Every now and then there will be an event so significant, it changes history. In the modern world, that moment happens way too often that it is no longer special. There are one or two rare innovations in today’s world though that makes you turn your heads. Today’s innovation is one of them.
The innovation comes in the form of a Sony Xperia smartphone. That might not sound too special. After all, the Sony Xperia smartphone, at some point, was responsible for Sony’s near exit from the smartphone business. While they pioneered and ushered in the era of water-resistant smartphones, they could not innovate fast enough or even make compelling enough products to compete with their rivals. The Sony Xperia has been reborn in 2018 though and is a completely different beast today. The Xperia PRO-I, this one is not in the same league as the Xperia flagship you know and love.
The Flagship
Source: Sony
We start with the boring stuff. It comes with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 platform, which is expected anyway. It also comes with 512GB in storage and up to 12GB in RAM. You can slot up to a 1TB MicroSD card into the Xperia PRO-I for good measure. You want to if you are planning to use its camera a lot. Of course, you get WiFi 6 capabilities from the Xperia PRO-I. To keep everything running nicely is a 4,500mAh battery that can charge up to 50% within just 30 minutes.
On the front is a staple 4K display for the Xperia flagship. 4K HDR OLED display refreshes at 120Hz and measures at 6.5-inch. Protecting the panel is a Gorilla Glass Victus. It is not the biggest display you can find in the market, but it is certainly one of the most gorgeous.
To be fair, none of that are new for a smartphone. What is new is what protrudes out the back of the device. The innovation is all in the camera.
The Best Camera on a Smartphone Ever
Source: Sony
This is not some boring innovation in the camera though. It is not some Megapixel addition, because Sony understands that with mobile photography, it is all about the sensor size more than anything else. That is why they fitted a Type-1.0 Exmor RS image sensor with phase detection autofocus mechanism within the compact body of the Xperia PRO-I. To process the photos out of the device, you get a dedicated Bionz X image processor that overrides the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888’s admittedly impressive image processing.
It is the same exact sensor you get from a Sony RX 100 VII. That also means you are getting 20.2-Megpixel of Sony’s Alpha goodness in the Xperia smartphone. The sensor under the 24mm Zeiss Tessar T* lens is capable of capturing images at RAW 12-bit colour depth as well for the best camera experience you can ever have on your smartphone. At the same time, it is Sony’s first smartphone to feature Eye AF that is so common in DSLR and mirrorless cameras these days.
The camera is even able to capture videos at 4K 120fps thanks to the very powerful imaging sensor. With up to 315 of autofocus points, you are going to keep track of your subjects for a long time in your videos and even your photos. For high-speed burst shots, you get to shoot at up to 20fps.
The Xperia PRO-I can do more than just allowing you to capture photos and videos from behind the camera though. It is also made as the perfect vlogging tool. You can pair it to an optional 3.5-inch LCD HD Vlog Monitor and the Xperia PRO-I turns into your vlogging companion without any additional heft in your bag. If you have an external microphone, the 3.5mm combo mic for you to plug in your mic to.
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Source: Sony
Price and Availability
The Sony Xperia PRO-I will be available in Malaysia December 2021 onward. It will be available only through selected retailers and online stores though. There is no confirmed price just yet for the Sony Xperia PRO-I though but Sony says they will announce it on a later date.
Samsung’s Bespoke brand was initially announced earlier this year for customised home appliances that blended in your decor. It looks like Samsung’s Bespoke branding is now making it to its mobile devices. The first to get it? The Galaxy Z Flip3! Yep – Samsung’s compact foldable just got a little bit more interesting with a level of personalization we’ve never seen in Samsung smartphones before.
Source: Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 Bespoke Edition
The Galaxy Z Flip3 is already one of the more interesting devices available in the market right now. In fact, it’s also one with the widest range of colours available at launch. However, Samsung is also looking to make it one of the most personable devices with a selection of 49 possible colour combinations with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 Bespoke Edition. It also lines up perfectly with the company’s initial push to make the Flip3 a smartphone for self-expression.
Using Samsung’s Bespoke Studio, you will be able to choose from a selection of five available colours for the panels of their Flip3: Blue, Yellow, Pink, White and Black. In addition, you will also be able to choose your frame colour from the available Silver and Black. You will be able to choose colours for your front and back colours independently allowing you to mix and match the colours as you like.
