, it’s making a note-able comeback. Puns aside, the S Pen on the S22 Ultra is not the same we’ve seen in the Note10. Samsung has worked on making the writing experience on the S22 Ultra an even more natural one. The latency of the S Pen has been reduced even further to 2.8ms. This is done with improvements to the Wacom technology in the S22 Ultra as well as with AI prediction algorithms. The new Wacom IC is more sensitive allowing faster reaction to inputs while AI works in the background to predict the trajectory of the S Pen when in use. This time it will be able to predict multiple trajectories which allow the experience to feel even more instantaneous.
Together with the new hardware and AI, the S Pen is also supported by new software features. The Samsung Notes app is getting a few new features including improved handwriting recognition. You will be able to convert your handwritten notes into tidier typed out notes with a single click. It’s also coming with a new Quick Notes feature which allows you to capture full web pages for your notes. Additionally, it will also be able to work seamlessly with the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 in Collaboration View. This allows you to not only share via nearby share but also work on a larger display when needed. Similarly, Samsung has worked with Clip Studio to allow you to use the S22 Ultra as your colour palette for more precise control of colours in your digital art. You can even use the S22 Ultra’s camera to get colours you can’t get in the palette by snapping a photo and lifting the colour from there.
Packed with Cutting Edge Technology
Of course, it goes without saying that the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra’s note-able features are supported by the latest technologies. Like the S22 and the S22+. the S22 Ultra is coming with the latest 4nm processor. Depending on the region you’re in, it may be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the AMD RDNA touting Exynos 2200. The processor will be complemented by either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage. The S22 Ultra comes with the same 120 Hz capable Dynamic AMOLED 2X display as its siblings albeit in a larger 6.8-inch flavour.
When it comes to the camera, it’s imbued with the same features that are packed in its siblings. However, it comes with a more robust quad camera setup. The main sensor is a 108-megapixel wide sensor with dual pixel autofocus, an f/1.8 aperture and an 85° field of view (FOV). This is complemented with a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and 120° FOV and two 10-megapixel telephoto sensors. One of which is capable of 3x optical zoom and has an f/2.4 aperture while the other is capable of 10x optical zoom with an f/4.9 aperture. The front camera is a 40-megapixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and 80° FOV.
Like the S22 and S22+, the camera of the S22 Ultra comes with new enhancements. The biggest enhancement is the larger pixels of the 108-megapixel sensor which is 1.23 times the size of the pixels of the Galaxy S21. In addition, it utilizes the same nona binning technology for better low light photographs. Galaxy AI enhances this with multi-frame exposure. This means that the camera will take up to 20 frames and use the data in each to get a more detailed picture with better dynamic range. The more capable NPU in the processors of the Galaxy S22 Ultra allows it to process up to 4 times the data. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is also able to shoot in 16-bit RAW which allows for more flexibility when processing pictures.
It also comes with an enhanced super steady mode which allows you to shoot even steadier video at higher resolutions. Portrait mode has also been enhanced with Galaxy AI. A new feature called AI Stereo map captures a more detailed picture of your subject and allows you to adjust everything from the intensity of the bokeh to the light positioning with the new Studio Lighting feature.
Pricing & Availability
The Galaxy S22 Ultra will be available starting February 10, 2022, in Malaysia. It will be available in Phantom White, Phantom Black, Green and Burgundy. Prices for the Galaxy S22 Ultra will start from MYR5,099 (USD$1,218.46) for the lowest variant.
Samsung’s Galaxy S series has been the company’s hallmark Android touting series since its first foray into smartphones. This year it looks like the company is turning its formulaic approach on its head by bringing some of the signature design and features of its Note line up to the flagship. The new Galaxy S22 series not only builds on features of the Galaxy S21 and the new 4nm chipsets, but it’s also set on redefining the Galaxy S series moving forward.
This year’s Galaxy S22 series will be coming with three versions as it has before – the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and the Galaxy S22 Ultra. However, Samsung is changing things up when it comes to the features and differentiation between the smartphones in the series. While the biggest change in their approach this year is with the Ultra, we’re zooming in on the Galaxy S22 and S22+ here.
Designed for Functionality & Durability
Samsung is reigning things back a little bit when it comes to the design of the S22 and S22+. It’s keeping things familiar with design cues we’re used to seeing in the Galaxy S series thanks to the S21. However, they’ve done away with the multicoloured colourways which left a lasting impression – at least for now. The smartphones are now flat. The curved screens we’re used to on the Galaxy S series are no more.
That said, Samsung has focused on making the new S series devices are sturdier and more functional. The Galaxy S22 and S22+ come with Armour Alumunium which made its debut with the Fold3 and Flip3. It gives added strength and rigidity to the frame of the phone and to the camera modules under the metallic camera hump. This is sandwiched by Gorilla Glass Victus with a matte coloured finish.
It’s not a question of “how thin can you go” for Samsung anymore, they’ve focused on making their phones last longer and feel more ergonomic in hand. The S22 and S22+ have thicker silhouettes but hold larger 3,700mAh and 4,500mAh batteries respectively. The thicker form also allows you to hold the phone with a firmer grip.
Camera, Camera and more Galaxy AI
The Galaxy S22 and S22+ are sticking to the Galaxy S formula. They’re looking to build on the camera features with their new release. Samsung’s focus this year is very much on their improved Galaxy AI implementation and also bringing features that make sense. The S22 and S22+ come with the same camera setup. They have a triple sensor setup. The main sensor is a 50-megapixel (f/1.8) wide sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus, optical image stabilisation (OIS), and an 85° field of view (FOV). This is complemented by a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and 120° FOV and a 10-megapixel telephoto sensor capable of 3x optical zoom with an f/2.4 aperture and 36° FOV. On the front is a 10-megapixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and 80° FOV. While it may seem like the S22 and S22+ is taking a step back when it comes to the telephoto sensor, Samsung is claiming that they are able to achieve better performance with a larger main sensor and the 12-megapixel telephoto sensor.
