TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, LinkedIn – we can’t deny that social media is everywhere nowadays. It wasn’t that long ago when we could only find celebrities from magazines, TV shows and movies. Today, we’ve got the power of becoming a celebrity in the palm of your hands – literally. We’re so intertwined with social media that we need a companion that can adapt and allow us to shoot and edit on the fly. This is where Samsung’s new Galaxy AI-enabled Galaxy Z Flip6 comes in with its nifty tricks and practical features.
I’m not joking when I say that the Galaxy Z Flip6 is one of the most compact smartphones available right now. It literally is the size of your palm when it’s closed. It’s not just small – it’s powerful. A compact powerhouse that is packing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 – the latest high-end processor. It’s thanks to this the Flip6 can run apps like Adobe Rush or CapCut without breaking a sweat.
50-Megapixel Dual Sensor Camera When You Capture
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves, before we edit we need to shoot. The Flip6 comes with a dual camera setup that has a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor. This setup is not only versatile, it’s got enough megapixels to capture every detail. You’ll be able to use this dual setup even when you’re in front of the camera thanks to Flex Cam- a signature for all Z Flip series phones.
Auto Zoom & Flex Mode When You’re Creating
This year we get a little bit more with Auto Zoom. The new feature makes sure that you get the whole picture – whether it’s a wefie or a full-body shot. You’ll also be able to shoot video like a pro with the Flex Mode Camcorder grip too. The mode allows you to have a better grip when shooting video minimizing unwanted shaking and putting you in control.
Did I forget? You’ll be using a large 3.4-inch display as a cover screen with 1600 nits peak brightness. Not only will be able to see what you’re capturing; You’ll be able to see it even under direct sunlight.
Galaxy AI When You’re Editing or Just Need Some Spice
Got the perfect pic but something’s in the background? Galaxy AI in the Galaxy Z Flip6 allows you to remove it with a simple long press. If that doesn’t do it, you can circle to highlight what you want gone. Galaxy AI won’t only remove it, it’ll make it seem like it was never there, to begin with. Maybe you don’t want to get rid of it totally, but just replace it with something else; Galaxy AI definitely has your back with Generative Fill.
Captured a picture that’s missing that special something? Galaxy AI is coming to your rescue in the Flip6. You can literally sketch anything! I mean look at this… I sketched the vaguest piggy… and it created a happy one to accompany me during coffee! Want to turn that funny picture into a sticker? Long press and tap. That’s all it takes. Galaxy AI will do the rest.
Don’t feel like posting a selfie? You can use Samsung’s Portrait Studio to generate illustrated pictures of yourself. You’ll be able to choose from one of five styles and Galaxy AI will do the rest. This feature has to be one of the most fun Galaxy AI features you have on this phone. It’s a blast when you’ve got a kid around and you use this. It’ll keep them entertained for a hot second!
These features are just some of the features that will help you create posts that will get you those likes. Perhaps the best reason the Galaxy Z Flip6 is going to be your social media pal is the fact that it has a battery that can last more than 9 hours on a single charge even when you’re busy making content. I’m pretty sure you’ll even be taking your social media game to the next level with awesome pictures and even some funny ones courtesy of your Galaxy Z Flip6.
Samsung is rolling out its latest software update, One UI 6.1.1, to a wider range of Galaxy devices, bringing advanced AI functionalities previously exclusive to the Galaxy S24 series. This update empowers users with a more intelligent and convenient mobile experience across communication, productivity, and creativity.
The Galaxy S24 series debuted One UI 6.1.1 earlier this year, showcasing advancements in on-device and cloud-based AI. This update expands on Samsung’s commitment to “democratizing” mobile AI by making these features accessible to a broader user base.
One of the key beneficiaries of this update is the Galaxy S23 series. Users can now experience the following AI-powered features:
Communication that Transcends Barriers:
Transcript Assist: Easily transcribe meeting recordings, generate summaries, and translate content for clear and concise communication.
Productivity Unparalleled:
Note Assist: Simplify note-taking with AI-powered features like creating formats, generating summaries, and translating notes for enhanced organization and efficiency.
Browsing Assist: Stay informed with comprehensive summaries of news articles, allowing you to grasp key information quickly.
Unstoppable Creativity for Your Inner Artist:
Generative Edit: Effortlessly resize, reposition, or realign objects in photos for picture-perfect compositions.
Edit Suggestion: Enhance your photos with AI-powered suggestions, saving you time and effort.
Instant Slow-mo: Capture fleeting moments with even more detail by generating additional frames for slow-motion videos.
Beyond the Galaxy S23 series, One UI 6.1.1 brings these AI functionalities to the Galaxy S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, and Tab S9 series.
Availability
The software update for the Samsung Galaxy S23 series in Malaysia and other countries begins rolling out on September 9th, 2024. Updates for additional Galaxy devices will be available in the coming weeks.
Acer has made a triumphant return to the tablet market with the launch of the Iconia Tab P11 and Iconia Tab A8. These versatile tablets offer a seamless blend of entertainment and education, making them ideal for families and students alike.
Iconia Tab P11: Immersive Entertainment
The Iconia Tab P11 boasts a stunning 11-inch 2K QLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and 100% NTSC wide colour gamut. This vibrant screen delivers exceptional visuals for streaming content, editing photos, and more. The tablet’s sleek aluminium alloy design and compact form factor make it easy to carry and use on the go.
Powered by an Octa-Core processor and 8GB of RAM, the Iconia Tab P11 offers smooth multitasking and ample performance for demanding tasks. With 256GB of expandable storage, you’ll have plenty of space for your apps, files, and media. The tablet’s long-lasting 8,000mAh battery provides up to 13 hours of video playback, ensuring you can enjoy your favourite content without interruption.
