Tech company Nothing has released a new variant of its Phone (2a) smartphone, the Phone (2a) Special Edition. This edition focuses on a unique colour scheme that incorporates all three primary colours: red, yellow, and blue.
The Phone (2a) Special Edition serves as a design statement for Nothing. It reflects the company’s commitment to user-centric design and its core design philosophy, which prioritizes transparency and a connection between users and technology. The Nothing Industrial Design Team, based in London’s King’s Cross, specifically crafted this colour combination to achieve a balanced and visually striking aesthetic, referencing “design heroes from the past” while creating a fresh look for a smartphone.
Maintains Original Specs with Software Improvements
The Phone (2a) Special Edition retains the core technical specifications of the original Phone (2a). Under the hood, you’ll find the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor ensuring smooth operation. The phone runs Nothing OS, the company’s custom operating system. Building on user feedback, Nothing has released 13 software updates since the original launch, including improvements to camera performance and app responsiveness.
The Phone (2a) Special Edition boasts a large 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED display, ideal for multimedia consumption and web browsing. The rear camera system remains a dual 50-megapixel setup, capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos. Nothing’s signature Glyph Interface, the customizable LED light patterns on the back, is also present in this edition, adding a touch of futuristic flair.
Limited Availability in Malaysia
The Phone (2a) Special Edition is offered in a single configuration with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. In Malaysia, a limited quantity of 100 units will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis at the Crossover online store starting Friday, June 7th, at 12:00 AM (https://crossoverconceptstore.com/pages/brands).
Pricing & Availability
The Nothing Phone (2a) Special Edition (12GB RAM + 256GB storage) will be available for RM1,699 in Malaysia. There will be a limited sale at the Crossover online store on June 7, 2024.
Globally, the special edition will be available on the Nothing website again in limited quantities. It will set you back £349, €379, or INR 27,999.
Realme has unveiled the GT 6T, a new mid-range smartphone boasting flagship-level features. This phone is designed for users who prioritize performance, display quality, and long battery life, all at a competitive price point.
The GT 6T is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, a powerful chipset known for its ability to handle demanding tasks and games smoothly. This is paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and app performance. Storage options range from 128GB to a generous 512GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
The GT 6T features a large 6.78-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display with a 1264 x 2780 pixel resolution. This combination promises vibrant colours, sharp visuals, and a smooth viewing experience, whether you’re watching videos, browsing the web, or gaming. The display boasts a peak brightness of 1600 nits, making it easily viewable even in bright outdoor conditions. Additionally, the display utilizes an 8-fold increase in brightness to intelligently analyze on-screen content, ensuring details are preserved in both bright and dark areas.
The rear camera system on the Realme GT 6T consists of a triple-sensor setup. The primary sensor is a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for capturing clear and detailed photos and videos. An 8-megapixel ultrawide lens allows you to capture expansive landscapes, while a 1-megapixel macro lens lets you get up close for detailed close-up shots. A 13-megapixel camera on the front handles selfies and video calls.
A highlight of the GT 6T is its massive 5,500mAh battery. This promises all-day usage on a single charge, with support for 120W SUPERVOOC fast charging to quickly refuel the device when needed. According to Realme, the 120W charger can take the phone from 0 to 50% in just 7 minutes.
The GT 6T runs on Android 14 with Realme UI 5.0 on top. This latest software iteration offers a refined user interface, improved privacy controls, and access to the latest Google features. Realme promises four major Android updates and five years of security updates, ensuring your phone stays protected and up-to-date for years to come.
The GT 6T incorporates an Iceberg Cooling System to manage heat and ensure sustained performance during demanding tasks like gaming. This system utilizes a combination of a vapour chamber, multiple graphite layers, and a stainless steel vapour cooling plate to dissipate heat effectively.
Pricing & Availability
The Realme GT 6T is currently available for pre-order in India. The starting price is INR 30,999 (approximately MYR 1,770 or USD 416) for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. The 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant is priced at INR 34,999 (approximately MYR 2,020 or USD 473) and the top-of-the-line 12GB RAM + 512GB storage variant is priced at INR 38,999 (approximately MYR 2,270 or USD 530). The phone comes in two colour options: Razor Green and Fluid Silver.
It is expected to launch in other markets soon, but specific details on Malaysian launch dates and pricing are not yet available.
Samsung has unveiled a new addition to its M series lineup, the Galaxy M35 5G. This mid-range smartphone caters to users who prioritize long battery life, a large display, and capable performance for everyday tasks.
