Tag Archives: Qualcomm

Mobile, News

Qualcomm Announces the Snapdragon 782G

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The new age of mobile computing is pretty much here. Qualcomm kicked it off with their new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 System on a Chip (SoC) for flagship devices. This one will definitely go on powering the greats of the industry like the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S devices, next generation OPPO Find X device, the anticipated next-generation OnePlus flagship, and even Xiaomi’s next high-end device.

While flagships are highly popular in terms of branding and hype, they are not the devices that sells most. Google recognized it and scratched their Nexus project a few years ago and started their mid-range Pixel project that was met with welcome arms by users. The new Google Pixel devices are powered by their own Google Tensor processors. This was not the case a few generations ago though. Google’s Pixel project would not have been possible if Qualcomm did not introduce their very intriguing Snapdragon 700 series.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 700 series was introduced to fulfil a rather unique, but popular demand. It was made to fill the gap between their exclusive mid-range Snapdragon 600 series and number crunching high-end flagship Snapdragon 800 series processors for smartphone device. It was made to be sit in a smartphone that performs pretty much like a flagship device with an affordable price tag.

Alongside the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, they introduced their new high-performing Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G platform. The new platform will replace the older Snapdragon 778G+ that currently powers some of the most innovative devices out there like the unique Nothing Phone 1, Honor 60 Pro 5G, and even Motorola’s Edge 30 5G.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G
Source: SamMobile

The new Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G comes in with a the same eight-core configuration from the Snapdragon 778G+. The SoC is a more powerful one and is clocked faster than before though. It packs Qualcomm’s eight Kryo cores that clocks up to 2.7 GHz compared to the 2.5 GHz that was extracted from the older Kryo 670 platform.

The new platform also brings a whole host of improvements across the board that makes new mid-range class devices even more enticing than some flagship devices. For one, it packs a Qulcomm’s latest Quick Charge 4+ technology that allows your smartphones to charge at up to a theoretical 100W. In theory, it should allow most smartphones to charge well within an hour while maintaining an optimum temperature. There is Qualcomm’s new Quick Charge 5, but that is reserved for flagships at this point. Still, 100W is plenty fast for smartphones.

They have also improved their AI (Artificial Intelligence) engine that adds several features and capabilities in camera functions. At the same time, the improved AI is also supposed to improve video performance by enhancing the mic and speaker switching function to reduce interference and make video chats feel a lot more natural even without headphones. Of course, the AI engine is also supposed to help reduce battery consumption by cleverly understanding how individual users use the device and turn off apps based on those usages.

We mentioned camera, the processor is also supposedly a better image processor than before. It now supports up to 200-Megapixel resolution cameras for photographs. At the same time, the new processor also captures videos at up to 4K at 30 fps, with HDR on top of that. If you are going to capture action photos, it does 30 22-Megapixel photos in a second.

Of course, 5G has to be now included as a standard. It only makes sense since the SoC it replaces also packs 5G. The 5G antenna on this piece of kit supports both mmWave and Sub-6GHz frequencies, which means you are not going to have to worry about getting it to work with 5G standards across the globe. At home, the Snapdragon 782G supports up to 2.9 Gbps wireless transmission via 6GHz (WiFi 6/6E) standards.

The new mid-range SoC will find its way into the new generation of mid-range devices you will find in 2023. There is no announcements and confirmations on which devices will get the Snapdragon 782G powering them just yet. We are guessing that manufacturers like Xiaomi, OPPO, and even Samsung will be jumping on the platform and announce a device packing the new hardware in the coming months. More information on Qualcomm’s latest mid-range Snapdragon 782G SoC can be found on their website.

Gaming, News

PICO 4 Stand-alone Headset Available in Malaysia for MYR1,699

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Virtual Reality (VR) has ever been the next step in immersive gaming. In fact, in 2016 when the first VR headset was commercially available, the gaming industry was the first to jump on the possibilities for AAA games and the industry at large. However, many barriers have prevented wide adoption—one of the largest being the lack of viable options for the general consumer. That has changed in the past few months with the launch of the PICO 4 and PICO Neo 3 Link.

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The PICO 4 brings the possibility of a cordless, untethered VR experience mainstream. Similar to its main competitor, the Meta Quest 2, the PICO 4 removes the need for bulky sensors and wide open spaces for an immersive VR experience. Instead, the sensors have been built-in into the headset itself to provide a more natural and user-centred experience.

