When Google introduces the Chrome OS and the Chromebooks along with it, everyone was kind of thrilled. Finally, a new operating system (OS) that could take on the giants that are Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s Mac OS, even Linux maybe. Sadly, it was not to be that way and the Chrome OS turned out to be something completely different.
The Chrome OS has grown into something completely different though. It has grown into a unique OS that proved popular amongst schools and students because of its simplicity. Because its interface mimics that off an Android smartphone as well, but for a bigger screen, navigation is much more intuitive as well.
The Chrome OS started out as a completely web-based OS which would require you to be constantly online to make it function. Google’s Play Store has added plenty of offline capabilities to Chrome OS and allow the Chromebook to be a productivity and learning powerhouse it is today. One of the best additions for productivity on the Chrome OS is Microsoft’s Office 365 apps like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and even Excel.
It looks like that might change soon though. Microsoft’s Office suite will be leaving the Google Play Store from the 18th of September 2021 onward. That also means that apps like outlook will not be supported on Chrome OS. Microsoft claims that the move of removing their apps from Google Play Store is a part of their effort to optimise the Microsoft experience on the Chrome OS and Chromebook.
You still can access Microsoft’s suite of apps online though. Outlook.com and Office.com will still be available via web and signing into Microsoft account should be a breeze. The only problem is that you must be constantly online for that though. At the same time, the web experience is different compared to the Android App version.
Alternatively, there are Google’s G Suite apps still available on Chrome OS. Of course, with the Chrome OS, the native Google Apps should feel a little more optimised and seamless with your Google account. At the same time, you have an offline experience with G Suite apps on Chromebooks.
Google launched the Google Pixel 5a last week on the 17ht of August 2021. Of course, the launch of a new Google Pixel is quite expected. The Google Flagship will also come with Google’s latest and greatest Android 12 with Material You design that had been the focus point in Google I/O earlier in the year.
Since Google has moved away from flagship level hardware, the Google Pixel has known to be some of the most remarkably average devices out in the wild with a reasonably modest price tag. The Google Pixel 5a is no different in recipe. You can pre-order it at US$ 449 (MYR 1,899*) , which is not a lot of money for a modern smartphone.
For that money though, you are still getting a remarkable device. It still packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G System on a Chip (SoC) that you saw on the Pixel 5. Of course, that chip is also a 5G capable chip allowing the Pixel 5a to be 5G ready, as before. Oddly enough though, instead of the 8GB of RAM you find on the Google Pixel 5, the Google Pixel 5a only packs 6GB of RAM. This could also be due to Google’s own optimisation on Android 12 that makes it kinder to RAM usage on your smartphones. Alongside the 6GB though you get 128GB in built-in storage, same as before, and Dual SIM capabilities just as before.
Source: Google
You also get the same camera set up as before. The Pixel 5a sports a 12-Megapixel camera out the back together with a 16-Megapixel ultrawide camera. It does not sport a triple camera module, but the pair of cameras that comes with the Pixel 5a are essentially the most frequently used pair in modern smartphones anyway.
There are a few additional things you will find on the Google Pixel 5a that makes it an upgrade compared to the Pixel 5 though. It has a beefier battery at 4,680 mAh, 600 mAh bigger than the Pixel 5. The sad part is that the Pixel 5a does not offer wireless charging support here.
You also get a larger display on the Google Pixel 5a. The new Google reference smartphone now has a 6.34-inch Full HD+ OLED display instead of the measly 6.0-inch of the previous device. There are no mentions on its refresh rate though.
Source: Google
You still charge your device via the USB Type-C port. As mentioned, you do not get wireless charging. However, you do get a 3.5mm AUX jack, which is always a good option. Of course, the device is also water and dust resistant with IP67 certification.
Alongside the announcement that Google Pixel 5a will be available though, Google also made an announcement that the older Pixel devices will be discontinued. That also means that the arrival of the Google Pixel 5a will mark the departure of the Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G.
The news came out first on Digital Trends. A spokesperson that spoke to Digital Trends is expecting the Google Pixel 4a 5G variant and Pixel 5 will sell out in the coming weeks following the launch of the new Google Pixel 5a. The launch of the Google Pixel 5a obviously drives down the prices of the older devices a that makes them a lot more affordable and attractive options as low-cost devices.
Source: Google
There are speculations that Google is discontinuing the Google Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G mostly due to the chip shortage that is happening globally. Amidst the launch of the Google Pixel 5a too, Google has been teasing their upcoming premium devices, the Google Pixel 6 series that is supposed to come with Google’s very own Tensor chip. The Google designed chip marks a departure from their long-standing dependence and exclusive partnership with Qualcomm. The new chip is also supposedly co-developed and manufactured by Samsung, which is now the largest chipmaker in the world.
