It’s not every day that we hear a tech company is celebrating its 10th Anniversary; what’s more, one that isn’t a start-up or consumer-facing. While that may be true for EDOTCO, the company’s decade-long existence has entrenched the company with consumers and connectivity. The company has been actively involved in the rollout of cellular towers and related technologies in Malaysia, Cambodia, Bangladesh and more across the ASEAN and South Asian regions.
What exactly does a TowerCo (telecommunications tower company) do? Well, it’s pretty simple. You know that symbol on your mobile phone which shows you your signal strength? They work to ensure that there is a connection at all times. This comes in the form of building and maintaining cell towers for mobile network operators (MNOs) and even leasing or co-locating towers with other companies. EDOTCO has its beginnings in Malaysia as Axiata group’s TowerCo before it spun off into its own business.
The company now boasts a portfolio of over 54,000 towers across the ASEAN and South Asian regions. They currently operate in Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Pakistan, Philippines, Laos and most recently, Indonesia. This has made them the 6th ranking TowerCo in the world with ambitions to be in the top 5 by 2024. They have also been recognized as one of three unicorn status companies in Malaysia by Credit Suisse last year.
We spoke with CEO, Mohamed Adlan Ahmad Tajudin, about the company’s focus on equitable connectivity, innovation and sustainability. This interview comes in the wake of the company celebrating their 10th Anniversary and launching a companywide rebrand.
A Heritage of Innovation & A Culture of Sustainability
EDOTCO hasn’t been resting on its laurels for the past decade. They’ve been at the forefront of innovating in the TowerCo space. The company has also been busy inculcating a philosophy of innovation and sustainable thinking from the ground up. CEO, Mohamed Adlan informs us, “we inculcate the culture of a sustainable world for the future and the next generation within the minds of our people. We hire passionate individuals who fit within EDOTCO’s culture and core values to ensure our staff are in tune with EDOTCO’s heart.”
(Source: EDOTCO) Cell tower in the Uttara Region in Bangladesh made of Bamboo.
Their genuine passion and dedication to innovation and sustainability have been driving EDOTCO’s ingenuity when it comes to tower technology. One of the hallmarks of the company’s past decade is their collaboration with the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). They looked to create a greener, more sustainable solution to building steel towers atop buildings in Bangladesh. If you remember, there have been cases where buildings in South Asia were collapsing due to the weight being borne. In their collaboration, BUET and EDOTCO created a very sustainable solution of creating the towers with specially treated bamboo which is more resilient and lightweight. This innovation resulted in a solution that is not only greener with 70% less carbon emissions; the resulting tower is 88% lighter. EDOTCO erected its first bamboo tower in the Uttara region of Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2017.
Source: EDOTCO
“Innovation will always remain a key cornerstone in our operations. However, we have also shifted our focus to sustainability as a key indicator of growth as a group.”
While it may seem trivial, the innovative approach could very well be the first step in a new way to set up towers and empower connectivity in rural areas. With better, more natural materials, we’re looking at the possibility of minimally affecting ecosystems while society moves towards being more connected. The lower cost and carbon emissions are also a testament to the company’s commitment to creating and innovating sustainably.
Refocusing to Empower Equitable Connectivity with Innovative Solutions
The company isn’t resting on their laurels with their 10th anniversary either. Instead, they’ve turned their focus to sustainability and equitable connectivity. EDOTCO is committed to adapting to the rapid changes that come with the surge forward in digitization. To further drive the point home, the company is undergoing a revamp and rebranding to embody their continued commitment and further refocusing their efforts on sustainable innovation.
The rebranding also comes with a commitment to empower and advance the Asian region when it comes to the region’s communications and connectivity ambitions. They will continue to innovate and address the needs of both developing and developed countries with solutions that drive connectivity with 5G and beyond; making next-generation connectivity universally accessible. Together with that, EDOTCO will also be working with their partners and customers to enable and drive positive transformation in the communities they are engaged.
(Source: EDOTCO) Redesigned Logo focusing on Sustainability and Equitable Connectivity
Together with this EDOTCO is also looking to drive their goals sustainably. They will be enhancing their internal sustainability strategy moving forward through their one-way and two-way engagements internally and in person. The vision to be sustainable isn’t just a bunch of fluff or a hot topic. It’s a vision and policy being driven in all departments from HR to Engineering. It provides an added impetus to their innovation and empowers their vision for equitable connectivity.
When it comes to equitable connectivity, EDOTCO isn’t just talking about sustainability either. They’re taking tangible steps to make erecting towers and providing connectivity as a service more affordable to its customers and, in turn, to consumers. Even before they embark on their next decade, the company has already helped MNOs save between 16% to 35% in their Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operations Expenditure (OPEX) through infrastructure sharing, tower leasing and co-location. This has also resulted in faster, more sustainable network rollouts and fostered competition between MNOs which is beneficial for consumers.