Iconia Tab A8: A Versatile Learning Companion
The Iconia Tab A8 is a smaller and more affordable option designed for entertainment and education. It features an 8.7-inch IPS display with narrow bezels, offering a comfortable viewing experience. The tablet’s powerful processor and 4GB of RAM ensure smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
With a focus on education, the Iconia Tab A8 comes equipped with Google Kids Space, a safe and fun environment for children to explore educational content. Parents can also manage screen time and content access to ensure a positive learning experience.
Pricing and Availability
Both the Iconia Tab P11 and Iconia Tab A8 are now available for purchase in Malaysia. The Iconia Tab P11 is priced at RM1,099, while the Iconia Tab A8 is priced at RM699.
To celebrate the launch, Acer is offering a special discount of RM100 on both models until September 14th, 2024. Additionally, customers will receive a free casing with every purchase.
vivo and iQOO have made a triumphant entry into East Malaysia with the grand opening of their new brand store in Kota Kinabalu in Imago Mall. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the brands hosted a thrilling Honor of Kings (HOK) esports tournament, drawing enthusiastic crowds and showcasing their commitment to providing innovative products and exciting experiences to consumers in the region.
The store opening and HOK tournament were a resounding success, attracting long queues of eager customers and passionate gaming enthusiasts. The tournament servers as vivo’s platform to showcase it’s iQOO Z9, a powerful gaming smartphone demonstrating its capabilities to potential buyers.
The iQOO Z9 is a gaming powerhouse that was launched earlier this year. The smartphone is designed to excel in competitive titles like HOK. Equipped with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, it delivers exceptional performance, ensuring smooth gameplay even during intense battles. The device’s long-lasting battery and fast charging capabilities keep you powered up throughout the day, while its 144Hz AMOLED display offers ultra-smooth visuals for lightning-fast reactions. The advanced cooling system further enhances performance by preventing overheating.
The HOK tournament was a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the skills and passion of the participating teams. The competition was fierce, with players demonstrating their mastery of the game and engaging in intense battles. [Type-C] emerged as the champion, securing the coveted RM2000 prize. [D’vision] and [Buaya Lucu] claimed second and third place, respectively, each taking home RM500.
The new concept store is being launched on the heels of the brand’s new midrange flagship – the vivo V40 series that brings professional grade camera performance with their ZEISS partnership and the company’s latest take on the aura light.
As Foldable smartphones become more mainstream, we see brands push to stand out from the crowd with everything but the kitchen sink. Large cover displays, even larger cover displays, interactive cover screens, and even fully interactive home screens built for flip phones. Each one seems to be “better” than the rest.
So how’s Samsung looking to separate itself from the pack? Well, it seems like this year, it’s all about Galaxy AI. Samsung’s approach to integrating generative AI experiences is what stands out, but is that enough to justify the increased price point? We’re looking to answer that with our in-depth review of the Galaxy Z Flip6.
Design
Samsung’s latest approach to flip phones isn’t turning its tried and true form factor on its head in any way. In fact, the company is doubling down on the design cues it introduced with the Z Flip5 and is using them to bring even more software features that make the experience more refined. Let’s start off with the cover screen – the surface we’re sure you’ll be interacting with the most. It’s the same design as last year’s Flip5, with the same folder-esque design that allows a sneak peek into your smartphone. However, Samsung has brought some, more thoughtful experiences to the cover screen allowing you to access more with one screen and reduce swiping between panels. We’ll cover this more extensively in the software portion of the review.
The biggest difference you may notice from the get-go is the slimmer form factor of the Galaxy Flip6. While there’s no change in the actual measurements, Samsung’s new design approach has definitely given the appearance of the phone itself being slimmer and easier to manoeuvre in one hand. There’s more traction when you grip the phone and it feels – somehow – more ergonomic. This is largely due to the more angular design of the phone overall; something we saw even with the Galaxy S24 series earlier this year.
That said, the best improvement comes in the improvements that come with the hinge. While outwardly there doesn’t seem to be much in terms of visual updates. Samsung has updated the hinge mechanism to be more efficient and have a simpler design. This has translated into a phone that is a lot lighter than its predecessor. Not only that, the crease which has become the one pain point in any foldable smartphone is less apparent even after prolonged use over 2-3 weeks. While it is visible at some angles, there is less of a palpable dip where the crease is.
Lastly, when it comes to design, I, personally am in love with the new colour offerings from Samsung. The new more muted pastel colours are definitely more aesthetic and fitting for the Flip line which has become Samsung’s “express yourself” foldable. My personal favourite at the time of writing is the Blue and Mint. However, the crafted black is a close second to these. The introduction of the more masculine “Crafted Black” is also a plus for the Z Flip6.
Hardware
Samsung isn’t just showing some change in the design aesthetics of the Z Flip6, it’s also bringing some much-needed updates to the Flip’s hardware giving it more versatility and power under the hood. These improvements don’t necessarily revolutionize the user experience much, but some of them do impact the features and the user experience.
Samsung’s One UI interface has unified the user experience across devices – more or less. The near-homogenous experience is not a bad thing as users coming from a standard smartphone have less of a hurdle adapting to the new smartphone. However, the unified UI appearance also hides the many improvements that Samsung has made on a software level when it comes to One UI.
