Category Archives: Android

Android, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Samsung & Thom Browne Elevate Fashion-Tech Fusion with Galaxy Z Fold5 &Watch6 Limited Editions

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Samsung has once again partnered with renowned designer Thom Browne to create an exquisite fusion of technology and fashion. The result? The limited-edition Galaxy Z Fold5 Thom Browne Edition and the Galaxy Watch6 Thom Browne Edition.

Z Fold5 Thom Browne PR dl5
Source: Samsung

This collaboration isn’t new; it’s the latest instalment in a longstanding partnership that began with the Galaxy Z Fold 2. What sets this year’s limited edition apart is its inspiration – the elegance of black-tie events. The Galaxy Z Fold5 Thom Browne Edition is not just a device; it’s a masterpiece. Crafted with black pebble leather and intricate detailing, it proudly showcases Thom Browne’s signature style. The iconic red, white, and blue stripes are prominently displayed on the device’s exterior, while the back glass boasts a tactile fabric texture. A black frame with gold accents and gold rings encircling the camera lenses adds an extra touch of luxury.

Z Fold5 Thom Browne PR dl3
Z Fold5 Thom Browne PR dl4

But the attention to detail doesn’t end with the device itself. The packaging is designed to provide an exceptional unboxing experience, reminiscent of a Thom Browne high-end briefcase. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s also a collector’s item.

The Galaxy Z Fold5 Thom Browne Edition doesn’t come alone; it includes two exclusive leather pouch cases and a specially crafted S Pen. These accessories not only enhance the style but also the functionality of the device.

Z Fold5 Thom Browne PR dl5
Source: Samsung

And that’s not all. The Galaxy Watch6 also gets the Thom Browne treatment. With its gold-tone body, unique watch face, and Thom Browne logo, it oozes sophistication. The red, white, and blue theme extends to the buckle and two leather straps, creating a seamless and elegant look. Even accessories like the 25W travel adapter, coin-style watch charger, and USB-C to USB-C cable carry Thom Browne’s signature touch.

Pricing & Availability

These exclusive editions will be available in limited quantities starting September 12, 2023, in select markets, including Korea. While the price remains undisclosed, tech and fashion enthusiasts alike can look forward to making their purchases through Samsung’s website.

Android, Mobile, News

Xiaomi 13T & Xiaomi 13T Pro Set for Debut on 26 September 2023

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Xiaomi has officially announced that the Xiaomi 13T series will launch on September 26 2023. The event will be held in Berlin, Germany, and will be live-streamed on Mi.com. This lineup is co-engineered with Leica, promising Leica filters and other camera enhancements in the default camera app. However, Xiaomi has not revealed how many smartphones will be included in this series.

https://twitter.com/Xiaomi/status/1698999412280754610

What We Expect

Both the Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro will boast a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and a remarkable maximum brightness of 2,600 nits. These phones will be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9200 and Dimensity 9200 Plus processors, supported by up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage. Battery capacity is set at 5,000 mAh, and the main camera on the Xiaomi 13T Pro will feature a 50 MP sensor with OIS and an f/1.9 aperture, offering impressive photography capabilities. Other notable specs include a 13 MP ultra-wide camera and a 50 MP telephoto zoom camera, both equipped with OmniVision sensors. Lastly, the front-facing 20 MP camera will sport a Sony IMX596 sensor.

Xiaomi 13T Series Comes with Extended Software Support

Both the Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro models are promised to receive five years of security updates. This commitment to software support exceeds Google’s three-generation update policy for Pixel phones. The Xiaomi 13T series is expected to ship with Android 13-based MIUI 14 out of the box, with the potential for updates up to Android 17.

Android, Mobile

Realme GT 5 available now in China

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In the ever-competitive scene of high-performance smartphones, Realme is stamping its mark with the GT 5 series, promising to redefine the limits of mobile performance.

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Power-packed performance

The heart of the Realme GT 5 series is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the powerhouse behind the lightning-fast operations. You can expect snappy app launches, seamless multitasking, and smoother gaming experiences. With a jaw-dropping 24GB of RAM on the highest-end model, the Realme GT 5 series ensures you have room to spare for all your multitasking needs.

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Realme has raised the bar when it comes to charging speed. Their top-tier model boasts a staggering 240W wired charging capability with a 4600 mAh. There is also a 150W wired charging variant which promises impressive charging speeds while having a higher battery capacity of 5240 mAh. Regardless of the variant you choose, battery anxiety will be a thing of the past.