The mainstay of the new camera is the improved VDI that comes with the 4nm processors that Samsung is using in their flagships. The improved processing of images allows them to bring better low light performance as well as imbue its camera with more Galaxy AI features for better pictures. Samsung’s buzzword this year is “Nightography”. With “Nightography”, the company is highlighting their new approach to low light photography on smartphones. In particular, how Galaxy AI composites 20 different versions of the same image for better low light results. It also improves dynamic range and creates a more detailed picture. Of course, this works in tandem with the nona binning technology that we’ve seen in Galaxy S smartphones before. When taking low light video, Galaxy AI will also adjust the frame rate of the video to ensure the best result.
Source: Samsung
Galaxy AI also brings features like Auto Frame which intelligently adjusts the camera’s framing to ensure that the person or object of interest is constantly in the frame. Even when it comes to moving subjects, Galaxy AI is able to adjust for the best framing. With the version in the Galaxy S22 and S22+, you’ll be able to automatically track up to 10 subjects. The Galaxy S22 and S22+ are also able to shoot in 16-bit RAW format. This will allow you to have more flexibility when it comes to posting processing shots taken on the smartphone.
In addition to this, Galaxy AI is also taking charge of the frame rate of your phone. While the new smartphones come with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 120Hz refresh rate, they will not be running at 120Hz all the time. Galaxy AI will dynamically adjust the screen frame rate for better battery performance according to the content on the screen. It will go all the way down to 1Hz when viewing still images.
Pricing & Availability
The Galaxy S22 and S22+ will be available in Phantom Black, Phantom White, Green and Pink Gold. They will be available with either 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage or 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal memory. All Galaxy S22 and S22+ models will be available starting February 10, 2022.
When you talk about portable music, 20 years ago you would be looking at something like a Sony Walkman player that played cassettes and later, CDs. Mind you this was the time before MP3 players was a thing. This was way before Apple’s iPod came into the market too.
To be fair, the Sony Walkman brand has existed since 1979 and they were one of the pioneers of portable music. They were so popular until the 2000s that their brand name is synonymous with portable music. The millennium changed, and times changed with that too. Apple introduced the Apple iPod, a digital music player that holds 1000 songs within a premium shell that is packaged smaller than the smallest cassette player Sony could make. It also holds more songs than any single CDs, at the same time you can just change your loadout at any given time eliminating the need to lug around CD cases with you.
The Apple iPod revolutionised portable music and marks the beginning of digital music players. Sony’ Walkman had to evolve. To their credit though, they have evolved and progressed by quite a lot since.
Sony’s Walkman are still makers of portable digital music players. But they are not just any music players. They are some of the most premium digital music players in the market, and there are two new ones.
Welcome to the NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 high-resolution portable digital audio players.
Sony Walkman NW-WM1ZM2
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
They call this one the ‘Signature Series’. There is a very good reason for that. This is the more premium one between the two, and you can tell just by looking at it too. The NEW-WM1ZM2’s chassis is made of 99.99% purity (4N) Gold-Plated Oxygen-Free Copper plates. This is not done just to make it look impressive, it is proper material science here. The superior digital grounding from the material combination ensures cleaner electrical signals from the internal components to produce cleaner, richer, expansive, and more accurate sounds. Of course, the chassis is also made with rigidity in mind.
Sony Walkman NW-WM1AM2
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
It does not get space age material like its more premium brother. But it is still a solid aluminium alloy frame that is resistive to electrical noise to ensure that you still get a high-quality audio reproduction. That, on top of Oxygen Free Copper cables that runs from the same state-of-the-art amp as the NW-WM1ZM2 to the AUX jack should still provide you with a highly accurate and immersive audio experience with low distortion and noise.
State-of-the-art Technology
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
The new music players have something called an S-Master HX amp technology. It is a full amplifier that is manufactured and made to fit inside the tiny bodies of the new music players. The result of that is a powerful amp that is capable of reproducing sounds at a greater dynamic range. To ensure that you get the purest of sounds, Sony fitted various FT CAP3 capacitors paired with a large solid high polymer capacitor that offers large electrical capacitance and low resistance.
From the amp to your headphones is a thick KIMBER KABLE (NW-WM1ZM2) wiring from the amp to the headphone jack. To ensure that you get the best audio experience you can have, Sony also includes a dual clock and fine sound register within the Walkmans. They went an extra mile with manufacturing as well this round by using reflow solder with gold in it.
Sony’s DSEE Ultimate is a world renown upscaling technology they extensively use in all their premium audio products. The algorithm allows any sort of music file you put into the player to be played at CD-quality (16 bit 44.1/48kHz) lossless audio. The algorithm fills the gaps that has been created when music is compressed and restores all the acoustic subtleties and dynamic range lost due to the compression. Of course, you get the benefit of Balanced Connection and High-Res Audio support with the new Sony Walkmans so that you can hear music the way the artists intended them to be.
Just Like Your Smartphone, But Just Better for Music
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Both the new music players work like regular smartphones, to make your life easier. They are also Wi-Fi compatible now, which also means you have access to music streaming services now, should you choose to use them instead of loading your own music files into the device. All of these are accessible via the large 5.0-inch HD 720p touch sensitive display.
If you are in for a long travel plan, you are going to appreciate its extensive battery life. You can continuously play 96kHz FLAC High-Resolution codec files for up to 40 hours on a single charge. Of course, you charge via a modern USB Type-C port that doubles as data transfer port. To ensure you have enough music to play for 40 hours, you get up to 256GB (128GB for NW-WM1AM2) in built-in storage. If that is not enough to hold all your collection, there is a MicroSD card slot to expand your library.
Availability
The NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 will be available in Malaysia from April 2022 onward. Pre-orders are supposed to start from the 17th of March 2022 onward. They have not announced the official pricing of the item yet though. We expect the prices to be announced nearer to the pre-order dates. More information on the new Sony Walkman devices on their website.