The Galaxy M35 5G features a 6.6-inch S-AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This combination promises vibrant colours, sharp visuals, and a responsive experience for watching videos, gaming, and browsing the web. The phone utilizes a textured plastic back that is available in three colour options: Dark Blue, Gray, and Sky Blue.
The Galaxy M35 5G is powered by the Samsung Exynos 1380 chipset, a mid-range processor known for its balanced performance and efficiency. This is paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, offering ample space for apps, photos, and videos. A microSD card slot allows for further storage expansion if needed.
A highlight of the Galaxy M35 5G is its massive 6,000mAh battery. This promises all-day usage on a single charge, with support for 25W fast charging to quickly refuel the device when needed.
The rear camera system on the Galaxy M35 5G consists of three sensors: a primary 50-megapixel wide-angle lens with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for capturing sharp photos and videos, an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens for capturing expansive scenes, and a 2-megapixel macro lens for close-up shots. A 13-megapixel camera on the front handles selfies and video calls.
The Galaxy M35 5G runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1 on top. This latest software iteration offers a refined user interface, improved privacy controls, and access to the latest Google features. Samsung promises four major Android updates and five years of security updates, ensuring your phone stays protected and up-to-date for years to come.
Pricing & Availability
The Samsung Galaxy M35 5G is currently only available for pre-order in Brazil. The starting price is BRL 1,899 (approximately RM1,770 or USD$416) for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant. It’s available in Dark Blue, Light Blue and Black. It is expected to launch in other markets soon.
Honor has officially unveiled its latest smartphone series, the Honor 200 and Honor 200 Pro. These mid-range devices cater to users who prioritize performance and a long-lasting battery for everyday tasks.
Both phones are powered by capable processors. The Honor 200 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, known for its balanced performance and efficiency. The Honor 200 Pro takes things a step further with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, ideal for users who demand smooth multitasking and handling graphics-intensive applications.
Both the Honor 200 and Honor 200 Pro boast a sizable 5,200mAh battery, promising ample power for extended use throughout the day. 100W wired charging on both models ensures you can quickly refuel your device when needed. Only the Pro version supports 66W wireless charging, offering an additional convenient charging option.
The Honor 200 and Honor 200 Pro share a similar display. They feature a large 6.78-inch OLED panel with a QHD+ resolution (1224 x 2700 pixels) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This combination offers vibrant colours, sharp visuals, and a responsive touch experience for watching videos, gaming, and browsing the web.
The camera systems differ slightly between the two models. The Honor 200 sports a 50-megapixel, 1/1.56-inch main sensor with f/1.95 aperture and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). This is accompanied by additional lenses for capturing various scenes. The Honor 200 Pro steps it up with a custom 50-megapixel 1/1.3-inch H9000 sensor, also featuring OIS, promising superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Both the Pro and vanilla Honor 200 come with a 50-megapixel telephoto sensor with 2.5x optical zoom and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. Honor has also struck a partnership with French photography studio Harcourt for a special Harcourt Portrait mode that simulates professional studio lighting with AI.
Both phones run on Android 14 with Honor’s MagicOS 8.0 on top. This latest software iteration offers a refined user interface, improved privacy controls, and access to the latest Google features. Honor promises four major Android updates and five years of security updates, ensuring your phone stays protected and up-to-date for years to come.
Pricing & Availability
The Honor 200 series is currently only available for pre-order in China with open sales starting on May 31, 2024. The starting price for the Honor 200 (12GB RAM + 256GB storage) is CNY 2,699 (approximately MYR 1,570 or USD 368). The Honor 200 Pro starts at CNY 3,499 (approximately MYR 2,040 or USD 477) for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant. Both phones come in four colour options: Moon Shadow White, Coral Pink, Sky Ocean Green and Velvet Black.
Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy F55, a new mid-range smartphone geared towards gamers and content creators. The phone boasts impressive specifications and software features designed to deliver a smooth and powerful user experience.
The Galaxy F55 packs a punch with the QualcommSnapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset, known for its efficient performance and reliability. This octa-core processor is paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking and handling demanding games with ease. Storage options include 128GB or 256GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
The phone features a large 6.7-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) Super AMOLED Plus display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This combination promises vibrant colours, sharp visuals, and incredibly responsive touch input, ideal for watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web.
The rear of the Galaxy F55 houses a triple-camera system, headlined by a 50-megapixel main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for capturing clear and detailed photos even in low-light conditions. An 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor expands your field of view for capturing breathtaking landscapes, while a 2-megapixel macro sensor allows you to get up close and personal with small objects. For selfies and video calls, the phone boasts a 50-megapixel front-facing camera.