Audio and Visual Brilliance

The Realme GT 5 doesn’t just excel under the hood. Its 6.7-inch AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making your content pop. The 1,240 x 2,772 pixel resolution ensures crisp visuals, while a 144Hz refresh rate provides a silky-smooth experience, perfect for gaming and scrolling through social media. Game visuals are juiced up further with the Adreno GPU and X7 display chip that can boost framerates while gaming.

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Sound quality is often an overlooked aspect of smartphones, but not for Realme. The GT 5 series features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, that are both Hi-Res Audio and Dolby certified. While it does not have a 3.5mm audio jack, it does have support for aptX HD, LHDC, LDAC and LC3 audio codecs over its Bluetooth 5.3 connection. This means that you can enjoy the highest quality of audio over wireless connection.

Get snapping and….burning?

The camera setup is equally impressive. Realme knows the importance of a good shot, and they’ve equipped the GT 5 series with top-notch cameras. It consists of a 50MP main camera with Sony’s IMX890 sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens and a 2MP macro camera. To help with lighting, there is LED light with 26 customizable colors and 5 levels of brightness. For selfies, it sports a 16MP front camera.

An interesting feature that will be available is the Burning mode. This mode allows the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset to run at a sustained, full-frequency speed when paired with a clip-on fan. There is no word yet if this mode works with any clip-on fan or a specific one.

Realme GT 5 specs

Pricing and Availability

The Realme GT 5 series is now available in China through Realme’s official Chinese website. The 150W charging variant is available in two configurations; 12 GB RAM and 256 GB of storage retailing at 2999 Yuan (~RM 1915) and 16 GB RAM and 512 GB of storage for 3299 Yuan (~RM 2106). The top-shelf 240W charging variant is available with 24GB RAM and 1TB of storage retailing at 3799 Yuan (~RM 2425). Two colors are available; silver with a mirror finish and matte Green finish.

The Realme GT 5 is shaping up to be a great option for a tech enthusiast, a gaming aficionado, or even a multitasking pro!

Android, Mobile, News

vivo V29e announced in India

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vivo announces its latest mid-range entry, the vivo V29e to be available in India starting 7th September 2023.

V29E colours 2

A decent mid-range entry for vivo

The device comes with all the expected features of a modern mid-range device. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, which is becoming a mainstay for mid-range devices. It offers decent performance and power efficiency despite being an older chipset. The chipset is supplemented with 8GB of RAM and the either128GB or 256GB storage, expandable with a microSD card. To keep things powered, there is a 5000 mAh battery which supports 44W wired fast charging. The device will also run Funtouch OS 13 on top of Android 13 out of the box.

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Cameras are a 64MP main shooter with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide module that are housed in the camera rings. It does come with an impressive front camera, a 50MP module with eye autofocus. There is also an exclusive Wedding Style Portrait feature, which allows snapping of bridal pictures with exclusive color palettes from top Indian photographers.

Color-changing glasses and 120Hz AMOLED display

vivo V29E color change
The Artistic Red glass panel changes from red to black when exposed to UV light. Image source: GSMArena

Another highlight feature is the color options for the vivo V29e. It features vivo’s Artistic Design finish, which are color-changing glass backs. The Artistic Red variant can change from a vibrant ruby red to black when exposed to UV light. There is an Artistic Blue option that does not seem to have a color change feature. The color-changing glasses are also accentuated with prism-like designs, making the device aesthetically pleasing. The vivo V29e is rounded out with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, offering vibrant colors and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is also curved further feeding into the aesthetics of the device.

Pricing and availability

The vivo V29e will be available in India starting 7th September 2023, with pre-bookings open on the vivo India official website and local retail partners. Pricing is INR 26,999 (~RM 1518) for the 128GB storage version and INR 26,999 (~RM 1630) for the 256GB storage version. At the moment, there is no official announcement of availability in other regions.

Source: GSMArena

Android, Mobile, News

Huawei Silently Reveals the HUAWEI Mate60 Series Complete with HarmonyOS and 5G

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Huawei silently launched its Mate60 series, featuring Harmony OS, a whole new set of XMAGE cameras and even 5G

Huawei Mate 60 Series 1
Source: HUAWEI VMALL

In a rather uncharacteristic move, Huawei has quietly rolled out its latest additions to the smartphone arena – the Huawei Mate60 Pro and the Mate60. Let’s dive into what makes these devices worth the buzz.