Specc’d for Enthusiasts, Made for Everyone

PICO Interactive is consciously targeting the consumer with the new offering. However, enthusiasts are being left by the wayside neither, the PICO 4 is packed with features that enthusiasts are looking for. Underneath the sleek exterior of the PICO 4 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 system on a chip (SoC). Qualcomm has engineered the SoC from the ground up to power VR and AR experiences. The 64-bit quad-core processor has been proven to be able to handle some of the most complex VR experiences available now; even at high resolutions. Speaking of, the PICO 4 comes with high-resolution, 2K displays with refresh rates between 72Hz and 90Hz. PICO also uses pancake lenses which reduce the focal distance required for VR and allow for a slimmer, sleeker design.

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PICO 4 product presentation and demonstration by Mr Allen An, Regional Director, PICO Southeast Asia (Source: PICO Interactive)

Together with this, the standalone VR headset comes with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 support. Of course, no VR experience is possible without the sensors to provide an immersive experience. The PICO 4 comes with 6 degrees-of-freedom positioning system which will allow users to move freely and more naturally in VR. All the sensors required are built into the headset. In fact, users can define safe spaces for the VR experience. Beyond these boundaries, the VR headset will revert to see-through mode to allow the user to be aware of their surroundings. Completing the immersion is an integrated high-fidelity speaker with a dual mic.

A 5,300mAh battery powers the PICO 4 standalone headset and supports 20W fast charging via the Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 protocol. This allows for about three hours of gameplay and fast charging of up to 70% within an hour. A smaller battery pack also allows for the 295g weight of the headset.

Pricing & Availability

The PICO 4 will be available in two variants: a 128GB version and a 256GB version. The 128GB version will set you back MYR1,699. The 256GB, on the other hand, will cost MYR1,999. Early birds who place their order between the 12th and 16th of October will receive an MYR100 discount. Purchases made between now and January 2023 will also receive four free VR games.

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The PICO 4 will be available starting from 12th October 2022 onwards. You’ll be able to get your own from the official PICO Stores on Lazada, Shopee and TikTok Shop. It will also be available from PICO’s official retail partners Impulse Gaming, Thunder Match and Urban Republic. If you want to try out the headset, you can get a personal hands-on experience at the PICO roadshow happening at Sunway Pyramid’s Orange Concourse from the 13th to the 16th of October.

Accessories, Lifestyle

Jabra Elite 5 Available in Malaysia Hot Off IFA 2022

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Jabra has officially brought its Elite 5 true wireless earbuds to Malaysia. The earbuds make its debut barely a week after the initial announcement in IFA 2022 on 5th September. The new earbuds create a new middleground in Jabra’s true wireless earbuds for everyday users who are looking for versatile, ambient noise cancelling earbuds.

Jabra Elite 5 Launch

The Jabra Elite 5 brings all the essentials that users are looking for in earbuds – lightweight ergonomics, quality sound and effective noise cancelling. The earbuds fit snugly between the Elite 3 and the Elite 7 series which are already available in the market. The Elite 5 one ups the Elite 3 by bringing a scaled back version of most of the features on the Elite 7.

The Elite 5 comes with Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (Hybrid ANC) which uses feedback and feedforward microphones on the earbuds to eliminate any ambient noise. The feedback and feedforward mics work together for better ANC performance that is simpler to use and more reliable across a wider range of frequencies. This feature is powered by the Qualcomm QCC3050 Bluetooth System on a Chip (SoC).

Jabra Elite 5 Launch 2

The same SoC also enables AptX audio which allows for high fidelity audio over Bluetooth. The Jabra Elite 5 also supports AAC and SBC codecs for high quality audio playback. In addition to this, the Elite 5 comes with 6mm drivers. Users are able to customise their sound profiles throught the Jabra Sound+ application which is available on the Apple AppStore and Google Play Stores.

Support for Bluetooth 5.2 also enables multipoint Bluetooth connectivity between two devices. This allows users to seamlessly transition between two devices seamlessly when using the Elite 5. The Elite 5 also comes with built-in support for Google Assistant and Alexa. It also supports Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair making connecting to an Android smartphone or Windows PC a breeze. It also has support for Spotify Tap Playback.

Jabra Elite 5 Launch 3

Design wise, the Jabra Elite 5 shares the same design cues we’ve seen in other Jabra earbuds. They’re lightweight and compact making them easy to transport and wear for long durations. You can even wear them when you’re working out as they come with IP55 water and dust resistance. Jabra claims that the Elite 5 has 7 hours battery life with ANC on and 28 hours with the case. Did we mention? It supports wireless charging too.

