Tag Archives: Xiaomi

POCO Redefines Ultra Flagships with the New POCO F7 Series

POCO, Xiaomi‘s sub-brand focused on gaming and performance, has unveiled its new flagship POCO F7 series. The launch event, held in Singapore, showcased the POCO F7 Ultra and the POCO F7 Pro, both meticulously designed to offer top-tier speed and efficiency. Staying true to POCO’s core mission, the F7 series is focused on making cutting-edge technology more accessible to a broader audience.

POCO F7 SERIES 14POCO F7 Ultra: Ultra Power Unleashed

The POCO F7 Ultra takes center stage, driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, Qualcomm’s most advanced flagship chipset. This platform, forged with TSMC’s 3nm process technology, marks a significant leap in processing prowess, boasting a CPU performance surge of up to 45% and a GPU performance jump of up to 44%. It’s also engineered for power efficiency, curtailing peak power consumption by as much as 52% for the CPU and 46% for the GPU. The POCO F7 Ultra flexes its muscle with an impressive AnTuTu score of 2,843,461, underscoring its ability to handle resource-intensive tasks and multitasking effortlessly.

To further amplify the visual experience, the POCO F7 Ultra introduces POCO’s inaugural dedicated graphics chip, the VisionBoost D7 chipset. This chipset propels visual effects to new heights, featuring Smart Frame Rate for ultra-smooth 120FPS, 2K Super Resolution for enhanced clarity, and Game HDR for richer contrast. Moreover, the Dual-core Visuals technology elevates video playback on platforms like YouTube and Netflix, delivering superior clarity. The POCO F7 Ultra comes equipped with Xiaomi HyperOS 2 right out of the box, promising intelligent and responsive performance.

POCO F7 SERIES 34WildBoost Optimization 4.0 operates seamlessly in the background, coordinating the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform and VisionBoost D7 chipset to ensure ultra-smooth gameplay, enhanced touch and track response, and precise game audio. The device is engineered to sustain superior performance even during demanding games like Genshin Impact at 2K Super Resolution and 120FPS, all while maintaining optimal temperatures.

POCO F7 Pro: High-Performance Powerhouse

The POCO F7 Pro is fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, striking a balance between speed and efficiency. It also operates on Xiaomi HyperOS 2, delivering swift and fluid performance across a variety of applications and games. The device registers an impressive AnTuTu score of 2,093,203.

WildBoost Optimization 4.0 elevates the gaming experience by providing smoother AI-driven performance, sharper visuals, immersive audio, and precise controls. It ensures ultra-smooth gameplay with Smart Frame Rate up to 120FPS, including Genshin Impact at 90FPS, and enhances resolution and clarity with 2K Super Resolution.

POCO F7 SERIES 33To effectively manage heat during intense workloads, both the POCO F7 Ultra and POCO F7 Pro incorporate LiquidCool Technology 4.0, featuring a 3D dual-channel IceLoop system. This advanced cooling solution significantly reduces SoC temperature, enabling sustained peak performance during extended gaming, video editing, and multitasking sessions.

Battery and Charging

In terms of battery capabilities, the POCO F7 Ultra houses a 5,300mAh (typ) battery, complemented by 120W HyperCharge for ultra-fast charging to 100% in just 34 minutes, and it also supports 50W wireless HyperCharge. The POCO F7 Pro comes with a 6,000mAh (typ) battery and supports 90W HyperCharge, achieving a full charge in 37 minutes. Both devices integrate next-generation charging technologies, including the POCO Surge P3 charging chipset and POCO Surge G1 battery chipset, to optimize charging speed and efficiency and extend battery lifespan. The battery is designed to retain above 80% of its original capacity even after 1,600 charging cycles.

Camera Capabilities

The POCO F7 Ultra boasts POCO’s most advanced imaging system to date, featuring a triple-lens setup. It includes a 50MP main camera with the Light Fusion 800 image sensor for vibrant and detailed shots, a flagship-level floating telephoto lens, and the highest-pixel ultra-wide camera in POCO’s lineup. The main camera offers four focal lengths, including 35mm for everyday candid shots and 48mm for classic portraits. The floating telephoto lens enables intricate 10cm macro shots, 2. 5X (60mm) optical zoom for vivid portraits, and 5X (120mm) in-sensor zoom for capturing distant scenes. The 32MP ultra-wide camera captures expansive landscapes and group shots with a 120-degree field of view.

POCO F7 SERIES 05The POCO F7 Pro also places a strong emphasis on powerful photography capabilities, featuring a 50MP main camera, similarly equipped with the Light Fusion 800 image sensor, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. It leverages the POCO AISP platform and Xiaomi HyperAI tools to enhance image processing. The UltraSnap feature facilitates continuous snapshots of up to 150 frames, and the AI Creativity Assistant provides powerful editing tools. Both devices offer features like Dynamic Shots and AI enhancements for creative photo and video editing.