In that case, it could be Google streamlining their product line-up to prepare for the Google Pixel 6 series coming later this year, or early next year. Of course, a more streamlined product is always more beneficial to manufacturers in keeping their warehousing costs lower. At the same time, a smaller product range also means lower production costs while allowing Google to ensure that their production line can keep up with demands.
There is more bad news though. While Google said that the Google Pixel 5 will start shipping by 26th of August, the device will not be hitting shelves near you anytime soon or ever if you live outside of the United States (US) and Japan. There are plenty of options for devices that costs around the same amount of money though, so it is not like you are losing out all that much on the Google Pixel 5a.
*Approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.23 on xe.com as of 23/08/2021
The ASUS ROG Phone 5 was launched earlier this year and it is the ultimate gaming smartphone with not just the most powerful smartphone processor you can find in a modern smartphone. We are talking about Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 5G platform here. But they squeeze up to 18GB of RAM into a smartphone. You are essentially getting the performance of a modern PC in the palm of your hands, and it still fits in your pockets.
The ASUS ROG Phone 5 packed a fast display too. At 144Hz, it is one of the fastest, if not the fastest, smartphone display you can get in a modern smartphone. It also came with one of the fastest responding displays you can find in a modern smartphone as well at 240Hz of touch sampling rate.
While all of that made the ASUS ROG Phone 5 series one of the most powerful and desirable smartphones in the market, the recipe is not unique to ASUS’ ROG Phone 5 series. Other flagship smartphones started using the same recipe in their smartphones. You still will not get RAM sizes as big as 18GB in most flagships from major manufacturers. But you will get the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G platform and even up to 512GB of storage onboard. You also get up to 240Hz touch sampling rate with displays that refreshes at up to 120Hz in most cases.
Source: ASUS
The ASUS ROG Phone 5s series takes things up a notch in power though. It now packs a specially tuned Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset. They call it the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ platform and it is marginally more powerful that its Plain Jane counterpart.
That is not all they improved though. They also made the 144Hz display a little faster to the touch. Instead of 240Hz in touch sampling, it now responds at 360Hz for an even faster 24ms latency from touch to action. It is still a Full HD+ display that measures at 6.78-inc though.
You also get mostly the same hardware as the current ASUS ROG Phone 5. The behemoth 6,000 mAh battery is still present to ensure you can work with it the entire day. You still get the high-resolution 64-Megapixel shooter supported by a 5-Megapixel macro camera and 13-Megapixel ultra-wide camera. Out front is a 24-megapixel shooter still.
Source: ASUS
Source: ASUS
Source: ASUS
Source: ASUS
We said that there is a series in the new line-up. That is because there will be two devices from the series – a regular ROG Phone 5s and an extreme ROG Phone 5s Pro. The difference between the two devices, at least in terms of visual, is found at the backplate. The regular ROG Phone 5s only packs the dot matrix RGB graphics at the back. The ROG Phone 5s Pro has the small OLED display that trickle down from the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate. Of course, the Pro also gets the 18GB RAM + 512GB storage treatment that was signature to the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate. Because the new ROG Phone 5s series shares similar dimensions with the original ROG Phone 5, you can use accessories that you have from the older ROG Phone 5 series.
ASUS says that the devices will launch on the 30th of September 2021 in Taiwan. The ASUS ROG Phone 5s (16GB + 256GB) starts at NTD 29,990 (MYR 4,559*). You can get the ROG Phone 5s in 512GB storage flavour too at NTD 33,390 (MYR 5,167*). The ROG Phone 5s Pro will set you back NTD 37,990 (MYR 5,773*) at launch. There are no specific dates for an international launch at this time. Considering that the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate just arrived in Malaysian shores, we think the ROG Phone 5s series might not come all that soon.
* Approximately based on exchange rate of NTD 100 = MYR 15.20 on xe.com as of 17/08/2021
Samsung’s new foldable devices have only just been announced and we’ve already got details for their Malaysian pre-orders. The new foldable smartphones are Samsung’s latest step in creating a new normal for smartphones. The Galaxy Z duo seems to be incorporating some of the most wanted features into the new generation with IPX8 and the S Pen. Of course, you can get all the details in our Galaxy Z Fold3 and Flip3 articles.
