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Sony WF-1000XM4 In-Depth Review – The Best got Better

February 26, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

When the Sony WF-1000XM3 (WF-1000X Mk. III) first came to light, we were very excited about it. Oddly enough, the truly wireless earbuds from Sony did not have a Mk. II revision. It skipped a generation, which also means that the Mk. III is effectively a second-generation earphone of its type. There is a good reason for that though.

Sony’s argument to the naming scheme is simple. It packs the same technology as the WH-1000XM3 flagship Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) over-ear headphones. It is also leaps and bounds better than the first iteration they came up with. For that reason alone, the second-generation WF-1000XM3 is named the way it is.

With the fourth generation WH-1000X headphone (WH-1000XM4), they also delivered the Sony WF-1000XM4. It shares no visual similarities with the older Mk. III save for the colours. It is also quite a bit more expensive than the older earphone.s It is now MYR 1,099 over the MYR 899 for the Mk. III.

Is it worth the extra ask though? Is it a better headphone than the Mk. III that you should now chuck them away for these new ones? Does it even live up to our expectations? We dive in and try to answer these questions.

Design

As we mentioned earlier, the new WF-1000XM4 looks nothing like its predecessor. It is more compact, more “regular”. It is still quite bulky though, just less so than the WF-1000XM3.

The new earbuds feel more natural and easier to work with compared to the predecessor. It is much easier to place the earbuds correctly now than ever. The touchpad is now a lot bigger and easier to work with than before. The only thing we think missing is gesture control.

Even the case is much more compact now. They still feature the same sort of design language that you get from the case of the WF-1000XM3. The cap is a lot more rounded than before. The bottom is now flat so you can stand it correctly. The bottom is also where the wireless charging receiver is.

Hardware

The new earphones come with a slew of minor improvements that completely changes the experience of a true wireless ANC headphone. The drivers remain at the same size at 6mm, but was redesigned for better response in all frequencies. They have also managed to pack a few more mics and pick ups despite the smaller size.

Specifications

Sony WF-1000XM4
Driver Unit	6mm Neodynum Magnets
Frequency Response	20Hz – 20,000Hz(44.1kHz sampling) 20Hz – 40,000Hz(LDAC 96kHz sampling, 990kbps)
Headphone type	Wireless Earbuds
Battery	Unspecified capacity Max. 8 hrs(NC On) / Max. 12 hrs(NC Off)
Miscellaneous	Bluetooth 5.2 Active Noise Cancelling IPX4 Wireless Charging DSEE Extreme

Features

There is a lot to unpack here. It is by far Sony’s most feature packed true wireless earbuds. Then again, you are paying MYR 1,099 for it.

IPX4

The WF-1000XM4 is officially rated at IPX4. That does not mean you can take it swimming though. Officially, IPX4 means that the hardware itself is splash protected in all direction. That also means that it will work rain or shine. We can also now take it for a jog or the gym without worrying. We recommend that you turn on ‘ambient noise’ when you are out and about for your own safety.

Hybrid Tips

For the Sony WF-1000XM4, Sony developed hybrid ear tips. It is a mix of foam and silicon that combines the best of both worlds. The foam is the part seals the ear, while the silicone keeps the structure and secure the tips to the body.

The result is an extremely comfortable fitting earphones that really seals off the world from you when you put your earphones on. You can wear it for hours on end without any sort of discomfort coming from the usual silicone ear tips. We cannot comment too much on its durability yet though, we need to use it for longer.

The noise isolation from the foam is significant enough that it blocks out most noise. Combined with the noise cancelling algorithm, the world is tuned out. Because foam is more compliant to ear shapes too, the experience should be consistent with most ears. Everyone’s ears are different though so you might get slightly different experiences.

All-New V1 Processor

Instead of the older generation QN1 processor, as per the WH-1000XM3 and WH-1000XM4, the new true wireless earbuds feature a new V1 audio processor. A quick breakdown by EE Times shows that while the current V1 chip is slightly larger than the older processor, it integrates more features within the chip itself allowing Sony to wrap everything else into a smaller and tighter package. Of course, the V1 packs more processing power. That processing power allows Sony to fit more purpose-built hardware with cleverer algorithm for an even better noise cancelling experience than before.

Simultaneous Bluetooth Connection

Sony’s previous true wireless ANC earphones had some reported issues of desynchronised audio across both earphones. Sony have solved that with simultaneous Bluetooth connection on the WH-1000XM4. That also means that both earbuds will get data simultaneously. That also means a more stable, more synchronised listening experience across both ears. For the earphones to work though, you have to use the right earbud first. The left earbud will not work on its own. Sony, it is 2022, everyone else allows us to use individual buds either side.

Pair Quickly, and Correctly

Google’s Fast Pair and Windows Swift Pair are lifesavers for modern Bluetooth earphones. It is really just a matter of opening the case and choose “pair” when Windows or your Android smartphone prompts you to pair with your ear buds. We almost forgot that it’s predecessor came with NFC because this just works. It took us less than 5 seconds to get the WF-1000XM4 going.

Sony Headphones App

The Sony Headphones App really enhances our experience with the WF-1000XM4. If you come from Sony’s modern headphones line-up, you will be quite familiar with the app. There are certain carry over functions as well.

Ear Analysis for Better Experience

You can easily get the app to recognise your ear shape by taking a few photos as per the app’s instructions and tailor your listening experience. The difference can be so marginal that you hardly notice. To some though, it makes the world of difference in their listening experience. In some ways, the app can also help the earphones tailor the noise cancelling experience specifically for you. This is on top of the clever noise cancelling based on the feedback from its microphones from inside your ears. The app now also allows you to check if the tips you picked are suitable for you by performing ‘leak’ tests to see if your ears are properly sealed.