For selfies and video calls, the POCO F7 Ultra sports a 32MP front camera, while the POCO F7 Pro features a 20MP front camera.

Display and Design

Both the POCO F7 Ultra and POCO F7 Pro are designed with ultra-slim bezels and advanced eye-care technology. The displays boast 3200 nits peak brightness and 1800 nits HBM brightness for vibrant clarity, even in bright sunlight. They also incorporate Circular Polarization Technology, 3840Hz high-frequency PWM dimming, and 16,000-level auto brightness adjustment for comfortable viewing. These devices have TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) Certification, TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free Certification, and TÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly Certification to minimize eye strain.

The display design includes AI-enhanced touch responsiveness for smooth interaction, even with wet fingers, oil, or gloves. POCO introduces an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for the first time in these devices, providing fast and secure unlocking.

In terms of overall design, the POCO F7 Ultra and POCO F7 Pro blend aesthetics and durability. They feature a glass back cover with advanced gloss-matte craftsmanship, with the upper half in a glossy texture and the lower half in a matte finish. The POCO F7 Ultra has a quad-curved glass design for enhanced ergonomics, and both phones have a seamless top design flowing into a metal middle frame. They also feature a circular segmentation design and an aerospace-grade aluminum deco ring around the camera.

Durability is a key consideration, with both devices achieving an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The POCO F7 Ultra uses POCO Shield Glass for tougher screen protection, while the POCO F7 Pro uses Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for reinforced durability.

Enhanced Connectivity and Audio

To further enhance the user experience, the POCO F7 series is equipped with the Surge T1S tuner, a dedicated signal enhancement chipset. This technology significantly improves connectivity, boosting cellular performance by up to 37% in mid-high frequencies and enhancing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth performance by up to 16%. The devices also feature stereo dual speakers and AI Super Cinema for immersive audio and visuals.

Pricing & Availability

The POCO F7 series is now available in Malaysia.

The POCO F7 Ultra will be available in Yellow and Black. It will come with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of memory. The 12GB+256GB version will be retailing for RM2,999 while the 16GB+512GB version will be retailing for RM3,299. The phone will be available for RM2,699 for the 12GB+256GB while the 16GB+512GB version will be available for RM2,899 during the open sales promo period. Both will come with a free Xiaomi 50W Wireless Charging Stand worth RM229.

The POCO F7 Pro, on the other hand, will be available in Black, Silver, and Blue. It will be available with 12GB RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of memory. It will be retailing for RM2,299 for the 12GB +256GB version and RM2,499 for the 12GB+512GB. During the open sales promo period it will be availble for RM2,039 for the 12GB+256GB and RM2,139 for the 12GB+512GB version.

Special Offers:

  • Every purchase of POCO F7 Ultra includes 1 free screen replacement within 6 months, 2-year warranty, and Google One 6 months with 100GB cloud storage plan.
  • Every purchase of POCO F7 Pro includes 1 free screen replacement within 6 months and a 2-year warranty.

Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G Deep Dive

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G has arrived, and it’s poised to redefine the midrange smartphone market! Priced under RM2,000, this phone packs near-flagship specifications and Xiaomi’s HyperOS, offering incredible value. Powered by the Snapdragon 7s processor, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G handles any task with ease. Plus, it’s Xiaomi’s most durable phone yet, featuring internal hardening, shockproofing, and IP68 dust and water resistance.

In this deep dive, techenttv breaks down the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, exploring its key features including the impressive 200MP Isocell HP3 sensor, software features, and overall value.

5 Reasons Why The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is Changing Midrange Flagships

Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 4

The midrange mobile smartphone is a space where companies usually struggle to find the right balance. Over the years, we’ve seen so many smartphones that come with less-than-stellar specifications at a very compelling price point. That’s been changing with companies like Xiaomi finding their stride in the midrange with phones like the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G. How? Well, it’s all about balance and building a smartphone that we can feel confident in. Here’s how the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is doing it.

1. A 200-megapixel Main Camera augmented with the Xiaomi Imaging Engine

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G comes with a 200-megapixel main camera sensor that comes with a large aperture. This, on its own, allows you to capture extremely detailed pictures with the lighting. However, Xiaomi isn’t just resting on the hardware. It’s introducing its own software that allows the camera to perform even better, resulting in some stunning shots even in low lighting.

Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 3

The main augmentation that enhances the performance of the camera is Xiaomi’s Imaging Engine. This system uses an End-to-End (E2E) AI Remosaic to increase camera performance. This E2E AI Remosaic kicks in every time you hit the shutter button. It takes multiple exposures and processes it in an instant to give you the best picture. It sounds like it slows down the experience, doesn’t it? But all of this happens in a fraction of a second. In fact, it happens so fast that you won’t realize it’s even happening thanks to Xiaomi’s algorithm that quickens the processing by doing multiple passes in tandem rather than sequentially. You will, however, enjoy the end result.