Pricing & Availability

The Jabra Elite 5 is currently available in stores for MYR699 or USD$149.99 internationally. It’s available in Gold Beige and Titanium Black.

Android, Mobile, News

Xiaomi 12 Lite Brings a 108-Megapixel Camera to the sub MYR1,000 Price Point

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Xiaomi has been known to shake up the smartphone market every now and again. Just recently, they announced the Xiaomi 12S Ultra which brings a large 1-inch sensor and Leica imaging technology to their flagships. Now, the company is supercharging their Lite series with features that make other mid-range smartphones cry.

The freshly announced Xiaomi 12 Lite completes the current Xiaomi 12 lineup. It brings a more restrained combination of specifications while keeping it more affordable but feature-packed. The 12 Lite is one of the lightest smartphones coming in at only 173g (6.1oz). It’s also one of the sleekest available right now with a 7.29mm thickness. It’s a rather industrial device with an angular body and rounded corners. Of course, like all modern smartphones, the 12 Lite comes with a multicamera setup.

Impressive Camera Performance with a 108-megapixel Sensor and Xiaomi’s Own AI

The Mi 12 Lite comes with a triple camera setup which is accented on the back by metal rings. The main sensor is a 108-megapixel Samsung ISOCELL HM2 sensor. Yep – the same one we’ve seen on flagships like the S21 and Xiaomi 11. Complementing this is an 8-megapixel ultra wide-angle sensor and a 2-megapixel macro camera. Of course, the sensor is not thing doing the work when it comes to the camera. Xiaomi has imbued its MIUI camera with AI and features that up the ante in the midrange. Specifically, the Xiaomi 12 Lite will be shipping with AI-powered eye tracking and even motion capture.

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Xiaomi 12 Lite Black 2

On the front, the smartphone is coming with a 32-megapixel Samsung ISOCELL GD2 sensor with autofocus. That’s right, the front camera of the Xiaomi 12 Lite comes with autofocus – something that is nearly unheard of at its price point and even in its device class. This is supported by Xiaomi’s own algorithm that optimises things like depth estimation and HDR colouration to give vibrant pictures and milky smooth bokeh. Xiaomi has also equipped the 12 Lite with a new Selfie Glow System which helps illuminate subjects in front of the sensor. The system consists of 2 strips of LED lights that are able to flood the subject with light. It also can act as a highlighting light under the right conditions.

Uncompromising Power with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G

The Xiaomi 12 Lite comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G. The octa-core processor packs performance and power savings with its 6nm fabrication. This is complemented with up to 8GB and 256GB of internal storage.

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Xiaomi 12 Lite Family 2
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In addition to the power-packed internals, the 12 Lite comes with a 6.55-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It also has a 20:9 aspect ratio and an FHD+ resolution of 1080×2400 pixels. The display is a TrueColor display which can provide a more true-to-life-reproduction of colours. The phone also comes with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision certifications in addition to its stereo speakers.

All of this runs on a 4,700mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging. Xiaomi is touting that fast charging will allow you to go from 0-50% in 30 minutes. Smart charging provides some protection for overnight charging by charging from 0-80% rapidly and slowly to 100% by the time you unplug in the morning.

Pricing & Availability

The Xiaomi 12 Lite will be available in three colours: Lite Pink, Lite Green and Black. In Malaysia, it will be available with 8GB RAM and 128GB internal memory and 8GB RAM and 256GB internal memory versions. The former will be priced at MYR1,699 while the latter will be priced at MYR1,899.

The 12 Lite will be available for pre-order starting on the 19th of August until the 26th of August 2022. Pre-orders will be entitled to an MYR100 discount. Those done via Xiaomi Stores will get an additional MYR299 of freebies including a Xiaomi Shoulder Bag, Xiaomi Sports Bottle and a Mi Body Composition scale. While those done on Xiaomi’s online stores on Shopee and LAZADA will be entitled to a free Redmi Buds 3 Lite worth MYR99.

Android, Mobile, News

OnePlus 10T 5G Available for Pre-order in Malaysia

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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.

OnePlus 10T 5Gs Price Unveiled at RM3199 – Now Available for Pre Order with Exclusive Privileges
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).

Android, Mobile, News

Samsung’s New Galaxy Z Fold4 Unpacked With More Productivity-Focused Features

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It would seem like the Galaxy Note needed to step aside to make way for the ultimate powerhouse productivity series. What exactly is it? The Galaxy Z Fold series of course. Samsung is packing even more features into its Galaxy Z Fold series to gear it up for even better productivity. The Galaxy Z Fold4 is a step in that direction.