Samsung’s next flagship is set to make its official debut in a few days. The Galaxy S lineup has always been the company’s pride and joy. It looks like this year is no different with Samsung packing their latest and greatest technologies into the new Galaxy S22. This includes the much anticipated AMD RDNA2 touting Exynos 2200 with its new XClipse graphics technology. So, what else can we expect? Here’s a quick rundown of all the leaks ahead of the launch on 9th February 2022.
Packed to the Brim with Tech
It comes as no surprise that Samsung’s new Galaxy flagship will be pushing the latest and greatest technologies. When it comes to their processors, the Galaxy S22 series is going to be running on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the U.S. while the rest of the world will be getting the Exynos 2200. Well, that’s if Samsung doesn’t just go full-on Exynos 2200 to show off its new XClipse technology. You can get all the details in our coverage of the announcement of the Exynos 2200.
That said, the performance of the processors remains the biggest unknown of the new Galaxy S22 series. Both processors have limited or no reliable benchmarks or performance indicators out there just yet – particularly when it comes to the Exynos 2200. However, if Samsung’s track record is anything to go by, it shouldn’t be a worry as their flagships have always been up to snuff.
Aside from the processor, it looks like we might be seeing a bump in the lowest RAM version of the S22, S22+ and S22 ultra as it’s expected that the series will come with at least 8GB of RAM. However, storage wise, rumours point to the S22 series sticking to the minimum of 128GB.
Click, click, Space Zoom
When it comes to screens, Samsung is rumoured to be using its Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels across the S22 series. All versions of the Galaxy S22 seem to support a 120Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy S22 is rumoured to have a 6.1-inch display while the S22+ is rumoured to have a 6.6-inch display. Both are also rumoured to come with FHD+ resolution. The S22 Ultra, however, is rumoured to come with a 6.8-inch QHD+ panel instead.
Samsung’s big push when it comes to the S22 series this year seems to be with camera technologies. That said, their approach seems to be taking a focus on the software. Hardware-wise, rumours point to the S22 and S22+ having a triple camera setup. Both are indicated to come with a 50-megapixel main camera with an f/1.8 aperture complemented with a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera (f/2.2) and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera (f/2.4). On the front, both are rumoured to be equipped with a 10-megapixel selfie camera (f/2.2). The Space Zoom on the S22 and S22+ cap out at 30x.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is coming with a more robust setup similar to the S21 Ultra. It will come with a quad-camera setup with a laser autofocus sensor. The main camera is a 108-megapixel with an f/1.8 aperture. This is complemented by a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor (f//2.2) and two 10-megapixel telephoto cameras (f/2.4 and f/4.9). The telephoto sensor with a larger f/4.9 aperture is intriguing as it also indicates better low light performance.
Same, Same But Different
When it comes to the overall design of the Galaxy S22 series. It seems like Samsung has decided that it will stick to its highly praised design of the Galaxy S21 series. Leaks and rumours both have shown the same design for the S22 and S22+ with the raised camera module being encased in the metal frame of the smartphone. That said, we’ve yet to see if Samsung will be sticking to contrasting colourways which made the S21’s design memorable. So far, leaks have only shown the white and black versions of the S22 and S22+ which don’t seem to have the eye-popping contrast.
Source: @evleaks
That said, there are minor differences when it comes to materials. The Galaxy S22 series is rumoured to come with glass materials – for the back portion at least. This could be to support the faster wireless fast charging. However, it seems like the S22 will be capping its charging abilities at 25W while its siblings move on to 45W charging technology.
A Note-able Galaxy S22 Ultra… Maybe
However, the Galaxy S22 Ultra seems to be turning the Galaxy S series on its head – just a little. After skipping a year and retiring the popular Note moniker, it seems like Samsung is poised to bring the Note and S series into a single flagship family. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is not only adopting the S-Pen, it’s taken the familiar design cues of the Note.
The rounded, rectangular design of the Galaxy Note family is back in full force. The S22 Ultra is not only wider than its siblings, but it also brings an integrated S-pen slot. This seems to be a natural progression of the S-Pen’s S21 Ultra debut last year. In addition, the Ultra is looking to have a fully flushed camera setup – aside from the camera lenses. It also drops the encasing design of its siblings when it comes to the camera.
Pricier across the board
It seems like the Galaxy S22 won’t only be coming with the latest and greatest technology. It’s also coming with a hefty bump in price – at least in the U.S. The S22 series is rumoured to be a whopping USD$100 (MYR417.99) more than the S21 series. The Galaxy S22 will be starting at USD$900 (MYR3,761.95) while the S22+ starts at USD$1,100 (MYR4,598.12) and the S22 Ultra at USD$1,300 (MYR5,434.10).
However, prices in Europe seem to be remaining the same. We hope this rings true for the prices in Malaysia as well.
Where to watch Samsung Unpacked 2022
Source: Samsung
With all of that for you to feast on, the real deal will be launching on 9th January 2022. It will be streamed on the official Samsung website as well as the company’s YouTube and Facebook at 11 pm Malaysian time; that’s 1 pm in London (UTC+0) and 8 am in New York (UTC-5).
If you’re in Malaysia, you can actually get an MYR200 voucher if you register your interest ahead of the event. The voucher can only be used to pre-order the upcoming Galaxy S22 series though. So, if you’ve already set your heart on getting the S22, you’ve got nothing to lose!
The Tablet has had a tumultuous start in the tech industry. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the last time you had a tablet was more than 5 years ago. However, times have indeed changed especially when it comes to the embattled tablet. We’ve entered an era where tablets are becoming more than just screens; they’ve become the cornerstone of our entertainment systems and, in some cases, our productivity. However, with that being the reality, we’ve also been forced to pay even more for them – until the Nokia T20.
The new Nokia T20 is a unique combination of affordability, versatility and security. It brings together the cornerstone features of a tablet and ensures that your data is safe while you work and play. Not only does it bring some of the immersive technologies we’re so accustomed to when it comes to Nokia smartphones, but it also packs a versatile package that can adapt for any use. In fact, we’ve got 5 reasons that make it one of the most versatile tablets on the market.