2. The Perfect Shot& Productivity Get Even Better with AI Editing Tools

We’ve been hearing so much about AI and how they’ll be creating new experiences for us. With the new Redmi Note 14 series – that’s right, the WHOLE SERIES – Xiaomi is bringing these features to a sub-RM2,000 price point and they’re even taking it to a whole new level with the Redmi Note 14 Pro series. You’ll be able to leverage the power of the smartphones to make sure your shot is perfect in every way.

You’ll be able to use AI Magic Removal Pro to remove unwanted objects in your picture. It could be a passer-by or even a trampoline that’s just not it. This tool will be a boon for those wanting to take pictures in crowded tourist spots or even if you’re looking for the perfect shot with your special person.

It’s not just that, though, Xiaomi is also bringing AI features we’ve never seen before on a Redmi device, like AI Image expansion. This feature allows you to adjust the composition of your shot after the fact. If you’ve got that perfect mountain range but it feels too cramped, you’ll be able to use this tool to expand the composition and give that landscape some breathing space. This tool doesn’t give you new items in the shot, it just expands empty space to give you a better photo.

You’ll even be able to create videos on the fly with AI Film. This feature is going to be particularly useful for content creators. You’ll be able to create short videos from text prompts using clips in your gallery. It will even apply special camera movements and sync the footage to music rhythm points.

You’ve even got AI tools that will help you with productivity on the Redmi Note 14 Pro series. Of course, being Android smartphones, the smartphones come with Gemini and Google’s Circle to Search. On top of this, Xiaomi is also bringing its own AI features. AI Notes will help you make sense of your quick notes for easy sharing or even help you make better notes. There’s also AI Subtitles that auto-magically close captions videos you’re watching. Our favourite is AI Interpreter which helps you understand your friends better with on-the-fly translations during calls002E

3. Xiaomi’s Midrange is Even Tougher with All-Star Durability

You know how the midrange smartphone space is a tough space to be in? Well, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is tougher. Xiaomi is really fortifying its midrange hero with all the bells and whistles to make it one of the most durable smartphones they’ve ever created.

The Redmi Note 14 Pro series comes with an All-Star Armour structure that gives the phone added rigidity. The thickened motherboard reinforced six steel plates and strengthening ribs protect not only the insides of the smartphone but also its overall structure. This also gives it added bend resistance. It’s even got shock absorption in the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G that allows it to better survive hard knocks from drops.

Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 6

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is further fortified by dual Corning Gorilla Glass layers covering the back and front of the smartphone – more specifically it has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 up front and the Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the back.. On top of this, the Redmi Note 14 Pro series also gets added water and dust resistancewith an IP68 water and dust resistance.

The cherry on top? You’ll be able to use the smartphone even with a wet display thanks to the improved Wet Touch 2.0. This allows you to use the smartphone with better responsiveness even with a wet screen. The improvements include the relocation of the new algorithm into the application processor rather than a separate Touch IC.

4. Flagship class processors across the board in the Redmi Note 14 series

The Redmi Note 14 series comes with flagship-class processors. The regular Redmi Note 14 comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 7025-Ultra, while the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra. Both of these processors provide the phones with immense performance benefits and enable the myriad of AI features that come with it.

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G on the other hand comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor. This processor comes with features that allow the top-of-the-line Redmi Note 14 variant to outperform the competition. Its 4nm fabrication process allows for top-tier performance while maintaining a long battery life. It also comes with an Adreno GPU that not only allows for better gaming performance but also provides incredible graphical processing capabilities that will allow creators to edit videos and photos on the go.

5. Battery to Last You All Day

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, Pro 5G and Redmi Note 14 5G come with a 5110mAh battery across the board while the regular Redmi Note 14 has a larger 5,500mAh battery. While not the largest it provides all-day battery life. Even in our review, the Redmi Note Pro+ 5G lasted well over 24 hours on a single charge. On standby, it goes even further needing to be charged only after about 6 days.

Even with continual use, you should be able to get at least 10 hours of battery life with the most intense usage. We’ve got about 4 hours of battery life playing heavy games like Solo Levelling and Diablo Immortal.

Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 1

The Redmi Note 14 series as a whole is changing what we’re expecting from a midrange smartphone overall. Each entry into the series is upping the ante a whole lot when it comes to balancing features, performance and price point. What’s most important is Xiaomi’s midrange is hitting 3 price points simultaneously – the sub-RM800 price point, the sub-RM1500 price point and the sub-RM2,000 price point. Do you know any other series or offering that does this? But more importantly, it’s got features that people have been asking for at a price that suits their affordability. THAT’S EXACTLY HOW YOU CHANGE A WHOLE PRODUCT CATEGORY.