The foldable smartphones will be going on pre-order in Malaysia starting on 19 August 2021 until 21 August 2021. Of course, as always, Samsung is offering special pre-order freebies. All preorders of the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Flip3 will come with a complimentary year Samsung Care+ and an e-voucher for the Samsung Online Store.
Prices for the Fold3 start at MYR6,699 for the 256GB version and MYR7,099 for the 215GB version. The Flip3 starts at MYR3,999 for the 128GB version and MYR4,199 for the 256GB version.
Together with the Galaxy Z series, the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 series is also going to be available for pre-order. Each pre-order of the Galaxy Watch4 Classic will be entitled to an e-voucher worth MYR250. The Galaxy Watch4, on the other hand, will be entitled to an e-voucher worth MYR150. Like the Galaxy Z series, the Galaxy Watch4 series freebies will only be usable on the Samsung Online Store.
The Galaxy Buds2 will also be available for purchase. It will be priced at MYR499.
HONOR is a brand most well-known for being the affordable arm of HUAWEI. However, that changed over a year ago when the company was spun off to be an independent company challenging what was once its parent company. This year, the company has already launched one flagship as an independent company – the Honor 50 series. HONOR is once again expanding its portfolio with a brand new smartphone.
Better Image and Video with IMAX Enhanced Cameras
Source: HONOR Global (YouTube)
The HONOR Magic3 series will consist of three smartphones (for now): the HONOR Magic3, the HONOR Magic3 Pro and the HONOR Magic3 Pro+. These smartphones are the first smartphones on the market to have IMAX enhancements when it comes to imaging. They have capabilities for shooting in exclusive 3D LUT colour grading profiles as well as video recording in LOG format.
Of course, given the hallmark partnership with IMAX, the HONOR Magic3 does have a focus on the camera that powers these features. The HONOR Magic3 comes with a triple camera setup. Its main sensor is a 50-megapixel, SONY IMX 766 sensor with 23mm focal length and an f/1.9 aperture and a wide-angle lens. This is complemented by a 64-megapixel monochrome sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a 13-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens, 13mm focal length and an f/2.2 aperture. It also has a laser autofocus module. The HONOR Magic3 Pro comes with a four-sensor camera setup. It shares the same setup as the Magic3 with a complement of an additional telephoto sensor with a 64-megapixel periscope sensor with OIS and 3.5x optical zoom and an 8×8 dTOF sensor. The Magic3 Pro+ comes with the same setup as the Magic3 Pro with the 13-megapixel ultra-wide sensor replaced with a 64-megapixel ultra-wide sensor.
Source: HONOR Global (YouTube)
With the partnership with IMAX, the HONOR Magic3 series is said to be one of the factors behind the increased image quality. It allows even more flexibility when it comes to post-processing thanks to the 3D LUT profile and LOG format video. The cameras come with eight AI film effects with preset LUT profiles. These profiles allow users to edit and colour grade more easily allowing for better colour accuracy and better image quality. This is enhanced further by the enhanced colour precision of the 8 colour channels of the sensor and its integrated Smart AWB algorithm.
On the front, is a dual-sensor camera setup. This is nestled in the 3D display in a pill-shaped cutout. The 13-megapixel sensor is complemented by a 3D ToF depth sensor. The camera setup doesn’t just take selfies, it is also used in the phone’s more secure implementation of the face unlock feature.
A Powerpacked Flagship
The two smartphones are running on Qualcomm’s latest and greatest: the Snapdragon 888+. The new processor is a supped up Snapdragon 888 which promises even better performance while sipping on battery power. This is complemented with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of onboard memory. Both phones also run on a 4,6000mAh battery capable of 66W fast wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
Source: HONOR Global (YouTube)
On the display side of things, both of the HONOR Magic3 smartphones come with a 6.76-inch OLED display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is also curved and folds over the sides. The Pro+ comes with a higher resolution QHD+ resolution screen. The Magic3 comes with IP54 certification while the Pro comes with IP68. Both will be running Magic UI powered by Android 11.
Pricing & Availability
The HONOR Magic3 series will be available in two finishes. The first is finished with synthetic leather while the next comes with a more conventional glass back. The former is available in Golden Hour and Blur Hour colours while the latter is available in Black and White.
Source: HONOR Global (YouTube)
The HONOR Magic3 is priced at €899 (MYR4,462.72*) while the HONOR Magic3 Pro comes in at €1,099 (MYR5,455.85*).
The HONOR Magic3 Pro+ will come in Ceramic Black and Ceramic White. It will be priced at €1,499 (MYR7,441.18*).
The Magic3 series will be released in China first with plans for a global rollout to be announced later on.