Source: Samsung
Customization and personalization don’t end there. Samsung is also introducing the Samsung Bespoke Upgrade Care. The new care plan allows Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 Bespoke Edition users to change their smartphone colours to match their style over the course of a year. That said, the plan does not allow you to change your frame colour – for obvious reasons. There is also an additional charge for changing colours.
Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Bespoke Edition
In addition to the Flip3, the Galaxy Watch4 is also getting a Bespoke edition. Similar to the Flip3, you will be able to customise your Galaxy Watch4 in more ways than ever before. Using Samsung’s Bespoke Studio, you will be able to choose from multiple watch bodies, watch faces and straps. You will also get access to some unique, limited edition straps that will be exclusively available on the Bespoke Studio.
Availability
The Bespoke Editions of the Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Watch4 will be available exclusively via Samsung.com. It will be available in Korea, the US, the UK, Germany, France, Canada and Australia starting October 20th.
The Google Pixel series has always been a much-loved series of devices. Google’s decision to move out of the flagship hardware space and into the mid-range segment was met with a lot of glee. Not because it was a funny decision, it was a decision that gave a lot of people access to what Google deems as the standard for their smartphones.
In the four iteration of the Google Pixel smartphone range, Google has always been relying on Qualcomm to supply their processing chips. While Google may not be able to complain much in terms of power, there are a few things that even today’s most powerful System on a Chip cannot solve. Google understands that and wants to solve that with their Pixel series. It starts with the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro with what Google calls the Google Tensor System on a Chip (SoC).
We will talk about the Google Tensor chip as more information on it becomes more available, we promise. For now, we do want to focus more on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices. They are what you are here for, correct?
Still, if you must ask, Google Tensor is something that Google had been working on for a few years. It is nothing like the Qualcomm Snapdragons or Samsung Exynos chips that we have seen in other smartphones. It is specifically made for Google, with Google’s input, in solving real world problems that Google sees fit – linguistic programming.
Android 12
Source: Google
Of course, we have to start with Google’s latest and greatest in terms of operating system. We are not going to elaborate too much on Android 12 though because we have covered it before, and you can read all about it here. Google’s Android 12 is very much built for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, and you can tell. Material You on the Pixel 6 devices are meant to look natural and has even more functions than your average Android 12 devices. For security, the Pixel 6 series will pack Google’s own developed Titan M2 chip for best-in-class hardware level security. That also allows google to support the device for up to five years.
New Bigger, Better Camera
Source: Google
One of the biggest improvements on the Google Pixel though is in its camera. Where others have been struggling to find new ways to innovate, Google found a different path. Instead of piling on more Megapixel and more hardware power on the issue of photography, Google uses their know how of machine learning and artificial intelligence to solve the complex problems that comes with photography.
That said, it is not like Google did not improve the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro sensors. They now get a 50-Megapixel sensor that measures in at 1/1.3-inch. Its larger size also means that it can absorb 150% more light than before. Certain things just cannot be solved with software alone, and this is one of them; it simply is just a physics problem. More light also means that the photos you get comes with more detail and better colours.
Where the Pixel 6 stops at a 12-Megapixel Ultrawide camera, the Pixel 6 Pro comes with an additional 48-Megapixel telephoto camera. Both devices shoot videos at 4K 60fps of course. The Pixel 6 Pro sports an 11.1-Megapixel front camera that is also capable of shooting videos at 4K 30fps though.
Again, Google’s Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro’s camera improvements are more than just a hardware update. Thanks to Tensor, the camera on the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro is in a class of its own. One of the updates comes in the form of an improved Super Res Zoom that allows you to get up to a 20x zoom photo with little loss to detail, even if it is captured by using a 4x zoom lens.
Source: Google
Source: Google
Source: Google
Then there is Magic Eraser. It is exactly what it sounds like, an eraser for your photos, and it is magic. You no longer need to go to a single site, take a lot of photos, load those photos on to Adobe Photoshop and combine them to create a photo with no human subjects, or to erase a certain object in the photo. Instead, you simply take a photo with your Google Pixel, tap on the subjects you do not want in your photo, and voila. The only other device that is known to do that is HUAWEI’s Mate 40 series. This is possible though, thanks to Tensor.