Xiaomi Truclean W10 Ultra Wet Dry Vacuum In Depth Review – Aesthethic, Clean, Functional

The modern world has created a lifestyle that necessitates we live at a fast pace; everything demands our attention and things get left by the wayside when they’re not dealt with immediately. One of the many things that usually get left by the wayside is maintaining our living surroundings. However, with modern technology, tasks that used to take hours to complete can now be done in a matter of minutes including cleaning.

Xiaomi TruClean W10 Ultra 03

One such tech is the Xiaomi Truclean W10 Ultra Wet Dry Vacuum. While its name is a mouthful it’s built to make sure that you have two fewer chores to worry about on your plate. However, it enters a market that is being flooded by “new age” cleaning technologies like the wet-dry vacuum, the robot vacuum, steam mops, and more. Does it deliver on its promise to deliver a simplified cleaning experience as well as all the benefits of having a clean home? We’re breaking down the whole experience for you in this in-depth review.

Design

When it comes to buying cleaning technologies nowadays, the design plays an increasingly important role as many of today’s offerings aren’t built to be stowed away instead, they are built to be part of the décor. The Xiaomi Truclean W10 Ultra  Wet Dry Vacuum is no different, but the company’s designers have made it so the vacuum is able to be integrated seamlessly into any décor.

The Xiaomi Truclean W10 Ultra Wet Dry Vacuum comes in two parts – the vacuum itself and the base station. Let’s break down the overall design first. The two parts are designed in a very complementary way – in fact, it’s so flawlessly designed that I wouldn’t be surprised if you thought it was a single unit. The vacuum unit itself is designed with minimal removable parts. The only actual removable parts are the waste container, roller, and handle. The handle becomes a permanent part of the vacuum after the initial installation. Other parts of the unit are all within the single seamless body of the Truclean W10 Ultra. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll realize I haven’t mentioned a clean water container. Well, that’s part of the base station. Yes, this vacuum fills itself up.

Xiaomi TruClean W10 Ultra 01

The base station is very minimally designed for the amount of functions it has. It is a single unit like the vacuum, it comes with a removable clean water container that’s removable. The rest of the unit isn’t. It stays as one unit. There is a container to store your additional roller and a cleaning brush to clean the waste container. This container also comes with a single button to heat dry the items inside which helps eliminate odors. Speaking of, the base station itself also comes with a heating system that allows it to both heat water and dry the roller of the vacuum unit. The removable water container can fill up the vacuum about 2.5 times before needing to be refilled. It also has an LED indicator that will glow white when there is enough water in the tank, yellow when you’re running low, and red when you’re out of water.

Xiaomi TruClean W10 Ultra 13

Overall, the minimalist aesthetic of the W10 Ultra makes it a very unintrusive addition to any home aesthetically. This is true even if the unit isn’t relegated to being in the kitchen or dining area. If it needs to be in one of the main entertaining areas of the home, the minimalist aesthetic allows it to blend into the room without taking away from your space’s aesthetics.

Specifications

WeightApprox 5.4kg
Voltage21.6V
Power200W
Charging Voltage26.0V
Dimensions250×250×1100mm
Water Resistance RatingIPX4
Base Station/Dock Input2.6V 0.9A
Base Station/Dock
Output
2.6V 0.9A
Price (RM)3,599

Cleaning for ANY Situation Except CarPets

The Xiaomi TruClean W10 Ultra is designed for cleaning on hard surfaces – carpets may not be the best idea when it comes to this vacuum. However, it would be remiss to not emphasize that this is a WET and DRY vacuum. Simply put, it’s meant for marble, hardwood, and laminate flooring. It’s also one of those vacuums that allow you to do a single pass to clean spills in a pinch.

So, let’s get to cleaning. The W10 Ultra is built for convenience. It cleans pretty well. Having used it for daily cleaning of my personal spaces for over a month, the unit does make life easier and cleaner. The rollers can take up dirt efficiently – this includes large debris and items like cotton buds. While I wouldn’t recommend having large items like cotton buds be picked up by the vacuum regularly, it’s nice to know it doesn’t just push them into harder-to-reach corners like other similar products.

You may think that using the unit will be tedious cause of the weight – I mean it weighs roughly the same as a bag of rice! – but thanks to the motorized wheels of the unit, the weight is not an issue. I would say that I was hardly pushing the W10 Pro around. Instead, it was like guiding a self-moving trolley – effortless. This also made cleaning seem to pass faster than usual. I found myself cleaning the same amount of space in about 60% of the time and ending up doing more than 1 pass regularly.