The Galaxy F55 runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1 on top. This latest software iteration offers a refined user interface, improved privacy controls, and access to the latest Google features. Additionally, Samsung promises four major Android updates and five years of security updates, ensuring your phone stays protected and up-to-date for years to come.
Pricing & Availability
The Samsung Galaxy F55 is currently only available for pre-order in India. The starting price for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant is ₹27,999 (approximately RM1,610 or USD$378). The 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant is priced at ₹31,999 (approximately RM1,860 or USD$437). The phone comes in two colour options: Apricot Crush and Raisin Black. Both have vegan leather finishes.
OPPO has unveiled its latest smartphone series, the Reno 12 and Reno 12 Pro, ushering in a new era of smartphone design and user experience. Both phones boast a stunning quad-curved display, a revolutionary design that pushes the boundaries of immersion and aesthetics. Let’s delve deeper into the specifications, design, and software features that make the Reno 12 series stand out.
Quad Curved Display on A Reno Smartphone
The defining feature of the Reno 12 series is undoubtedly its groundbreaking quad-curved display. Unlike previous models with curved edges on just the sides, the Reno 12 boasts a display that curves gently on all four sides. This creates a truly immersive visual experience, blurring the lines between the display and the phone’s frame for a seamless and futuristic look.
Both the Reno 12 and Reno 12 Pro feature a large 6.7-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2412 pixels) AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for exceptional clarity and responsiveness. Whether you’re gaming, watching videos, or browsing the web, the Reno 12 series promises a visually captivating experience.
MediaTek Under the Hood
Under the hood, the Reno 12 and Reno 12 Pro pack a serious punch. The 12 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8250 chipset, a capable processor designed for everyday tasks, multimedia, and even light gaming. The Pro model steps it up a notch with the more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9200+, ideal for users who demand high performance for mobile gaming and applications.
Both chipsets are paired with ample LPDDR5X RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and app switching. The base models for both phones come with 12GB of RAM, with options for up to 16GB on higher-tier variants. Storage options range from 256GB to a staggering 1TB, providing ample space for your photos, videos, and apps.
OPPO Reno’s Signature Camera Powered Up
The OPPO Reno 12 series doesn’t disappoint in the camera department. Both phones are equipped with a triple-lens rear camera system housed in a sleek rectangular module. The primary sensor on the Reno 12 is a 50-megapixel Sony LYT600 sensor, capable of capturing crisp and detailed photos in various lighting conditions. It’s accompanied by a 50-megapixel telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom for capturing distant subjects and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide sensor for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots. The Reno 12 Pro takes things a step further with a Sony IMX890 primary sensor, also boasting 50 megapixels but promising even better low-light performance.
On the front, both phones boast a remarkable 50-megapixel selfie camera, ensuring you can take high-quality selfies and video calls. OPPO has included a variety of software features to enhance your photography experience, including AI scene recognition, night mode, portrait mode, and various filters.
Beautiful on the Outside, Powerful on the Inside
The innovative quad-curved display isn’t the only design highlight of the series. Both phones are crafted from a lightweight and durable die-cast aluminium alloy frame, giving them a premium feel in the hand. The back panel is covered in Corning Gorilla Glass for added protection against scratches and nicks. The Reno 12 and Reno 12 Pro come in a variety of colourways, allowing you to choose a phone that matches your style.
The Reno 12 series runs on Android 14 with OPPO’s ColorOS 14 custom interface on top. ColorOS 14 offers a clean and user-friendly experience with a wide range of customization options. It also includes a variety of features designed to enhance your productivity and entertainment experience, such as a dark mode, app cloning, and a game mode.
Both the 12 and 12 Pro boast impressive battery capacities of 5000mAh, ensuring you can stay connected and productive throughout the day. The phones also support 80W fast charging, allowing you to quickly power up your device when needed.
Pricing & Availability
The OPPO Reno 12 series is currently available for pre-order in China, with a global launch expected soon.
The OPPO Reno 12 will be available in three variants: 12GB RAM + 256GB storage priced at CN¥2,699 (approx. USD$413 / RM1,733); 16GB + 256GB priced at CN¥2,999 (approx. USD$460 / RM1,925); and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage priced at CN¥3,499 (approx. USD$533 / RM2,228). The Reno 12 will be available in Soft Peach, Ebony Black and Millenium Silver.
