Category Archives: Mobile

Bye, Bye Zenfone? Reports Point to the ASUS Zenfone 10 Being the Last Zenfone

August 28, 2023 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

The ASUS Zenfone series of smartphones hasn’t really been a mainstay in the tech market. In fact, Malaysia hasn’t seen a Zenfone release since the Zenfone 5. However, the series has been making waves in recent years thanks to ASUS’s dedication to making it a rather compact flagship. That said, it looks like ASUS might be ending the Zenfone altogether.

sj lGZSEBx3GYo unsplash — Photo by SJ 📸 on Unsplash

According to a report from Technews.tw, the company has already inched closer to ending the Zenfone lineup with some internal restructuring. The internal restructuring has resulted in layoffs in the mobile phone department effectively shutting down the Zenfone division. The same report indicates that the mobile phone department is split into two divisions – ROG Phone and Zenfone. It seems like the ROG Phone lineup should stay its course for now. However, if reports of the shutdown of the department shutdown and layoffs are true, the recent Zenfone 10 from ASUS could mark the last Zenfone flagship ever.

In its heyday, the Zenfone series had more than just its numbered entries. ASUS had the Zenfone GO as an affordable option as well as the Zenfone Max and Zenfone Live for those who wanted the larger screen and live streaming respectively. The numbered Zenfone series rounded out the series with higher-end, flagship-class specifications. It was also one of the most experimental series with ASUS introducing features like the flip camera in the Zenfone Flip.

Screenshot 2023 08 28 at 12 30 03 Zenfone 10｜Phones｜ASUS Global — Source: ASUS Global

The Zenfone series seems to be a casualty of the ongoing restructuring at ASUS which was first reported sometime in June. While we are optimistic the company will come out better on the other end of it, it’s hard to say whether the Zenfone series will be the last casualty.

Android, Consumer Electronics, Lifestyle, Mobile

Xiaomi Celebrates Merdeka & Malaysia Day with Prizes & Offers Galore!

August 28, 2023 Joey T Leave a comment

368039842 690762113090180 5692320098962433175 n 1 — Source: Xiaomi Facebook

Xiaomi is all set to embrace the spirit of patriotism with its Merdeka & Malaysia Day promo. And guess what? They’re inviting you to celebrate along with amazing deals and a chance to win cool prizes!

From 25 August to 24 September, Xiaomi is rolling out a campaign that’s all about giving you more for less. If you’re eyeing the latest smartphones or looking to upgrade your smart home game, they have got you covered! And who doesn’t love some savings, right?

368340311 690762159756842 1050932982696636545 n — Source: Xiaomi Facebook

So, what’s up for grabs? If you’re looking to pick up a smartphone from the Redmi and Redmi Note series or other smart home products, Xiaomi is offering savings of up to MYR200. This is your chance to treat yourself during this patriotic season. Just be sure to grab them while stocks last at any Authorised Xiaomi store.

On top of these special deals, Xiaomi is also holding a Lucky Draw for lucky participants! You could just be the lucky winner of a Xiaomi Mesh System AX3000, Mi 360° Camera (1080p), and Mi Wireless Outdoor Security Camera 1080p Set! Wanna know how to win? Here’s how:

Purchase selected Xiaomi smartphones and AIoT products.
Strike a pose with the cool props at the Xiaomi Authorised Store.
Share your awesome selfie on your Public Facebook profile and make sure to use the #XiaomiMalaysia and #MerdekawithXiaomi hashtags.
The Lucky Draw winner will be announced on Xiaomi Malaysia’s Facebook page on 5 October.

If you don’t want to miss out on the excitement and keep tabs on the latest updates, you can visit Xiaomi Malaysia’s Facebook Page.

Android, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

OPPO Find N3 Flip to Debut on August 29, 2023, with the OPPO Watch 4 Pro

August 26, 2023 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

The upcoming wave of foldable devices from OPPO is starting to take shape, with clear glimpses into what’s to come. The Chinese smartphone manufacturer has begun teasing its Find N3 Flip and the Watch 4 Pro smartwatch on Weibo, setting a confirmed launch date for later this month on August 29.