Xiaomi TruClean W10 Ultra 15

In addition to this, the Xiaomi Truclean W10 Ultra also supports heated cleaning which can be turned on with the mode change button. It does this by heating the water up to about 80°C. This is done by emptying the clean water from the clean water container and heating it in the base station as it’s filled into the vacuum unit. The increased temperature helps remove more stubborn stains. Of course, it doesn’t work as well as steam but it does help remove stains and residue more efficiently.

Another big plus with the W10 Ultra during my time reviewing it was the fact that it almost never got tangled with hair or even on rugs. While it did pull the rug into the roller, it didn’t continuously pull it in and instead, it stopped allowing me to pull it out without much hassle. The vacuum is also very flexible, it can lay nearly completely flat on the ground allowing you to clean under furniture with ease. However, it does have a drawback of being able to clean for a maximum of about 40 minutes on a single charge.

Designed with Hygiene in Mind

The Xiaomi Truclean W10 Ultra is one of the only vacuums that I’ve seen in recent times with a design that is very focused on hygiene. Many other similar vacuums don’t go through the lengths Xiaomi does with this one to ensure that the unit is hygienic and easy to maintain. It’s not only the big items or features but there is also thought into the small details.

The biggest example I can give of this is the design of the waste container for the W10 Ultra. It’s one of the only that separates the debris from the water. This is done with a sieve-like design in the inner chamber of the container. The compartments remain separated even when the waste water is at maximum. This simple design cue made it so the water didn’t stink even after a day or two of being in the waste container. Although, I’d still recommend emptying it regularly.

The next feature that lends itself to this is the roller brush cleaning which can be done after every use. This is done by pressing the self-cleaning button when it’s docked. This will then run clean water through the roller brush getting rid of most of the debris and dirt. The self-cleaning cycle ends with the base station using heated air to dry the roller brush. The dirty water is channeled into the waste compartment.

In addition to this, you have a side compartment that you can use to store your cleaning brush and an additional roller brush. You’ll be able to wash your roller brush place it inside this container and run a drying cycle to ensure that things stay hygienic and odour-free. The brush that comes with the W10 Ultra also helps you clean and reach the nooks and crannies of the device that would otherwise be a pain to clean. After cleaning, the brush can also be placed in the same bucket to be dried.

It Speaks!

One of the more hilarious features of the vacuum comes in the form of it – the vacuum – speaking. To be honest, I was so amused by this that I burst out laughing when it first did this. I mean it was speaking in Mandarin to me! But after changing the language – which you can do with a press of a recessed button on the back – I was able to understand it better in English. There was a total of about 5 languages that it was able to speak including English and Mandarin. These voice prompts are pretty useful especially when it comes to keeping the unit clean and functioning. It will prompt you to empty the waste container when you’re done cleaning and at the end of its self-cleaning cycle. It also notifies you if your vacuum isn’t docked properly in the base unit.

Xiaomi TruClean W10 Ultra 09

These voice prompts work together with the W10 Ultra’s 3-inch display which allows you to track the mode you’re using and the charge remaining in the vacuum. Even this is designed aesthetically to show you the information. The battery life is indicated by a green circle around the display which changes to yellow and red depending on the amount of charge remaining. The center of the display shows the mode and the temperature of the water being used. All of this just makes using the vacuum that much easier and intuitive.

A Simple, Elegant, and Intuitive Package That not only Helps Clean but Stays Hygienically Clean by Design

The Xiaomi TruClean W10 Ultra is a dream for people who want a simple, elegant piece of technology that helps them maintain their spaces. Despite a few drawbacks like battery life, Xiaomi has designed the vacuum to be aesthetically pleasing and functional in every sense of the word. It’s easy to maintain, easy to clean, and remains hygienic by design. There are no two ways about it, at RM3,599 it’s one of the better choices for wet-dry vacuums on the market thanks to the thought that has been put into it from the get-go to make sure it’s clean both literally and aesthetically.

Blackmagic Camera App Now Supports Android Phones Including the Google Pixel 6 & Samsung Galaxy Phones

Blackmagic Design, one of the leading brands in professional video production equipment, has broadened the reach of its Blackmagic Camera app for Android. This update, released in July 2024, brings professional-grade mobile filmmaking capabilities to a wider range of users, including owners of the Google Pixel 6 series, Samsung Galaxy S21 and S22 lines, OnePlus 11 and 12 models, and Xiaomi 13 and 14 devices.

blackmagic camera for android hero@2x
Source: BlackMagic Design

Previously, the Blackmagic Camera app was limited to a select few high-end smartphones, primarily Apple’s iPhone, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy flagships. This update brings more devices into the fold, allowing users better control of their smartphone cameras and expanding content creation horizons.