There is also a Motion Mode for more artistic Action Pan and Long Exposure photos, but without the hassle, hardware, or even skill. You simply take a photo of your subject, be it a fast-moving car, bicycle, or even your friend against a busy street or train station. The camera app cleverly understands your environment and subject, and then creates a stylish blurred background to simulate motion which adds an artistic flair to your photos, all without needing any extra gear or time.
The most important improvement in the Google Pixel camera though is in its Real Tone. The improvement in the colour science in smartphones comes a long way. That also means that the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro can reproduce much better and more accurate skin tones, especially with coloured skins. Thanks to Machine Learning as well, the improvements of recognising various skin tones also spreads to Google Photos.
Language Barrier? Not a Problem
Source: Google
Of course, Google has not forgotten that the smartphone is mainly a communication tool. The smartphone started its life as a regular mobile phone device that is used to make calls remotely and untethered. It was a revolutionary tool that brough people closer together, without being physically close. The next step is to bridge the gap between people of different cultures and languages.
The Google Pixel 6 series’s Live Translate now encompasses everything within the smartphone. It now allows you to text in different languages without even knowing the language. For example, you could type your message on your chat apps like WhatsApp in English and have it translated to Japanese, or Italian, or French, or even German. You do not even need to jump between Google Translate app and your messaging app just to figure out the right word. All of this is done on-site too, so you are not even relying on your network data, nothing leaves your device in all these processing.
In situations where conversing with someone is key and is of the essence, the Pixel 6 series is really your best friend. The device has something called an interpreter mode and you just need to activate Google’s Assistant and say, “Be my interpreter”. It allows you to converse in up to 48 languages without knowing the language. The next time you travel, you know what to do.
Its speech recognition goes beyond that though. The Google Pixel 6 device now understands that when you say ‘send’, or ‘clear’, or ‘accept’, or ‘decline’, you are referring to commands rather than words. In that sense, you do not have to say, “Hey Google,” whenever you want to pick up your smartphone. Your message does not have to say, “Hey, shall we arrange for a night out? Clear,” or “Are you coming home for dinner? Send”. You can even ‘stop’ and ‘snooze’ your alarms without even touching your device.
Annoying Answering Machine? Not a Problem Too, just Direct My Call
Source: Google
Google’s transcribing algorithm is also now implemented throughout the Pixel 6 device. They call it Direct My Call and that allows you to make calls to businesses and not feel the pain of interacting with the answering machine the regular way. Instead, Google Assistant now transcribes your call and displays your options in real-time on your screen for you to see. You can even select your next steps on your screen instead of pressing a number on your keypad.
Nothing is more annoying than having to wait endlessly for your call to get through when you need to speak to a representative though. That is when Wait Times and Direct My Call cleverly tells you the expected waiting time for when you make calls at each hour. Wait Times also allows you to see that particular data for the rest of the week, just so that you can plan your time better when you need to make the calls to the business line. The only downside is that all these technologies is only available in the United States (U.S.) and in English for now.
Prices and Availability
The new Google Pixel 6 series starts its pre-orders today in the U.S. and wills start at US$ 599 (MYR 2,490*). The Pixel 6 Pro will set you back US$ 899 (MYR 3,737*) but it will come with an extra camera sensor, a larger display, bigger RAM, and more storage. Google is expecting the first devices to hit the shelves in the U.S. on the 28th of October 2021.
You can also get the Google Pixel 6 with Pixel Pass. For US$ 45 (MYR 187*) a month, you get a Google Pixel 6 and subscriptions to Google One, YouTube Premium, YouTube Music Premium, and Google Play Pass and Preferred Care. The Pixel 6 Pro will set you back US$55 (MYR 229*) a month. Again, there are no confirmation on whether the Google Pixel 6 series will ever make it to Malaysia. We are hopeful though, but not entirely optimistic about its official Malaysian presence.
*Approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.16 on xe.com as of 20/10/2021
OPPO’s ColorOS has always been about customisability and self-expression. The company’s latest iteration: ColorOS 12 is no different but it does take a load off when it comes to OPPO’s visual customizations of the Android OS. OPPO said that the company’s decision to jump from ColorOS8 to 11 to match Android’s version number is a literal alignment of the OS with Android.