HUAWEI Mate60 Pro

The Mate60 Pro comes with a 6.82-inch 10-bit LTPO OLED screen boasting a resolution of 2720 x 1260 pixels complete with an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate. Huawei has also integrated a second-generation Kunlun Glass for added durability.

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    Source: HUAWEI VMALL
  • Huawei Mate 60 Series 2
    Source: HUAWEI VMALL
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    Source: HUAWEI VMALL
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    Source: HUAWEI VMALL

However, it’s the triple punch holes at the top of the display that steal the spotlight. Here, Huawei houses the selfie camera and a 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor. This clever setup enables facial recognition and Face ID-like features. The 13 MP ultrawide selfie camera, paired with sensors and lasers, ensures sharp and secure face mapping.

Flipping the phone reveals a circular camera module housing three more cameras. The headliner is a 50-megapixel main camera with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) and Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF). The camera setup was previously featured in the Mate50 Pro and P60 Pro. The 50-megapixel sensor features a variable aperture ranging from f/1.4-f/4.0 variable aperture. This is complemented by a 12-megapixel, ultrawide-angle camera with an f/2.2 lens and a third 48-megapixel sensor with an f/3.0 telephoto lens with OIS and AF.

Huawei Mate 60 Series 2
Source: HUAWEI VMALL

The Mate60 Pro even features satellite messaging capabilities. However, this feature is only available in China.l The Pro also sports a 5,000 mAh battery that supports rapid 88W wired and 50W wireless charging, as well as 20W reverse wireless charging.

Huawei’s Mate60 series is launching with HarmonyOS 4. making it the first device to showcase this UI out of the box. While the phone’s chipset remains undisclosed, it is rumoured to feature an in-house Kirin 9000S processor with eight CPU cores, including a Cortex-A78, three more Cortex-A78 performance cores, and four efficiency Cortex-A510 cores, all powered by a Maleoon 910 GPU.

Huawei Mate 60

The Mate60 shares many features with its Pro sibling. However, there are a few differences that set it apart.

The display on the Mate60 is a 6.69-inch LTPO OLED with a resolution of 1216 x 2688 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Like the Mate 60 Pro, it also features second-gen Kunlun Glass for added protection.

Huawei Mate 60 Series 3
Source: HUAWEI VMALL

The camera setup is slightly different, with a 12-megapixel periscope offering 5x optical zoom replacing the 48-megapixel telephoto lens found on the Mate 60 Pro. The main 50-megapixel camera with a variable f/1.4-f/4.0 aperture and the 12-megapixel ultrawide modules are the same.

The Mate60 is likely powered by the same in-house Kirin 9000S SoC as its Pro counterpart and features 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. Its 4,750 mAh battery supports 66W wired charging, offering a slightly reduced charging speed compared to the Pro model.

Like the Mate60 Pro, it supports satellite messaging in China and comes in four colour options.

Pricing & Availability

The HUAWEI Mate60 Pro comes in an array of striking colours including White, Green, Purple, and Black, with glass or faux leather materials. Prices for the Mate60 Pro start at CNY 6,999 (USD$960/MYR4,468.68) for the 512GB version. The regular Mate60 comes in at CNY 5,999 ($824/MYR3,830.21).

Huawei has not divulged any plans for an international launch.

Android, Mobile, News

Samsung’s Upcoming Mid-Range Galaxy Phones to Get a Boost from AMD RDNA-based Graphics

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Samsung’s collaboration with AMD goes beyond flagships.

Not long ago, Samsung and AMD decided to work together to bring better graphics performance to Samsung’s Exynos chipsets. Since then, only the Galaxy S22 models, powered by Samsung’s Exynos 2200 chipset, were equipped with AMD GPUs (graphics processing units). While Samsung may have opted for Qualcomm chips for their next flagship Galaxy S family, the partnership is far from over. In fact, it’s set to extend to mid-range smartphones.

AMD Radeon Graphics dl1
Source: Samsung

Revegnus (@Tech_Reve), a reliable leaker, has dropped some intriguing information about Samsung’s plans for their upcoming mid-range devices. These smartphones, expected to be announced and released next year, will feature AMD graphics technology. Specifically, the mid-range Exynos chipsets like the 1480 and 1430 will be equipped with mRDNA AMD GPUs.

Now, what makes this move particularly interesting is that these GPUs won’t primarily focus on gaming. While AMD GPUs are known for their prowess in gaming, Samsung’s strategy for their mid-range phones is different. Instead of amping up gaming capabilities, these GPUs will concentrate on improving image signal processing (ISP).