Working to Spearhead Equitable Connectivity & Sustainability
As much as they are driving innovation and helping with cost reduction for MNOs and, in turn, consumers, EDOTCO can only continue to do so with the correct policies in place. These policies and frameworks allow them to address more targeted issues. In Malaysia alone, EDOTCO continues to support the JENDELA framework put in motion by the Malaysian Government. It comes as no surprise that the company has already focused on equitable connectivity when JENDELA was first announced. They have since been supporting this framework by being a forerunner in connecting the unconnected.
(Source: EDOTCO) The Human Touch behind their innovative Bamboo Tower
Their innovations have allowed initiatives like Malaysia’s JENDELA to progress at a faster pace. With solutions like EDOTCO’s Network and Planning Analytics (NaPA), the company continues to allow MNOs to reduce costs and be more targeted and strategic in rolling out infrastructure. NaPA allows MNOs to reduce build times for towers by providing geocoding and analytic insights. To date, this technology has been used in the setup of over 200 towers in the JENDELA initiative.
Bringing a Human Touch to Digitization
(Source: EDOTCO) Mohamed Adlan Tajuddin, CEO Of EDOTCO
Being a company entrenched in the digitalization process, it gets easy to lose sight of the human aspect of technology. However, EDOTCO isn’t just a technology company – it’s a “Bionic Organization”. The company is creating “the workforce of the future” by integrating technology and digital tools into human interactions. While others look to leverage AI to replace humans, they are using AI and other technologies to better their workforce and provide value for their partners. They look to drive human interactions with the highest levels of efficiency.
EDOTCO’s “Bionic Organization” approach looks to harness in-house talent to bring heart and feeling to an industry that can be very cold. In the words of Adlan, EDOTCO is looking to become “Fitter, Faster and Far Better, without compromising on the human soul”. This entails leveraging digital solutions to make work more intuitive and human experience more effective. In addition, it will also, inevitably require their workforce to harness their inherent diversity of experience and backgrounds to drive innovation inclusively and with a sense of equity.
It’s getting rarer to see a tech CEO whose focus is on creating warmth and heart when driving their company. However, Mohamed Adlan’s approach to a “Bionic Organization” is looking to unite the two dichotomies in digitization and embeds them throughout the organization. This aims to create an environment and work culture that is collaborative, efficient and driven by insights and a sense of purpose. This is how he plans to drive both the sustainability and equitability pillars at EDOTCO.
Looking to Expansion, Diversifying & Further Empowering Equitable Connectivity
With the first 10 years in the bag, EDOTCO is looking to the future. Not only is it focused on bringing heart to digitalization, but it’s also constantly looking for opportunities to innovate and expand. Having already built a portfolio of 50,000 towers in nine markets from the initial 10,000 in its four home markets, the company is looking into new areas such as Network as a Service (NaaS) and Site as a Service (SaaS) to expand their portfolio.
Their current focus is on expanding within Thailand and Vietnam where they believe that the potential for growth is the greatest. The company is also eyeing going public in the coming decade while they focus on pushing boundaries and accelerating equitable access to digital connectivity.
U Mobile celebrates the commercial launch of its 5G network by offering unlimited internet over the weekends.
U Mobile prepaid users can enjoy unlimited usage of 5G network over the weekends
Every Saturday and Sunday, prepaid customers of U Mobile can enjoy unlimited usage with uncapped speeds on both 5G and 4G networks. All customers of the Prepaid U35 plan and newly launched Prepaid U40 plan can enjoy this perk, starting from midnight every Saturday, ending at 11.59pm every Sunday. To enjoy the use of the 5G network, customers need to be using a 5G compatible device and be within 5G network coverage area. All other customers can of course enjoy the 4G network instead. To experience Unlimited 5G Weekends, customers will need to redeem it weekly via the MyUMobile app.
U Mobile has also announced the launch of the new Prepaid U40 plan. Priced at RM40 monthly, the new plan offers unlimited calls and data as well as unlimited hotspot for sharing data across multiple devices. Unlimited hotspot can be purchased as an add-on feature of other prepaid plans such as U25 and U35 for RM 5, lasting 30 days. Prepaid customers who want to experience the 5G network uncapped speeds can also purchase 5G Daily or Weekly Plans starting from just RM3 per day.
For more information on U Mobile Unlimited 5G Weekends and services, visit the official U Mobile website.
Malaysia is finally looking to get its 5G act together after over 2 years in limbo. While the country started its 5G conversation early in 2019, political instability, the pandemic and multiple changes in the plans for 5G have seen the country without widespread 5G connectivity until now.
In 2021, Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) was established to be the single “special-purpose” vehicle for the country’s rollout of 5G under the purview of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Since then, DNB has been in a tumultuous state with telcos refusing terms and even members of the public and experts criticising DNB’s presence.