1. Specced Out To Meet Your Every Need
The Nokia T20 isn’t like other tablets that force you to choose between having a flagship experience or long-lasting specifications. Instead, the tablet is specced to be able to meet your needs. It comes with a quad-core processor with 2 large performance cores and 6 power efficiency cores allowing it to seamlessly switch between performance and power-efficient modes when in use. You won’t be hungry for a wall socket on the go nor will you be edging to throw the T20 against the wall when you’re gaming.
In addition, it comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage which can handle almost anything you can throw at it. If that isn’t enough, you’ll be able to get up to 512GB of additional storage through the microSD card slot. Combine this with a crisp 10.4-inch display with 2K resolution and you’re set to seamlessly glide between work and Genshin Impact. If you’re looking to make the experience THAT much better, you’ll just need to pair a Bluetooth Keyboard or Controller depending on whether you want to complete that document or defeat that final boss.
Oh! Did we forget to mention? It’s also built for work (or play) on the go with support for 4G LTE connectivity. Of course, it supports WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.0. In addition to that, the 4G LTE version comes with GPS support.
2. Immersive Entertainment with Hardware that Makes a Difference
If you’re looking for a tablet built for entertainment, you might have just found it with the Nokia T20. It comes equipped with a 10.4-inch in-cell display with 2K resolution. That resolution is higher than most other tablets in its price range! It has a typical brightness of 400 nits so you can even see what you’re doing under the sunlight and with a 5:3 aspect ratio, you’ve got even more visibility when you’re in that game of Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile.
The visual experience is complemented by Nokia’s OZO Audio technology which creates an immersive soundscape with the stereo speakers that come with the T20. In fact, HMD global debuted this technology with the Nokia 6 in 2017 and have been improving it with every generation. You’ll be able to hear every note in the concerto you’re listening to while working and every footstep in that battle royale game you’re playing online.
3. Create A Curated Experience For Your Kids
It’s always a challenge looking for a tablet that will cater to your child while allowing you to keep the experience safe for them. With the Nokia T20, you’ll be able to create a walled-off garden for your child to play in. They will get to enjoy every experience available without you needing to worry about untoward content or security risks.
Setting up the experience is as simple as A-B-C thanks to Google Kids Space. You can set up a Google account for your child and create the experience you want for them. In fact, you can do this remotely using the Family Link app. In fact, you can set up and change limits without disrupting their experience. They will get an uninterrupted experience on the Nokia T20 including in the Play Store and on YouTube. However, certain content will be filtered out according to your settings to keep you at ease. You’ll even be able to set time limits to screen time and app usage!
4. Quality with A Proven Legacy
Nokia devices have a proven legacy of quality. In fact, their devices were so hardy that Malaysians always say that their devices can be used in self-defence! With a legacy like that, where else can you go but up when it comes to quality. The Nokia T20 is made of quality materials that are built to last. The body of the tablet is made of Sandblasted aluminium which is not only a sight to behold but also sturdy with enough rigidity to leave unattended with your kids. Even the glass on the screen is made of toughened glass to withstand the rigours of child use. It also comes with an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance.
Pair this with the bundled rugged case which comes together with your brand-new Nokia T20 and you have a truly ruggedized tablet. Not only does it have the built quality but also the additional protection that it needs when you or your child use it.
5. Guaranteed Security with Timely Updates
HMD Global isn’t just releasing devices without thinking about software support and security. They’ve actually guaranteed updates for all their devices! The Nokia suite of devices will come with 2 years of major OS updates. So, if in those 2 years, there are 5 major updates, you can rest assured you’re Nokia T20 will get them. In addition, HMD Global is guaranteeing security updates for an additional year after that. That’s 3 years of security updates!
In addition to this, the Nokia T20 also comes with Android 11 out of the box. It’s also set to receive the Android 12 update very soon! So you’ll be up to date with the latest software experience and security patches in no time.
Could you be asking for more when it comes to the tablet that is available for only MYR1,099? You’d be hard-pressed to find many other options which come with the thought and experience that comes with the Nokia T20. You don’t even have to leave your home to get your tablet, it’s available online on Shopee and Lazada.
DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE IS AN ADVERTORIAL COMMISSIONED BY HMD GLOBAL. IT MAY NOT REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OF THE TECHENT EDITORIAL BOARD.
Sony’s Xperia 1 is a milestone for the Japanese electronics giant. It is not the most powerful smartphone in the market when it was launched, though it was one of the more powerful flagships. It also marks Sony’s departure from their old Xperia ways and their embracing of the new era of ultra-high-end smartphones.
The first Xperia 1 is also the first Sony Xperia device that was made in collaboration with Sony’s Alpha imaging division. That also means that the camera is now a lot more optimized than before. It now means that Sony has a reliable hardware paired to reliably impressive imaging hardware.
The Sony Xperia 1 marks a new era of Sony smartphones, an era where Sony stopped thinking about sales numbers and focus on a niche. That was three years ago though. In that case, you might be due for an upgrade. What about the new Sony Xperia 1 III (mk. lll)?
In its third iteration, is the Xperia 1 III worth the upgrade from the first generation Xperia 1? Is it worth the MYR 5,799 asking price? Can it still hold its own when Sony is launching another major flagship soon?
Design
The Sony Xperia 1 III follows a design language that should be familiar to its fans. Not much has changed in terms of design language of the Sony Xperia smartphones. They have followed the same design language for years. You might not be able to tell apart one Sony Xperia 1 III to the first generation Xperia 1.
That said though, we are fans of the timeless design language. The device is full of flat surfaces with sharper angles compared to plenty of the regular flagships we are used to in 2021. It looks fresh, modern, and iconic in its skin. The only changes Sony has made between the differing versions of Sony’s Xperia devices are on certain materials used on the device itself.
On the Sony Xperia 1 III, Sony opted for what feels like aluminium for its backplate. While it feels like it is a single unit with the frames, it is not. We suspect that it is so that the Sony Xperia 1 III will be easier to disassemble and repaired. It also still features wireless charging, despite the aluminium. We like that Sony brought back the fingerprint sensor integrated power button.