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The new Galaxy Z Fold4 doesn’t bring a lot of changes in terms of design. However, it brings updated specifications that make it more in line with Samsung’s flagship smartphones than ever before. Samsung has also made design optimisations which have resulted in thinner bezels and a slimmer hinge as well.

First Foldable with Android L-Based OneUI 4.1.1 with a Productivity Power-up

Under the hood, the Z Fold4 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. This is paired with 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage. In addition to the capable processor and ample RAM and storage, the Galaxy Z Fold4 will be the first device to ship with OneUI 4.1.1 based on Android 12L. The new version of Android brings Android optimisations for large displays which include better app scaling, optimised display layouts and also performance optimisations.

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Of course, Samsung has also added features to the mix which bring a new level of productivity. The new OneUI interface brings a Taskbar to the interface akin to the one you’re used to on your PCs. This taskbar will house your favourite and recent apps. It will allow you to switch between them with a single interaction. The Fold4 also brings new swipe gestures which allow you to multitask even easier. You’ll be able to resize full-screen apps into the windowed mode or split-screen mode with a single swipe.

In addition, Samsung has partnered with Google and Microsoft for better app compatibility. Google apps will have drag-and-drop functionality on the Fold4. You will be able to quickly drag and drop links, photos and more from one app to the other. Microsoft’s Office suite and Outlook will now also take full advantage of the foldable’s 7.6-inch QXGA and 6.2-inch HD+ displays. The apps have been optimised to take advantage of the foldable display. Increasing the amount of information shows accordingly.

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The Fold4 also continues to support the S Pen. However, it doesn’t have a dedicated slot like the S22 Ultra. Samsung has opted to continue supporting S Pen stowage with dedicated accessories and a Fold Edition of the S Pen. The Fold4 will support both the updated S Pen and also previous editions of the S Pen.

Flagship Class Cameras with Nightography

Samsung is also infusing the Galaxy Z Fold4 with its flagship DNA. This includes the camera setup on the foldable. The Z Fold4 will have 30X Space Zoom this year which puts it on par with the Galaxy S22 and S22+.

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The Fold4 will adopt a similar camera setup with a 50-megapixel wide-angle sensor as the main sensor. This is complemented by a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and a 10-megapixel telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. This is essentially the same camera setup as the S22 and S22+ complete with Dual Pixel autofocus and optical image stabilization. On the front cover, there’s a 10-megapixel selfie camera while the main display continues to have a 4-megapixel under-display camera (UDC). Samsung claims that the UDC has been updated and functions better compared to the Fold3.

Of course, Samsung is also bringing all the bells and whistles which come with the camera setup. This includes Nightography.

Pricing & Availability

The Galaxy Fold4 will be available in Gray Green, Beige and Phantom Black. It will be available off the shelf with 256GB and 512GB of storage for MYR6,799 and MYR7,299 respectively.

There is also an exclusive Burgundy colour which will be available only on Samsung’s official website as well as a 1TB version which will retail at MYR8,299.

Android, Mobile, News

Much Ado About Nothing? Not Really… Meet the Nothing Phone (1)

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Carl Pei’s Nothing is at it again trying to redefine a smartphone. He successfully redefined the flagship smartphone while he helmed OnePlus. Now, he’s taking another go at it with the Nothing Phone (1). The new smartphone defies expectations and chooses to focus on the core user experiences instead of high powered hardware.

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Source: Nothing

That isn’t to say that the Nothing Phone (1) is packing a punch. It comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ processor. According to Carl Pei, the company opted for a more reliable processor instead of the latest and greatest on paper. This was influenced by their drive to build a smartphone with their instincts rather than the data. The Snapdragon 778G+ comes with a 6nm archiecture which brings the best of battery life and performance. The Octacore processor also brings 5G connectivity and also Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.

When it comes to design, the Nothing Phone (1) is made of a combination of plastics, glass and aluminium. During the launch, Carl Pei highlighted that none of the surfaces with which a user interacts is made of plastic. In fact, the front and back of the smartphone is made with Gorilla Glass 5 while the frame and bezel are made of recycled aluminium. The Phone (1) is possibly one of the more ecofriendly phones out there with more than 50% of its plastics being bioplastics. Even the tin used for soldering is 100% recycled.