However, in late 2021, DNB did an initial launch of 5G with only two telcos – TM and YTL Communications (YES) onboard. Since then, little has changed with DNB continuing to set up 5G infrastructure while it struggled to reach a consensus even with the MoF’s invitation to telco to take up a stake in the vehicle. In early October 2022, an agreement was finally reached with two telcos – U Mobile and Maxis – abstaining from claiming a stake in DNB. DNB is now owned by MoF (35%), YTL Communications (20%), TM (20%), Celcom Axiata (12.5%) and Digi Telecommunications (12.5%). Celcom Axiata and Digi are in the midst of a merger following the agreement between parent companies Axiata and Telenor to merge operations. In light of this merger, the resulting company’s stake was limited to 25%. As of 31 October 2022, five of the six telcos in Malaysia have finally signed an access agreement with DNB for access to the 5G network.
With all the drama done with, Malaysia is finally getting widespread coverage starting with key areas in the country’s central region of Klang Valley. Aside from YES – which has already rolled out its 5G offerings – telcos are beginning to provide access to users starting on 1st November 2022. Digi and Maxis have yet to announce any offerings for 5G. We’ve summarised the usage and plans available in the table below for easy reference.
Telco
5G Rollout
Details
YTL Communications (YES)
Already available
5G is available on: 1. Infinte+ Postpaid plans 2. FT5G Unlimited Prepaid 3. Wireless Fibre 5G plans
TM
31 October 2022
TM Unifi Mobile users will be able to access the 5G network for free until 31 December 2022. After which it seems like they will need to register for the new Uni5G plans to access the 5G network. Prices for subscriptions start at MYR1.
Celcom Axiata
1 November 2022
5G access will be available to all Celcom subscribers according to their plans for free until December 2022. Plans included: 1. Celcom MEGA Lightning (80, 98, 128, ,158 and 188) 2. Celcom Xpax Postpaid (40 and 60) 3. Celcom Xpax Prepaid (35 and 45)
U Mobile
3 November 2022
U Mobile subscribers of their recently launched 5G Ready U Postpaid plans will be able to use the 5G network with compatible devices. Prepaid users on U25 and U35 plans will need to redeem a “Speed Booster” for free which entitles them to 1 hour of 5G connectivity a day with up to 30 hours a month.
Digi
TBA
TBA
Maxis
TBA
TBA
It’s worth noting that Maxis, one of the nation’s largest telcos, has yet to ratify the access agreement. The company has cited that its board is still accessing the requirements for the 5G Access Agreement. In its statement to the press, Maxis states, “Maxis is committed to playing an active role in bringing 5G to the nation in line with the Government’s digital ambitions, and to utilising Digital Nasional Berhad’s (DNB) network for 5G services. The Company looks forward to bringing the best of 5G services and solutions to its customers and is confident of launching 5G in the near future”. The company has also recently appointed a new CEO, Goh Seow Eng, who has served in Advanced Info Service (AIS) in Thailand. Goh will be taking the reigns from Gökhan Öğüt, who has been the CEO of Maxis for nearly 4 years.
So, it looks like Maxis and Digi customers can expect an announcement in the near future possibly with revamped plans.
HMD Global is striving to be one of the first mobile manufacturers to factor in the environment when it comes to devices. The new Nokia X30 5G is the first offering coming to Malaysia with an increased sense of environmental responsibility. It is made of 100% recycled aluminium and incorporates 65% recycled plastics in its build. Everything from the packaging to the device itself contains recycled materials. HMD is touting it as the device with the smallest eco-footprint to date.
Source: Nokia.com
While it remains one of the most environmentally conscious devices, it isn’t leaving performance behind. The Nokia X30 5G comes equipped with an octa-core Snapdragon 695 5G. The system on a chip (SoC) is paid with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 internal storage. When it comes to the display, it comes with a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080×2400 pixels. It also has a 90Hz refresh rate and 700 nits peak brightness. The display comes with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for protection and scratch-proofing.
In the camera department, the Nokia X30 5G comes with a dual camera setup. This setup is consists of a 50-megapixel main sensor that is complemented by a 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor. The main 50-megapixel sensor comes equipped with optical image stabilisation (OIS) with an f/1.8 aperture. The complementary 13-megapixel ultra-wide sensor comes with a 123° field of view and an f/2.4 aperture. On the front is a 16-megapixel selfie camera with aq f/2.4 aperture.
Source: HMD Global
HMD continues to offer more than just the basics when it comes to the camera experience. In line with its PureView experience, the camera comes equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) which allows users to capture the best pictures with a click of a button. The new app interface also puts your frequently used settings at the tip of your tips for quick access and snapping. Capture Fusion allows you to reap the benefits of both the 50-megapixel main camera and the ultra-wide camera bringing details to the focal point of your picture.
All of these features are powered by a 4,200mAh battery with a guarantee for 800 charging cycles. It comes with USB Type connectivity for charging and data and IP67 dust and water resistance.
Pricing & Availability
The Nokia X30 5G will be available in stores from mid-November 2022. Pre-orders are now ongoing on Shopee and Lazada. Pre-orders will be entitled to a free Nokia clear case and Nokia Comfort Earbuds worth MYR250.
The smartphone will be available in Cloudy Blue for MYR2,099.