Let’s start off with the accessibility upgrades that come with One UI 6.1.1 – this also applies to Samsung flagships like the S24 series. The notification shade of One UI 6.1.1 is more useful. The screen brightness slider is also equipped with quick toggles for dark mode and eye comfort when you open the full notification shade. On top of that, Samsung has updated the design to be cleaner and less cluttered overall. The quick toggles are stored within their own space. This has been made a little further from surrounding items and in a different shade for better visual separation. It also makes sure you know exactly how many quick toggles you have and allows you sort it the way you like it.
Aside from this, Samsung has been hard at work improving foldable device experiences when it comes to its UX. This started with Samsung’s version of Android 12L which optimised Android itself for better large screen experiences. With the Flip6, Samsung perfects these optimisations even more with new modes and ways to use the smartphone.
Of course, like all Flip devices in the past, you’re able to use the smartphone semi-folded with the lower screen becoming a touchpad in FlexMode. However, Samsung has made this feature even more useful when it comes to the camera app. For people like me who have shaky hands, you’ll be able to have a little better control with a more camcorder-like interface when you have the Flip6 semi-open. This will hopefully give you more stability but it also gives you easier access to all your camera settings easily when shooting.
In addition to this, One UI on the cover screen comes with a whole slew of new optimizations that allow you to make the Z Flip6 truly yours. The extensive customizability starts with the screen saver where you’ll be able to choose from a vast selection of wallpapers and set it up the way you want it. This also plays into Samsung’s Flipsuit cases which bring a new level of interactivity when it comes to personalization. That said, the biggest change is the useful addition of multiple widgets into one screen – something we’ll go into further detail in the multitasking section.
Performance
The performance of Samsung’s Flip series is now truly on par with Samsung’s other flagships in all aspects aside from the camera. This also includes the introduction of features that extend the user experience and tweaks that make the smartphone more efficient when it comes to battery life while squeezing every ounce of performance from the hardware.
Multitasking & Productivity
Multitasking and productivity have become a mainstay in any version of One UI. However, there haven’t been many features that have made the Flip a multitasking device until now – this is particularly true when it comes to the improvements on the cover display.
The interface on the cover display comes with a new mode which allows you to set up multiple widgets on a single tile. This has been one of the most impactful features of the Flip6. You’ll be able to set up to four compatible widgets on a cover screen tile. This allows you to get all of the information you need from things like Samsung Health at one go or set up a screen with quick widgets to use apps like recorder. This came in clutch for me on multiple occasions when I was doing interviews – it made things quick and efficient, to say the least.
In addition to this, the Galaxy Z Flip6 comes with the usual split-screen features that we’re used to seeing in any smartphone. This allows you to use two apps simultaneously when needed. Need more? The popup window will allow you one additional window. That said, these run-of-the-mill productivity features are just par for the course of any smartphone at this point.
Call Quality & Connectivity
The Flip6 has crisp call quality and a bevvy of connectivity options including 5G as we would expect from an industry leader like Samsung. The Z Flip6 that we got for review isn’t the usual one for the Malaysian market with dual SIM capabilities. However, you could use the eSIM capabilities of the smartphone to get the same result.
Being a flagship device, it comes as no surprise that the Z Flip6 comes with all the bells and whistles that you’d expect when it comes to connectivity. As mentioned, it comes with 5G support which gives you access to blazing fast speeds where available. In addition to this, you have WiFi 6e support (yes, tech enthusiasts it only has WiFi 6e and not WiFi 7; maybe next year?). This should give you enough speed over WiFi to download apps in the blink of an eye – aside from games, those may take several blinks. It also comes with Bluetooth 5.3 and LE support which is audio devices.
Speaking of audio devices, Bluetooth performance on the Flip6 is pretty good. You can high fidelity audio thanks to AptX and it translates when you use a good set of headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and HiFi audio streaming apps like TIDAL. There are hardly any signal drops or packet losses and the audio stream is still stable across 1 or 2 rooms.
Gaming
Gaming on the Galaxy Z Flip6 is a mixed bag. Don’t get me wrong – the phone performs well – but my focus on making sure I don’t do irreversible damage to it detracts from the gaming experience.
Let’s be straight – there’s no two ways about it. The Flip6 has the insides to perform swimmingly when it comes to games. I mean, I did test it with games like Solo Levelling and Diablo Immortal. These games played well with literally no problems when it came to rendering and fluidity. That said, it did get a bit warm which is to be expected. Even on high-speed games like Need For Speed and Asphalt 8 there was little to no visual aberrations. In fact, on racing games, the phone felt cooler which is to be expected as games like Solo Levelling and Diablo Immortal have many items on the screen at once.
However, the gaming experience for me is affected by my own concerns about the hinge and damaging it. While the hinge is markedly improved from the Flip5, I still can’t get the feeling that if I’m a little too rough with the phone it will affect the hinge – especially since I’m holding it horizontally where it’s most vulnerable. It’s also worth noting that this isn’t a concern exclusively with Z Flip6, as long as the hinge is vulnerable – it’s a concern. Ironically, the same hinge on the Fold6 doesn’t feel as vulnerable when you’re gaming on it. To be fair, this is not something that I would hold against the Flip6.
Battery Life
Battery life is where I would say the biggest improvements come for the Flip6 hardware. It’s gotten a small bump to 5,000mAh but this has translated to pretty significant improvements when it comes to user experience. In synthetic benchmarks, the battery life improvement was only about an hour or 2 at most which is insignificant.
However, when I was using the phone daily this translated to me needing to charge the phone every 1 and a half days. That’s right – 1.5 days – and I’m not talking about working hours. I literally charged the phone every other day. This was with me synching 7 email accounts excluding Gmail and using Instagram and other social media apps continually.