ColorOS is maturing as an OS. With ColorOS 12, the company is fine-tuning its approach to be able to adapt to multiple languages and layouts better than ever before. OPPO says the main theme of ColorOS this time around is “Inclusivity” and that changes made to the OS this round were mainly focused on catering to their 440 million users across 68 countries.
Source: OPPO
The biggest difference you will see in the approach is a reduction in OPPO apps and the use of many stock Android apps. The company has decided to reduce redundancy in its offerings by using Android’s built-in phone and messaging app and integrating more of Android’s built-in features for the new take on ColorOS. The company has “decoupled” the experience to allow users access to their own apps via an optional download from their app store.
Back to Basics with a Focus on Customization & Usability
However, that doesn’t mean that OPPO is leaving its own features to the wayside. Their approach to the design of the new iteration of ColorOS builds on their Infinite Design concept which carries forward from 11. Visually, the OS looks cleaner with more modern icons. On the backend, OPPO has optimised the OS to use a fraction of the resources it used before. ColorOS 12 sees a reduction of 30% of memory usage and 20% battery consumption – making it the most efficient ColorOS to date.
The efficiency doesn’t come at the cost of personalization. In fact, the latest iteration of ColorOS may be the most customizable yet. OPPO has enhanced customisation with more themes, icons and fonts in its theming engine. In addition, the company has also been working on optimising the OS further to be more intuitive and easier to use.
ColorOS 12 is focusing on the essentials. Instead of focusing on gimmicky features, OPPO has been working on enhancing more usable features like PC connect, FlexDrop and Phone Manager which allow users to have a more seamless experience across multiple devices. OPPO’s approach to providing a more seamless experience between phone and PC brings features like drag and drop, screen mirroring and even seamless file transfer between PC and phone. PC Connect only works with Windows for now.
OPPO is also focusing on device security. The company’s new OS brings Android’s privacy and security features front and centre. The OS makes features like Privacy Dashboard more accessible and comes with a better-optimised experience when to Approximate Location Sharing and Microphone and Camera Indicators. The company is also enhancing the security of their OS with in-house features such as private system, private safe, and app lock.
Open to Developers
OPPO is also committing to be open when it comes to the development of ColorOS. The company is making its camera SDKs openly available to developers moving forward. These SDKs will make some of the company’s best camera features such as Ultra Steady Video Shooting, HDR, and Super Wide-Angle available to developers.
Source: OPPO
Timely Update Schedule
OPPO is committing to updating its devices consistently moving forward. This applies to devices released from 2019 onwards. Their flagship Find X series will be getting three major Android updates. The mid-range Reno, F- and higher-end A-series devices will be getting two major updates. Lower end devices will be getting a single Android update. According to the company, the single update is due to the lower memory specifications of lower-end A-Series models.
In addition to major updates, OPPO’s Find X series will also be getting four years of security updates. The Reno, F-, and A-series will be updated for three years.
The ASUS ROG Phone 5s was launched in Taiwan just last month. Technically the device only became available in Taiwan very late last month on the 30th of September 2021. Then again, the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate just landed in Malaysia not that long ago too.
Still, while the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate remains fresh, ASUS decided its time to launch their latest most powerful ASUS ROG Phone to date in Malaysia. If you have forgotten about the ASUS ROG Phone 5s, you get Qualcomm’s latest and greatest Snapdragon 888+ platform. Yes, it will be marginally more powerful than the ASUS ROG Phone 5 series.
Source: ASUS Malaysia
Source: ASUS Malaysia
Source: ASUS Malaysia
Source: ASUS Malaysia
Other than the System on a Chip platform that differs from the ROG Phone 5s and ROG Phone 5, there is not much else that separates the two devices. They virtually look the same, and you might think that they might be the same devices put side-by-side. The ROG Phone 5s also comes one regular variant, and one Pro variant, very much like the older ROG Phone 5. There is no Ultimate variant for this though.
You can regard the 5s Pro as the replacement to the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate though. The Pro variant comes with an overkill 18GB of RAM space and 512GB of storage. That is alongside the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+. You also get the little customizable ROG Vision OLED display at the back of the device with the ASUS ROG Phone 5s Pro.