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Source: Nothing

The Nothing Phone (1) is keeping to the utilitarian approach which the company is becoming known for. Its version of Android is barebones and brings the best features of Android. Like the processor, the company is looking to focus on stability and quality. They believe that their approach to software will give their users a better, more reliable software experience. Of course, they are bringing in features that allow the Phone (1) to play nice with their own Ear (1) earbuds. This takes the form of controls front and center in the dock for active noise cancellation and more. The company is also looking to the future by creating their own NFT widget which allows users to display their collection or view floor prices for NFTs. Nothing is also promising 3 years of major Android Updates and 4 years of security patch updates rolled out every 2 months.

Carl Pei
Source: Twitter

“At the beginning of the smartphone revolution, it felt like this amazing product category complete changed we lived, the way we communicate and, lately, it feels like – after a slew of more and more similar products, and more and more uninspiring products – that somehow the smartphone revolution has ended.“

Carl Pei, CEO and Co-Founder of Nothing

When it comes to cameras, the Phone (1) isn’t packing an extensive multi sensor setup. Instead, they are focusing on the essentials and looking to deliver a more consistent and well rounded experience with a dual 50-Megapixel setup. The main sensor is the Sony IMX766 bolstered with opitcal image stabilization and electronic image stabilization for better quality. This is complemented by the ultrawide Samsung JN1 with 114° field of view. The main camera setup is also capable of 4K recording at 30 frames per second. Up front is a 16-megapixel Sony IMX471 sensor with an f/2.5 aperture.

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Source: Nothing

The Phone (1) comes with a 6.55-inch, FHD+ OLED display. It has a resolution of 2400×1080 pixels and a 500 nits brightness. Peak brightness tops out at 1,200nits. The display on the Phone (1) is a little unique in that it’s a flexible OLED panel. No – the screen is not curved, it’s flat. However, the design team opted for a flexible panel to bring a sense of symmetry to the face of the phone. The flexible display allowed them to bend the connectors backwards which allowed the display to be more symmetrical. It has support for HDR+ with 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz sampling rate.

All of these specs are powered by a 4,500mAh battery which Nothing touts to provide more than a day’s battery life. It also supports 33W fast charging over USB-C with support for PowerDelivery 3.0. It also has support for 15W Qi wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging. According to Nothing, the Phone (1) will have a complete charge in 70 minutes with wired charging and in 120 minutes when charged wirelessly.

The Glyph Interface

The one feature which sets the Nothing Phone (1) apart from the competition is the Glyph Interface. The interface is essentially a series of LED lights which will illuminate according to different setting which the user can customise. The Glyph Interface is also Nothing’s approach to allowing users to know who’s contacting them even when in silent mode.

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Source: Nothing

For now, the Glyphs can be customised to flash to help identify specific contacts. It’s also a complement to the silent mode on the Phone (1). Simply flipping the phone over with glyphs up will put phone in silent mode. The Glyphs will then flash when calls come in and if the call comes from a user defined caller, the pattern of the flashing will follow the customized one.

Screenshot 2022 07 13 at 16 08 51 273 Nothing Event. Return to instinct YouTube

Nothing is touting this as the start of what can be done with the Glyph Interface. The company is building more features while working with its community.

Pricing & Availability

The Nothing Phone (1) will be available in both Black and White starting on 16th July 2022. From 16th July until 20 July, it will be available exclusively at the Nothing Kiosk in London in limited quantities. There will be partner drops from 18 July 2022 both online an in-store while open sales will begin on 21 July 2022.

The Phone (1) will be priced at GBP£399 (MYR2,110.74) for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage version. The 8GB RAM + 256GB storage version will be retailing for GBP£449 (MYR2,375.11) while a 12GB RAM + 256GB storage version will be retailing for GBP£499 (MYR2,639.60).

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Source: Nothing

It will be available in Malaysia on 18 July 2022 with an exclusive drop via Crossover on its online store and in-store. Starting on 1 August 2022, the Nothing Phone (1) will be available at all major electronics retailers including SenQ, Satu Gadget, DirectD, and TMT. It will also be available online on Nothing’s official LAZADA and Shopee stores. Prices in Malaysia are MYR 2,399 for the 8GB+256GB version and MYR2,699 for the 12GB+256GB version.

Official Specifications

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Android, Gaming, Mobile, News

The ROG Phone 6 series Officially Here For Those Who Dare

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ASUS’s smartphone offerings were bolstered by the initial release of the ROG Phone back in 2018. The unique, gamer-centric smartphone not only brought a more performance-centric smartphone, but it also brought along a whole ecosystem focused on extending the mobile gaming experience. This year, the company is announcing the new ROG Phone 6 series which brings an offering for every price point and continues to keep gamers front and centre.