*Conversion rate taken from XE.com at 9.49 pm on 12 August 2021. EUR€1 = MYR4.64.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip was always a looker when it comes to smartphones. The foldable was a vibrant, striking clamshell that focused on looks rather than raw power. The Galaxy Z Flip3 inherits that blatant rambunctiousness and ups the ante when it comes to performance. Once again focusing on style, the device is sleeker and more compact than ever.
The Galaxy Z Flip3 improves on some of the pain points of the Flip. In particular, Samsung has supersized the cover screen making it more useful. The screen is also hidden behind a black accent which adds to the style and attitude of the Z Flip3. The cover screen is now a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED display. The main screen is a 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 22:9 aspect ratio. It also has a 120Hz refresh rate.
The Z Flip3 is more power-packed than its predecessor. It comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 mobile platform. The 5nm processor promises a more powerful and efficient experience when it comes to the user experience of the device. This paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage should be enough power to get you through the day. It is definitely bolstered by the 3,300mAh battery with support for 15W fast charging.
It also comes with 5G support on both Sub6 and mmWave spectra. This is complemented by LTE, WiFi 6, GPS and Bluetooth connectivity. The Flip3 also has baked in eSIM support. The cameras on the Z Flip3 are dual 12-megapixel sensors; a dual pixel wide-angle sensor with support for OIS and an ultra-wide-angle sensor. On the front is a 10-megapixel selfie camera for all your selfie needs.
Of course, like the Fold3, the Galaxy Flip3 also comes with enhancements to the software experience. Samsung optimised apps to allow them better functionality on the foldable display of the smartphone. These optimisations have also been implemented in a number of partner apps.
Pricing & Availability
The Galaxy Flip3 will be available in Cream, Green, Lavender, and Phantom Black. Gray, White, Pink colour options will be available exclusively from Samsung.com. It will be priced from USD$999.99*.
The Galaxy Flip3 will be available for pre-order starting on 11 August 2021 in select regions. Retail availability will begin on 27 August 2021. Pre-orders of the Flip3 are entitled to a year of Samsung Care+ protection which covers accidental damage including water damage, screen replacement and back cover replacement. A special Thom Browne limited edition will also be available for pre-order at the same time.
Official Specfications
*USD to MYR conversions taken from xe.com at the rate of USD$1= MYR4.23955 on 12 August 2021 at 1am.
Samsung is no stranger to foldables. The company already has more foldables out in the market than any other company out there. This year, the company is doubling down on foldables touting it as the new normal for smartphones. The Galaxy Z series is now Samsung’s new flagship line up which will bring their vision of foldable smartphones to the mainstream. Galaxy Z Fold3 and the Galaxy Z Flip3 are iterative updates that up the ante in what Samsung calls a “meaningful way”.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 looks to be coming in to fill in the void left by the Galaxy Note this year. Samsung is gearing the Fold3 to be the next productivity powerhouse in its arsenal. Similar to previous Z Fold smartphones, the Fold3 comes with two screens: a 6.2-inch cover screen with a 24.5:9 aspect ratio and a larger 7.6-inch display with a 22.5:18 aspect ratio. The two screens strike the delicate balance of being accessible with a large display. Both displays are Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Big Innovations Unfold with the Fold3
The biggest change to the Galaxy Z Fold3 comes with the inclusion of a digitizer in the smartphone. Both the cover and main displays of the Z Fold3 come with digitizers that enable S Pen functionality. What changed with this year’s Fold? Samsung and Wacom worked together to adapt digitizer technology for a new form factor. We say new form factor because, as the company highlighted, a flexible display will continuously bend which can damage the digitizer. So, Samsung and Wacom opted to use two separate digitizers for each side of the phone while filling in the gap at the hinge with an algorithm which allows the phone to seamless detect movement and usage.
Source: Samsung
Together with the integration of the digitizer, Samsung and Wacom also developed a unique S Pen specifically for the Galaxy Z Fold3. The new S Pen Fold Edition comes with design and function changes which allow all the S Pen functionality while preserving the softer, foldable display. The first change is the replacement of the sharp, pointed tip with a rounded one for use on the softer display. The S Pen Fold Edition also has an internal spring to preserve the sensitivity that S Pen users are accustomed to. Latency is also improved on the new S Pen.
In addition to the S Pen, the Galaxy Fold3 is also the first Samsung smartphone to feature an under display camera. The main front facing camera is now hidden behind the pixels of the main screen. The 4-megapixel sensor only appears when it is in active use. Otherwise, it remains hidden behind the pixels of the content on screen giving users a seamless, uninterupted experience.