Speak-to-Chat – Your Earphones can Stay on Forever

One feature that trickled over also from the WH-1000XM4 is speak-to-chat function. If you find it quite annoying you can turn it off. It cuts the music so that you can have a conversation. It also only triggers when you start talking though, so your friends will still need to get your attention first.

Ambient mode is better and more natural than before. It is still a little artificial though. Little noises still sound bigger than they actually are.

By default, the music will only cut back 15 seconds after you end your conversation. You can turn that to 5, or 30 seconds. If not, you can also set it to trigger only when you interact with either earbud. It takes up to one second for the earphones cut the music and go into transparency mode, you might want to be patient.

Location Preset

Location detection is one very handy feature we love to use. You can have ambient mode when you are out and about just so that you are aware of what is happening around you. Once you get home, or to the office, your headphones will still continue playing the music and noise cancelling is turned up to the desired levels accordingly. You can even turn equaliser to different presets in different locations. Even the speak-to-chwt function can be customised accordingly.

360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos with Bravia XR

Yes, you can connect your earphones with your TVs too via Bluetooth. If your Sony TV packs Sony’s Bravia XR processor, you can take advantage of Sony’s clever 360 Reality Audio and the details in Dolby Atmos. Unfortunately, we do not have a TV with Bravia XR engine, so we could not test this function.

Performance

The features do not make the headphones though. You want it to sound good. You want to immerse yourself in music. With an ANC headphone, you want to be isolated at that.

Immerse Yourself Anywhere, Anytime, and in Peace

Noise cancelling on this pair of headphones is much cleaner than before. While it does not cancel everything, you can say that 90% of the noise around you gets cancelled with a good seal, and suddenly you are transported far away from your pesky colleagues, or noisy patrons in your favourite café. At 60-75% volume, the music drowns out your environment.

There is only one way to describe the audio experience; it is remarkable. Low-end frequencies excel with the WF-1000XM4. With some clever engineering, there is a bigger diaphragm over its predecessor. That also means that the low-end frequencies are punchier than before, more so than most earphones with similarly sized drivers. There is no sacrifice in detail though.

The mid-tones and high frequencies are excellent and properly detailed as well. Somehow, the WF-1000XM4 offers better vocals than before. You can hear that with songs like Lost Without You by Freya Ridings. The Final Fantasy Medley by the Video Game Orchestra also highlights the balance of the WF-1000M4. We use Tidal which offers music streaming at FLAC qualities.

DSEE Extreme and Hi-Res LDAC

We have to credit the excellent listening experience to Sony’s clever DSEE Extreme and LDAC algorithm. It is Sony’s clever audio upscaling algorithm that brings your music listening experience closer to what you might get on a CD or lossless files. You can turn it off if you want, but we suggest keeping it on.

Calls

The Sony WF-1000XM4 features more function specific microphones to pick up voice. It features bone conduction mic and also something called a beamforming mic. Bone conduction mic only picks up vibrations that comes from your skull while beamforming mic is great at picking up vocals. The result should be crystal clear and stellar voice quality in calls.

The feedback from the person on the other end of the line seems satisfactory. Our voices are picked up nicely and clearly. It is not as clear as using the smartphone’s built-in mic apparently, but still acceptable. The call sounds clear and clean in your ears too.

The better mic experience also benefits the speak-to-chat and smart assistant features of the WF-1000XM4. Because the earphones picks up your voice much better, speak-to-chat functionality is accurate in most cases and will not cut out when you are halfway talking to your peers. Voice commands are also picked more accurately than before.

360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos

360 Reality Audio offers you a sort of a 3D audio experience in the music. Artists can work with a whole surround sound experience to create a sort of immersive experience. For example, the earphones can visualise an all-encompassing drum experience, an acoustic guitar on the front left side, a piano on the front right side, your vocalist right in front of you, and a bass guitar right behind you.

Dolby Atmos on the other hand is a little different. While Dolby Atmos is used in most surround sound solutions for your visual entertainment, it is more about the details. On Tidal, Dolby Atmos allows you to head the little intricacies of the instruments. You can think of it like sitting in a studio listening to the actual recording being done before it gets mastered for the general listening experience.

On Tidal we used David Bowie’s Space Oddity and Alicia Keys’ 3 Hour Drive to test out the 360 Reality Audio. for Dolby Atmos, Tidal offers Sweet Child of Mine by Guns and Roses, Blinding Lights by The Weeknd, and I’ll Never Love Again by Lady Gaga. All of them offers different experience of 360 Reality Audio and Dolby Atmos too.

Battery Life

Sony says that the WF-1000XM4 can last up to eight hours with continuous music playback and five and a half hours with continuous call time. Most of our calls end in less than three hours. One particular call that lasted about two hours did brought the charge down to about 50%. So, we can only take Sony’s word for its battery life.

We have never had the chance to use the earbuds for more than three hours in music playback too in our test period. The battery only went down to just about 60% in that time frame though. The estimation, based on the power consumption at that time, is more than seven hours of continuous use with Noise Cancelling in our case.

The case is also supposed to provide two extra charges, bringing up the total music playback battery life to a quoted 24 hours. We have never drained the battery on the case as well, but then again, we leave it on the wireless charger in the office or at home after every use of the earbuds. The case charges the earphones rather quickly too. In our use case, we never had to wait for more than 20 minutes for the earbuds to fully charge and get going again. You can charge it via the USB Type-C port too.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 Conclusion

We probably have said something similar with the WF-1000XM3, but this is sort of the gold standard now in ANC true wireless earphones. We think that the sound quality from the WF-1000XM4 has comparable sound quality even compared to the Sennheiser True Wireless Momentum II and the Klipsch T5 II.

At MYR 1,099 it is the same price as the AirPods Pro, and it sounds better. You could pick it up for less on other online platforms though. It is also cheaper than the Sennheiser and earbuds, both of which are considered some of the best sounding true wireless headphones out there.