Power-packed Entries Staying True to ROG’s Gamer-first Ethos

The new ROG Phone 6 series consists of two smartphones: the ROG Phone 6 and the ROG Phone 6 Pro. These smartphones continue to offer the highest-end performance with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. The new processor brings improvements in power efficiency and performance over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. This is enhanced by ROG’s X mode which unlocks performance on the smartphone. In X mode, the ROG Phone 6 and ROG Phone 6 Pro are able to average 59.4 fps on Genshin Impact – one of the most demanding games on mobile right now. On the ROG Phone 6, the processor is complemented by up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of onboard storage. The Pro, on the hand, comes with a whopping 18GB of RAM with 512GB of storage.

ROG Phone 6 Series

On the display side of things, the ROG Phone 6 series comes with a Samsung AMOLED display made of E4 materials. This allows for increased brightness and high refresh rates. Speaking of, the 6.78-inch display comes with a 165Hz refresh rate and 720Hz touch-sampling rate giving users an edge when it comes to games. The display is also colour accurate coming with a ΔE below 1 which means that the colour accuracy is virtually indiscernible from real life. It’s also got a 111% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and always on HDR technology. The graphical performance is also enhanced by the Pixelworks i6 image processor. It’s also got HDR10+ compatibility.

Completing the Mobile Gaming Experience

The ROG Phone 6 Series brings back some of the features that we’ve come to expect with the series. One of which is the Air Triggers. These Ultrasonic Buttons enable more robust controls in-game. It does this by acting like triggers we’re used to on controllers; allowing users to tap and enable mapped functions in game. This allows for a more natural gaming experience on the smartphone itself. It’s also bringing a a whole slew of gestures that are aimed at making mobile gaming more intuitive.

ROG Phone 6 Pro with accessories

Together with the improved Air Triggers and gestures, the ROG Phone series is once again bringing back its ecosystem. The new ROG Phone 6 Series also comes with a slew of accessories that make it a portable console. The ROG Kunai 3 Gamepad allows players to pair a more complete controller to the smartphone akin to the Nintendo Switch. The newer design brings slight refinements which make the Gamepad more natural and ergonomic.

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Of course, an ROG Phone wouldn’t be an ROG phone without its signature AeroActive Cooler. The new AeroActive Cooler 6 has been improved with more robust design. It comes with features that not only make it more conductive but cool more efficiently. The AeroActive Cooler 6 now comes with a thermal conductive pad and copper plate to better conduct heat with a Peltier Element, Cooling fins and a centrifugal fan for better heat dissipation. ASUS touts that these elements allow the cooler to reduce heat by up to 25°C on the back cover. On top of that, the cooler now comes with 4 physical triggers to help make gaming a little more immersive while using it.

Deepening Immersion while Empowering Personal Expression

It also incorporates better, more immersive sound with its Dirac Virtuo spatial audio system and dual speakers. This allows for more immersive sound dynamics with higher clarity and contrast as well as deeper bass. It also brings an Audio Wizard and Equalizer to customise the sound for your personal tastes. It also comes with a special low latency mode for better fidelity over Bluetooth. This comes in addition to support for Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive and Hi-Res Audio.

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The ROG Phone 6 series comes with a more robust ROG Vision display on the back. On the 6 Pro, the ROG Vision display is a PMOLED display. This allows users to express themselves with full RGB visuals. Users are able to customise this on the smartphone itself with their own visuals or with a myriad of preset animations. On the regular Phone 6 this is replaced by an illuminated RGB ROG Logo.

S.Y. Hsu Kris Huang and Sascha Krohn Present

In addition to all the gaming features, ASUS is also equipping the ROG Phone 6 series with pretty respectable camera sensors. On the back is a triple camera setup with a 50-megapixle Sony IMX766 main sensor complemented by a 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor and a 13-megapixel macro sensor. These cameras will be front and center as gamers look to capture meaningful moments or create content. On the front is a 12-megapixel Sony IMX663 camera.

Pricing & Availability

The ROG Phone 6 will be available in Storm White and Phantom Black. The phone will be available in two variants: 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB. The 12GB + 256GB will be retailing at MYR3,599 while the 16GB + 512GB will retail at MYR4,399. The ROG Phone 6 will be available starting in September 2022 in Malaysia.

The ROG Phone 6 Pro will only be available in Storm White with 18GB RAM and 512GB internal storage. This will be retailing for MYR4,999 starting in September 2022.