The OPPO Reno 12 Pro will also come in similar variants. The version with 12GB RAM + 256GB storage will be priced at CN¥3,299 (approx. USD $507 / RM2,118) while the 16GB RAM + 256GB storage version will be priced at CN¥3,599 (approx. USD $550 / RM2,298) and the 16GB RAM + 1TB storage version will be priced at CN¥4,299 (approx. USD $658 / RM2,753). The 12 Pro will be available in Silver Fantasy Purple, Ebony Black, and Champagne Gold.
The wait is over for some Samsung Galaxy A34 and A54 users, as the company has begun rolling out the latest One UI 6.1 update. This software update brings a variety of improvements and new features to the mid-range smartphone, but there’s a key caveat for users expecting significant AI enhancements.
While specific details haven’t been officially revealed by Samsung, reports suggest the One UI 6.1 update introduces various improvements for the Galaxy A series. This could potentially include a refreshed user interface, enhanced camera capabilities, and optimizations for smoother overall performance. Additionally, users might benefit from bug fixes and security patches, addressing any lingering software issues.
However, there’s a crucial detail to consider. Unlike Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S-series and foldable phones, the One UI 6.1 update for the Galaxy A34 and A54 reportedly doesn’t come with Galaxy AI. These advanced functionalities, showcased in other Samsung devices, leverage on-device processing for tasks like object recognition and Bixby scene detection.
That said, Samsung’s decision to withhold AI features from the Galaxy A34 aligns with its current strategy. The company tends to reserve its most advanced AI functionalities for its premium smartphone lines. This approach allows them to differentiate their flagship devices while ensuring a smooth and optimized user experience on more affordable models like the A34 and A54.
Sony isn’t just releasing a flagship smartphone this round, it’s also bringing a new entry into its midrange lineup. The new Xperia 10 VI is built for creators on a more affordable scale coming with a two-day battery life and the Video Creator app which Sony debuted with the Xperia 5 V.
The Xperia 10 VI is built to be a compact, durable smartphone coming in at only 164g. The lightweight smartphone measures only 155mm x 68mm and comes complete with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. That said, the smartphone is packed to the brim with power – most literally – with its 5000mAh battery.
Under the hood, the Xperia 10 VI comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 mobile compute platform that is built for affordable performance. This is complemented by 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Like its bigger sibling, the Xperia 1 VI, it also supports up to 1.5TB of extra memory through a microSD card slot. It comes with a 6.1-inch OLED display that Sony is calling Triluminous Display for mobile. This display supports a 60HZ refresh rate and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 gamut.
On the camera front, the Xperia 10 VI comes with a dual sensor set-up. The main sensor is a 48-megapixel Exmor RS for mobile sensor. This is complemented by an 8-megapixel sensor. The sensors support shooting at 26 mm and 52mm focal length equivalents and 16mm focal length equivalents respectively. The camera setup also supports 2x optical zoom. It also comes with optical image stabilization for both still image and video shooting with Optical SteadyShot technology. Up front is an 8-megapixel sensor.
Complementing the camera setup is Sony’s Video Creator app. Using this app, users will be able to seamlessly generate captivating videos from their still and video shots in less than a minute. Sony is promising three major OS updates and 4 years of security updates for the Xperia 10 VI.
Pricing & Availability
The Sony Xperia 10 VI will be available starting in August 2024 in Malaysia. For the rest of the world, Sony indicates that availability will start in the coming weeks. You can register your interest in the Xperia 10 VI on the Sony website now.
The smartphone will be available in three colours: Blue, Black and White. In Malaysia, it looks like we’ll be getting the Black and Blue versions only. No official pricing has been announced yet.
Sony’s Xperia series of smartphones – particularly the Xperia 1 – has been geared towards creative professionals as a tool and complement to their kits. However, this year is a little bit different with the Xperia 1 VI as Sony isn’t just introducing new creative features including AI, it’s also announcing an exclusive partnership with Activision.
Uniting Technology & Creativity with a More Capable Camera for Better Expressions
Keeping true to Sony’s key tenant of staying true to creativity, the new Xperia 1 VI comes with a brand new camera system. This time, the new system brings Sony’s Exmor T for Mobile image sensor that promises excellent low-light performance. However, that’s not all when it comes to upgrades. The Xperia 1 VI also comes with a brand new triple sensor setup for its main camera. The setup still comes with ZEISS T* coating but features a brand-new variable zoom covering 85-170mm focal length equivalents. The new setup also comes with a wide sensor which is able to shoot in 24mm and 48mm focal length equivalents and an ultrawide sensor that shoots at 16mm focal length equivalent. According to Sony, this new setup is the first to cover such a wide range of focal lengths from Xperia. The camera setup enables up to 7.1x optical zoom and also supports telephoto macro photos and videos.