This pair of earphones can offer you a completely tailored experience that is made only for your ears. That also means that each WF-1000XM4 out there could be marginally or completely different, depending on preferences as well of course. While that experience is only accessible through the Sony Headphones App, the app is available for both Android and iOS users.

Your entire audio experience is on a different level with the best-in-class noise cancelling algorithm. It blocks out enough that you feel like you are far away from distractions. With music, you are completely isolated and cut out from the world where you are. You are enjoying pure music.

Is it worth MYR 1,099? Based on its performance, we think the price tag is acceptable. MYR 1,099 for a personalised audio experience is actually highly accessible and reasonable, custom earphones will cost you at least twice that.

Is it better than the WF-1000XM3? Yes, it is. If you can get a good price for the Mk. IV, we think you should upgrade from the predecessor too. The WF-1000XM4 does not just live up to our expectations, it exceeds them. If Sony WF-1000XM4 is already this good; can Sony make anything much better than this?

Android, Mobile, News

OPPO Debuts the MariSilicon X NPU with the Find X5 series

February 25, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

OPPO’s looking to up the ante with nighttime videography with the Find X5 series. For now, OPPO’s flagship series will consist of the OPPO Find X5 Pro, the OPPO Find X5 and the OPPO Find X5 Lite. The Find X5 and Find X5 Pro will feature OPPO’s customised, dedicated imaging NPU – the MariSilicon X which they announced back during OPPO Inno Day.

The Find X5 & X5 Pro – True Flagship Technology

OPPO’s flagship device – the Find X5 Pro – will feature Qualcomm’s latest and greatest, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The new octa-core processor built on 4nm fabrication promises better power efficiency, processing performance and graphical performance. The Find X5, on the other hand, will feature the Snapdragon 888. The two smartphones are also the first smartphones touting OPPO’s MariSilicon X technology.

Pic 6 OPPO Find X5 Pro MariSilicon X Qualcomm 8 Gen 1 — Source: OPPO

They both come with AMOLED panels capable of replicating 1 billion colours with a 120Hz refresh rate, and Gorilla Glass Victus for added protection. However, the Pro comes with a larger 6.7-inch display size with a QHD+ resolution while the regular Find X5 comes with a slightly smaller 6.55-inch display with an FHD+ resolution. Both also come with UFS 3.1 storage technology for faster storage with better read and write performance.

The Pro comes with configurations with up to 512GB of onboard storage and 12GB of RAM while the Find X5 has only been announced with a single configuration of 256GB with 8GB of RAM. Both don’t support microSD cards.

Design-wise, the phones sport an updated aesthetic from the Find X3. OPPO has made the curves more seamless giving it a little bit more of a futuristic feel. They’ve also opted to use ceramic instead of glass on the Find X5 and Find X5 Pro. According to them, it’s sturdier and more durable. The sleek, seamless integration of the camera hump is still there on the Find X5 series.

MariSilicon X Backed Camera Setups for Better Nighttime Video Performance

The Find X5 series is banking on the added umph of OPPO’s MariSilicon X. The dedicated photography and videography NPU is being touted as the backbone for most of the upgrades we see in the image and video processing in the Find X5 and Find X5 Pro.

Hardware Tuned to Keep Up with the MariSilicon X

Let’s look at the camera hardware first. The Find X5 and the Find X5 Pro both come with triple sensor setups. The Pro comes with a 50-megapixel, 1/1.56-inch main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture with multidirectional PDAF and OIS with 3-axis sensor shift and 2-axis lens shift. This is complemented with 13-megapixel, 1/1.34-inch telephoto sensor capable of 2x optical zoom with an f/2.4 aperture and PDAF and a second 50-megapixel, 1/1.56-inch ultrawide sensor with f/2.2 aperture with multidirectional PDAF. The regular Find X5 comes with a less robust 50-megapixel main sensor. The front camera sensor on both is a 32-megapixel wide sensor with gyro-EIS.

Pic 2 OPPO Find X5 Pro Camera System — Source: OPPO

The mainstay of the MariSilicon X is its ability process imaging information on the fly. However, the hardware is only part of the equation. OPPO has bolstered the software to take advantage of the powerful hardware. Firstly, it’s teamed up with Hasselblad to bring true to life colours in still images in the camera’s pro mode. Then it’s also taking full advantage of the advanced NPU in its new 4K Ultra Night Video feature. With the backing on the NPU, the Find X5 and the Find X5 Pro are able to capture high resolution video in the dark. The video also has better dynamic range allowing it preserve more detail.

A Rebadged Reno 7 In the Tailgating Find X5 Lite

If you’ve realised, we didn’t mention much about the Find X5 Lite. This was intentional cause the Lite version of the Find X5 is simply a rebadged Reno7 smartphone. There’s no indication that the smartphone carries the same MariSilicon X NPU for the improved photography either. So, if you’re interested in getting the lowdown on the Find X5 Lite, you can refer to our article on the Reno7.

Pricing & Availability

The Find X5 Pro will be available in two colours – Ceramic White and Glaze Black. It will be retailing for €1,299 (MYR6,079.52).

Pic 1 OPPO Find X5 Pro Ceramic White and Glaze Black — Source: OPPO

The Find X5, on the other hand will be available in Black and White. It will be retailing for €999 (MYR4,676.23).

Both are available for pre-orders in select regions now.

Official Specifications

Screenshot 2022 02 25 at 00 25 35 OPPO Find X5 Series Launch Event — Screen grab from official press conference live stream on YouTube

Screenshot 2022 02 25 at 00 26 16 OPPO Find X5 Series Launch Event — Screen grab from official press conference live stream on YouTube

Android, Mobile, News

OPPO Launches the Reno7 Series in Malaysia with 50-Megapixel and 5G!

February 23, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

So, when we say 5G, the OPPO Reno7 series smartphone can take on 5G when it is available. That is not available yet in Malaysia; but at least it is nice to know that your smartphone is ready for 5G when it is. Now, we move on to the star device of today.