Xiaomi’s Redmi lineup has been one of the most affordable smartphones in the market for a while now. However, the Redmi 10 lineup has been missing out on the 5G love that other devices have been launching with – that ends now with the Redmi 10 5G. Xiaomi is also switching things up with this launch in Malaysia, partnering exclusively with Maxis, one of the country’s largest mobile and internet service providers.
The Redmi 10 5G is the first in the lineup to come with 5G connectivity. It’s powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 octa-core processor. It also comes with dual SIM support. You’ll be able to use two 5G SIMs as well with dual 5G standby. This is supplemented by 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage in the version being offered on Maxis.
On the display front, the smartphone comes with a 6.58-inch Full HD, Dot Drop display. The screen also supports a 90Hz refresh rate with AdaptiveSync. It’s got Gorilla Glass 3 protection as well. The smartphone itself comes with support for AI face unlock and also has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
The Redmi 10 5G comes with a dual sensor camera setup. The main sensor is a 50-megapixel sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. This is supported by a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Up front, we have a 5-megapixel selfie shooter with an f/2.2 aperture.
The smartphone has a 5,000mAh battery which should be able to last a whole day easily based on Redmi’s track record. If you need to top up, however, the Redmi 10 5G does have support for 18W fast charging using its USB-C connector. It also comes with a 22.5W charger provided in the box.
Pricing and Availability
The Redmi 10 5G will be available in Graphite Gray, Chrome Silver and Aurora Green. For now, it’s available exclusively on Maxis for as low as MYR1 on its Zerolution plans. Beyond the exclusivity period, the device will be retailing for MYR959.
The OnePlus 10T 5G is getting closer to being in your hands! The latest offering from OnePlus is now up for pre-order in Malaysia. Pre-orders are available on the official Shopee and LAZADA OnePlus stores as well as through select retailers. We also finally know the official pricing for the new OnePlus handset. It’s going to set you back MYR3,199 (USD$715.04) and will only be available with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage in Jade Green.
Source: OnePlus
Pre-orders will be running from 18th August until the 31th of August 2022. If you do pre-order your OnePlus 10T, you will be able to get your hands on the device on the 28th August 2022 a good four days before the first sales kick off on 1st September 2022. In addition, pre-orders will be entitled to a 1-year screen protection plan worth MYR199, 1 year extended warranty worth MYR99 and 1 year’s accidental damage protection worth MYR299. If you’re one of the first 25 pre-orders on the LAZADA and Shopee store, you will also be receiving mystery boxes with surprises worth up to MYR1,299. In fact, we’ve got it on good authority that there’s a OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G in one of those boxes.
The new smartphone comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 complete with a 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. It’s also equipped with a triple camera array featuring a 50-megapixel main camera sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS).
U Mobile is preparing its network for the forthcoming activation of 5G in Malaysia. In anticipation of the big flipping of the switch, the company is introducing new U Postpaid plans which are 5G ready and bring even more value to customers with larger data pools and the promise of better connectivity.
From Left: Norfazidah Abu Bakar (Chief Corporate Services Officer), Alex Tan Kok Leong (Chief Sales Officer), Navin Manian (Chief Marketing Officer), Tomkinson (Chief Information Officer), Woon Ooi Yuen (Chief Technology Officer) and Michael Tung (Head of Consumer Business) at the launch of the new U Postpaid Plans. (Source: U Mobile)
The telco is one of a handful that makes up the majority share of connectivity providers in Malaysia. However, they are the first in that group aside from YTL Communications’ Yes network to gear up for 5G. The new plans follow the recent sunsetting of 3G undertaken by U mobile. That said, U Mobile is boasting that it has better coverage of 98% of Malaysia. This figure is up from its previously reported 86%.
In addition to better coverage, the telco notes that recent trends show that the average Malaysian consumes 47% more data now with an average of 1.3 hours daily spent on the internet. This insight has led them to introduce what can only be called the most abundant data cap in Malaysia at the moment – 1,000GB or 1TB. The new data cap is a highlight of their new U Postpaid 98 which rounds up the current stable of U Postpaid plans at MYR98. For the lower U Postpaid 68 which costs MYR68, users will have access to 100GB of data a month while the lower U Postpaid 38 has a 30GB data cap at MYR38.
It’s not all about data with U Mobile either, with borders opening up, the telco is also considering the number of subscribers looking to go overseas. As a hallmark of both the U Postpaid 98 and U Postpaid 68, users will now be able to receive calls while roaming for free. This also complements their offering of 15GB of free roaming data in 63 locations around the world. These locations include Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, the USA and South Korea.
U Postpaid Plan Breakdown. (Source: U Mobile)
Users looking to get the U Postpaid 98 Plan can also look forward to sharing the enormous 1TB data cap with up to six U FamilyShare lines. Each line will set you back an additional MYR38 – one of the lowest prices in the current market. All lines under the new U Postpaid plans come with unlimited calls to all networks. It is worth noting that there is a 5GB hotspot or tethering quota applicable across the board.