The first thing that greets you when you take it out from the box is an elongated candy bar that boasts a 6.5-inch display that stretches to 21:9 in aspect ratio. The display may sound like it is a little smaller than most modern flagships. But because it is at 21:9 aspect ratio, the candy bar is longer than the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. It is much narrower though.
Still, the Xperia 1 III still features the signature camera button which doubles as a dual action shutter button that makes it work exactly like a compact camera. Additionally, there is also a Google Assistant button on the device this time. The Sony Xperia 1 III also features a 3.5mm combo jack, something of a feature today. As with any of the Xperia devices as well, you do not need a SIM tray removal tool for the Xperia 1 III.
There is a slight camera bump at the back of the device, which is quite expected on a modern smartphone. The bump is smaller than most modern flagship devices, though.
Sony did not bother with the whole edge-to-edge moniker with their expansive display. There is a small forehead and a tight chin on the device for earpiece and a front firing speaker, which is very traditional.
Hardware
The Sony Xperia 1 III is not Sony’s most premium device you can find in Sony’s smartphone line-up. Except for its cameras, the Sony Xperia 1 III is still one of the most powerful devices in the Xperia line-up.
OLED 6.5-inch 3,840 x 1,644 pixels ~643ppi 120Hz (up to)
Operating System
Android 11
Battery
Non-Removable Li-Po 4,500mAh Fast Charging 30W
Connectivity
Dual SIM Wi-Fi WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac GPS/A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS A2DP Bluetooth 5.2 LE OTG Support USB Type-C 3.1
Camera (s)
REAR: 12-Megapixel 24mm (f/1.7) 12-Megapixel 70mm (f/2.3, telephoto) 12-Megapixel 16mm (f/2.2, ultrawide) 0.3-Megapixel TOF depth sensor 4K video recording (120fps) LED flash FRONT: 8-Megapixel (f/2.0, 24mm) 1080p Full HD video recording (30fps)
Sensors
Accelerometer Proximity Fingerprint Sensor Ambient Light Gyroscope Face Unlock Compass
User Interface – Android 11 with Sony’s Xperia Touch
You can expect nearly stock Android 11 experience on the Sony Xperia 1 III as well. When we say ‘Xperia Touch’, we mean some of Sony’s own apps on the device itself.
On the end of apps, there are a few of Sony’s own app installed in the device. They are not so much bloatware though. You do have to note that there are two different camera apps on the device though. There is the regular Sony camera app that you can easily launch with a long press of the shutter button. There is also a separate video camera app (Cinema Pro) on the device. We will talk about these two apps later.
Most of the User Interface has been kept untouched from Google’s intended look. Even the notification screens are pretty much stock. That also means that you get a device that remains smooth and snappy for longer. At the same time, because the interface does not put extra unnecessary stress on memory and processors, you get apps working properly and smoothly.
Performance
The Sony Xperia 1 III is a powerhouse containing a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 paired with 12GB of RAM. That also means that you can expect a lot of good things from the device.
Call Quality and Connectivity
Of course, making phone calls on a smartphone is the most regular thing you would do with it. It is, after all, the most basic function of a phone.
In that sense, making a phone call on the Xperia 1 III is pretty much like any other smartphone you can find today. You just need to pull up the Phone app and dial in your numbers, or type your friend’s name, or scroll through the contact list to make a call.
Connectivity for phone calls are quite excellent when you have enough signal strength to make the call. It also supports VoLTE, which is nothing to shout about for smartphones these days. But that also means you get crystal clear calls from the Sony Xperia 1 III. If you have a friend with networks that leverage VoLTE technology, you are going to have a good long chat with your friend on the phone without realizing that your friend is not even physically with you.
You hardly drop calls too unless you lose network signal on your device. You hardly lose network connectivity on the Sony Xperia 1 III. Of course, if you are going through an area known for weak signals, you are going to get some dropped calls.
Gaming
The display really shines when you game though. The 4K display is amazing to look at in games like Pokémon Unite. The problem is the real estate you get on the display.
The unique aspect ratio of the Sony Xperia 1 III’s display means that there is not a lot of space between the top and bottom of the display when you play games like PUBG Mobile or Mobile Legends Bang Bang. That means that your space for your navigation is limited. When you place your fingers on the display, you pretty much cover most of it.
That does not mean that you cannot enjoy the games though. They all look good on the 4K with plenty of details and with highly vivid colours. You do want to watch out for heat, though.
Multitasking and Productivity
With 12GB of RAM, there is no excuse to not perform. While the display is not optimized for multi-window experiences, you can load up tabs on your browser. That is what we did.
On the Sony Xperia 1 III, we have anywhere between 10-20 tabs open on Google Chrome. We often actively switch between 5 tabs most of the time. In that use case, the Sony Xperia 1 III copes very nicely.
We have also tried loading and actively switching between 4 different apps at the same time to stretch the device’s legs. One of the apps includes Google Chrome and multiple tabs on it. Even that did not trouble the Sony Xperia 1 III at all.
Battery Life
One of the biggest benefits to stock interfaces is battery life. Custom interfaces tend to be less efficient than stock ones. Interestingly, you rarely have a battery management system on stock interfaces like the Sony Xperia 1 III.
You do want to keep in mind that there are apps that will drain the device’s battery, like the two camera apps. That said, even with extensive use of the camera apps, you can get a good working day of battery life. On typical days, you are working with a good day of battery life plus a few more hours in the next day, on a single charge.
Charging the device is fast enough. Like most flagships, you get to charge the device from empty to full in less than two hours. Unlike some flagships in the market as well, the Sony Xperia 1 III still ships with a wall charger.
Display
One of the big highlights of any Xperia 1 device is its one-of-a-kind display. The 6.5-inch 21:9 aspect ratio display packs 4K resolution. It is also a more powerful display compared to some 4K TVs you can find today.