The Blackmagic Camera app transforms your smartphone into a powerful filmmaking tool. It goes beyond the limitations of native camera apps, offering features like:

  • Digital Film Profiles: Capture stunning visuals with professional-grade colour science, replicating the look of classic films.
  • RAW Recording: Record uncompressed video footage, offering maximum flexibility for colour grading and post-production adjustments.
  • Advanced Exposure Controls: Gain granular control over exposure with features like focus peaking, zebra stripes, and false colour monitoring.
  • Multiple Frame Rates: Choose from a variety of frame rates to achieve the desired visual effect, from smooth slow-motion to high-speed action sequences.
  • External Monitoring (via update): The latest update enables HDMI monitoring, allowing you to view your footage on a larger external display for more precise framing and focus control. (Availability may vary depending on the device)
blackmagic camera for android recording landscape@2x
Source: BlackMagic Design

This feature set empowers users to capture high-quality cinematic footage on their smartphones, previously achievable only with dedicated cameras.

The update expands beyond device compatibility. It introduces several new functionalities that enhance the overall user experience:

  • 3D LUTs for Recording and Monitoring: Apply custom 3D LUTs (Look Up Tables) during recording and monitoring to achieve specific colour styles in real-time.
  • Pull Focus Transition Controls: Create smooth, cinematic focus transitions for a more polished look.
  • Blackmagic Cloud Integration: This update allows users to connect to Blackmagic Cloud for Organizations, facilitating collaboration and project sharing within teams.

These additions further elevate the app’s capabilities, providing users with greater creative control and streamlined workflows.

Xiaomi Boosts Smart Home Offerings in Malaysia with New Gaming Monitor and Robot Vacuum Ahead of 6.6 Sale

Xiaomi is gearing up for its upcoming 6.6 Sale extravaganza in Malaysia, offering massive discounts on a wide range of smart home products and wearables. This exciting campaign, happening exclusively on Shopee from June 6th, includes two brand new additions to Xiaomi’s lineup: the Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi and the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+. Shoppers can expect up to 50% off on their favourite smart home and AIoT devices, along with these exciting new products.

Immerse Yourself in the Game with the Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi

Designed for passionate gamers seeking an unparalleled experience, the Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi boasts a stunning curved screen with a blazing-fast refresh rate. The monitor’s 1500R curvature mirrors the natural curve of the human eye, minimizing strain and creating a more natural viewing experience. This immersive design ensures every part of the screen remains at a consistent distance from your eyes, for unparalleled visual fidelity.

Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi

Beyond its curved design, the Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi packs a punch with its impressive features. The expansive 21:9 ultrawide 34-inch display delivers exceptional detail thanks to the WQHD resolution. Gamers can enjoy smooth, blur-free gameplay even in fast-paced action sequences with the 180Hz high refresh rate and 1ms response time. The monitor features a professional colour display with 350 nits brightness, ensuring vibrant and realistic colours with exceptional clarity. To protect your eyes from harmful blue light emissions during extended gaming sessions, the Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi is TÜV Low Blue Light Certified. The monitor also boasts flexible positioning with adjustable height and tilt settings for comfortable viewing from any angle. For a clean and streamlined setup, the monitor is even wall-mountable. (Note: Wall mount bracket sold separately).

The Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi is now available for purchase at RM1,499, with a special limited-time offer of RM1,249 during the 6.6 Sale.

Effortless Cleaning with the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+

Cleaning just got smarter with the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+. This innovative all-in-one robot vacuum offers exceptional performance and convenience, exceeding expectations and simplifying your life.

Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20

The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+ boasts several key features. An all-in-one smart base station provides automated dust collection for effortless maintenance. Tackle dirt, dust, and debris with powerful suction and efficient mopping capabilities. The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+ navigates your home with ease and avoids obstacles with intelligent sensors. Enjoy seamless control and monitor your cleaning regimen via your smartphone app for a truly smarter interactive experience.

The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+ typically retails for RM 2,999. However, during the 6.6 Sale, you can secure this powerful cleaning companion for a limited-time price of only RM 1,699.

Pricing & Availability

The Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi and Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+ will be available for purchase starting June 6th, exclusively on Shopee during Xiaomi’s 6.6 Sale. Both products come in a single variant and colour option.

  • Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQi – RM 1,249 (limited-time offer, regular price RM 1,499)
  • Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+ – RM 1,699 (limited-time offer, regular price RM 2,999)

Xiaomi 6.6 Sale:

66 sale open sale 1200x1200 MY 1

From June 6, shoppers can purchase selected Xiaomi smart AIoT and wearables at a special price, exclusively on Shopee. Check out Xiaomi’s official store on Shopee for more products on sale.