The promotional content showcases the Find N3 Flip in a champagne-gold hue, giving us a sneak peek at its new circular triple-camera setup. This innovative departure from its predecessor, the N2 Flip, introduces a triple-camera arrangement, a first for flip-style foldables. The LED flash is positioned just below the Hasselblad-backed container.

Adjacent to the camera array is the external cover screen. This display, expected to measure around 3 inches based on rumours, is oriented vertically on the cover panel – a design choice unique to the Find N3 Flip.

A teaser video featuring Actress and Model, Shu Qi, gives us a glimpse of the upcoming foldable and its UI.

Together with the OPPO Find N3 Flip, OPPO also shared images of the Watch 4 Pro. It looks like the company will be keeping the Watch 3’s design, however, it does appear like the Watch 4 Pro boasts a slightly curved glass layer and features a physical button and rotating crown on its right side.

The Watch 4 Pro’s specifications have been teased, including confirmation of the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip – the same as its predecessor. The Watch 4 Pro is equipped with ECG, temperature, and SpO2 sensors that continue the line’s fitness and health focus. It’s also rumoured to come with over 85 apps and 2GB of RAM.

Rumours of the Find N3 Flip point to the foldable having a 6.8-inch internal display, akin to the OPPO Find N2 Flip. The circular triple-camera array is rumoured to comprise a 50MP primary camera, 8MP ultrawide, and a 32MP telephoto lens.

What sets the Find N3 Flip apart is the inclusion of the telephoto lens, a departure from competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Motorola Razr Plus, which omit such a feature.

Translation in next slide. (Translation done by Google Translate)
Translation in next slide. (Translation done by Google Translate)

It also looks like OPPO has already started pre-orders for the FInd N3 Flip on its Weibo page. Users in China are able to pre-order their device with a CNY1 deposit. The pre-order entitles customers to the Enco Air 3 Pro earbuds, a phone case, 2 years battery replacement, a 180-day 1 to 1 replacement, a trade-in value of up to CNY1,200 for your old device, and a CNY379 mystery gift.

In a nutshell, OPPO’s Find N3 Flip is looking to make waves with its advanced camera setup, while the Watch 4 Pro promises enhanced capabilities and performance. Stay tuned for more updates!

Android, Lifestyle, Mobile

realme Celebrates 5th Anniversary with New Offerings

August 23, 2023 Joey T Leave a comment

realme is finally hitting its 5-year milestone this coming 28 August. To mark this special occasion, the brand is introducing its 5th Anniversary Leap Up Products, aligned with their new brand focus: ‘Leap Up’ which encapsulates the brand’s drive to reach new heights by taking strategic leaps forward.

Leaping forwards since 2018

realme emerged in 2018 with a mission to empower the youth through technology, design, and experiences. This vision, which the brand attributes to its ‘Dare to Leap’ strategy focused on a light asset approach, short channels, and e-commerce prioritisation. As the brand evolved, its focus shifted to long-term growth principles that it dubbed “No Leap No Launch”.

These principles struck a chord, earning it a spot in the Top 50 Kantar BrandZ Chinese Global Brand Builders 2023 report. On the local front, realme Malaysia also saw a return to the top five smartphone brands list in Q2 2023, with an annual growth of 18%.

realme celebrates with Leap Up Products

As the brand steps into a new chapter, realme is set to unveil a series of exclusive devices dubbed 5th Anniversary Leap Up Products. While there are no details from realme yet, we’ll be sure to keep our eyes peeled for what’s to come. Stay tuned for updates! To learn more, you can also visit the realme website.

Android, Mobile

vivo Celebrates Merdeka with Rebates up to RM200

August 18, 2023 Joey T Leave a comment

THE VIVO V27 SERIES WITH REBATE UP TO RM200

We’re only midway through the Merdeka month, and many brands are already celebrating with of promotions and sales. vivo is certainly not missing out on the festivities as they are giving special rebates of up to RM200 for the vivo V27 series!

For the whole month of August, you can get the vivo V27 (8GB+256GB) at RM1,699 (RRP: RM1,799) and the vivo V27 (12GB+256GB) at RM1,799 (RRP: RM1,999).