The U Postpaid 68 and U Postpaid 98 plans also have access to U Mobile’s new device plans: U Paylater and U Savemore. The U Paylater plan offers users the flexibility of a 0% instalment package to own their new devices while the U Savemore plan offers devices at a discounted price with MYR0 upfront payment. You will naturally need to pay for the device during purchase under the U Savemore plan. Both options are available to U Postpaid 98 customers while U Postpaid 68 subscribers can only opt for the U Savemeore plan. The MYR0 upfront payment is also subject to your payment history, it is only available to those with a good record. Of course, users will be tied to a contract to enjoy these benefits.
The new plans join the U Postpaid 38 plan that was launched earlier this year. Users on these plans will be able to enjoy 5G connectivity once it is available as well. The plans are already available commercially. To subscribe, simply go to U Mobile’s website or visit a U Mobile centre.
OnePlus seems to be returning to its “Never Settle” roots with the announcement of its latest flagship – the OnePlus 10T 5G. The new smartphone is poised to be one of the most affordable flagships this year and focuses on top-notch performance – even in extreme temperatures.
Never Settle with Flagship Specifications
The OnePlus 10T comes equipped with the latest from Qualcomm – the Snapdragon 8+Gen 1. Complementing this is the highest amount of RAM to be on a OnePlus smartphone – 16GB. The 10T also features RAM expansion which allows you to get a further 7GB of RAM for buttery smooth performance. This comes in addition to the new software enhancements that come in OxygenOS 12.1. OnePlus is touting that these enhancements and the RAM allow the smartphone to perform even with 35 apps suspended in the background.
That said, the OnePlus 10T isn’t just about processing. It comes with a 6.7-inch, Fluid AMOLED display capable of 120Hz refresh rates, a 720Hz response rate and HDR10+. It also has adaptive refresh rate technology which allows the display to adapt the refresh rate to suit your content. Higher refresh rates will be used when doing things like gaming while battery performance will be prioritised when doing things like reading with lower refresh rates.
The one big omission in the OnePlus 10T is the notification slider which was the company’s signature. However, OnePlus is making up for that with better connectivity. The 10T comes with 15 antennae and AI enhancements that allow it to have better connectivity and network performance.
1-100% in 19 Minutes with SuperVOOC Endurance Edition
Speaking of battery life, the OnePlus 10T comes with a 4,800mAh battery which charges via the USB-C 2.0 port on the phone. It supports SuperVOOC Charging of up to 150W. With SuperVOOV Endurance Edition, the 10T can get a day’s battery life with 10 minutes of charging. A full charge from 1-100% will only take 19 minutes.
With the growing concern of fast charging affecting battery health, OnePlus is bringing what they call the Battery Health Engine to the 10T. This system will work to ensure the best battery performance with minimal loss in battery capacity. The OnePlus 10T is also equipped with two charging pumps instead of the conventional single pump. This allows the phone to charge at faster speeds more efficiently with reduced heat and greater safety.
Unibody Design with 3 Cameras
The OnePlus 10T comes with a unibody design. The phone has been designed to be ergonomic and feels good in the hand. The rounded edges on the back make it easy to hold and manoeuvre the flat display with one hand. OnePlus has also given the smartphone a signature Jade Green colourway which is accented with a punch of deep metallic green.
Within the deep green portion lies the smartphone’s triple camera setup. Yep – triple camera. The new triple camera setup consists of a wide, ultrawide and macro sensor. The main sensor of the 10T is the 50–megapixel Sony IMX766 which comes equipped with optical image stabilization and improved HDR performance. This main sensor is complemented by an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. On the front is a 16-megapixel sensor for selfies.
Pricing & Availability
The OnePlus 10T will be available in Jade Green and Moonstone Black globally. For now, it looks like only the Jade Green version of the smartphone will be making its way to Malaysia.
It will be available in three variants: 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage, 12GB RAM with 256GB of storage and 16GB RAM with 256GB of storage. The 12GB version seems to be exclusive to India. Early access starts on 3rd August 2022 on OnePlus.com. It will be available in stages across different regions starting with Europe.
Pre-orders in Europe start today, 3rd August with general availability on the 25th of August. In the U.S. pre-orders will begin on 1 September 2022 with general availability on 29th September. It will be available in Malaysia starting on 1 September 2022.
No official pricing for Malaysia has been announced just yet. However, prices in other regions are as follows:
When it comes to smartphones – particularly Android smartphones – you rarely hear of people recommending midrange phones. In fact, it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to say that you will only get recommendations for flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S22+. That seems to be changing now with more and more companies taking the time to develop and release compelling mid-range, affordable smartphones.
Samsung is, arguably, one of the first smartphone manufacturers to rethink their mid-range with the relaunch of the Galaxy A series back in 2017. The company imbued their mid-range flagships – the Galaxy A7, Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 – with features that made the devices more compelling than before. This year, in 2022, they are taking the term “flagship” even more seriously by bringing features from the Galaxy S series to the Galaxy A series flagships – the Galaxy A73 5G, Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A33 5G.