This is huge for people who work on the go as it also means you’re not screwed if you forget to charge your phone. What’s more with quick charging on the smartphone, it is easy to get 10-20% when commuting if you need the top-up.
Galaxy AI
I had to carve out a special section for Galaxy AI in this review simply because that seems to be the push that’s becoming mainstream. We all know Galaxy AI by now with the Galaxy S24 series pushing it and also the emphasis Samsung has placed on it in its promotional items. So, I thought it’d be best to see how these features affected my day to day with the Flip6.
The biggest Galaxy AI feature that I found myself using is the Object Eraser tool. I used this to remove a lot of unwanted items from my pictures to varying degrees of success. This was a welcomed tool when you have to get images for clients or even if something ruined your perfect shot for Social media. That said, other image tools like Sketch to image and even Portrait Studio are welcomed features but I didn’t find myself using them on a daily basis. They’re definitely fun but I didn’t find myself using them too often.
Samsung’s Galaxy AI also has a transcribe feature that came in handy. I found myself using it a lot to transcribe interview recordings. However, Galaxy AI was very hit or miss with the Malaysian accent. Hopefully, this improves with time. That said, Galaxy AI’s other translation features definitely came in handy. Things like live translate will definitely see a lot of use if you deal with people overseas a lot. I only found myself using it to translate WhatsApp chats with my friends from overseas to get my message across more easily in their languages.
Aside from that, Galaxy AI didn’t’ really impact my day-to-day use of the phone. However, that seems to be the place where Generative AI is when it comes to daily interactions and usage now. We’re still in the early days and I expect that these features will become more useful as we progress.
Display
The display of the Galaxy Z Flip6 is one we’re used to seeing in Samsung flagships – a flexible Dynamic AMOLED 2X. The Flip6 comes with an FHD+ resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. The display itself is a lot more robust and capable of vivid colours and deep blacks. However, like other AMOLED panels, the panel tends to oversaturate some colours like reds and oranges when pumped up to vivid settings. However, in its natural tone mode, it feels a little washed out. These are, however, issues that can be addressed through software updates later on. Samsung’s inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate is also a plus which brings buttery smooth and fluid animations and a little bit of an edge when it comes to games like PUBG Mobile.
The only thing that takes some getting used to when it comes to the display on the Flip5 is the aspect ratio. With most phones coming with a 16:9 aspect ratio, the 22:9 aspect ratio will seem a little weird at first. You will notice black bars on videos that you usually wouldn’t have any. However, these issues will take a backseat as you continue to use the device.
The FlexWindow or Cover display is the hallmark of this smartphone. The Super AMOLED panel in the FlexWindow does its job pretty well. It delivers high-quality images with good colour reproduction. You wont even realise that it only has a 60Hz refresh rate. However, I don’t think Samsung was prepared for users like me who end up using this display more than the main display. But for all the functions that are possible on the screen, it excels at delivering a near-perfect experience.
Cameras
The Galaxy Z Flip6 continues to come with a dual sensor setup when it comes to its main cameras. However, this year, the Flip6 comes with a larger 50-megapixel main sensor. This is a huge improvement when it comes to the number of megapixels in the main sensor, however, the impact isn’t as apparent when it comes to actual pictures. The main sensor is complemented with a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor that brings some versatility when it comes to shooting with the smartphone.
That said, the Galaxy Z Flip6’s overall performance when it comes to the camera isn’t bad by any means. It just falls short of what we expect from Samsung after seeing its prowess with the Galaxy S24 series. Where the Z Fold6 seems to be elevated to parity with the S24, the Flip6 is relegated to an awkward space that falls in between a Galaxy A series smartphone and Samsung’s flagships.
Let me break this down a little bit, the Galaxy Z Flip6 takes good, detailed pictures with one big caveat it needs to have the right lighting conditions. It struggles when it comes to less than ideal situations but it doesn’t fall flat. Take for instance one of the pictures in the carousel below – it was taken against a spotlight in the setup of the area we were in and the details are washed out. This was the same in low lighting. Mind you, this was taken with the front camera setup a 50MP + 12MP setup. That said, I can’t come down too hard on the Flip6 for this as it can be addressed with software updates.
However, aside from that, the main camera setup performs very well. Even indoors with downlights, the camera was able to produce good, detailed pictures. It helps that the algorithm in the camera seems to be able to uplift the final product without losing too much detail. The colours of the pictures are also pretty vibrant. The pictures look lively and the colours pop.
The 10-megapixel front-facing camera on the Flip6 was essentially relegated to video calls. While I did end up using it once or twice for selfies, I found myself defaulting to the Cover Screen to get a good, high-quality selfie with the main camera. Samsung’s new autoframe feature adds to this conundrum. I doubt I’m alone when it comes to this. It’s simply more convenient and produces a better picture.
The Galaxy Z Flip6 Gets More Substance with Productivity-focused Features and Galaxy AI but Isn’t Indomitable Yet
The Galaxy Z Flip6 is a great update to the lineup. It brings a lot of meaningful, sought-after improvements. Galaxy AI brings a lot more substance to a phone that was once thought to be very superficial. The same can be said about the updated specifications and supercharged performance optimisations. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting the Flip6 to gain my vote as a productivity device but it certainly has changed my tone after using it. I’ve never disliked the lineup but it never was a consideration for an upgrade. However, with the new trajectory that the Flip6, it’s definitely is becoming a big contender.
However, the Z Flip still falls in that weird in-between space of being a flagship by price but a little less when it comes to performance. I feel like Samsung is a step away from truly making the Z Flip a “wow’ device that we’ve come to crave from the brand. That said, if you’re looking for a fashionable upgrade to your smartphone with a good amount of features – you should consider the Galaxy Z Flip6. It’s also why the Z Flip6 is being awarded a Writer’s Choice Award from techENT.