ROGPhone6 PWP Promo with ROG Slash
ROG Phone 6 Official Early Promotion

Pre-orders of the ROG Phone 6 will start on 6th July 2022. You can pre-order online at ASUS’s official Shopee store or at participating retailers. Pre-orders will be entitled to freebies worth MYR548. This includes 1 year extended warranty worth MYR199 and the AeroActive Cooler 6 worth MYR349. Online pre-orders are also entitled to a 10% discount on the ROG Slash Hip Bag which retails at MYR499 and the ROG Slash Crossbody Bag which is priced at MYR399.

Android, Mobile, News

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra with Leica Co-Engineering Spearheads Xiaomi’s New Flagship Lineup

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Xiaomi took to the stage to announce their new flagship series – the Xiaomi 12S series. The series has multiple entries and has the Xiaomi 12S Ultra as its centrepiece. The new flagship is the first device in what looks to be a long-term partnership with Leica when it comes to imaging and photography.

You’re Gonna Leica this – the Leica Summicron 1:1.9-4.1 / 13-120 ASPH. camera system

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra comes with the Leica Summicron 1:1.9-4.1 / 13-120 ASPH. camera system. Yep – that’s a mouthful. The new co-engineered system marries Leica’s camera technology with Xiaomi’s smartphone prowess. It’s a Triple sensor setup with the new, 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor as the main sensor. The 50.3-megapixel sensor comes with Quad Bayer technology which promises better image capture in both low- and normal lighting and an aperture of f/1.9. It also comes with Octa-phase detection Autofocus which apparently allows it to focus faster. The main sensor is complemented by a 48-megapixel f/2.2 Sony IMX586 ultra-wide sensor and a 48-megapixel f/4.1 Sony IMX586 periscope sensor. These sensors also use Quad Bayer technology.

Xiaomi 12S Ultra Camera specs
Source: Xiaomi

The main sensor uses an 8P Aspherical Lens. This helps reduce glares and also helps with imaging performance overall. All of the sensors have Pixel binning which increases the quality of the photos taken by the camera thanks to an even larger hybrid pixel size. Binning essentially creates larger pixels by combining four pixels in the sensor. The Xiaomi 12S Ultra also comes with HyperOIS technology and boasts even better image stabilization thanks to an innovative approach of taking the time between images (7ms) to stabilize and reset the sensor.

  • Xiaomi 12S Ultra Lens
  • Xiaomi 12S Ultra Leica Photography Styles

In addition to the hardware, Xiaomi and Leica have worked together in developing the software. The result? Two shooting modes that bring Leica’s signature elements into your smartphone. The “Leica Authentic Look” hearkens back to Leica’s signature aesthetic. It brings the vibrancy of true-to-life colours and the depth and emotion of Leica’s surrealism. The resulting photos are colourful or monochrome with a sense of depth. Xiaomi and Leica’s collaboration is more apparent with the “Leica Vibrant Look”. This look brings Xiaomi’s know-how with mobile cameras to Leica’s signature aesthetic. The resulting pictures are more vibrant and work to capture the feel of the moment.

Partnering with Adobe and Dolby

Keeping photography centerstage, Xiaomi and Leica have also worked with Adobe to enable RAW capture on the Xiaomi 12S Ultra. The RAW capture on the 12S Ultra allows you to capture your images in DNG format preserving all the image data so you can edit and manipulate the image on programs like Adobe Lightroom. Adobe Lightroom will come equipped with a special profile for the 12S Ultra which will allow it to show you the actual image captured without you tinkering. Lightroom will be able to load the profile automatically from the image metadata.

Xiaomi 12S Ultra Combination
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Black 3
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Black 5
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Black 6
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Green 1
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Black 1
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Black 2
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Black 4

When it comes to video capture, the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is the first smartphone to come with the ability to capture Dolby Vision HDR video. This brings a wider colour depth to video than HDR10+, allowing you to impart more emotion and character to your video shots. It will also help with low light performance.

Still Powered by Cutting Edge Tech

While it may seem like the Xiaomi 12S Ultra is all about the camera, the series still comes packed with cutting-edge technology under the hood. The whole Xiaomi 12S series runs on the new Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 mobile platform which ups the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 by nearly 10%. The new Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is fabricated with TSMC’s new 4nm node which allows for better energy efficiency with a 21% smaller core and 10% boost in both CPU and GPU performance.

Xiaomi 12S Ultra Specs
Source: Xiaomi

Xiaomi has also equipped the Xiaomi 12S series with a brand new cooling system which it touts as more efficient than currently available vapour cooling systems. The technology mimics the hydrostatic system of a leaf and its capillaries. This mimicry allows the system to dissipate heat more effectively and quicker than traditional vapour cooling systems. In fact, Xiaomi is touting a 100% better thermal conductivity.