ProductNormal Price6.6 Sale deal1
Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor G34WQiRM 1,499RM 1,249
Xiaomi Gaming Monitor G27i UKRM 749RM 599
Xiaomi Monitor A27i UKRM 599RM 449
Xiaomi Watch 2RM 869RM 699
Xiaomi Watch S3RM 699RM 499
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 ProRM 339RM 249
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 ActiveRM 129RM 79
Redmi Watch 3 Active RM 179RM 129
Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+RM 2,999RM 1,699
Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X10+RM 3,799RM 2,139
Truclean W10 Ultra Wet Dry VacuumRM 3,599RM 1,659
Truclean W10 Pro Wet Dry VacuumRM 2,599RM 999
Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 ProRM 1,059RM 769
Xiaomi TV A FHD 43RM 1,199RM 949
Xiaomi Pad 6RM 1,399RM 1,259
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G (12GB+512GB)RM 1,999RM 1,799
Redmi Note 13 (6GB+128GB)RM 749RM 649
Redmi A3 (4GB+128GB)RM 429RM 399
Redmi Buds 4 ActiveRM 119RM 69

Xiaomi Redmi 13C In-Depth Review

IMG 20231222 113111

Regarding phones, Xiaomi is never far behind in its release, be it their flagship series like the recently released Xiaomi 13T and Xiaomi 14T (China only). Xiaomi always has something that keeps their customers on their toes. This time around they released the Redmi 13C, which goes just slightly above the norms of budgeted phones. The Redmi 13C comes in 4 vibrant colours: Midnight Black, Navy Blue, Glacier White and Clover Green. Priced at RM499.00 on their official store. The unit I received for review was the Navy-Blue Variant.

First Impressions and Unboxing

The box has a set of double-point charger heads, a USB Type-C cable, and a user manual. The unwrapping experience is still enjoyable as it was seamless and easy to open with the general kit you would normally see. I would like to say that I was happily pleased with the inclusion of a charger head as not many phones supply the charger heads anymore. Besides that, my first impression of the phone surprised me. At first glance, it looked polished and nearer to the high-end looks, thanks to its sleek and clean design and larger screen. This is one of its main highlights that I like.

Design

Xiaomi made a bold move by updating the Redmi 13C with a more refined and modern look. Minimal bezels and a U-shaped notch house the 8MP front camera, while the 6.74-inch LCD screen takes centre stage. The back has a matte coating that hides fingerprints and gives the device a shiny, clean appearance to appreciate. However, the back material makes it very smooth and, in my experience, makes it very slippery on certain surfaces and even when holding it in my hand.

Besides the slippery backside, the phone has a lightweight design and is decently sturdy. This phone provides a pleasant experience for any user. It also has a separate microSD slot for expandable storage, which can go up to 1TB. A 3.5mm headphone jack and a side fingerprint sensor, thoughtfully placed on the phone, all of which contribute to its user-friendliness. However, note that while using the phone, the side buttons feel incredibly flat against the surface. While some will take that as a plus, I found it a bit of a worry as the power button, which is also where the finger sensor is located, is so flattened that I worry if usage of pressing the power button can have it stuck down or wear it down to the point you can’t click it which is something to look out for long-term use.

Display

IMG 20231222 113311

With a 90Hz refresh rate, the 6.74-inch LCD screen of the Redmi 13C has an immersive viewing feeling that most users will enjoy without any issue. However, during my phone use, there was an annoying glare from the display in certain positions or from certain viewing angle. It shouldn’t be much of an issue for most standard smartphone users in daily use. The display and screen are equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass, ensuring scratch resistance and long-lasting protection. The display’s mix of colour accuracy and vibrancy makes for a great everyday experience.

With a peak brightness of 600 nits, it tackles outside visibility and decently holds itself even in dark or low-lighting areas. Besides that, to ensure users’ eyes are always protected, the display also has reading and dark modes, which can easily be turned on or off with a tap. It’s also to note that the brightness display and control is quite unorthodox to me as it was longer than standard brightness control bars, but it gives more minute control to users, that’s for sure, on how bright or dim they wish it to be.

Performance

The Media Tek Helio G85 processor allows the Redmi 13C to breeze through regular chores. With 128 or 256 GB of storage and a choice of 4, 6 or 8 RAM, you can multitask with ease and speed. According to benchmark ratings, this smartphone performs admirably compared to others in its price range. But I wouldn’t recommend it for long gaming periods as the phone can overheat pretty decently and has a warning system. Besides that, the phone, thanks to its processor, can hold up decently with most heavy base games like Mobile Legends, and if you can tweak it a bit, it can even run to play heavy-duty games like PUBG or even Call of Duty. Still, it won’t be as smooth or visually pleasing compared to more expensive phones.

Redmi 13C also comes installed with MIUI 14.0.1, which improves the software experience and is based on Android 13. But some features are missing from this phone, such as the floating or minimised screen feature. If you used this function a lot on your previous phones, it’s sad to say you will not get it here. Kinda feels like a small nifty feature that would make this phone easily better.