Google Wallet, the digital hub for storing payment methods, IDs, and transit passes, has just received a significant upgrade. The introduction of a new “Everything Else” section expands its functionality, allowing users to manage a wider range of digital essentials in a single, convenient location.
Launched in 2022, Google Wallet has quickly become a popular solution for contactless payments and digital identification; partially due to Android’s wide user base and adoption. It was seamlessly integrated with existing Android Pay functionality, allowing users to use credit and debit cards for quick and secure transactions. Additionally, the platform incorporated support for storing boarding passes, loyalty cards, and vaccine passports, streamlining the experience when on the go.
Now, with the “Everything Else” section, Google Wallet takes another step towards becoming a one-stop shop for everyday needs. This new feature lets users scan and save a variety of documents, including event tickets, gym memberships, and even insurance cards. Google’s AI technology comes into play by automatically recognizing the type of document and suggesting relevant information for easy access and organization.
For users in Malaysia, Google Wallet is fully compatible, offering all the existing features including contactless payments, boarding passes, and digital IDs. The addition of the “Everything Else” section further enhances its usability, providing a central location to manage a wider range of important documents.
While the “Everything Else” section is currently limited to the US, users in Malaysia can still benefit from the existing features of Google Wallet. With its convenient organization and secure storage, Google Wallet continues to be a valuable tool for managing finances, identification, and other important digital items.
Nubia’s gaming-centric smartphone, the RedMagic 9S Pro, has officially arrived in Malaysia, bringing with it a host of performance-focused features designed to cater to the demands of avid mobile gamers.
At the heart of the RedMagic 9S Pro is an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring smooth gameplay even for the most graphically intensive titles. To complement this powerful chipset, the device boasts up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a robust cooling system dubbed ICE 13.5 Magic Cooling, which combines a vapour chamber, a high-performance fan, and multiple layers of graphite to maintain optimal temperatures during extended gaming sessions.
The RedMagic 9S Pro also features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 720Hz touch sampling rate, providing a visually stunning and responsive gaming experience. To enhance the immersive gameplay, the device includes shoulder triggers for precise control and a 3.5mm headphone jack for audiophiles.
For photography enthusiasts, the Red Magic 9S Pro offers a triple-camera setup on the rear, featuring a 50MP main sensor. While primarily designed for gaming, the camera system is capable of capturing decent shots when needed.
ZTE is offering early bird incentives for those who pre-order the device. Customers who place a deposit of RM1 within the first seven days of pre-orders will receive a RM30 promo code.
Pricing & Availability
The RedMagic 9S Pro is available in two configurations:
12GB RAM + 256GB storage: RM3,499 in Sleet
16GB RAM + 512GB storage: RM4,399 in Cyclone and in Snowfall
Pre-orders for the Red Magic 9S Pro are open from August 10th to August 13th, 2024. All pre-orders will receive a free RedMagic Cooler VC 5 Pro worth RM249 while stocks last.
Blackmagic Design, one of the leading brands in professional video production equipment, has broadened the reach of its Blackmagic Camera app for Android. This update, released in July 2024, brings professional-grade mobile filmmaking capabilities to a wider range of users, including owners of the Google Pixel 6 series, Samsung Galaxy S21 and S22 lines, OnePlus 11 and 12 models, and Xiaomi 13 and 14 devices.
Source: BlackMagic Design
Previously, the Blackmagic Camera app was limited to a select few high-end smartphones, primarily Apple’s iPhone, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy flagships. This update brings more devices into the fold, allowing users better control of their smartphone cameras and expanding content creation horizons.
The Blackmagic Camera app transforms your smartphone into a powerful filmmaking tool. It goes beyond the limitations of native camera apps, offering features like:
Digital Film Profiles: Capture stunning visuals with professional-grade colour science, replicating the look of classic films.
RAW Recording: Record uncompressed video footage, offering maximum flexibility for colour grading and post-production adjustments.
Advanced Exposure Controls: Gain granular control over exposure with features like focus peaking, zebra stripes, and false colour monitoring.
Multiple Frame Rates: Choose from a variety of frame rates to achieve the desired visual effect, from smooth slow-motion to high-speed action sequences.
External Monitoring (via update): The latest update enables HDMI monitoring, allowing you to view your footage on a larger external display for more precise framing and focus control. (Availability may vary depending on the device)
Source: BlackMagic Design
This feature set empowers users to capture high-quality cinematic footage on their smartphones, previously achievable only with dedicated cameras.
The update expands beyond device compatibility. It introduces several new functionalities that enhance the overall user experience:
3D LUTs for Recording and Monitoring: Apply custom 3D LUTs (Look Up Tables) during recording and monitoring to achieve specific colour styles in real-time.
Pull Focus Transition Controls: Create smooth, cinematic focus transitions for a more polished look.
Blackmagic Cloud Integration: This update allows users to connect to Blackmagic Cloud for Organizations, facilitating collaboration and project sharing within teams.
These additions further elevate the app’s capabilities, providing users with greater creative control and streamlined workflows.
Honor has been carving out an impressive niche for itself as a company in the midrange with a unique stable of offerings that bring a variety of features. Their N series smartphones are taking a big step into becoming a photography hero for the mid-range with the company’s partnership with Harcourt. The new smartphone series promises a whole lot for a price point that doesn’t break the bank (much).
In this review, we’re going to break down the Honor 200 Pro and look at if the new features, design and price point make Honor’s Pro midrange offering a compelling price point. However, we’re looking to answer one big question: “Is the Honor 200 Pro worth your hard-earned money?”