With a flagship lineup that fits the “affordable” bill at every price point, we’re taking a look at Samsung’s true mid-range – the Galaxy A53. Does the follow-up to the popular Galaxy A52 warrant your hard-earned money? Did Samsung make a truly compelling smartphone that can champion its mid-range? We’re about to break it down in our in-depth review of the smartphone.
Design
Samsung’s adoption of a tick-tock strategy when it comes to design is no big secret. In fact, the Galaxy A53 and Galaxy A52 are virtually indistinguishable unless you look at getting their exclusive colours. However, the lack of emphasis on design has actually worked to the smartphone’s advantage – as you will see later in the review.
The overall design language of the Galaxy A52 looks and feels premium. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the Galaxy A53 could be a reinvigoration of what we accept a midrange to be. The smartphone doesn’t have the discernible curves we see in flagships, however, the flatter, candy bar design lends itself to better one-handed use and makes it easier to grip. While it may seem blocky and unwieldy, Samsung has put some subtle curvature to the back and frame of the smartphone. These accented curves are a welcomed addition as they allay the digging sensation of sharper angles on a smartphone.
The Galaxy A53 5G is a sleek-looking phone – especially in White. To be very honest, I wasn’t a fan of the white colour of the A53 review unit we got. However, the colour has grown on me during the course of the review. Why? The first reason is that it has stayed white even after our review period. There was no yellowing or stains even after spilling some soy sauce and curry on it. Even when it did seem a little dirty, a quick wipe with a wet wipe or damp cloth got it back to the brilliant white that came out of the box.
The front of the smartphone is nearly completely covered by the screen. There are minute, 2mm bezels which frame the screen but they do little to dull the visual experience of the smartphone overall. On the back, the sleek white covers 100% of the phone. The small camera hump is hidden by the smooth curves that minimise the visibility of the raised module. It does this so well that you sometimes forget that it’s there when looking at the device. The buttons on the A53 5G are also clicky and, thanks to the colour combinations, add to the sleek outlook of the smartphone overall. The White version we have has a silver frame with the buttons.
Yes, Samsung does check all the boxes when it comes to the aesthetics of the device. However, if there is one nitpick I have with the phone, it’s that it’s comically light. While it’s not a deal breaker, the added heft would have made the phone feel just a little bit more premium. Of course, it’s also because the device itself is made primarily out of plastic.
Hardware
The design is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Galaxy A53 5G. It’s also been supped up with some of the better midrange hardware on the market. While it’s not revolutionary and coming with a flagship processor, Samsung has equipped the mid-ranger with enough oomph for it to stand out among its competition.
The Galaxy A53 5G comes with a scaled-back version of One UI 4.1 that we saw in the Samsung Galaxy S22 series. However, Samsung hasn’t slammed the brakes on this version like it has in previous versions. Instead, the version of One UI 4.1 is more feature rich than the ones we’ve seen in the Galaxy A series before.
On the surface, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the Galaxy A53 and any other Samsung device. However, when you look a little closer, features like Samsung DeX are noticeably absent. That said, the lack of these features doesn’t really take away from the overall experience of using the A53 as a daily driver.
Like the version of One UI 4.1 that comes with the S22 series, the Galaxy A53’s version brings the same refinement to the experience. It marries the feature-rich elements of One UI with the refinement that comes with stock Android 12. This complementary approach to One UI allows the device to feel more cohesive than previous mid-range offerings. Elements like Dynamic Widgets and colour palettes bring a layer of personalisation that makes the device feel uniquely yours.
The updated look and feel of One UI 4.1 also brings a sense of refinement that was sorely missing before. The interface doesn’t feel childish or cartoon-like anymore. Instead, it feels like Samsung did put some time and thought into the look and feel of the user interface. It feels more cohesive and well-rounded than other Galaxy A series. It’s also more stable and nimbler. Animations have been optimised to make the phone feel faster and don’t weigh it down.
Performance
Historically, Samsung’s A series never had a device that brought more than just an iterative update and core features. That said, this year’s Galaxy A53 5G made us do a double take when it comes to day-to-day performance in nearly every aspect. Overall, it performed pretty well, striking a balance between battery life, features and day-to-day performance.
Multitasking & Productivity
The Galaxy A53 5G is a smartphone that brings all the core features you’d want in a smartphone. It adopts a lot of the features that you need for a smartphone that allows you to be productive on the go. It’s inherited the essentials from the Galaxy S series and adapts it to fit the users’ needs.
The only jarring omission when it comes to multitasking in the A53 is the lack of Samsung DeX which has become a hallmark feature for multitasking on Galaxy smartphones. That said, other features like multiwindow and split screen multitasking do make it into the smartphone. To be honest, the Galaxy A53 is an exercise in restraint when it comes to features and it also proves that there are some features in the Galaxy S that help elevate the experience but are not essential.
During the review period, the Galaxy A53 was able to withstand my daily demands for a daily driver. Syncing multiple emails, having multiple chat apps and even consuming media wasn’t much of a task for the A53. It excelled when multitasking. The overall experience was smooth and, most importantly, functional. I was able to get things done when I needed to without much hassle and the smartphone wasn’t dragging its feet either.