Source: Samsung

This strategic shift aligns with the mid-range smartphone market. Unlike flagship devices, mid-range phones typically don’t boast the hardware required for an enhanced gaming experience – think powerful CPUs, advanced cooling systems, and high-refresh-rate displays. Therefore, focusing on enhancing the ISP is a wise move and would provide a significant performance boost when it comes to smartphone performance.

If these rumours are true, Samsung could leverage the performance improvements from incorporating AMD’s mRDNA technology to bolster its already popular midrange Galaxy A series. As mid-range phones continue to gain popularity, it’s a smart strategy that could pay off handsomely.

Android, Mobile

OPPO A38 Brings SUPERVOOC Charging & 50-megapixel Camera for less then MYR600

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OPPO Malaysia has introduced a new offering into their entry-level lineup – the OPPO A38. The new smartphone brings OPPO’s now signature SUPERVOOC charging to its lower-end devices. However, the new A38 is still packing the heat when it comes to the cameras.

OPPO A38 04

The OPPO A38 comes with a design akin to the one we’ve seen on OPPO’s A78 and A98. Sleek, slender and ergonomically angled are the best descriptors for the A-series this year. The A38 has a sleek body and a textured back to help with grip and ergonomics. The back is also etched with OPPO’s Glow design technique that makes the smartphone shimmer under the light. It’s also got a matte finish to ensure that fingerprints don’t soil the details of the smartphone.

It’s not just about the design when it comes to the A38. OPPO is packing the entry-level device with enough features to make Santa Claus look stingy. When it comes to biometrics, the OPPO A38 comes with a side-mounted fingerprint reader which is embedded into the power button. The volume rocker and power buttons are also slightly raised for tactility.

OPPO A38 06

The display on the smartphone is a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display. It has an HD+ resolution of 720×1612 pixels, a peak brightness of 720 nits and a 90Hz refresh rate. OPPO’s Sunlight Display also allows for better visibility under harsh lighting conditions and covers 96% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut for close-to-life colour reproduction.

On the back is a dual camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor. This is complemented by a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Up front, is a 5-megapixel selfie camera. The A38’s cameras are also feature-packed with AI-enabled features such as Portrait mode. The main camera sensor also uses pixel-binning technology for more detailed pictures even in low light. On the A38, this technology combines 4 individual pixels into a single pixel allowing more details to be observed by the sensor for better details in the picture.

The OPPO A38 is running on the Mediatek Helio G85 platform. The processor features two high-performance Cortex-A75 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores which allow it to strike a balance between performance and power efficiency. This is complemented with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of onboard storage.

OPPO A38 07

OPPO touts an all-day battery with the smartphone’s large 5,000mAh battery. If you’re ever in need of a top-up, the 33W SUPERVOOC charging gives you a full charge in about 75 minutes. Oh… did we forget? It also has IP54 dust and water resistance.

Pricing & Availability

The OPPO A38 is already available in stores in Malaysia. The smartphone will be available in 2 shades: Glowing Gold and Glowing Black. It will cost MYR599.

Android, Mobile, News

Infinix Unveils the Infinix ZERO 30 5G at Venice Film Festival

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Infinix took centre stage at the Venice Film Festival with a new smartphone focused on content creation and storytelling. Infinix collaborated with the Italian Pavilion to explore the synergy between smartphone technology and modern storytelling centred around Infinix’s new smartphone the Infinix ZERO.

Infinix’s ZERO 30 Series focuses on the selfie camera looking to empower self-expression to a whole new level with a 50-megapixel sensor. This sensor is capable of recording 4K video. This is bolstered by the 108-megapixel main camera on the back that is complemented by a 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.

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The new smartphone comes with the Mediatek Dimensity 8020 chipset. A flagship chipset from Mediatek with features built to take on flagship phones. The octa-core CPU is complemented by either 8GB or 12GB of TAM and 256GB of storage. Display-wise, it comes with a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. All of this is powered by a 5,000mAh battery with 68W fast charging.

Pricing & Availability

The Infinix ZERO 30 will be available in three colour options: “Golden Hour,” “Rome Green,” and “Fantasy Purple.”

Infinix ZERO 30 5G 08
Source: Infinix

In India, the 8GB/128GB model is priced at INR 23,999 (MYR1,350.76/USD$290.17/EUR€268.80), and the 12GB/256GB version costs INR 24,999 (MYR/1,407.09/USD$302.28/EUR€279.98), both available for pre-orders through Flipkart.

No official pricing has been announced for Malaysia just yet. But the company looks poised to bring the smartphone to global markets in the near future.