The V27 is a decently strong contender as a mid-range selfie smartphone. As we know, the best portraits are taken in optimal lighting – which is why the aura light that’s integrated into its OIS portrait feature is perfect for selfie lovers. Fancy some night photography? You can also take better pictures in low-light thanks to the Sony IMX766V Customised Flagship Sensor on the device.

Don’t like bulky devices? You’d also be happy to hear that the vivo V27 sports the thinnest 3D curved screen in vivo history. With a slim profile measuring just 7.36mm thick, it’s got portability and ease of handling down.

Interested in getting your very own V27? You’ll just need to head on over to the nearest vivo concept store. Don’t miss out as this offer is only available for a time-limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’d like to know more, you can also visit vivo Malaysia’s official Facebook page.

Android, Mobile

Huawei Embraces the Merdeka Spirit with Special Offers

August 16, 2023 Joey T Leave a comment

It’s almost time to celebrate Merdeka, and Huawei is joining in on the celebration this year with an array of exciting offers on their smartphones!

From now until 30 September, 2023, you can enjoy savings on select Huawei smartphones at the HUAWEI Merdeka Carnival. Whether you’re in the market for flagships like the P60 Pro or the affordable Nova 11 Pro, Huawei’s got you covered with an assortment of discounts.

You can head over to your nearest Huawei Experience Store to enjoy these special deals before it ends. Here’s a glimpse of the promotions that await you:

HUAWEI Mate50 Pro Kunlun Edition
- Special Promotion: RM1,000 off
- Trade In Program: RM500
HUAWEI Mate50 Pro bundle with HUAWEI MatePad 10.4
- Special Promotion: RM1,399 off
HUAWEI P60 Pro
- Special Promotion: RM500 off
- Trade In Program: RM500 instant rebate

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get your very own Huawei devices at a special discounted rate! For more information or to stay updated on the latest promotions, you can visit HuaweiI’s Official Facebook or Instagram.

Mobile, News

Instagram Finally Testing Out Tablet Layouts On Android

August 8, 2023 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

It looks like the cry for a tablet and large screen-optimised Instagram may be coming to an end. Images have surfaced of the app getting different layouts tested with large-screen devices – in particular the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. The tests come on the heels of Google applying pressure on developers to develop apps optimised for large-screen devices with penalties coming to the Google Play Store.

Two versions of the large-screen optimised Instagram app have surfaced. The first has a layout where the navigation buttons (i.e. the home, search, new post, reels, and profile buttons) are joined with the notifications and messages buttons on the right hand of the interface. The other looks like a blown-up version of the regular Instagram interface.

Since when has Instagram had a decent layout for foldable phones? pic.twitter.com/6CJuix9zQS
— Max Buondonno 🤙 (@LegendaryScoop) July 26, 2023

It seems like the testing is happening primarily on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series devices. The first reports surfaced days after the recent announcement of the Galaxy Z Fold5. This comes as no surprise as we already know that Samsung has been actively engaging with developers to optimise apps for large screens and the FlexScreen feature on their devices. However, it seems like layouts will not be exclusive to Samsung’s Foldables.

Android, Mobile, News

Honor Prepares to Unfold Tomorrow on September 1, 2023

August 8, 2023 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Honor is prepared to take its thinnest foldable smartphone, the Magic V2, global with an announcement coming up at IFA in Berlin. On September 1, 2023, at 10 am CEST, we can expect Honor Magic V2 to make its global availability known. However, it seems like there may be another smartphone in the works for the announcement as well. It’s rumoured that Honor may announce a second flip-style foldable during the event as well. There’s also a teaser on the website’s announcement of the IFA 2023 Keynote with a mathematical formula.

The Honor Magic V2 debuted earlier this year in July exclusively in China. It stunned with its 4.8mm thickness when unfolded and 9.9mm thickness when folded. It’s also not shying away from being a full-fledged flagship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, dual 50-megapixel sensors and a 20-megapixel telephoto sensor on the back and a 16-megapixel sensor for the selfie camera. Together with this, the Magic V2 comes with a large 7.92-inch inner screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a large 5,000 mAh battery.