OPPO’s Reno series is not necessarily a new on in their line-up. When they introduced it a few years ago, the series is made with high-end photography capabilities in mind at accessible prices. It is OPPO’s photography champion for the mid-range market, a market they are very familiar with.

We quite like the OPPO Reno series when they started introducing them. The devices are easy to work with and takes great looking photos with powerful cameras that are usually reserved for flagship sort of devices. They were also OPPO’s more unique looking devices that introduces some of the newer mobile photography technology, when it can. Did you know that the first OPPO Reno was one of those devices that made pop-up selfie camera a thing?

The OPPO Reno series is in its 7^th generation now. They just launched the OPPO Reno7 series with 5G capabilities yesterday in Malaysia. It will set you back MYR 1,999 onward. There is also a Pro variant for MYR 2,999.

What does MYR 1,999 today get you? A highly capable mid-range smartphone, that is what.

OPPO Reno7 5G

The vanilla OPPO Reno7 builds on a MediaTek Dimensity 900 5G System on a Chip (SoC). It is a 6nm architecture processor with a combination of ARM Cortex A78 and ARM Cortex A55 cores to make it an octa-core powerhouse. It comes packing 8GB of RAM and ample 256GB of storage for all kinds of things you can throw to the OPPO Reno7. Of course, the ample storage allows you to store all of your photos. You want this kind of storage though for the powerful camera you get on the device.

You get a powerful 64-Megapixel main camera. Alongside the powerful main camera is an unspecified ultra-wide-angle camera that offers 118^o field of view for beautiful and stunning wide panoramic shots. There is also an unspecified macro camera to complete a triple camera set-up for the Reno7’s rear. Up front is a 32-Megapixel front camera that is supposed to offer great self-portrait capabilities.

For you to see these photos, pick and edit them, or even just admire and share them is a large 6.4-inch AMOLED Full HD+ display with up to 90Hz in refresh rate. At 180Hz touch sampling rate, OPPO’s Android 12 based ColorOS 12 will feel smooth and snappy with near instant response times. With 100% of DCI-P3 coverage too, you do not need to use a different display for all your edits and get accurate and vivid colours.

To keep everything going for an entire day, you get a 4,500mAh battery. When the battery starts to run out, it comes packing OPPO’s highly acclaimed SUPERVOOC charging at 65W. If you do not have access to a wall port on a long day, you have Super Power Saving mode and Super Nighttime Standby to keep your battery going even longer.

OPPO Reno7 Pro 5G

This costs MYR 1,000 more than the regular OPPO Reno7 5G. There is a reason for that price premium. While you may not see all of it on the outer skin, there are major differences between the devices.

For one, the Pro variant builds on a more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 1200 6nm SoC. The SoC packs eight ARM Cortex A78 cores that are tuned to run at 3GHz clock speeds. To ensure that the powerful processor is not bottlenecked by memory, there is a 12GB RAM fitted into the device to ensure smooth operations all-around. To ensure it has the storage for everything else, is a 256GB built-in storage. OPPO has also included something called a RAM Expansion technology that allows up to 5GB of unused storage space to be used as temporary RAM to keep everything trundling along when needed.

Up front is a nice, expansive 6.5-inch AMOLED Full HD+ display boasting 90Hz for that extra smooth feel. For the instant, snappy feel it also offers up to 180Hz in touch sampling rate. It looks great too with up to 99.94% of DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage. You do not need to worry about your photos looking funky if you edit on this display.

On the top left part of the display is a punch hole camera that boasts and IMX709 32-Megapixel behind the portrait lens. The highlight camera array though is at the back. You get OPPO’s Flagship Portrait Camera System in the form of a powerful 50-Megapixel IMX766 sensor. The main camera offers a brilliant Portrait Mode that gives you the flexibility of 25 aperture stops (f/0.95 – f/16) for those beautiful bokehs when you want them. Alongside the main camera are an 8-Meapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, a 2-Megapixel macro camera for up close shots up to 4cm distance to the subject, and a colour temperature sensor to ensure your photos come out correctly.

The Android 12 based ColorOS 12 device runs all-day with the same 4,500mAh battery that its vanilla twin gets. You also get the same SUPERVOOC charging at 65W allowing the battery to fully charge in a brisk 31 minutes. If all-day is not enough, you can turn on Super Power Saving mode or Super Nighttime Standby to extend its battery life.

Price and Availability

OPPO’s Reno7 5G and Reno7 Pro 5G is now available for pre-order until 4^th March, 2022. The devices will start shipping 5^th of March 2022 onward. OPPO will be running a roadshow in Sunway Pyramid from the 28^th of February 2022 onward all the way to 6^th of March 2022. The vanilla OPPO Reno7 5G will set you back MYR 1,999 while the Pro variant sets you back MYR 2,999, as mentioned. Colours available for both the devices are Startrails Blue or Starry Black.

Every pre-order of the OPPO Reno7 series devices entitles you to free gifts worth up to MYR 1,406 in total. You get 1 year of OPPO Care screen protection plan, an exclusive OPPO Reno bag, My OPPO Membership with some free subscriptions, theme park admission tickets, airport lounge privileges, and what not. You also get an OPPO Enco Buds true wireless earphones for that money. If you do pre-order and are the first 100 customers to pick up their devices on the 5^th of March 2022 at the roadshow, you are entitled to get yourself a free OPPO Watch Free. When you purchase the OPPO Reno7 series devices, you are also entitled to a 50% discount as well for the OPPO Watch Free and OPPO Enco Air2 from OPPO Brand Outlets. For more information on the OPPO Reno7 series smartph0ones, you can head over to OPPO’s website.