Android, Mobile, News

OxygenOS 14 Coming To OnePlus Devices on September 25, 2023!

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OnePlus enthusiasts, mark your calendars for September 25, 2023! OnePlus has officially announced the launch date for OxygenOS 14, which is based on Android 14, promising to deliver an exceptional user experience.

OnePlus has always aimed to provide a fast and smooth experience for its users. This time, they’re introducing the “Trinity Engine,” a unique performance platform. Comprising six innovative technologies—CPU Vitalization, RAM Vitalization, ROM Vitalization, HyperBoost, HyperTouch, and HyperRendering—the Trinity Engine is designed to optimize power consumption, multitasking, and overall performance. It’s a significant step towards achieving a smoother and more enduring experience, particularly during multitasking or intensive gaming.

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Before the stable release, OnePlus is initiating public testing for Android 14 on devices like the OnePlus 11, OnePlus 11R, and OnePlus Nord 3. An Open Beta program for OxygenOS 14 will follow soon. Notably, Google’s Pixel phones and select Samsung Galaxy phones are also gearing up for Android 14 updates, emphasizing the widespread anticipation for this Android iteration.

While detailed changes in OxygenOS 14 are yet to be revealed, OnePlus is focusing on achieving high performance with energy efficiency. RAM Vitalization aims to optimize memory resources for smooth multitasking, while HyperRendering enhances visual experiences.

Android, Camera, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

The Sony Xperia 5 V (Xperia 5 Mark 5) is Here with Exmor T for Mobile as well!

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Sony first introduced their very high-end, very clever, and very powerful Exmor T for mobile imaging sensor on the Xperia 1 V, Sony’s fifth generation flagship smartphone that does everything an Alpha user needs it to do and even more. The thing is, at MYR 6,399, the Xperia 1 V commands an asking price even higher than what Samsung asks for in their flagship Galaxy S line-up. While the Xperia 1 V is a brilliant smartphone that is supposed to offer unparalleled performance and functionalities to content creators or creative professionals, it may be a little too rich for plenty of users. So, you get the Sony Xperia 5 V then.

In any way you look at it, the Sony Xperia 5 V is a brilliant product still, even compared to its more premium brother, the Xperia 1 V. Sure, there are visual cues to tell the people who know that you are not using Sony’s top-of-the-line smartphone. Its display size, for example is only 6.1-inch compared to the larger 6.5-inch of the Xperia 1V. It is also only Full HD in resolution instead of 4K. You still get the unique 21:9 aspect ratio from the Xperia 5 V. It is also still an OLED display that offers up to 120Hz in refresh rate and 240Hz in sampling rate. According to Sony as well, the display on the Xperia 5 V offers 100% in DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage and even BT.2020. Like the more premium flagship, the Xperia 5 V also has an X1 engine just to power the display.

Beneath the Corning Gorilla Glass protected display though is still the very powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2 platform that proved to be a force in the Xperia 1 V. It is not like you are getting a dwindled down battery too. Even in a smaller shell, you still get a 5,000mAh pack. That also means that this one smartphone can offer you even better battery life than even the great Xperia 1. Of course, the device runs on a rather stock version of Android 13 with just a few bloatware like its premium brother.

The bloatware powers the same Exmor T for Mobile sensor that its higher-end flagship brother gets. The Xperia 5 V boasts an effective 48-Megapixel underneath a 24mm lens with F1.9 aperture. Instead of two other cameras though, there is only one more camera that sits with the main shooter. You get a 12-Megapixel ultra-wide shooter instead of the clever variable telephoto that the Xperia 1 V offers. Still, you probably can get enough details with digital zoom from the 48-Megapixel photos. There is also a front-facing camera that is rated at 12-Megapixel for all your selfie and video-conferencing needs.

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    Source: Sony
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Just like its bigger brother, the Xperia 5 V maintains the same candy bar look and offers 3.5mm jack connectivity. Alongside that, there is the unique shutter button too. If you need, the Xperia 5 V also features a MicroSD card slot for storage expansion up to 1TB. There is fast charging for the large battery, you also get wireless charging still with the Xperia 5 V.

Price and Availability

While Sony Malaysia touts Q4 2023 availability, they have not officially announced its retail price just yet. We expect the Xperia 5 V to be a little more expensive than the current Xperia 5 IV at MYR 4,499. We do not think it will be priced above RM 5,000 though, at least there is no reason to believe that it will be priced as such. For now, we can only wait. For more information on Sony’s latest Xperia 5 V, you can head to their website.