Masaaki Oshima, Head of Mobile Business Unit and Imaging Entertainment Business Unit at Sony holding the Xperia 1VI during the YouTube Livestream announcement.
The Xperia 1 VI is also bringing AI features for creators. Continuing the company’s approach of unifying its flagship Alpha camera know-how and technology in its Xperia lineup, the Xperia 1 VI is adopting some AI features that we’ve seen in the Alpha family. As such, it comes as no surprise that the Mark VI will feature the return of AI-enabled eye-tracking autofocus. However, Sony is raising the bar by using AI to dynamically recognise and track the human skeleton and posture for more accurate autofocus. This will also ensure that your subject doesn’t go out of focus even in busy environments.
Breaking Its Own Mould with BRAVIA Technology & A Gaming Partnership with Activision
This year, it’s not just Alpha technology being folded into the Xperia 1 VI, Sony’s BRAVIA technology is also tagging along. Boasting the brightest display ever on an Xperia device, the new Xperia 1’s OLED display comes in a new 19.5:1 aspect ratio. Yes, Sony is doing away with the cinematic 20:1 aspect ratio we’ve seen previously. The display is also getting a boost in brightness with “Sunlight Vision”, a new feature that Sony is introducing to ensure that the display remains legible even under direct sunlight. Other than that, the display covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour space and has a 120Hz refresh rate and a 240Hz response rate.
The inclusion of BRAVIA technology is also bringing with it a new gaming partnership with Activision-Blizzard for Call of Duty Warzone Mobile. The new partnership leverages the high performance of the processor and the new gaming-centric features that are coming with the Xperia 1 VI. In addition to richer sound and graphics thanks to BRAVIA technology, the smartphone is also coming with a brand new feature called FPS booster that optimizes the performance of the smartphone for higher frame rates and better gaming fluidity. In addition, the Xperia 1 VI also comes with optimizations for touch that can recognise up to 24 touch patterns and optimize responsiveness for them. Activision’s Call of Duty Warzone Mobile will launch in March 2024.
Top of the line Specs for Creativity
The Xperia 1 VI comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 under the hood. The top-of-the-line SoC from Qualcomm right now. This is paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal memory with support for up to 1.5TB additional space through the microSD card slot. The smartphone comes with support for Bluetooth 5.4 and USB 3.2.
The display on the Xperia 1 VI is a 6.5-inch OLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080×2340 pixels. Camera-wise, the triple sensor at the back has a 52-megapixel main sensor and is complemented by a 12-megapixel telephoto and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. Upfront is a 12-megapixel sensor for selfies. All of this is powered by a 5,000mAh battery. The Xperia 1 VI will launch with Android 14 and will come with a guarantee for 4 years of security updates and three major OS updates.
Pricing & Availability
The Sony Xperia 1 VI will be available in the coming months. In Malaysia, it will be available starting July 2024. You can start registering your interest in the device over at Sony’s website now.
It will be available in Platinum Silver, Black and Khaki Green worldwide. According to the Sony Malaysia website, Malaysia will only be getting Black and Khaki Green. No official pricing has been announced just yet.
Android users, your data could be exposed thanks to an implementation flaw in popular apps. Microsoft has recently published a bulletin exposing a critical flaw that could be present in a large amount of applications. Microsoft estimates that the flaw could be in over four billion apps.
The vulnerability, given the moniker “Dirty Stream”, lies in the ability of potentially malicious apps to exploit and abuse Android’s content provider system. This system is designed to enable secure data exchange between apps on Android devices. The data exchange typically employs security measures like permissions, uniform resource identifiers and file path validation to ensure data security. However, sloppy implementation has led to a backdoor ripe for exploitation.
In Microsoft’s research, the incorrect use of the communication layer that allows communication between Android apps, known as “custom intents, can lead to sensitive areas of the app being exposed. This will allow hackers and malicious actors to access and inject malicious code into the app. Attackers can potentially take over the app entirely, access sensitive user data and intercept private logins.
Microsoft is not just exposing the exploit. It has worked proactively with affected developers, alerting them of the potentially vulnerable apps. Some of the apps identified in the report include Xiaomi’s File Manager and WPS Office. Both apps have large user bases. The former boasts a user base of over a billion installations while WPS Office has about 500 million. The companies have deployed fixes to address the issue.
Google has also been alerted. The search behemoth has updated its app security guidelines. The changes highlight common implementation errors that could lead to the security bypass.