Variants
Retail price
Availability
Warranty
Remark
Colour
SD888+/8GB Ram/128GB Storage
RM2,999
Oct-21
1 Year
Not included: AeroActive cooler
Phantom Black & Storm White
SD888+/16GB Ram/256GB Storage
RM3,799
Oct-21
1 Year
Not included: AeroActive cooler
Phantom Black & Storm White
Pro SD888+/18GB Ram/512GB Storage
RM4,999
Oct-21
1 Year
Included: AeroActive cooler ROG Vision: Coloured
Phantom Black
Accessories
Price
Availability
Warranty
ROG Kunai 3 Gamepad (for ROG Phone 5)
RM499
Oct-21
3 Months
LIGHTING ARMOR CASE (ROG5)
RM199
Oct-21
3 Months
AeroActive Cooler 5
RM149
Oct-21
1 Year
ROG Clip
RM149
Oct-21
3 Months
ROG Phone 5 Screen Protector
RM79
Oct-21
nil
ROG KUNAI 3 BUMPER
RM69
Oct-21
3 Months
ROG 1.8M USB-C TO C CABLE
RM59
Oct-21
6 Months
The ROG Phone 5s series will be available in Malaysia from the 21st of October 2021 onward. The device will be available in two colours – Phantom Black and Storm White. The top-of-the-line Pro variant will be available only in one colour option though, the Phantom Black. You also only get the AeroActive cooler bundled with the Pro variant. The regular device starts at MYR 2,999 (8GB + 128GB). There is also a second option (16GB + 256GB) that retails at MYR 3,799. The range-topping Pro variant meanwhile will be sold for MYR 4,999. For more information on the ASUS ROG Phone 5s and its Pro variant, you can visit their website. Or, you can pre-order your ASUS ROG Phone 5s or ROG Phone 5s Pro now.
HMD Global seems to be pushing more Nokia devices this year and even entering new spaces. The latest device to enter the Nokia portfolio is an Android-powered tablet – the Nokia T120. The tablet also marks the brand’s first entry into the tablet space since it was first relaunched. It’s also part of a resurgence in the Android tablet space which has been spearheaded by the likes of Lenovo, Samsung and Xiaomi.
The Nokia T20 is a unique tablet. It comes with a UNISOC system on a chip. Never heard of them? Well, UNISOC is a Chinese semiconductor company. The specific SoC used is the UNISOC Tiger T610 which is an octa-core processor. It’s a 12nm chip with two high-performance Cortex A75 cores and six high-efficiency Cortex A55 cores clocked. The caveat, if you haven’t picked up on it just yet, is that the cores are relatively dated. The A75s were last used in Qualcomm’s 2017 flagship Snapdragon 845. However, that may be a boon to Nokia’s new tablet as it’s definitely a factor in keeping the price down.
The processor is complemented with either 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage or 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. If you need extra memory, there’s support for a microSD card. On the display side of things, the Nokia T20 comes with a 10.4-inch LCD with 2000×1200 pixel resolution and a 5:3 aspect ratio. It has “toughened glass” for protection. It supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth 5.0. There is also a 4G LTE variant that supports 4G connectivity. On the camera front, it has a 5-megapixel selfie camera and an 8-megapixel main sensor. The Nokia T20 is powered by an 8,200mAh battery capable of 15W fast charging through a USB-C cable. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The tablet itself will have an aluminium back which should give it some added durability. HMD is claiming that the battery will be able to last up to 15 hours on a single charge. The company has also committed to three years of security updates and 2 years of major Android updates for the tablet. The Nokia T20 will launch with Android 11.
Pricing & Availability
The Nokia T20 will be making its way to select markets starting on October 6, 2021. It will be priced at €UR199 (MYR961.49) for the Wi-Fi only version. The 4G LTE version will be priced at €UR239 (MYR1,154.78).
It will only be available in Nokia’s signature Ocean Blue colour.
Console gaming was given new life with the launch of the Nintendo Switch. Since then, it seems like the new normal for consoles is to walk the tightrope between being portable and being a full-fledged console. Only recently, we saw Valve announce a competitor to Nintendo’s most popular console with the Steam Deck. It seems like the Switch may have another competitor coming its way with the Lenovo “Legion Play”.
I know, I know – we don’t usually cover leaks here at techENT but this was too good to ignore.