The Xiaomi 12S series comes with a Samsung AMOLED display with 2K resolution. The panel comes with an E5 material which helps increase brightness. The display has a peak brightness of 1,500nits. On the 12S Ultra, the display comes with 1-120Hz AdaptiveSync Pro which allows it to hit 1Hz refresh rates when viewing text and 120Hz when gaming. The other regular 12S and the 12S Pro come with 120Hz AdaptiveSync. Across the board, the displays are calibrated with 100% coverage of the P3 colour gamut and support Dolby Vision.

Xiaomi 12S Pro Combination 3
Xiaomi 12S Pro Source: Xiaomi

The smartphones come equipped with Dual 5g connectivity with a 4×4 MIMO modem. They also support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 with support for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon sound and aptX Adaptive.

The smartphones come with Xiaomi’s Surge G1 Battery Management chip and the Surge P1 fast-charging chips. These chips work in tandem to help preserve battery health while extending battery life and reducing charging time. The Xiaomi 12S Ultra comes with a 4,860 mAh single cell, silicon-oxygen anode battery which supports 16A output current. The Ultra supports 67W wired fast charging, 50W wireless fast charging and 10W reverse fast charging. The Pro sports a smaller 4,600mAh with support for 120W wired fast charging and 50W wireless fast charging. The regular 12S comes with an even smaller 4,500mAh battery which has support for 67W wired and 50W Wireless.

Pricing & Availability

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra will be available in Mainland China in the near future. It will be available in Classic Black and Verdant Green. It’s will be available in three variants 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB. The 8GB+256GB version will be priced at CNY5999 (MYR3,951.18) while the 12GB + 256GB will retail at CNY6,499 (MYR4,280.08) and the 12GB+512GB version will be priced at CNY6,999 (MYR4,609.82).

Xiaomi 12S Combination 1
Xiaomi 12S Black 1
Xiaomi 12S Black 2
Xiaomi 12S Green 1
Xiaomi 12S Green 2
Xiaomi 12S Purple 1
Xiaomi 12S White 1
Xiaomi 12S White 2

The Xiaomi 12S and 12S Pro will be available in 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB variants. Pricing for the 12S starts at CNY3,999 (MYR2,633.90) for the 12S while the 12S Pro will start at CNY4,699 (MYR3,096.10).

Android, Camera, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

Xiaomi and Leica’s Partnership is Real – First Devices to Feature Leica Branding Coming 4th July 2022

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A few months ago, we heard a rumour. A little bird said that Leica is looking for a partnership with a mobile manufacturer. We heard that they are looking into another partnership with a different Chinese manufacturer at the time, Xiaomi. For a few months after that, the rumour seemed dead, quiet.

Leijun, the current CEO of Xiaomi global, today just confirmed that the rumours a few months ago was true after all. There were no big announcements too, no press releases. It is just a simple twitter post that also teases a 4th of July 2022 launch date for the Xiaomi 12S Series flagship smartphones. It is happening at 7pm at GMT +8 next week, which is good for us in Malaysia.

There is not too much that we know about the Xiaomi 12S series. To be fair, Xiaomi has not teased much about it and has been keeping mums about it quite well. Still there are a few things we may be able to expect out of the new flagship devices.

You can expect Qualcomm’s latest Snadragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip fitted into the new devices. It will effectively be the first devices in the world to pack Qualcomm’s new generation system on a chip (SoC). Technically at launch too, it will be the most powerful Android device available in the market.

You can expect up to 12GB of RAM too in the most premium variant of the Xiaomi 12S alongside up to 256GB of storage. In terms of display, you should get up to 120Hz in refresh rate, the highest you can sort of get in smartphones today anyway. Like Xiaomi teased a long time ago too, fast charging will still be a thing with the new device with up to 120W in charging speeds.

Of course, the Xiaomi 12S will be an Android 12 device at launch. It should be upgradable to Android 13 when it is available from Xiaomi. As with any other Xiaomi flagship that came before, it will come installed with MIUI 13 based on Android 12 too.

There are no confirmations on what prices the devices will launch with. There is also nothing to indicate its availability date in different regions. We are hoping that Malaysia will be in the list of countries that gets the Xiaomi 12S devices first. The Xiaomi 12S, with Leica’s co-engineered camera sounds a lot like a treat, and we are excited for it.