Powered for Play, Optimized for Productivity
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold3 is running on the Snapdragon 888 mobile platform. The 5nm processor has already proven its prowess in both power efficiency and performance this year. In the Fold3, it’s paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. The trifecta promises smooth performance even when it comes to multitasking – which the Fold3’s large screen is built for.
However, it’s not all about the raw power when it comes to the Z Fold3. Samsung has also introduced optimisation to One UI 3 in the smartphone. They have redesigned a number of apps to have better optimisations for the larger main screen of the smartphone. Apps like the calendar app have more functional layouts which maximise the screen to allow better usage. These optimisations are not just limited to Samsung apps. Samsung has collaborated with a number of partners including Spotify, TikTok and YouTube to optimise their apps for the Fold’s unique form factor.
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
When it comes to the cameras, the Galaxy Fold3 comes with a triple sensor setup. This year it comes with three 12-megapixel sensors: wide angle dual pixel, ultra wide angle and telephoto. The cover camera is a 10-megapixel sensor.
Pricing & Availability
The Z Fold 3 will cost USD$1,799 (MYR7,632.64*). It will be available in Phantom Black, Phantom Green, and Phantom Silver
The Galaxy Z Fold3 will be available for pre-order in select markets starting from 11 August, 2021. It will be on shelves starting August 27, 2021. A limited edition Thom Browne edition of the smartphone will be available at the same time. It will come in matte white with silver accents.
Official Specifications
Source: Samsung
*USD to MYR conversions taken from xe.com at the rate of USD$1= MYR4.23955 on 12 August 2021 at 1am.
Samsung’s biggest Unpacked event for the year 2021 is happening tonight (11th August 2021). We say tonight because we are in Malaysia at +0800 GMT and the event will go live at 10.00 p.m. local time. It is also one of the most exciting Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event for a few reasons.
1. No Notes
Samsung has made a name for itself in the innovation industry. They introduced their Galaxy line-up 10 years ago with the first Samsung Galaxy S that went on the be one of the best-selling, if not the best-selling smartphone in its day. It showed what and Android smartphone is capable of in the hands of an experienced mobile phone manufacturer. It propelled Samsung into the limelight of modern smartphone world too.
A year later they introduced a smartphone that was heavily criticized by pundits around the world. It was a humungous device that comes with an accessory that was thought to be dead, or rather old fashioned. The first Samsung Galaxy Note was not received very well at all initially (I liked the idea though). But the Galaxy Note line-up was later known as one of the devices that really defined Samsung as a smartphone brand and sealed its hold of the Android smartphone market.
Sadly, we are not going to be getting any new Samsung Galaxy Note devices this year. As per Samsung’s reports from the end of 2020 and early 2021, the Samsung Galaxy Note series will be laid to rest and will be discontinued. There are still rumours surfacing around a final Samsung Galaxy Note device coming in 2022, but we are not entirely hopeful. This is the first time as well in 10 years that Samsung is not launching a Samsung Galaxy Note device for the year.
2. Folding and Flipping into the Future
While we may not be getting Samsung’s behemoth of the Galaxy Note, they are replacing the line-up with two larger than life devices though. They are replacing the Galaxy Note line-up with two foldable devices: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip series. As with any one of Samsung’s innovative devices, these two series have had their fair share of hardships and critics.
While most of the flaws of the first product was sort of corrected when Samsung launched their Galaxy Z Flip device in the same year, its price point is still higher than any flagship device that came before. It was not as stacked, in terms of specifications, as the other flagships around it too. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 last year fixed even more of the Galaxy Fold’s flaw, but it was still the most expensive mass-produced smartphone you can get in 2020.
Thing is Samsung is betting its future in foldable devices. Since Samsung launched the Samsung Galaxy Fold in 2019, other smartphone manufacturers have started taking notice. Since then, Motorola made the new Razr with a foldable display, HUAWEI also made their foldable line-up (2020) to mimic the form factor of the Samsung Galaxy Fold, OnePlus teased a foldable device just today, and even OPPO is jumping to the bandwagon of a shapeshifting smartphone with rollable displays.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
There are still plenty of unknowns surrounding the new behemoth flagship that is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. Like we pointed out, Samsung is betting on foldable devices. The S Pen feature remains a Samsung special though, as we saw on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
That same S Pen capability is touted to be coming to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold line-up too. It makes sense, since the device opens to a large form factor device that would mimic a tablet. Although we are not entirely sure if the S Pen storage is integrated within the body of the Z Fold 3.