Design
It’s very clear that Honor has no intention of being unassuming when it comes to the Honor 200 Pro. The company is taking a big leap when it comes to the specifications and it’s shouting it with a stunning outer design.
The Honor 200 Pro features a well-designed physical build that balances modern aesthetics with practical functionality. Measuring 8.2mm in thickness and weighing 199 grams, it is slim and lightweight enough for easy handling while maintaining a durable feel. Its rounded corners further contribute to user comfort during extended use.
The rear panel is crafted with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges. Its texture provides a secure grip, while the dual-tone gradient design—most notably in the Ocean Cyan variant—adds a distinct visual element. The pill-shaped camera module, positioned at the upper left, slightly protrudes from the surface, which can cause the device to wobble slightly on flat surfaces. However, this design choice integrates well with the overall look.
The front is dominated by a 6.78-inch OLED display, featuring curved edges that blend seamlessly into the metallic frame. With minimal bezels, the display maximizes screen space for a clean, modern appearance. A pill-shaped cutout for the selfie camera is discreetly positioned at the top of the screen, maintaining an uninterrupted viewing experience.
The metallic frame houses the power button and volume rocker on the right side for easy access. At the bottom, the USB Type-C port, microphone, SIM tray, and speaker grille are neatly arranged. The top includes a secondary microphone, an IR blaster, and another speaker grille, supporting stereo sound functionality.
While the device emphasizes style and usability, it does have some considerations regarding durability. It does not feature reinforced glass such as Gorilla Glass, which could make it more susceptible to scratches or damage. However, it comes with a pre-applied screen protector and has an IP65 rating for resistance to dust and water splashes.
Hardware
Honor is really working on changing expectations when it comes to midrange smartphones with the Honor 200 Pro. The smartphone comes packed with specifications that we’ve seen even in higher-end flagship smartphones but at a price point that is just a fraction of what we’ve come to expect for flagship smartphones.
Panorama4K Video recording (30fps) 1080p Video recording (30/60fps)Gyro-electronic image stabilization (gyro-EIS)
10-bit Video
FRONT: 50-Megapixel (Wide)f/2.1
2-Megapixel (Depth)f/2.4
HDR
4K (30fps)
1080p (30/60fps)Gyro-EIS
Sensor
Accelerometer Ultrasound Proximity Sensor Fingerprint (Optical, under display) Gyroscope Compass
Miscellaneous
Dual SIM
Retail Price (Malaysia)
MYR2,699 (512B + 12GB) MYR1,899 (256GB + 12GB)
Retail Price (EU)
EUR€799.90 (512GB + 12GB)
EUR€699.90 (256GB + 12GB)
User Interface
The Honor 200 launches with Magic OS8 based on Android 14. This OS is packed with features that are changing the user experience significantly. Of course, some of these features are coming from the Magic6 series – particularly all the AI features.
Honor’s take on Android 14 is still very much influenced by the aesthetics of iOS. However, this year, it seems like Honor has begun to develop a more unique design language. The icons are a blend of realistic and anamorphic which gives it a unique feel. However, the rest of the interface is designed to be very flat. This is easily remedied with Honor’s approach to personalisation which allows you to customise nearly everything including the icon design. It also gives the phone a whole level of personalisation that isn’t present in a lot of mid-range phones available in the market.
Honor has also improved the animations in MagicOS making the animations feel more fluid and app launches seem snappier. That said, I feel that the new version of MagicOS is only a step toward Honor finding its footing in creating a UI that is uniquely Honor’s. It’s a welcome injection of brand identity into Android that has been sorely lacking before this and the Magic6 series.
Honor’s biggest change to the MagicOS is still the inclusion of many features that help improve usability and interconnectivity between apps. This comes in addition to AI features that are more prevalent in the camera. However, these features feel a little bit clunky in their execution, particularly the Magic Portal. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a whole new way of interacting between apps but it has a learning curve that isn’t helped by its initial tutorial. You end up stumbling upon the feature most of the time. I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt though. I can see users getting used to the long press and drag with repeated usage.
Performance
The Honor 200 Pro is no slouch when it comes to specifications. However, hardware specifications are only part of the equation. What’s more important is the interplay of software and hardware which is more obvious in the performance overall. Let’s be honest, hardware-wise, the Honor 200 Pro isn’t the pinnacle we’re looking for. However, it’d be foolish of us to write it off just based on that.
Multitasking & Productivity
Let’s start with the most important performance feature we all need nowadays – multitasking. The Honor 200 Pro isn’t shy to flex its 12GB of RAM here. It took a lot to make this phone slow down. Seriously, even when it did, you have extended RAM that gives you an additional 12GB of RAM by taking from your internal memory.
When it comes to multitasking, the smartphone comes with the standard features we expect from Android smartphones., However, some of the features come with a flair that is uniquely Honor. First up, we have split-screen multitasking which you can launch with a 2-finger swipe up or a knuckle gesture. Getting apps into this mode is a little bit of a learning curve given that it’s not as intuitive as some other Android-based UIs. However, It should give Honor props for optimising the software to a level where there is very little lag when you’re launching the second app and even when you’re working between apps.
In addition to this, the Honor 200 Pro comes with a floating window feature that essentially allows you to have 3 apps running simultaneously. While it’s not a three-way split-screen, the feature allows you to be more productive with the phone with a third, less accessible window. It also allows you to keep apps in an active state in the background.