This AMOLED display is the most advanced display you can find on a smartphone. You get 120Hz refresh rate on this 4K display. The Sony Xperia 1 series is also the only series of smartphones in the world that gets 4K resolution displays as standard. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra comes with a QHD+ display.
As if the 4K resolution is not impressive enough, the 6.5-inch panel also boasts HDR colours with 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage. You even get 240Hz touch sampling rate for an almost instant response on your display. To reduce flicker in upscaling contents, the display boasts 240Hz in motion blur reduction.
Thing is, it is not a true 4K UHD display that you work with. Instead of 2,160 pixels in depth, it only features 1,644 pixels. You still get 3,840 on the side.
Still, that does not mean that the display is not impressive. It is a fantastic display to consume contents with. If you are planning to use it as an external monitor for your cameras, it works great too with Sony cameras.
Cameras
The other highlight of the new Sony Xperia 1 III is its camera. You get a humble 12-Megapixel sensor for its main shooter. Both its flanking cameras are also 12-Megapixel units. There is an 8-Megapixel shooter out the front, which is rather understated for a flagship.
Despite the ‘low’ Megapixel count, it is a fantastic camera. You get some Alpha touches, of course. It is also the most reliable camera app and unit you get from a Sony device so far.
The photos you get from the device are amazing to look at in terms of detail and colour. Of course, you may not get ultra-crisp details if you put it beside a Samsung Galaxy S21’s photo at 108-Megapixel, for example. But you do get fine enough details for stunning social media posts.
The selfie camera may not be the best you can find on a smartphone. We think that the selfie camera is more for video calls or facial recognition. Still, if you are in the mood for a selfie, it works.
The Camera App vs Cinema Pro
There are two separate camera apps on the Sony Xperia 1 III as mentioned. Both works differently too, for different functions. The camera app is more of a general app that you can use for both regular photos and videos. The other app is more specific for videos though.
There is one Sony’s specific Alpha camera mode. You get more granular controls over your photos in that mode. If you are a Sony user, the interface is also very reminiscent and very familiar to Sony’s cameras. You also get to set your camera in modes that is closer to a regular camera over a smartphone.
You can put your camera in Auto, which is what we do most of the time, ‘M’ for Manual or ‘Pro’ mode, ‘A’ for Aperture priority, and ‘P’ for Programmable Auto. You get different outcomes and controls in different modesband your Sony Xperia 1 III turns into a point and shoot.
The Cinema Pro app is something you are really going to enjoy if you are planning to use your smartphone as the main content capturing device. It does all the usual thing for a smartphone video mode. You can set the resolution and how many frames it takes. But the Cinema Pro app does way more than that.
It allows you to have even more control over your videos over the regular camera app. You can play around with focus pulling on the Cinema Pro app, both manually and guided auto. You can even control things like ISO and Aperture if you are really getting as much manual control over your video as possible. You can even change the colour profile if you really need to.
Gallery
The Sony Xperia 1 III – The Best of Sony
The new Sony Xperia 1 III is even more expensive than the Sony Xperia 1 II that it replaced. For that money though you are the most powerful Sony Xperia 1 device to date.
The new Sony Xperia 1 III is also more expensive than most flagship smartphones you can find in the market today. The thing is, the Sony Xperia 1 III is marketed toward a very specific target market. They are selling the device to the content creator market, a market that knows what they want in a smartphone.
Of course, you can argue that these guys should maybe go for the Xperia Pro-I instead. The price difference between the two devices makes the Xperia 1 III the more sensible smartphone choice though. Other than the larger and more powerful camera, the Xperia 1 III and Xperia Pro-I shares the same hardware too.
MYR 5,799 is still a lot of money for a smartphone. A Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G at this point will set you back MYR 5,299 at retail price (12GB + 256GB). In that sense, there is not that much in terms of reasons to get the Sony Xperia 1 III. But there is a very good reason why you want one. This is a device created specifically with one target audience in mind. Its sole purpose is to do a job for a specific target group; very well at that.
If you are already working with Sony’s vast array of tools, the Sony Xperia 1 III is really an extension. It even shines as a standalone, if you like it to be. The camera is still a Sony Alpha developed tool made for the Xperia, which also means that you are getting a Sony camera that is better than ever. You can even get eye autofocus function working with it. For those alone, you should get the Sony Xperia 1 III.
After much anticipation and countless leaks, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is now official. The new entry into the Galaxy S21 lineup follows through with the promise of the FE lineup by marrying some of the best features of the S21 in one sleek and powerful offering. It’s got the beauty and the brawn of the S21 series.
Source: Samsung
Like the S20 FE, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G retains most of the design language but ditches the accented camera frame. The sleek smartphone measures a mere 7.9m in thickness with a 6.4-inch AMOLED 2X display upfront. It comes with a 120Hz refresh rate and an FHD+ resolution and will also sport a 240Hz touch sampling rate in Game mode. In Malaysia, it runs on the Exynos 2100 octa-core processor and is paired with 8GB of RAM. Other regions may have versions with 6GB of RAM and the Snapdragon 888. These combinations come complemented with up to 256GB of internal storage. The Galaxy S21 FE, like the S20 FE, does not support additional memory via a microSD card.
On the camera side of things, the S21 FE 5G comes with a triple camera setup. The setup consists of two 12-megapixel sensors and a single 8-megapixel. The main sensor is a 12-megapixel wide sensor with Dual Pixel Autofocus, optical image stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.8 aperture. The 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor has an f/2.2 aperture with a 123˚ field of view (FOV) while the 8-megapixel sensor is a telephoto sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. It also supports 30x Space Zoom. On the front, the Galaxy S21 FE comes with a 32-megapixel selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture and 81˚ FOV.
A 4,500 mAh battery powers the Galaxy S21 FE. It supports Wireless PowerShare, 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging. It also supports 2G, 3G, LTE and 5G connectivity. The smartphone also comes with NFC and an IP68 dust and water resistance rating in tow. The cherry on top is the fact that it will be launching with One UI 4 atop Android 12.