Android, Editorial, Mobile, Reviews

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 In-Depth Review – Back in Black

February 18, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

Flexible displays have a complicated history. It has also come a long way since its conception many years ago. Samsung was the first smartphone manufacturer in the world to finally realise the foldable smartphone dream with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Fold back in 2018. If you have read our review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2, you would know that we are quite fond of it.

They have released the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3. Admittedly, we are a little late on its review. But it is still one of Samsung’s most powerful flagships to date, and you can get one with an S Pen. Effectively, it is a spiritual successor to the Galaxy Note series that is confirmed to be long gone.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is cheaper than before at MYR 6,699. There are a few reasons for that, but it is a good thing overall. Is it now worth its asking price though? Should you consider moving to a foldable device now that Samsung has forgone its Galaxy Note series? Is it even a good device? We find out.

Design

Unlike a lot of the other flagships that seems to get larger with new iterations, the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3’s dimensions did not change from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2. They are identical in , width and even thickness. If you put them together side by side, ignoring the camera module, you would have a hard time telling the two devices apart.

The materials used are the exact same materials as before in all the same places. Even the hinge mechanism is the same one used in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2. There is a small difference between the hinge in the third iteration though. It is now sealed and insulated to ensure that it can comply to IPX8 water resistance. Water resistance, in some ways, is a large improvement over the older Galaxy Z Fold2 in today’s modern standards. That, and they say that the aluminium ‘backbone’ (as they call it) is now 10% stronger than before. We did not get to test that though.

There are also some differences at the back of the device. The camera module looks a lot more modest than before. It now features three separate glass elements instead of a single glass box. It somehow makes the entire back of the device looks much cleaner, although the three cameras are the same three cameras you find on the old Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2. That is about it in terms of the difference in appearance though.

Hardware

Oddly, it is not powered by Samsung’s own Exynos powerhouse. In fact you cannot find a Samsung foldable with Exynos chip in it. Instead, it is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 System on a Chip (SoC).

Specifications

Processor	Samsung Exynos 888 Octa-Core 5nm 1x Kryo 680 @2.84GHZ 3x Kryo 680 @2.42GHz 4x Kryo 680 @1.80GHz
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)	Adreno 660
RAM	12GB
Memory (as tested)	256GB
Display(s)	Main Internal Display: Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X 7.6-inch 1,768 x 2,208 pixels ~373ppi 120Hz (up to) HDR10+ 1200 nits Under-Display Camera Secondary External Display: Dynamic AMOLED 2X 6.2-inch 832 x 2,268pixels (25:9) 120Hz Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Operating System	OneUI based on Android 11
Battery	Non-Removable Li-Po 4,400mAh Fast Charging 25W Wireless Charging 11W Reverse Wireless Charging 4.5W
Connectivity	5G UWB Dual SIM Wi-Fi WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax GPS/A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS A2DP AptX HD Bluetooth 5.2 OTG Support USB Type-C 3.2 Samsung DeX
Camera (s)	REAR: 12-Megapixel (f/1.8, 26mm wide angle) 12-Megapixel (f/2.4, 52mm telephoto) 12-Megapixel (f/2.2, 12mm ultra-wide angle) HDR 4K video recording (60fps) LED flash FRONT Internal: 4-Megapixel (f/1.8, under-display ) 4K video recording (30fps) FRONT External: 10-Megapixel (f/2.2, 26mm wide angle) 4K video recording (30fps)
Sensors	Accelerometer Proximity Side Mounted Fingerprint Ambient Light Gyroscope Face Unlock Compass

User Interface – One UI Full Flex

Of course, a Samsung device is never complete without Samsung’s very recognizable User Interface on top of Android. At the time of testing, we only had One UI on top of Android 11. Still, One UI is a league of its own in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3. You do not want to be using a custom launcher with the Samsung foldable flagship.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3’s One UI does not feel like a blown up One UI for odd displays. It feels better than the older interface. Oddly, not that much has changed since the last round.

You still can have two different home screens for both your front display and inside display. This time round, you can both displays to display the same home screen too, if you really want, without messing about too much. Notifications are not blown up to occupy the entire space like before. It actually feels nicer and cleaner somehow. On top of that, you get more unique app experiences now on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3.

Settings Menu

Instead of the old settings menu that is clearly made for smartphones, the interface opens to a more tablet like experience with the main display. Of course, you get the regular smartphone interface type of settings menu on the outer display. Once you open the device, the interface immediately changes though, which is a real nice touch.

Spotify

The Spotify experience on the main display of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 opens to a more tablet like experience too. To be fair, it should not be to hard for app developers to include smartphone-to-tablet-to-smartphone switching modes. Most apps have their own dedicated tablet interfaces these days and it would make sense for them to include the interface for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3.

YouTube

Of course, this was the first app with a proper interface that is more suited to the larger display of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. It was first seen on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2, but it is a little smoother now on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3. At the same time, you can tilt the display to use half the screen to watch your videos and view the comments of description on the other. We think that it is a feature useful when you do livestreams, especially when you need to watch the comments box.

Gmail

You guessed it, when the Z Fold3 is open, Gmail opens to a more tablet like experience too with the email inbox list on the left and the contents on the right. We think that this is a much more intuitive experience for the larger tablet like display on the Galaxy Z Fold3.

Plenty to Work On

One UI is not perfect though. While Instagram now fills up the entire display, you might find that the app does not work as intended when you switch from the front display to the main display. You cannot interact with stories unless you close the app and open it again with the main display. Shopee and Lazada also do not resize between displays . While they are just irksome at best, it does detract from the whole foldable experience.

The Fold, Now with S Pen

This is an addition we appreciate though coming from the Samsung Galaxy Note line-up. One thing we were left wanting with the previous Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 was also the S Pen capabilities. The only issue is that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3’s S Pen is a different one to the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra’s.