We’re all familiar with Lenovo’s Legion brand. It’s the company’s lineup made for gamers. They have been releasing some of the best performing and looking laptops since their inception and, of course, the Legion Phone Duel lineup. It seems like they are looking to include hand-held consoles to their repertoire as well.
The Lenovo Legion Play was accidentally uncovered by users over at GBAtemp.net on Lenovo’s MWC 2021 website. That said, the Legion Play was never officially announced at MWC 2021 or Lenovo’s Tech World. Instead, the images that were discovered were pretty well hidden and their links lead to a blank page.
The Lenovo Legion Play seems to be an Android-powered handheld console. However, the write up indicates that this console may not support any physical media. Instead, it’s referred to as a “cloud-gaming console”. This could mean that Lenovo isn’t developing this alone. In fact, one of the renders features NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW front and centre. However, this clearly indicates that Lenovo is looking to take on the Steam Deck with cloud gaming.
While we don’t really know the full specs of the device, from what was stumbled upon, it looks like quite the machine. It comes with a 7-inch FHD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The display has HDR10 support and the Legion Play itself seems to have built-in controllers, dual speakers and dual vibration motors. It’s also powered by a 7,000mAh battery.
Source: Liliputing
From the renders, we can make out a D-pad, two analogue sticks, the A, B, X, Y buttons, and shoulder buttons. There may possibly be a few more buttons on the face of the console. The overall design looks really sleek – reminiscent of a PS Vita. Renders also show a custom interface atop Android. The interface seems to take a few cues from the Nintendo Switch. With games being front and centre while other apps take the backseat under them.
While we don’t really know much else, the Legion Play could have been a really interesting device to have in the market. It could also be priced more affordably than their Legion Phone Duel. However, we can’t be sure if the machine will ever see the light of day. Lenovo could choose to forgo launching the Legion Play indefinitely or we could see it launched in the next few months.
Xiaomi just launched their new Xiaomi 11T series globally last week. This week, the new Xiaomi device is finally here. Well, it was not a long wait anyway.
If you haven’t known yet, the new Xiaomi 11T series is the latest flagship series coming from the Chinese giant. For eagle eyed viewers as well, you will be right in pointing out that the latest Xiaomi 11T does not carry the Mi branding anymore. The Xiaomi 11T series are the first devices not to carry the Mi branding as well.
As per the global launch, they launched the entire Xiaomi 11T line-up including the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE. They also launched the Xiaomi Pad 5 tablet for good measure. At the same time, the launch comes with a few attractive deals.
Xiaomi 11T and Xiaomi 11T Pro
The new Xiaomi 11T series picks up where the Xiaomi Mi 11 left off. You get a very powerful 108-Megapixel main camera. You get a 2x telemacro lens as well alongside an ultra-wide-angle lens to work with. The new 108-Megapixel sensor also allows the Xiaomi 11T devices to shoot videos at 8K resolution with HDR10+ colours. At the same time the Xiaomi 11T and 11T Pro are also equipped with a 6.67-inch Full HD+ 120Hz AMOLED TrueColor displays that can push 1 billion colours at HDR10+ standards. With up to 480Hz touch sampling rate, gaming should be quite an experience with this device.
Xiaomi 11T Pro
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
The new Xiaomi 11T Pro packs a very powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 System on a Chip (SoC). Because it is a Qualcomm device, you also get speedy charging. It is not like any other fast-charging technology though. It takes fast charging technology to a whole new level. Instead of just charging at a measly 60W speeds, the Xiaomi 11T Pro charges at 120W. How Xiaomi achieves this speed, the Xiaomi 11T Pro splits its large 5,000mAh battery into two and each charge at 60W simultaneously. That results in a full charge in just 17 minutes from nothing. With Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, the Xiaomi 11T Pro is an entertainment powerhouse, especially with SOUND by Harman Kardon tuned speakers.
Xiaomi 11T
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
The Xiaomi 11T packs a MediaTek Dimensity 1200-Ultra chipset instead of the Qualcomm. It does not mean that the Xiaomi 11T is a much less powerful device though. The Xiaomi 11T is a 5G device still. While you do not get 120W in charging speed, the Xiaomi 11T still charges at 67W speed with a 36 minutes 100% charge.
Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
The most budget friendly smartphone device of the bunch is the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE. It does not look anything like the Xiaomi 11T, to be fair. It retains the Xiaomi Mi 11 look. It sports a 6.55-inch AMOLED DotDisplay with Full HD+ resolution with 10-bit TrueColor support with Dolby Vision that makes this Xiaomi 11 Lite an entertainment powerhouse still.
Out the back is 64-Megapixel main camera supported by an 8-Megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 5-Megapixel telemacro lens. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G SoC, the Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE is still powerful enough for more AI camera effects and even cinema effects. Keeping all of these working on overtime is a 4,250mAh battery with 33W fast charging technology.
Xiaomi Pad 5
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
Source: Xiaomi
The new Xiaomi Pad 5 is really an Android tablet that you can look at and ask; “should my Android tablet be more expensive than this?”. While it is not the most powerful Android tablet you can find in the market, it is still a formidable one. It also comes with a smart (Xiaomi Smart Pen) stylus like all the other Android tablets.
The Xiaomi Pad 5 comes with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 SoC, a 7nm flagship class SoC that is still very capable despite its age. There is a 13-Megapixel camera out the back and an 8-Megapixel working out front for video calls and selfies, if you are into that kind of thing with a tablet. The display is a very fast 120Hz WQHD+ 11-inch display. The display is also a Dolby Vision display paired to Dolby Atmos quad speakers. All these are powered by a large 8,720mAh battery to keep them running all day.
Price and Availability
The Xiaomi 11T and Xiaomi 11T Pro will be available in Malaysia 2nd of October 2021 onward on Lazada and Shopee, in authorised Mi stores, and other authorised retailers in Malaysia. Xiaomi 11T Pro will start at MYR 2,099 and tops out at MYR 2,299. The Xiaomi 11T will start at MYR 1,699 and tops out at MYR 1,899. Both the Xiaomi 11T and 11T Pro will be available in Meteorite Gray, Moonlight White, and Celestial Blue.
The Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE will be available today onward via Lazada and Shopee as well. It will also be available in authorised Mi stores and other official retailers across Malaysia. The Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE will come in Truffle Black, Bubblegum Blue, Peach Pink, and a Snowflake White. You can get your hands on one for MYR 1,199 onward and tops out at MYR 1,599 (8GB + 256GB).
The Xiaomi Pad 5 will be available today onward as well on Lazada. Later, you can get the Xiaomi Pad 5 will be available in authorised Mi stores and other official retailers, including on Shopee. The Xiaomi Pad 5 is now available in Cosmic Gray and Pearl White. The Xiaomi Smart Pen is sold separately with no confirmed price and availability yet at this time.
The Xiaomi 11T series goes on pre-order today onward until 29th of September 2021 (11.59 p.m.) with various premium free gifts. Customers stands a chance to win a 43-inch Mi P1 TV when they buy the new Xiaomi 11T series from the 2nd of October to 4th of October 2021 onward. Customers who purchased the Xiaomi 11T series before the 31st of October 2021 will receive one free screen repair within the first six months of purchase on top of a 1+1 year limited warranty. Any purchase of the Xiaomi 11 5G NE will receive a free screen repair within the first six months of purchase.
More information on the Xiaomi 11T, 11T Pro, Xiaomi 11 5G NE, and the Xiaomi Pad 5 can be found on their website.
Less than a month ago, vivo announced their new flagship series: the vivo X70 series. The new flagship series is the first to come with vivo’s new in-house imaging processor, the V1 imaging processor. The new smartphone continues to push vivo’s aspirations of becoming the go-to brand when it comes to smartphone photography.
Source: vivo
The vivo X70 series packs a custom MediaTek Dimensity 1200 which gives the phones 5G connectivity. It also comes with the lineup’s signature Gimbal Stabilization for its ZEISS co-engineered cameras. This time all the series’ cameras come with ZEISS T* coating which promises better photography performance. The series is also one of the first to feature extendable RAM technology.
The vivo X70 and X70 Pro both come with quad-camera setups which allow users to get the most out of their partnership with ZEISS. The smartphones come with multi-sensor setups for their cameras. The vivo X70 has a triple camera setup with a 40-megapixel main sensor paired with two 12-megapixel sensors. The X70 Pro on the other hand comes with a quad-camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor paired with two 12-megapixel sensors and an additional 8-megapixel sensor. You can get the full details in our coverage of its initial announcement.