Pricing & Availability
The Galaxy S21 FE 5G will be available for pre-order soon. In Malaysia, it will be priced at MYR2,899 for the 128GB version and MYR3,099 for the 256GB version. It will be available in Olive, Lavender, White or Graphite.
Pre-orders start on 6th January 2022. Any pre-orders made during the pre-order period which ends on 10th January 2022 will come with an MYR350 e-voucher for Samsung’s online store, SamsungCare+ and a year’s coverage of accidental and liquid damage worth MYR220.
In the U.S, the Galaxy S21 FE 5G will be available for USD$699.99 for the 6GB/128GB version. The 8GB/256GB version will retail at USD$769.99. Pre-orders will be starting on 11 January 2022.
The smartphone market’s mid-range segment has been growing rapidly. Within the past year, we’ve seen more than 50 devices in the segment from big names alone. However, with many choosing to iterate rapidly with minimal updates, we’re looking at a segment that is quickly becoming overly saturated with choice but not much substance.
OPPO is one of the biggest contributors to the mid-range. However, it’s been hit and miss when it comes to their devices. In fact, just a few months ago, we reviewed the A74. Now, we’re looking at another mid-range offering from OPPO – the A95. Is OPPO hitting the correct notes when it comes to the OPPO A95? Is it their must-have mid-range hero? We’re looking to answer those questions in our in-depth review.
Design
The design on the OPPO A95 is – for lack of any other term – uninspired. The design is similar, if not the same, as all the mid-range smartphones we’ve seen from OPPO this year. To be honest, OPPO isn’t the only one guilty of being uninventive and drab in their midrange lineup. It wouldn’t be so far-fetched to say that if the OPPO A95 was released a little bit earlier in the year, it would have made a little more of an impression when it comes to design.
Aside from the overarching lack of inspiration, the OPPO A95 does come with a design that does look nice. It’s also available in a striking “Glowing Rainbow Silver”. The iridescent colour is one that pops and changes colour depending on the lighting and angle you look at the phone. You can see the difference in our hands-on video. It’s also one of the only highlights when it comes to the design of the phone.
Barring that, the phone comes with a camera hump that we’ve come to expect from nearly every smartphone this year. The large, black rectangular hump is the only design accent on the back of the phone; without it, the smartphone has a plain, uninteresting back. The metal frame also outlines the phone’s silhouette.
However, we applaud OPPO for sticking to a more ergonomic design. The back of the OPPO A95 tapers into its metallic bezel making it easier to use in one hand. The slight taper makes all the difference when it comes to holding the phone and even wrestling it from a tight pocket. But that’s about it when it comes to the design of the midranger.
Hardware
OPPO is trying to supercharge the A95 when it comes to hardware. They seem to be focusing on raw power. The total package may seem very basic and uninteresting, however, with OPPO’s RAM expansion, it can take on some of the better specc’d mid-range smartphones out there. Of course, as always, the main focus when it comes to hardware for OPPO is the smartphone’s camera. It’s no surprise that OPPO has kitted the A95 with high-resolution sensors.
The OPPO A95 comes with ColorOS 11.1 – one of the latest and greatest from OPPO. It’s not running on Android 12. However, with OPPO’s recent commitment to Android updates, we won’t be surprised if it gets the update in the coming weeks.
That said, the interface brings what OPPO has become known for – customizability and self-expression. While the Android 12 does take self-expression and customisability to a whole new level, OPPO’s ColorOS has a level of customizability that made OPPO devices different from the get-go. OPPO has cultivated a community of developers and users that have thrived with its customizability ecosystem. There are few other companies that allow the level of customizability or the variety that comes with ColorOS.
Like OPPO flagships, the OPPO A95 comes with a highly customizable interface – everything from icons to fonts can be customised natively. The theming ecosystem gives a plethora of options. If you can find one that is just right for you, you can even mix and match to get the style you really want.
Navigation on the A95 is also seamless. Users can choose between gesture navigation or the traditional three buttons. This allows you to choose the style you’re most comfortable with. The same goes for choosing between having an app drawer or just having multiple home screens. OPPO has also baked in options for scaling icons and font size that we don’t see in many other manufactures. Each OPPO device can have a totally different experience thanks to this.
Overall, the tweaks that come with ColorOS atop Android allow you to have the experience you want when it comes to your smartphone. OPPO’s features have been thoughtfully updated to ensure it doesn’t take away from the overall experience. In fact, it’s one of the most fluid interfaces we’ve had the chance of reviewing to date.
Performance
As mentioned in the hardware section, the OPPO A95 comes with a sharp focus on getting the most out of the hardware it has. While it’s not the greatest and latest from chip manufacturers, OPPO’s optimisations have allowed the smartphone to contend with some of the best performers out there. However, the smartphone isn’t without its flaws – particularly when it comes to a few software hiccups which can be addressed with an update. Hardware performance is – of course – limited to the hardware design but OPPO is inching towards eking every drop of performance from the hardware it has with its software.
Multitasking & Productivity
Multitasking has become a must for any “smart” device out there. We expect to be able to use more than 1 app and get more things done in a shorter amount of time. That said, the OPPO A95 tries to be a multitasking king but is let down by software issues and even limitations in RAM.
During our review period, we were able to use apps like Google Keep, Gmail, Spark Email and Microsoft Office 365 in tandem with each other. Getting simple tasks like word processing, emails and even excel sheets done on the A95 was snappy and seamless.
However, the phone seemed to struggle with more complex apps like video and photo editors. While it didn’t come to a halt, the phone did slow down – using these apps in split-screen was a task in itself as it would bog the A95 down. Then again, we don’t usually do this when we’re editing. This could have been due to the limitations on the RAM, but we expected a little bit more from the RAM expansion that OPPO has been touting. Some native apps also had issues with multitasking.