Screenshot 20211216 121141 Samsung Notes 1

Working with the S Pen is nice though. We missed the Galaxy Note series dearly and the Galaxy Z Fold3 sort of compensates the Galaxy Note’s discontinuation. We were worried that the S Pen would not be able to keep up at the dip of the display, where there are no digitizers, but it works perfectly, even when we drew a line down the crease. The whole S Pen experience is more natural than ever. It really is like writing in a notebook this time.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 packs a very potent Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 System on a Chip (SoC). Even compared to the newly launched Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy Z Fold3 is still one powerful device. But its performance does not just come from the powerful SoC, it is the entire package that makes the Galaxy Z Fold3 what it is.

Benchmark

Call Quality and Connectivity

Like the older Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2, the Galaxy Z Fold3 packs only one earpiece and that is on its secondary (outer) display. That also means that you can only use it with the device folded. When it is unfolded, you can only make calls with the loudspeaker, which is not an entirely bad idea sometimes.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 in loudspeaker mode somehow feels a little louder than before. We are pretty sure it is the same hardware as the Galaxy Z Fold2 in terms of its audio. The increased volume also means that you can use it in a small discussion room with just a few people on the table as a teleconferencing device.

Of course, thanks to One UI, you can use your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 as a video conferencing tool without the need to buy a stand or prop your device up against something else. You can set the device to open in any angle (nothing beyond 180^o, though) and its front-facing camera can be angled to you for a better video calling experience.

If the device on the other end of the line also supposed VoLTE and is calling with full signal strength, your calls are crystal clear and crisp. Of course, these days you are making calls when you are on the move (we strongly discourage using the device without hands-free when you are driving). In that case, you might come across areas with poor signals. If you have a single bar on the network though, you should be able to have conversations over the phone, albeit with some distortions.

Gaming

Like the older Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2, we tested the device with PUBG Mobile, and Mobile Legends Bang Bang. We also tested it with Pokémon Unite, a MOBA title. Of course, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 performed very well in these games. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, in 2021 at least, is the most powerful smartphone processor you can find on any Android device. It only makes sense that you can play these games at its highest requirements with no issues at all.

The only issue you might be facing is heat management on the device. There is only so much surface area on the back of the foldable device to dissipate heat too, so you are going to feel it a little bit in your fingers. It is not scalding hot though; you should be able to still handle it with little discomfort.

Multitasking and Productivity

The large display allows us to experience two apps at once without having to crimp on the window sizes. You can have three windows open at once, plus five floating windows in the back. In theory, you can have all eight apps open at the same time.

In practice though, the best way to use the device is by having three windows. We would like to be able to use up to four apps at the same time, there is enough screen real estate to work with. Sure, you can have a floating window open, but it is just not the same.

Still, three is better than two. At that as well, The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 never felt too sluggish to work with even when there are eight apps running at the same time (three windows, five floating windows). You can easily change from one app to the other effortlessly too, which is a huge plus point in multitasking.

Samsung’s latest One UI also inherits its not-so-intuitive multi-window mechanics. The easiest way to open all the apps is to first open the three apps separately, and to go into recent apps to fiddle with the little “multi-window” option on the apps you want to run. Once in this mode, you can just toggle the apps around to increase its size or rearrange the entire thing.

Like its predecessors, the new One UI also comes with a quick launch menu which allows you to dock up to two apps at once to be able to launch both the apps in multi-window mode immediately. We highly recommend using that feature in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 to optimise your experience.

Battery Life

In our typical use case, we work with apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail, and even the phone app plenty. We would also scroll feeds on Instagram, Facebook, and even Twitter from time to time with it. Of course, our camera is also used to take various photos and videos we could use for our review. We do play games on the device occasionally.

In our typical use case, we never had too much of a problem with its battery life for an entire day. In our test period, we took the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 away from the charger at about 9am. The device would hit about 15% of battery at about 10 p.m. on average.

While the battery is smaller than before, it charges just about the same with the older device. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 charges to full in about two hours via USB Type-C cable. It also comes with wireless charging like its predecessor. Charging it wirelessly allows it to charge at 15W speeds. I will take longer than two hours to charge the device from empty to full in that case.

Displays & Audio

While the displays on the new and older device looks the same, they are slightly different. The outer display is a slightly smaller display before at 6.2-inch from the 6.23-inch of the Z Fold2. Nothing much has changed on the inside though, except for a difference in brightness and a revolutionary under-display camera.

Secondary Display

It is now a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display compared to the older Super AMOLED. It crams a little more resolution that before too at 832 by 2,268 pixels. You hardly notice the added pixels in such a crammed display. You will notice the difference in panel quality though.

The colours from a Dynamic AMOLED 2X tend to look more natural, less saturated than Super AMOLED. At 25:9 aspect ratio, the narrow display is not really made for immersive media consumption. The better colour contrasts of the display does make it a little more enjoyable when you are watching Netflix or even YouTube on the smaller display.

Main Display

Of course, you want to use the larger display for the best viewing experience. It is also the same great flexible display you find on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2, except it has gotten a little bit more brightness and the S Pen capability.

While the near square display works very well for productivity, it is a little crippled in consuming media. When you watch Netflix, you get two very large black bars on the top and bottom of the display. It does not take anything away from its experience though.

The display shines in gaming though. Mobile games tend to take advantage of different display form factors and optimizes itself to match the display size and form factor. Most of the games we tested fills the display. The result is an immersive gaming experience with plenty of details on display. The control buttons do not interfere with the peripheral visions on the display, which is a bonus in games like PUBG Mobile and even other MOBA games.

The same flex and bending marks from before can still be seen and is as noticeable as before. The crease is quite unavoidable in today’s folding devices. It is a little distracting especially when you view the display from an angle, but you might grow used to it after a while.

Under Display Cam – Not Just a Hole

If you look closely, the top part of the right side of the display looks a little odd. There are pixels that sit there, but you can see through it to find the small front-facing camera. While the pixel count in that small, rounded area is not as dense as the other parts of the display, it does help with your viewing experience. Netflix can now take full advantage of the display’s height and other media looks less janky.