With the increasing number of choices for foldable smartphones increasing this year, it’s going to be very interesting to see how brands continue to edge each other out with design and software. Honor is currently one of three brands with a globally available flagship large-screen, foldable device. If rumours are any indication, the space is about to exponentially more competitive with brands like vivo and OnePlus joining the foray.

Android, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Flip Out with the Galaxy Z Flip5 & Galaxy Z Fold5 in Flip Town!

August 7, 2023 Joey T Leave a comment

Samsung is cooking up something in the vibrant Golden Triangle…and has unleashed Flip Town! From now until 31 August, visit Flip Town to try out the latest Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 before they hit the stores!

To start your Flip Town adventure, start at the Bukit Bintang crossing, where you’ll see six Galaxy Z Flip5 lifestyle visuals by local Malaysian artists. This will also be your opportunity to snap OOTDs while flipping the cityscapes around you for Instagram-worthy moments.

If you head on over to Optimist Coffee on Jalan Bukit Bintang, you can also take pictures with loan units of the phones at the selfie stations until 13 August . Don’t forget to claim your free stickers! There are also convex mirrors that will allow you to experiment with unique angles to make your photos pop. Samsung is also giving out free coffee when you follow the @GalaxySpaceMY page.

Next – this one’s for the BTS ARMY! Look out for the wall poster of BTS’s Jimin and strike your best poses next to the giant Galaxy Z Flip5 prop. Don’t miss out on visiting the Flip Town Experential Zone, where you can take photos with the wall poster of BTS’s Suga with the FlexCam. Snap more photos with loan phones at this pop-up station until 16 August for fresh, trendy shots next to Suga.

Stay connected with the Flip Town community by using the hashtags #GalaxyZFlip5, #GalaxyZFold5, #JoinTheFlipSide, #MYFlipTown. You can also follow @GalaxySpaceMY and @samsungmalaysia for updates.

If you’re itching to own the Galaxy Z Fold5 or Galaxy Z Flip5, pre-orders are now available until 17 August 2023. Visit the Samsung website to learn more.

Android, Mobile, News

vivo Launches the Y78 5G in Malaysia for MYR 1,399 – Flagship Parts, Entry-Level Price

August 2, 2023 Darwin Sucipto Leave a comment

Budget smartphones can be a nightmare sometimes. Most of the time we will only recommend a budget smartphone for those who are looking for a secondary device to work with. If you are looking for a daily driver, we would say that you might be much better off spending a little more on mid-range smartphones. It is 2023 though and things change all the time, entry-level smartphones can be good devices now, like this vivo Y78 5G that they just launched.

On paper, it ticks all the right boxes. It has 8GB of RAM, 256GB in storage, Android 14, and even a 64-Megapixel camera. The processor though is not a mid-range system on a chip (SoC) like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 700 series processors. Instead, you get the entry-level Snapdragon 695. That does not mean that you are getting short handed here. You still get 5G connectivity like most modern smartphones do now. It is also capable of taking videos at 4K resolution when you need it to. It will last even longer than most flagships today thanks to its 5,000mAh battery and the fact that the SoC is less power hungry than even the latest mid-range smartphones.

What greets you when you pick up the device is not some random LCD display that offers 720p resolution. You get a proper 120Hz AMOLED experience with a Full HD+ resolution on the 6.78-inch display. There is a 16-Megapixel front facing camera too on top of the display for video conferencing and selfies. Out the back is a 64-Megapixel shooter that is helped also by two other 2-Megapixel cameras for better depth and detailing; that is all you need really.

Within all the glass and aluminium body, you will find a huge 5,000mAh battery as mentioned before. It is not some old battery technology that offers you days of battery life but keeps you near a wall socket when it runs out too. It still offers 44W fast charging to keep charging times below two hours. There is even support for dual-SIM, which is expected these days.

Price and Availability

The Vivo Y78 5G will come in Dreamy Gold and Flare Black colour options. It will set you back MYR 1,399, which is really not a lot of money for a smartphone at this calibre. For more information on the new entry-level smartphone, you can visit Vivo’s website.

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