The Z Fold 3 is expected to pack Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 5G System on a Chip (SoC). Although we would also like to see Samsung’s own Exynos SoC powering the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3; chances are, we are only going to be seeing a new Exynos chip in the coming year 2022 instead on the Samsung Galaxy S22, or whatever they decide to name the next device. The Snapdragon 888 5G SoC is considered the most powerful chip available for Android devices though, so it may not necessarily be a bad thing.
It will also come with up to 12GB of RAM, as we have seen on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Alongside the ample sized RAM is storage choices from 256GB onward to 512GB. It might make sense for Samsung to up the ante this time with 1TB storage though, since there will be no MicroSD support for the device.
Like the previous Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, there are two displays you can work with on the Z Fold 3, obviously. One is an external display that is supposed to measure at 6.2-inch covered by durable gorilla glass and producing a little more than 720p in terms of resolution. You get a 7.6-inch in display real estate that boasts a little more that QHD+ in resolution inside. Of course, each of the display gets their own punch hole cameras.
Like the older device too, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is supposed to come with a triple camera array that is reportedly packing three 12-megapixel sensors for different functions. This is not a device made for ultimate photography, so that is quite understandable.
In terms of battery, it seems like Samsung might have shrunk it a little bit. The previous Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 had a 4,500mAh battery. While it seems like it makes more sense to fit a similarly sized battery on the upcoming foldable, Samsung is looking to put a 4,400mAh battery to keep its weight down. It could also be an indication to an S Pen cargo hold.
There are also rumours pointing to multiple versions of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, which also means there might be a more affordable option for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. That is good news if Samsung is planning to bet its future on the foldable devices.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
We are also expecting to see a certain clamshell device to make the event tonight. It is the successor to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip we saw in 2019 too. Instead of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 2, they jumped straight into naming the upcoming device the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. As we have discussed in our podcast, it could be because Samsung treated the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G as its second-generation model. It could also to simplify Samsung’s product range and their naming scheme.
More recent leaks show that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 device will be more of lifestyle-centric device. It is supposed to come in more colours than before with a more industrial and minimalistic design language. Apparently also, the device is supposed to come with a larger and more functional external display compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip’s.
Of course, the Z Flip 3 will still command a reasonably premium pricing. You are still getting Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 5G platform. You are also supposed to be getting up to 8GB in RAM and 256GB in storage.
You should get a similarly sized internal display at 6.7-inch that boasts Full HD+ resolutions with up to 120Hz in refresh rate. We do not expect the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 to come with S Pen capabilities though. Because the device is supposed to be more pocketable than the Z Fold 3, it will come with a rather small 3,300mAh battery and also two cameras on the outside rather than the three you get on the Z Fold 3.
3. New Wear OS in the form of One UI for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch Active 4
Source: Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is supposed to be coming, and for the first time ever, it does not come with Samsung’s own Tizen OS for the Galaxy Watch. It is also the first smartwatch to come with Google’s brand-new Wear OS 3, albeit in a Samsung Galaxy flavour.
Samsung calls the new UI the One UI. They have also confirmed that One UI is based on Google’s latest Wear OS 3. It is also the culmination of Samsung and Google’s partnership to creating a unified Android smartwatch ecosystem. In some sense, it is Google’s attempt to not just improve Wear OS, it is Google finally taking wearable devices seriously.
Wear OS 3 is touted to come with a slew of improvements not just on its own functions. With Samsung’s input from the success of their Tizen OS for wearable series, there are new functions that are integrated into Wear OS as well. At the same time, Samsung and Google Both benefit from an expansion in terms of developer base.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 series is supposed to come with Samsung’s very own Exynos SoC with 5nm process. That also means that it should be Samsung’s most powerful smartwatch so far. At the same time, the new SoC is supposed to allow for a longer lasting battery alongside Wear OS 3.
Reportedly, there are supposed to be more sensors withing the watch for even more accurate health tracking with even more data that can be collected. One such sensor is supposed to be able to detect your blood sugar level.
In term of design though, we are expecting the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series, including its Active counterpart, to come in similar design languages as before. The rotating bezel that acts as a navigation tool should also make a comeback in the Watch 4 series. Of course, the two physical buttons will not be going away anytime soon.
There are supposed to be three sizes that users can choose from in the range. There will be a 42mm, a 44mm, and 46mm watch sizes that should fit a larger variety of users and preferences instead of the two 42mm and 46mm choices from before. All of them comes with 20mm lugs though, for standardisation purposes. They are also supposed to come in either aluminium or stainless-steel build material choices. Either builds will still be 5ATM water resistant and MIL-STC-810G certified though.