The Magic Capsule is also making a comeback on the Honor 200 Pro. This feature takes a leaf out of the iPhone and brings a new level of optimization to the MagicOS interface. It brings a little bit more functionality to what is essentially dead space in the interface. It brings notifications front and center and at the fingertips of the user. It also allows users to access quick actions in supported apps and even lets users know what apps may be actively running in the background.
Call Quality & Connectivity
Being a mid-range phone, I expected to have some concessions in hardware that would affect call quality. However, the Honor 200 Pro pleasantly surprised me with pretty good call audio. The tone was warm, crisp and clear.
It’s also got all the bells and whistles when it comes to connectivity. Like many phones now, the Honor 200 Pro has 5G connectivity which should serve you well when it comes to connectivity. The higher speeds – which were gotten thanks to YTL communication’s Yes 5G – did come in handy when downloading big files off emails and also streaming my shows off Amazon Prime and Netflix. Support for WiFi 6 also came in clutch with streaming.
Honor does bring its WiFi+ feature to the smartphone. This feature ensures that you have constant internet connectivity between WiFi and mobile connectivity. It will also enable you to seamlessly connect between WiFi and mobile based on your location.
There were minor hiccups with connectivity – particularly with WiFi 6 and 5G. With the former, it had issues maintaining a connection with my WiFi 6 router. However, the issue was resolved after an update for the OS itself. The 5G connectivity problems seem to be stemming from the network itself. I had more stable data connectivity on 4G LTE. Of course, data speeds were not as impressive but a more stable connection does provide a better overall experience. However, since the 5G issues were verified to not be connected to the phone, it didn’t factor into our overall rating.
Overall, when it comes to call quality and connectivity, the Honor 200 Pro delivers an experience that we’ve come to expect from Honor devices. Comparatively, the performance puts it slightly ahead of its competition. It gets the basics right and delivers important value-added features that make it more seamless for users.
Gaming
Gaming on the Honor 200 Pro is a pretty smooth ride, with just a few bumps along the way during more intense sessions. We tested it with games like Genshin Impact, Asphalt 9: Legends, Pokémon UNITE, and Diablo Immortal, and for the most part, it held up really well—no major surprises for a phone in this class.
Now, with Genshin Impact, things got a little tricky at max settings. The phone started to warm up quite a bit, and the frame rate took a hit, making the game feel less playable. But as soon as we dialled the settings down, it was a whole new story—smooth gameplay with no big issues. The Honor 200 Pro’s cooling system did a decent job keeping the heat in check, though after a couple of hours, it did get warmer. That said, it was impressive that it stayed comfortable for such a long stretch before heating up noticeably.
Moving on to Diablo Immortal—this game really pushed the Honor 200 Pro to its limits, especially when dealing with huge mobs of enemies. Imagine 80 to 95 monsters on screen at once, plus some flashy AoE attacks, and yeah, the phone started to stutter and lag a bit. But honestly, even high-end phones struggle with that kind of workload. The good news is that the lag didn’t last long, and the phone bounced back quickly once the action calmed down.
For less demanding games like Pokémon UNITE and Asphalt 9: Legends, the Honor 200 Pro handled them like a pro—no hiccups at all, just smooth and enjoyable gameplay throughout. Thanks to the upgraded Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip, this phone has the power to tackle a range of games without breaking a sweat.
All in all, if you’re into gaming on the Honor 200 Pro, you’re in for a good time. It can handle most games pretty well, and even when it’s pushed hard, it holds its own with only minor hiccups. Perfect for casual and mid-level gamers who want a solid device without spending a fortune.
Battery Life
The Honor 200 Pro offers impressive battery performance, thanks to its upgraded Silicon Carbon substrate, which enhances both longevity and durability. During testing, the device consistently delivered a minimum of 30 hours on a single charge with mixed usage. This often extended to two full days before requiring a recharge, even with regular activities such as photography, emails, messaging, and calls.
For gaming, the smartphone provided approximately 4 hours of continuous gameplay on a full charge, while video playback lasted around 8 hours. Even when the battery reached 15%, enabling the battery-saver mode allowed for an additional 2 to 2.5 hours of use, depending on the activity. On standby mode, with minimal screen time and no mobile connectivity, the phone exceeded four days of battery life.
Overall, the Honor 200 Pro upholds its reputation for excellent battery efficiency, ensuring dependable performance for a variety of usage scenarios. Whether engaging in demanding tasks or routine daily activities, the device minimizes the need for frequent recharging, offering reliable battery life across different use cases.
Display
The Honor 200 Pro’s display is definitely one of its standout features, offering a mix of quality and functionality that’s hard to ignore. It’s a 6.78-inch OLED screen with a 1.5K resolution (2700 x 1224 pixels), which means visuals are crisp, detailed, and perfect for everything from scrolling social media to watching high-definition videos. The vibrant colors and deep blacks really make the content pop, giving it a premium feel.
One feature that stands out is the 120Hz refresh rate. It makes everything from swiping through apps to playing games feel smooth and responsive. Combined with HDR10 support, you’re looking at great contrast and more lifelike visuals, especially when you’re watching HDR-compatible content. Whether you’re gaming or streaming, the display has you covered.
Brightness isn’t an issue here either. With a peak brightness of up to 4,000 nits, the screen remains clear even in bright outdoor conditions, making it reliable for everyday use, no matter where you are. Its curved edges not only add to the sleek design but also make the display more immersive, creating a seamless blend into the phone’s frame.
What’s also worth mentioning is the 3840Hz adaptive PWM dimming. It’s designed to reduce flicker and make the display easier on the eyes, which is especially helpful if you spend a lot of time on your phone. It’s a thoughtful addition that’s geared toward user comfort during prolonged use.