That said, there were a few instances where the smartphone did chug a little. This occurred primarily when using split screen applications. Word processing and messaging apps were fine. However, when it came to using messaging apps or word processing apps in split screen mode with a media-heavy app like YouTube or even the video player, the Galaxy A53 did struggle – but only a little bit. It wasn’t overtly unusable, but it did get a little annoying. That said, this only happened once or twice during my week using it.
Samsung has brought Link to Windows and the ability to receive calls on other devices to the Galaxy A series this year as well. These features are a boon to the A53. Having the ability to respond to messages and transfer files using Link to Windows makes being productive even easier. Screen mirroring via the Link to Windows feature has also made it easier to get things done. If you’re using a Samsung Tablet, the ability to take a call while using the tablet is a welcomed addition too. It actually stops you from panicking and looking for your smartphone all the time; allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
Call Quality & Connectivity
Being a smartphone, it comes as no surprise that the Galaxy A53 is able to handle calls seamlessly. Thankfully, I was able to test the smartphone over 4G LTE and 5G networks. The call quality on both connections was crisp and clear. The audio was a little bit metallic at times but that didn’t hinder the usage. Of course, the call quality was very dependent on the quality of the cell signal. Since Malaysia is still in the early days when it comes to the 5G rollout, the signal for 5G was pretty spotty. However, the Galaxy A53 was able to handle the constant network changes without impacting the battery life too much. Even switching between SIM cards was pretty seamless on the A53.
Samsung has equipped the A53 with more than just the necessities when it comes to connectivity. Bluetooth 5.1, LE, WiFi 6 and GPS are all along for the ride and they all performed well when connectivity was stable. Bluetooth 5.1 and LE allowed me to use the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro with the smartphone. The connectivity was pretty stable, and it could remain connected for further ranges than other smartphones. WiFi was also very stable when connected. With Smart connect, the phone was able to intelligently jump between known WiFi networks and mobile which allowed me to be connected all the time.
Gaming
Gaming on the Galaxy A53 5G is a mixed bag. While it does have the specs for a decent gaming experience, it stumbles with some of the more demanding games out there. I was hoping to be able to test it further with Diablo Immortal, but Blizzard has delayed that game until July.
The Galaxy A53 5G didn’t fall flat on its face. It just struggled when games got increasingly more detailed in graphics. This isn’t really surprising as the chipset isn’t the top of the line but it does take away from the overall experience of the smartphone. That said, it’s not a deal breaker.
Playing games like PUBG mobile and Free Fire were a little bit of a challenge for the hardware but with the setting put down a notch, it was able to perform well. In fact, compared to some of the competition out there, it performed better. The graphics was smooth though not as detailed as it was on the S22+ but there was little tearing and ghosting. This is mostly thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate of the smartphone’s Super AMOLED display. However, when it came to games like Ni No Kuni: Cross Worlds, it did seem like the phone responded slower initially. Samsung seems to have addressed this issue with a software update.
When it comes to cooling, the smartphone did get a little warm when gaming. While it never became uncomfortable to hold, it did get warm enough to become finger warmers. It is understandable considering the heat dissipation of the S53 isn’t cutting edge, but I would advise against gaming and charging the smartphone at the same time.
Battery Life
If there was one area where the Galaxy A53 excelled, it would be the battery life. Throughout my review period, I was consistently only charging the smartphone once in two days on average. Of course, if there was gaming involved, this would be substantially shorter. This could be due to the more efficient 5nm architecture of the Exynos 1280, but it’s more likely due to the Galaxy A53’s optimizations and 5,000mAh battery size.
While it may seem like the smartphone is overly aggressive on optimisations, the truth is that it isn’t. I was consistently getting notifications for social media and my messaging apps like Telegram on the A53 before the S22+. That said, the two day battery life of the A53 isn’t anything new for A series. It has had good battery life for more than 2 iterations already.
Display
Samsung opted to use the Super AMOLED panel in the Galaxy A53 5G. While this isn’t the best panel on the market right now, it does allow the A53 to strike a delicate balance of being feature rich and affordable. The Super AMOLED panel provides enough brightness to be visible under direct sunlight. Although, a teeny bit more lumens would have been ideal. It’s also got pretty good colour reproduction. While it isn’t 100%, you won’t know what you’re missing unless you work with colours on a regular basis. Of course, out of the box, the settings of the display are typical AMOLED with blown-out reds and oversaturated pictures. However, a simple tweak in the settings allows you to have better, more true-to-life colours.
Reading and texting on the display was a pleasant experience. Even over long hours of reading ebooks, my eyes didn’t feel fatigued even with eye comfort turned off. The eye comfort mode brings a degree more comfort, but it also turned the display a little too yellow for my liking. HDR compatibility of the display also lent itself to better viewing and gaming experiences overall. The display combined with the Dolby Atmos sound compatibility gave an immersive experience that we expected from flagship smartphones.