4. One UI 4.0 on Android 12
Android 12 has been on beta testing mode for a while now. Google is expecting the first Android 12 devices to be rolling out in September 2021 onward. They are even updating their Google Pixel devices in about the same time frame, which also means we can expect Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 to come with Android 12 with their very own iconic One UI 4.0 flavour.
One UI, if you are not yet familiar with it, is Samsung’s custom skin on top on Android. While One UI started out its early life as TouchWiz UI, the new One UI design language has been dialed back from TouchWiz UX that technically existed since the first Samsung Galaxy S. One UI, while sort of retains some of the old charm from TouchWiz UX, is a completely different beast of an overlay though.
It cleans up the UX to the point that it is near barebones on top of Android. Of course, to ensure that Android on Samsung Galaxy devices takes full advantage of what Samsung’s devices are capable of, One UI still has to add some functionalities to Android as well.
The look and feel of One UI, in the Android world at least, is one that is quite unique to Samsung though, and one of the most intuitive out there. Thanks to Samsung’s own optimisation as well, you cannot possibly think using a Samsung device without the power of One UI. It is especially true when you start working with devices such as Samsung’s Galaxy Note series.
One UI 4.0 though will focus on bringing the best out Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip capabilities. It will optimise Android to the odd display aspect ratio on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 for example. One UI 4.0 will also expand on the multitasking capabilities of Android 12 on the foldable devices, obviously.
Of course, One UI 4.0 does not only highlight the benefits of Samsung’s foldable devices. It will also embrace Android’s Material You design language. In that sense it should be even more customisable for its users. The amount of customisation should reflect very well on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3. No two devices you pick up will be the same.
5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds started out life as the Samsung IconX. The IconX also kickstarted the whole True Wireless earphones (TWS) industry on its own. It also put Samsung on a path to becoming a one stop shop for all things mobile and seamless integration for Android devices. It spawned the Samsung Galaxy Buds in 2019.
Since then, there has been many iterations that comes from the humble Samsung Galaxy Buds. While capturing completely different markets, the Samsung Galaxy Buds was often compared to its Apple competition, the AirPods. Since then, the TWS earphones market has grown tremendously too, in terms of market size, demand, and even technology.
The new Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 is supposed to feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. It is also reportedly an improved ANC technology that came on Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Pro. In that sense, there are also more ANC controls on Samsung’s Wearable app too. The ANC is supposed to be capable of blocking out 98% of noise.
In its IPX7 rated body (supposedly) is a powerful 11mm driver and 6.5mm tweeter. It also houses a battery that sllows the Galaxy Buds 2 to last up to 5 hours from a single charge. Its case is supposed come with three extra charges to give it 20 hours of total battery life. We are also expecting Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 to connect to smartphones via Bluetooth 5.2.
All Will be Revealed Tonight at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2021
Source: Samsung
Of course, everything we have written here is a collection of speculations and even hopes that Samsung addresses problems with their older devices. We are extremely excited about Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 with Google Wear OS for the first time. It is also the first time we are looking at Google Wear OS 3 with Samsung’s input.
Everything will be revealed and announced tonight at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2021 though. Of course, due to the current pandemic situation, Samsung will not be holding a LIVE physical event. Instead, they will be holding the global press conference online. You can watch Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2021 event LIVE on YouTube. We are also including the stream link here, so that you can just watch the announcement here.
OPPO renewed its Reno series today with the release of two new entries into the lineup: the OPPO Reno6 5G and Reno6 Z 5G. The two new phones bring a renewed focus on OPPO’s camera technologies and the company’s prowess in creating smartphones with long-lasting battery life.
Source: OPPO
The new OPPO Reno6 series will be running on MediaTek’s Dimensity processors. The Reno6 5G will be running on the new MediaTek Dimensity 900 SoC (System on a Chip) while the Reno6 Z will be running on MediaTek’s 800U 5G SoC. Both are octa-core processors which are capable of processing data at speeds of up to 2.4GHz. Of course, the Dimensity 900 is slightly more capable with larger, more efficient cores. Both of the smartphones also come with a 6.4-inch AMOLED display. The Reno6 5G has the additional benefit of a 90Hz refresh rate and 180Hz touch sampling rate.
Keeping Smartphone Photography in Focus
OPPO’s Reno series has carved a name for itself when it comes to cameras. The Reno6 series aims to continue that tradition. The two models come with similar setups; the Reno6 5G comes with a triple sensor setup. It has a 64-megapixel main camera sensor which is paired with an 8-megapixel wide-angle sensor and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. These are complemented with a colour temperature sensor for better colour accuracy. The Reno6 Z, on the other hand, comes with the same but lacks the colour temperature sensor. Both have a 32-megapixel selfie camera.