Cameras

The under-display is not a brilliant camera. Photos taken with this 4-megapixel camera feels a little dated. Colours are a little off and details are not great. It is the camera that most will use for video conferences though, where high-resolution is not necessary.

There is another 10-Megapixel front-facing camera. This one is the same one as you can find from the device before. While it is not the most detailed photo you get from this camera, it is not a bad image you get. Colours and saturation seem to be more on-point.

The rear cameras are also the exact same ones you can find on the Galaxy Z Fold3. While you get the same triple 12-Megapixel camera set up, the processing chip is a lot more advanced than before. The results from the 12-Megapixel shooters are quite impressive.

They are not what you would call ‘DSLR’ quality, but they are more than acceptable for social media use. The colours look natural and vivid while details look great for 12-Megapixel photos. At the same time, you can still record videos at 4K.

Gallery

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 – The Z Fold2, just Better Everywhere

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is not meant to be a huge leap from the older Samsung Galazy Z Fold2. It is meant to be just a touch better than the 2^nd generation foldable; more refined, if you must. But that does not mean that Samsung was complacent with the Galaxy Z Fold3.

The flagship foldable is now an IPX certified device, which means it can handle the weather. That also meant that the Galaxy Z Fold3 has some added durability built into the stuff. While the mechanism was a concern in the old device, the new one is made to be a little sturdier and just works better. The added durability on that also means that the S Pen feature can now be integrated and it works better than we thought it would.

They updated the secondary display, which may not be too noticeable to most people. But we do appreciate that small upgrade to bring the secondary display to the level of the main display. You get the same colours and same saturation levels. In some ways, it just makes the experience switching from the secondary to main display just a little more seamless.

The main display has not changed all that much, but the addition of a thin layer of LED on top of the internal camera does make it feel a touch more immersive than before. It makes the display looks complete too, even if you can still tell that there is a hole underneath the display. Yes, that means the camera underneath have to be a little worse than before, but that is an okay trade-off in this case.

The camera modules have not changed, but thanks to the new processor and better imaging algorithm, the camera experience is just a touch better. Below that is slightly smaller battery, but the difference between battery life from the old device is virtually non-existent. System wise, apps just work a little better and some apps have ‘tablet’ modes on the device now, which just makes more sense.

At MYR 6,699, it is way cheaper than the older device. Samsung is going all-in with the foldable device market, and it shows with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3. The lower pricing just means that they want you to be on board too.

The third generation foldable from Samsung is marginally better in almost every way. But they are marginal improvements in the areas that matter. All of them total up to a better Galaxy Z Fold experience.

So, to answer the questions we set out to answer. Yes, it is now sort of worth MYR 6,699. Yes, you can consider this as your replacement to the Samsung Galaxy Note series, if you do not mind the step-down in camera technology. Yes, the Galaxy Z Fold3 is a good device. If you are coming from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 though, you might want to hold it off for a while and wait for the next iteration of the Galaxy Z Fold before considering an upgrade.

Android, Mobile, News

Nokia Announces the G21 with 90Hz Display and 50MP Camera

February 14, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

Nokia came back into the smartphone market with quite a bang. Unfortunately, they are not as popular as they were before. Still, Nokia is a popular smartphone maker with Android within their devices. They are popular in the scene of affordable Android devices – the entry-level to mid-range smartphone segment.

They kick off 2022 with a more modest note though. They have just released their Nokia G21, the replacement to their entry-level champion, the G20. This time, they have focused on all the important stuff that is aimed to make the device more reliable than ever.

Nokia retained a few things from the G20 though. The Nokia G21 still comes with a large 5,050mAh battery that has a quoted battery life of three days while being a little thinner at 8.5mm thick. While that is also the same promise before, Nokia is ensuring that the G21 can last for three days by improving its power saving modes, or rather to implement them in stages. The first power saving mode triggers at 20% and still allows you to run most of your apps as normally as possible. The second, more aggressive power saving mode kicks in at 10% to extend the battery life even more.

Nokia also increased the charging speed on the Nokia G21 to now be delivered at 18W via a USB Type-C. Interestingly Nokia is reportedly shipping the device with a 10W charging brick. To fully take advantage of 18W charging speed, you need to buy a new charging brick.

The new Nokia G21 also comes with a large 6.5-inch LCD display with 90Hz refresh rate. Running the display at 90hz always can drain its battery though. There is an adaptive feature to reduce the display’s refresh rate to 60Hz (when needed) to get more battery life out of the device. It is also now a HD+ 720p display. Which means you can watch Netflix, Prime Video, and even YouTube at HD resolutions.

You get a new 50-Megapixel shooter out the back of the device. The new improved camera also features a night mode, and Super Resolution function to capture highly detailed images. Sadly, there is no more ultra-wide-angle lens on the device though. Alongside the 50-Megapixel sensor are two 2-Megapixel sensors, one is a macro lens, the other a depth sensor.

Inside the device is also a more powerful System on a Chip (SoC). It comes with a Unisoc T606 12nm chip with eight cores. Two of the performance cores are ARM Cortex A75 cores while the other six efficiency cores are Cortex A55 cores that is still more powerful than the eight Cortex A53 cores from the previous Helio G35. The Unisoc T606 is also paired with a 4GB RAM and up to 128GB of storage and microSD expansion.

Oddly enough, Nokia has not bothered with 5G with this device, it is 4G capable still. On that note as well, the Nokia G21 ships with Android 11 at the time being. Nokia claims that the G21 is Android 12 ready though, which means that the Nokia G21 can be updated to Android 12 as and when it is available. HMD also promised two OS upgrades on their devices, which also means that it will be upgradable to Android 13 when it is available.

Security wise, nothing much has changed too. You still get a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that also doubles as a power button. Of course, there is the regular face unlock function that you might be used to on modern Android devices today. The facial recognition now allows you to wear your face mask and unlock the device though.