Aside from the performance issues – which we are certain OPPO can address in an update – the OPPO A95 is packed with features that allow it to multitask with ease. OPPO has simplified a lot of the multitasking in ColorOS. You can drag notifications to get a PIP window for you to respond to messages or urgent emails. A simple swipe and hold up brings up the multitasking view or swipe and hold back to jump to the previous app. The latter needs to be activated in the settings manually.
Call Quality & Connectivity
The OPPO A95 doesn’t’ come with 5G connectivity. But to be honest, you won’t be needing or using 5G anytime soon – in the Malaysian context at least. While it would have added an additional layer of futureproofing, it’s not a game-changer or deal-breaker.
The smartphone does very well when it comes to connectivity. Speeds on 4G LTE were pretty fast. In fact, we were getting anywhere between 2 to 4 Mbps download speeds. The A95 even outclasses some of the older flagships like the Galaxy Note10+ when it came to 4G reception. In certain areas where the former had 3 bars of connectivity, the A95 has 4 to 5 bars. This was a welcomed surprise as we’ve rarely seen network performance like this from mid-range smartphones.
When it comes to call quality, the smartphone didn’t have much to make up for either. Most of the time, people on the other side of the call could hear me loud and clear. However, when it came to slightly more noisy areas, the microphone struggled with noise suppression and even voice pick up. It could have been a little irritating if the call was urgent. Aside from that, the audio on the earpiece was consistent and clear. It could be a little tinny but nothing jarring. People on the other end could hear us well – when pick up wasn’t an issue.
Gaming
Gaming on the A95 was pretty enjoyable. It’s also one of the things that baffled me when it came to performance. The A95 was better able to handle heavy games like Genshin Impact and Shadow Fight than it could with multitasking. We’ll just have to chalk this up to OPPO’s gaming optimisations in Game mode.
That said, the smartphone was able to handle pretty long bouts of gaming. I was easily gaming on games like Genshin Impact and Shadow Fight for an hour. While the games weren’t setting on maximum settings, the graphics were good enough not to take away from the gaming experience. Of course, the audio was pretty solid too for a mid-range smartphone. Visuals were relatively crisp with not too many bouts of lag and screen tearing during gameplay. The only times when there was slight screen tearing or lag was in more graphically intense situations. The phone was also notably warmer during these instances and during prolonged sessions.
Battery Life
If there’s one thing we can rely on when it comes to OPPO, it’s battery life. Their track record of squeezing every ounce of battery life from their devices has been commendable so far. It’s no different when it comes to the A95. The smartphone was able to last about 7 hours on a single charge when used intensively and more than 10 hours when used normally. In fact, I went about a day (~20 hours) on a single charge when it was used only for texting and calls with light Sudoku in between.
Display
The OPPO A95 comes with an AMOLED display and it’s all the better for it. The display is vibrant and has pretty good colour accuracy depending on the mode that you set it on. For most of our review period, we had the display calibration set on Vivid.
In vivid mode, reds and yellows were more brilliant. The colour reproduction seemed a little more pleasant and realistic on this mode. On Gentle mode, the colours were less saturated and felt a little washed out. That said, it was a little more realistic as well. In either mode, the display had deep blacks which we’ve come to expect on an OLED panel.
That said, the display was pretty good when it came to watching videos. The colour of the videos was vibrant and the screen size was immersive. Watching an episode of Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) on the go was enjoyable. The only nitpick that we have with experience is the speakers would tear when there were explosions. However, this was easily remedied with a pair of Bluetooth earphones.
Cameras
Being an OPPO smartphone, it comes as no surprise that the main focus of the smartphone is its camera. The OPPO A95 comes with a 48-megapixel main sensor complemented with a 2-megapixel macro and 2-megapixel depth sensor. The combination of the three sensors allows the smartphone to have enough flexibility when it comes to shooting modes.
Unlike the A74 we reviewed previously, the OPPO A95 cameras perform better. The resulting photos seem to be better in both resolution and detail. The main sensor produced pretty commendable photos when in a well-lit situation. The resulting photos had detail and remained relatively clear even when zoomed in. However, in low light situations, the camera struggled to perform. Night mode helped with getting more detail but there is only so much that can be done when it comes to software. The front camera was more of the same. The camera performed relatively well for its class. Selfies in bright situations were impeccable. However, low light selfies struggled with details and were grainy.
That said, the A95 comes with some of OPPO’s better AI camera features including their Portrait mode. The smartphone has nearly the full complement of AI features that we see in OPPO flagships and that’s the main boon of the smartphone. With the AI features, we were able to get some pretty decent photos, some were even Instagram worthy without the need to edit.
Nevertheless, OPPO does need to improve the implementation of its hallmarks when it comes to its mid-range and entry-level smartphones. There seems to be a gap between the photos flagships like the Find X3 Pro are able to produce versus the photos from phones the A95. With the focus of competitors turning to the mid-range the company will need to push harder to differentiate its offerings further and their camera technology has always been a step ahead of the game.
OPPO’s Best Offering for Mid-range with a Room for Improvement
OPPO’s entry-level and mid-range smartphones continue to be hit or miss with the OPPO A95 and that’s a problem in our books. The company has been able to differentiate itself with camera technology and approaches that were fresh and exciting in the past. However, while that may be the case for its flagships, their midrange is still starved for that X-factor that makes it a must buy.
The OPPO A95 is by no means a bad smartphone. In fact, we wouldn’t hesitate to say it’s one of the best mid-range smartphones out there but it suffers from being lost in the crowd. While it comes with top-notch performance, it also suffers from a lack of identity and drowns into the crowd. Unlike some of its competitors which have brought flagship features to a more affordable price range, the OPPO A95 iterates on a formula we’ve seen before. It has all the makings of a genuinely great mid-range offering which is held back by the lack of software features that make it an immediate go-to.
The smartphone is a step in the right direction when it comes to performance. Being able to handle multitasking and even some heavy gaming without choking is impressive. However, we know OPPO is more capable when it comes to cameras. They’ve proven it time and time again with their flagships and while we would like to say this is the one, OPPO needs to look at how they can bolster their mid-range and entry offerings with the same.