Cameras
The Samsung Galaxy A53 comes with a robust quad camera setup that brings multiple modes and shooting photo possibilities. What’s surprising is that the smartphone comes with a larger 64-megapixel sensor for its main sensor – at least when it comes to pixel count – compared to the Galaxy S22+. However, the sensor pixel count is only one of the many factors that create a good camera experience. The A53’s main sensor is complemented with a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor, a 5-megapixel depth sensor and a 5-megapixel macro sensor.
While the pixel count of the main sensor is larger than most, the smaller pixel size poses a challenge when it comes to details and sharpness. Samsung uses its Galaxy AI and pixel binning to help optimise this. In essence, it stitches multiple pixels to absorb more light and produce more detail in pictures. This technology actually makes the A53’s setup one of the best we’ve seen so far among the smartphones in its category. Pictures taken in auto mode are crisp and detailed with little to no blurring and detail loss.
Galaxy AI is the hallmark function of the camera. Samsung has brought a lot of the software features that was once thought to be reserved for its flagships to the Galaxy A53 5G. Features like single take and even pro-mode makes a full-featured debut with the new A series. These software features not only bring a whole new level of photography to the smartphone, it empowers content creation and creativity.
The pictures taken with the main camera array of the Galaxy A53 are detailed and crisp with good lighting. You can zoom into the photos to see details. However, this detail and sharpness is lost when you start using the digital zoom beyond 2x. Of course, this is expected but it becomes a handicap only because other comparable smartphones have some form of optical zoom. That said, the overall performance is actually pretty impressive. You don’t have long processing times when you take pictures; something that has become a hallmark of smartphones in the same class.
Under low light, the sensors are good but not great. With their focus on Nightography for their flagships, we expected some of the innovations that drive that focus to trickle down to the Galaxy A series but that didn’t happen. That said, low light photography isn’t a write off. Photos taken under low-light are decent, not too detailed but usable. They can be blurry and fuzzy in poor lighting conditions.
When it comes to the front 32-megapixel camera, the Galaxy A53 continues to inherit the selfie DNA of the Galaxy A series. Photos taken with the front camera are crisp and clear – perhaps a little clearer than the main sensor. However, under low light, there is a lot to be desired. Again, low light pictures can be blurry and lack detail.
The Galaxy A53 5G is able to shoot up to 4K UHD resolution at 30fps when it comes to videos. The main sensor produces pretty respectable videos with enough detail. However, it may not be the best when it comes to becoming a main camera for content. If you’re looking for one that can – you’d be better off with A73 or a flagship S series.
A Redefining Device for the mid-range; transforming a drab, uninspired offering into a flagship experience that brings more than just basic functionality
Samsung proves it’s taking mid-range smartphones seriously with the new approach to the Galaxy A series. The Galaxy A53 5G is an epitome of that being in the middle of the new offerings this year. Even with the scaled back specifications, the Galaxy A53 5G has proven that the software does revolutionise the overall experience for users. A feature-rich software experience puts every capability at your fingertips and could be the tipping point for users getting this smartphone instead.
The Galaxy A53 is truly an exercise in striking a balance. Samsung does a delicate teetering between providing the features users are looking for and the price they are willing to pay for it. The A53 brings a robust set of features both in hardware and software that allow it an edge over the competition. It’s not sacrificing much in the way of camera features and overall performance when it comes down to it. There is space for improvement, but it’s a leap in the correct direction for the company when it comes to their mid-range. It makes the A53 one of the most exciting offerings when it comes to smartphones in the mid-range.
Samsung’s Galaxy M lineup was initially launched back in 2019 to serve an online-only market alongside the Galaxy A series. However, it seems like the Galaxy M is starting to encroach upon the Galaxy A series territory with its latest release – the Galaxy M53 5G.
Source: SenHeng/SenQ
The new smartphone comes with a 6.7-inch, FHD+ SuperAMOLED+ display. It comes with a resolution of 1080×2408 pixels and also Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy M53 will be running on the MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor with support for 5G connectivity. The 6nm processor promises more efficient power management which should mean better battery life with the 5000mAh battery.
The Galaxy M53 5G comes with a quad-camera setup for its main camera. The main camera sensor is a 108-megapixel wide angle sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. This is complemented by an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor, a 2-megapixel macro camera sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. On the front is a 32-megapixel sensor for all your selfie needs.
Source: SenHeng/SenQ
Connectivity-wise, it’s capable of Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi 6 connectivity and your regular GPS connectivity. It has support for 25W fast charging via its USB-C port.
However, that’s not where the phone encroaches on Galaxy A territory; the phone is now available for pre-order from Senheng for MYR1,999. That’s just shy of the MYR2,099 of the Galaxy A73 and more expensive than the Galaxy A53. While the Galaxy A does offer more in terms of software and features, the Galaxy M53 does have a lot of the software features that we see in the Galaxy A and Galaxy S series. So, where does the line stand with the Galaxy A and Galaxy M? Will you be getting it?