Source: vivo
Together with the X70, vivo also announced their new entries into their true wireless earbuds: the TWS 2e and TWS 2 ANC. As the name suggests, the TWS 2 ANC comes with active noise cancelling so you can tune out the world. The 2e is your regular run-of-the-mill true wireless earbuds. Both come with touch capabilities and have aptX compatibility.
Pricing and Availability
The vivo X70 series will be available off shelves starting on 1 October 2021. The X70 will retail for MYR2,499 while the X70 Pro comes in at MYR3,299. There is no word yet on if and when the X70 Pro+ will be available.
They are now available for pre-order through their various dealers and online stores. Pre-orders of both will be entitled to vivo’s Protection Plus service which provides an extra year of warranty and 1-year screen crack protection worth MYR399. In addition, pre-orders of the X70 Pro will also receive a Bluetooth Soundbar and VIU TV membership card worth MYR400; while X70 pre-orders will be entitled to a Bluetooth speaker, high-speed car charger and VIU TV membership worth MYR200.
vivo’s TWS 2 series earbuds are also available for pre-order. Those who pre-order the smartphones will also be able to take advantage of the purchase with purchase promo for the TWS 2 series. The TWS 2e will be available for MYR68 while the TWS 2 ANC will be available for MYR98 as a part of the promo. They will retail at MYR269 for the TWS 2e and MYR369 for the TWS 3 ANC.
Microsoft’s Surface Duo made quite the splash in its initial outing. The smartphone rethought the notion of foldable devices with a more productivity centred approach. This year, Microsoft is doubling down on their approach with the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 which bumps the specs and functionality of the smartphone.
The Surface Duo 2 comes with the Snapdragon 888 paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. Microsoft has also increased the size of the screens on the Duo 2 to 5.8 inches with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Both screens individually have a resolution of 1892×1344 pixels. When viewed side to side, it has an 8.3-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and resolution of 2688×1892 pixels.
The cameras on the Surface Duo 2 have also been updated. The foldable now comes with a triple camera array for its main camera setup. The array is made of a 12-megapixel wide sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, a 12-megapixel telephoto sensor with an f/2.4 aperture and a 16-megapixel ultra-wide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. This is a big upgrade from the single sensor that was on the Surface Duo. On the front, the Duo 2 still sports a single 12-megapixel sensor with an f/2.0 sensor.
Aside from that, the Surface Duo 2 remains one of the thinnest smartphones in the market. It comes in at 11mm thick when closed and 5.5mm when opened. It supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth5.1 and has a fingerprint reader. It’s powered by a 4,449mAh battery with support for fast charging.
It’s Not Just About Hardware
Microsoft leaned into innovating technology which made an impact. With the Surface Duo 2, they are staying true. The focus isn’t just on the hardware, Microsoft has been working on the software of the Duo. They have optimised their version of Android 11 for the Duo 2 packing it with features that make sense for the dual-screen setup.
They have created an extended experience that takes advantage of the slight curves of the Surface Duo 2’s screens when closed. With the Glance Bar, you will now be able to tell how many notifications you have when the screen is closed. The same feature can also be used to tell your battery capacity when charging.
Microsoft is also banking on a more seamless experience across its Windows 11 devices and the Surface Duo 2. They have updated the Microsoft launcher with a UI that is both familiar and utilitarian – similar to the one we see on Windows 11. These optimisations also include widgets that share the same approach.
Aside from this, the Surface Duo 2 comes with a lift to wake feature. This wakes the screen as soon as you lift it making things feel snappier and quicker. Of course, Microsoft XBOX App with Game Pass also makes an appearance on the Surface Duo 2. In fact, it comes with optimisations that turn one screen of the Duo 2 into a controller. This will allow you to have an uninterrupted gaming experience across the two screens.
Pricing & Availability
The Surface Duo 2 will be available in select countries starting October 21, 2021. It will be retailing at USD$1,499.99 (MYR6,271.80) for the 128GB version, USD$1,599.99 (MYR6,690.38) for the 256GB version and USD$1,799.99 (MYR7,526.69) for the 512GB version. It will be available in two colours: Obsidian and glacier.
Pre-orders are starting today in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany and Japan. Units will start shipping on October 21, 2021.
There is no indication just yet if the Duo 2 will be making its way to other countries after its initial rollout.