Source: GSM Arena
Source: GSM Arena
Source: GSM Arena
Source: GSM Arena
Source: GSM Arena
Source: GSM Arena
Source: GSM Arena
Source: GSM Arena
Source: GSM Arena

The Nokia G21 is supposed to be available soon. The suggested retail price for this device is from €170 (MYR 806*) onward in Nordic Blue and Dusk colour options. Oddly enough, different regions get different packages for the device. For Malaysia, there are no confirmations on its availability and official pricing at this point. But we are looking forward to seeing the Nokia G21 making its way here.

*Approximately based on the exchange rate of €1 = MYR 4.74 on xe.com as of 14/02/2022

Source: GSM Arena

Accessories, Android, Health, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

TAG Heuer Introduces New Generation Connected Calibre E4 Smartwatch Ready for Wear OS 3

February 11, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

Smartwatch and luxury watch rarely grace the same sentence. They are hardly related or relatable to each other too. A luxury watch enthusiast might not even regard a smartwatch a watch at all. It is more a ‘digital display on your wrist’.

While that is a fair observation, the smartwatch has come a long way since its inception many years ago. A smartwatch today can easily outsell any regular watch you might find in the market. That is not only because of its more accessible than ever pricing. It is choke full of features, making it a better value buy than a regular watch.

Luxury watch on the other hand, has an appeal of its own. Luxury watch pieces are usually highly exclusive pieces made with limited quantity in mind. The build process of the timepiece is also considered when it comes to luxury watches. At the same time, a luxury watch is supposed to last forever, while a smartwatch’s relevance is limited by their software.

What if you can merge the two together though? Impossible? TAG Heuer does not think so with their first Connected Watch launched back in 2015. They have not launched any new versions of their premium smartwatch since then, but then again, there has not been any interesting developments on Google’s Wear OS since then. The TAG Heuer Connected was, in its day, the most expensive Wear OS device money can buy.

Their silence in the smartwatch market does not mean that they are not interested in the smartwatch game anymore though. They confirmed that by releasing this, the new TAG Heuer Connected. They call it the Calibre E4.

The new Connected Calibre E4 comes in two variants this time. Instead of just sticking to a large 45mm diameter body, it now comes in a smaller 42mm case. The 42mm, as per TAG Heuer, is made to be more appealing to the larger market. It is also designed to be a little more elegant with thin bezels and thinner case than the regular 45mm. Smaller also means that it is sportier.

Then there is the 35mm TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4. It is the largest modern Wear OS smartwatch you can find to date. Its impressive size is not just for show though. TAG Heuer ensures that the Connected Calibre E4 can withstand all sorts of scuffs and bumps with ceramic bezel surrounding the Sapphire crystal glass protecting the touch display. You can opt for a titanium case for your TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 too.

Of course, a watch is nothing without its straps and bracelets. The strap is also the only way for your watch to stand out, in a traditional sense anyway. For that, TAG Heuer offers a library of straps and bracelet for you to work with.

For a smartwatch, you can easily stand out just by changing your watch face. The Calibre E4 is a Wear OS device, which also means that you will have access to the large watch face library from the Google Play Store. TAG Heuer also made some new exclusive watch faces for the Connected Calibre E4 though, which will help you stand out among the sea of Google Wear OS devices out there.

Within the svelte cases, both the 42mm and 45mm variants are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4100+ for wearables. While it is not running on Wear OS 3 on launch, you can upgrade it to Wear OS 3 as soon as the Operating System (OS) is ready. Both smartwatches offer Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi connectivity for more stable connection with your smartphones.

The difference in size allows the 45mm variant to come with a 430mAh built in battery compared to 330mAh on the 42mm. They also claimed that the 45mm offers a 30% increase in battery life compared to the older Connected. In golf function, the watch will last five hours continuously. The 45mm also offers a larger display experience compared to the 42mm, obviously at 1.39-inch of OLED goodness (454 x 454 pixels) compared to 1.28-inch (416 x 416 pixels).

Source: TAG Heuer
Source: TAG Heuer
Source: TAG Heuer
Source: TAG Heuer
Source: TAG Heuer
Source: TAG Heuer
Source: TAG Heuer

Price and Availability

The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is set to start shipping and be available in stores starting March 2022. Price? This is going to hurt your wallet a little bit. If you are looking to find a budget smartwatch, this will not be it, turn away now. It will set you back US$ 1,800 (MYR 7,541*) at launch. For more information on the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 you can visit their website.

*Based on approximate exchange rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.19 as of 11/02/2022 on xe.com

Android, Mobile, News

Samsung Announces Four Generations of Update Support – Time to Buy a Galaxy?

February 10, 2022 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

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.

Android, Mobile, News

Bigger is Better with the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series

February 9, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

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.

1 010 Family Tab S8 Ultra Graphite Tab S8 Silver Tab S8 Pink Gold LI — 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.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series Unpacked 03

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.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series Unpacked 02

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:

Model	RRP	Memory & Storage	Colour
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra	RM5,899	12GB + 256GB	Graphite
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+	RM4,599	8GB + 256GB	Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8	RM3,299	8GB + 128GB	Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold

Android, Mobile, News

The Galaxy Note Series is Back as the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

February 9, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

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.

Prices and variants for Malaysia are as below:

Models	RRP
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G 512GB	RM 5,899
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G 256GB	RM 5,499
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G 128GB	RM 5,099

Official Specifications

Android, Mobile, News

Samsung Unveils New Galaxy S22 & Galaxy S22+

February 9, 2022 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

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.

1 12 Galaxy S22 Plus Pet portrait LI — 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.

Prices in Malaysia are as follows:

Models	RRP
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G 256GB	RM 4,299
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G 128GB	RM 4,099
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G 256GB	RM 3,699
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G 128GB	RM 3,499

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