OPPO is touting even better portrait pictures thanks to enhanced technology in the Reno6 series. The new smartphones come with new Focus tracking which has never been done in an OPPO smartphone to date. The feature will enable users to identify and track subjects to keep them in focus. The feature also helps with stabilization to keep the video perfectly steady.
Source: OPPO
The Reno6 series is also pushing portrait photography when it comes to smartphones. The new entries will be able to take Portrait Beautification in videos which will blur the background slightly while keeping your subject in focus. The technology is driven by AI-enabled algorithms which track 193 different facial points in video mode. Together with this portrait photography on the Reno6 is enhanced with Bokeh Flare Portrait which will allow users to capture pictures with light effects – similar to those from professional cameras.
Powered for All Day Performance
Together with the camera technology and cutting edge processors, the Reno6 series is also expanding on OPPO’s RAM Expansion technology. The technology, which first debuted on the Find X series, allows the smartphone to extend its built-in 8GB of RAM with up to 5GB of additional RAM from the internal storage. This allows the phone to dynamically adapt to the needs of its users while maintaining a smooth User experience.
The Reno6 5G is powered by a 4,300mAh battery with support for 65W SuperVOOC 2.0. This charging technology allows the phone to get to 100% with just 28 minutes of charge. The Reno6 Z, however, comes with a slightly larger 4,310mAH battery with support for 30W SuperVOOC Flash Charge 4.0 which allows it to be charged in 49 minutes.
Pricing & Availability
The OPPO Reno6 5G and Reno6 Z 5G will be available starting 14th August 2021. The Reno 6 5G will be priced at MYR2,399 while the Reno6 Z will be priced at MYR1,699. They will be available in Stellar Black and Aurora.
Source: OPPO
Pre-orders for the smartphones start on 5th August 2021. Pre-orders will be entitled to freebies worth up to MYR779. This includes the OPPO Enco Buds, 1 year of HeyTap Cloud Service with 1TB of storage, a power bank, smart stage and a Bluetooth speaker. Pre-orders end on the 13th of August 2021.
After endless leaks and rumours surrounding Google’s upcoming device, Google final confirmed that the device actually exists. The Google Pixel 6 series is now official with Google’s official Twitter account revealing a bunch of details and photos on the device. For the first time ever, the flagship will not have an XL variant. Instead, Google is going for the most conventional flagship naming of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.
While Google has released a bunch of details on the device, there are still plenty of unknowns about the device at this time. For one, while Google revealed that there will be 3 cameras at the back of the new flagship, there are no mentions on their megapixel count. They revealed how the new devices would look too, including the available colour schemes that we would have to say looks great, at the same time revealing that there will be a telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom on the Pro variant.
The Pixel 6 series also marks Google’s entry into the silicon manufacturing industry with their Google Tensor chip that is going to power the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices. Of course, it is going to be a Material You Android 12 device that is completely vanilla. Other than being completely optimised for Material You, the Tensor System on a Chip (SoC) is also supposed to come with new security core and Titan M2 to make the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro one of the most secure Android smartphones you can find in the current market. As per Google as well, the Tensor chip is also supposed to improve Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities in Pixel devices. Alongside an improved computational photography model, the AI and ML should tremendously improve the camera experience.
Of course, the new Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro comes in large and larger screen sizes at 6.4-inch and 6.7-inch respectively. There are no mentions on what sort of display it will come with, but we suspect it could be OLED as per previous Pixel device. We are also expecting the displays to feature 90Hz and 120Hz refresh rates respectively.
Source: Google
Source: Google
Source: Google
Source: Google
Source: Google
Source: Google
Source: Google
There are no mentions as well on when Google will be releasing the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro into the market just yet. If rumours are right, you can expect to see devices landing in the hands of users toward the end of September or early October 2021. Holding pages for the Google Pixel 6 series are already live in eight regions: USA, Canada, Australioa, UK, France, Japan, and Taiwan. Malaysia does not officially have Google Store anyway, which also means the only way for you to own a Google Pixel is to source it from third party vendors at this time, and the same is expected for the Google Pixel 6. Curiously Singapore’s Google Store does not list the Google Pixel 6 series yet, leading us to believe that Singapore may not be in that first region circle for the Google Pixel 6. They will eventually get it later on though as the device is made available in other regions. More information about Google’s Pixel 6 series can be found on Google’s own Blog, or their official Twitter page.