That said, the display doesn’t include features like Gorilla Glass for added protection, so you might want to be careful to avoid scratches or damage. Even so, the overall experience the screen provides easily outweighs this minor drawback.
In short, the Honor 200 Pro’s display hits the right notes. Whether it’s for vibrant visuals, smooth performance, or eye-friendly features, this display delivers a solid experience that complements the rest of the device. It’s a great fit for both entertainment and everyday tasks.
Cameras
The Honor 200 Pro’s camera system is a compelling feature that blends advanced hardware with impactful software enhancements, including notable AI integrations. The partnership with Le Studio Harcourt adds another layer of refinement, particularly in portrait photography, making the system a standout in its price category. While it delivers in many areas, there are still aspects that could be improved.
The Honor 200 Pro features a versatile triple-camera setup: a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera that doubles as a macro lens. The main camera is equipped with an f/1.9 aperture and a large 1/1.3-inch sensor, producing sharp, vibrant images with strong dynamic range. Its portrait mode particularly excels, thanks to the collaboration with Le Studio Harcourt. This partnership enhances the AI-powered portrait mode, delivering studio-like results with smooth bokeh effects, accurate skin tones, and well-balanced lighting. Portrait shots feel polished and professional, catering to users who value high-quality photography.
AI integration plays a significant role in optimizing the camera system’s performance. Scene recognition ensures the camera automatically adjusts settings based on the subject, allowing users to effortlessly capture ideal shots. For instance, it can distinguish between landscapes, food, or portraits, tweaking brightness, saturation, and focus accordingly. The AI-powered bokeh and focus adjustments are especially helpful in portraits, enabling users to fine-tune these effects even after the photo is taken, providing greater creative control.
Low-light photography also benefits from AI optimization. The system intelligently enhances brightness and reduces noise, resulting in clearer images with more vivid colours. This feature is particularly noticeable in night portraits, where the Honor 200 Pro combines AI processing with its hardware to achieve impressive results. However, the ultra-wide camera struggles in low-light situations, producing softer images compared to the main sensor.
The telephoto lens, offering 2.5x optical zoom, adds versatility to the system. It allows for detailed shots from a distance, although image quality decreases with digital zoom beyond this range. The ultra-wide camera is capable of capturing expansive scenes and doubles as a macro lens for close-up shots. While its performance in good lighting conditions is solid, low-light scenarios reveal some shortcomings, with less detail and softness creeping into the results.
On the video side, the Honor 200 Pro supports 4K recording with gyro-EIS, ensuring stable and smooth footage. AI integration further enhances video quality by optimizing stabilization and colour balance. While the video capabilities are reliable and effective for casual use and social media content creation, they lack some of the more advanced options found on certain similarly priced devices, such as additional frame rates or cinematic features.
While the Honor 200 Pro’s camera system has clear strengths, it’s not without limitations. The ultra-wide lens’ performance in low-light environments falls behind the main sensor. Similarly, the telephoto lens struggles with maintaining sharpness at higher zoom levels. Some users might also notice the absence of advanced features like a periscope zoom lens or more versatile video modes, which are offered by certain competitors in this price range.
The Honor 200 Pro’s camera system strikes a good balance between hardware and software, providing a versatile and user-friendly experience. Its collaboration with Le Studio Harcourt elevates portrait photography, and the AI-driven features add meaningful enhancements to image quality and ease of use. While there are areas that could be improved, such as low-light ultra-wide performance and telephoto zoom, the overall package is impressive for a device in this segment. For users who value refined portraits, strong main camera performance, and helpful AI optimizations, the Honor 200 Pro delivers a well-rounded and capable camera system..
Harcourt Makes a Compelling Honor 200 Pro with All the Bells and Whistles that Make the Smartphone One You Should Consider
The Honor 200 Pro is no less than a badge of honour for the brand. It offers an impressive package, elevated by its collaboration with Harcourt Studio (Le Studio Harcourt). This partnership significantly enhances the photography experience, enabling the hardware to perform exceptionally well. With near-flagship-level internals, an upgraded camera system, and a fresh approach to the midrange category, the Honor 200 Pro stands out as one of the best value-for-money options currently available. It addresses the common shortcomings of midrange smartphones while redefining expectations for a device in its class.
OnePlus has expanded its Nord series with the launch of the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G. This mid-range smartphone is a compelling proposition, offering flagship-level features at an accessible price point.
The main feature of the Nord CE4 Lite 5G is its massive 5,500mAh battery, paired with OnePlus’s 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging technology. This combination will ensure extended usage without sweating about battery life. The phone can be fully charged in just 52 minutes, providing ample power for a full day’s use. OnePlus has also incorporated a Battery Health Engine to optimize charging cycles and prolong battery life.
The device boasts a captivating 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 2,100 nits, ensuring vibrant visuals even in bright outdoor conditions. The 120Hz refresh rate delivers smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions. A standout feature is the Aqua Touch technology, which allows for precise screen operation even when wet.
Powering the Nord CE4 Lite 5G is the Snapdragon 695 5G Mobile Platform, complemented by 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. OnePlus’s Trinity Engine optimization further enhances performance, ensuring smooth multitasking and app switching.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 50MP main camera equipped with OIS, capable of capturing detailed images even in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP depth sensor enhances portrait photography by creating a natural bokeh effect.
The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G features a sleek design with two colour options: Super Silver and Mega Blue. The device boasts a comfortable in-hand feel and a premium look and feel.
Pricing & Availability
The OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G is priced at RM1,399 and is available for purchase on Lazada and Shopee. Customers who purchase the device during the launch period will receive a free casing and an 80W adapter worth RM199.