Camera

The Redmi 13C has a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP macro camera, and an 8 MP selfie camera. Good and Standard results are achieved in daylight photography, while low-light performance is decent enough. Still, overall, when taking photos using the back camera, it seems reasonable and can keep up with most standard users who don’t have a lot of needs for their photography. Despite its 2MP resolution, the macro lens makes close-up photography quite lovely. While it doesn’t have many features compared to more expensive phones, the features include Portrait Mode, Night mode, Macro mode and 50mp mode. Besides that, when it comes to video recording, the quality is decent at 1080p, and it also has a nice time-lapse feature.

Charging and Battery Life

Screenshot 2023 12 21 09 27 53 394 com.miui .securitycenter

During my use of the phone, the most appealing part of it is its excellent battery life, lasting over two days for moderate users (when not using intensively or using it heavily), which is due to its large 5000mAh battery but when used for daily be it as a student or a working adult, the phone can easily last all day.

Now there is a large downfall here. While its battery life can withstand extended usage, the charging is so slow. A standard charger of 10W can easily take up to 1 to 2 hours (depending on your phone percentage when you plug in to charge) to reach 100 per cent. But when a fast-charging wire or charger head is used, a full charge can be reached in under two hours, and the charging process takes approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on how low your battery percentage is. So, if you’re in a rush and the battery is low, I recommend a power bank on the go because even with fast charging, it isn’t so fast.

Conclusion

Overall, the Redmi 13C shines out from the rest thanks to its sturdy, upgraded design and good all-rounded performance. It can easily compete successfully in the budgeted smartphone market as it also supports 5G and has a feature-rich MIUI. This phone’s only major downfall was its slippery nature without a phone case and the prolonged charging. Besides that, the Redmi 13C is a budget and user-friendly phone with features that make it seem more than a regular budgeted phone and still has the class to it. Overall, my experience with the phone has been a positive one, and I would recommend this phone to those who want a phone that won’t burn a hole in their pocket and, overall, is able to hold up close to some of the more expensive phones in this bracket.


Xiaomi 14 Announced; Runs on Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 & Hyper OS

Xiaomi has just unleashed its latest flagship smartphone series known as the Xiaomi 14 series. Xiaomi’s latest devices have a new OS – Hyper OS – and is the first Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 CPU.

Xiaomi 14 14 Pro

The Xiaomi 14 Pro is equipped with a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display. This screen is brighter than our future with an obscene 3,000nits brightness. It also comes with a 1440 x 3200 pixels resolution that gives it a pixel density of 522ppi and a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone itself comes with a durable Ceramic Glass finish. It also comes with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ compatibility. The Xiaomi 14 Pro also has Dolby Atmos stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.

Under the hood, the Xiaomi 14 series comes with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It’s the first smartphone to have it hot off its announcement at the recent Snapdragon Summit. The processor is complemented with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of internal storage.

The series also supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC. It has a whopping 4,800mAh battery capable of fast charging of 120W. It also supports 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse wireless charging. Did we forget? It’s also got IP68 water- and dust resistance.  

Xiaomi 14 14 Pro 2

Xiaomi 14 Pro’s camera setup boasts one of the first to sport a breakthrough 50-megapixel “Light Hunter 900” primary sensor. The sensor is equipped with OIS and features a variable aperture and a Leica Summilux lens. The setup also includes a floating 40-megapixel telephoto lens with OIS and 3.2x optical zoom and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. The front camera is a 32-megapixel sensor. Video lovers will adore the variable aperture’s f/1.42 to f/4 range and 8K resolution at 24fps.

The vanilla version of the Xiaomi 14 has a 6.36-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits’ peak brightness as well as density pixels of 460ppi. The image resolution is 1200 x 2670 pixels. It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos stereo speakers remain. This one is IP68-rated for water and dust resistance like the Pro and sports an under-display fingerprint scanner. It has a 4,610mAh battery that supports 90W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging.

The Xiaomi 14’s main camera is equipped with a 50-megapixel Light Hunter 900 sensor, a 50-megapixel wide-angle sensor, and a 50MP telephoto sensor with 3.2X optical zoom making. Its 32MP selfie camera supports 8K 24p video however unlike the Pro it does not come with variable aperture.

Pricing & Availability

The Xiaomi 14 series is currently priced only for the China region with 14 Pro costing:

Variant Price (CNY)Converted Pricing (MYR)
12GB RAM + 256 GB storageCNY4,999MYR3,266.38
16GB RAM + 512 GB storageCNY5,499MYR3,590.88
16GB RAM + 1TB storage CNY5,999MYR3,917.38

While the Vanilla version costs:

Variant Price (CNY)Converted Pricing (MYR)
8GB RAM + 256GB storageCNY3,999MYR2,611.27
12GB RAM + 256 GB storageCNY4,299MYR2,807.16
16GB RAM + 512 GB storageCNY4,599MYR3,002.83
16GB RAM + 1TB storage CNY4,999MYR3,264.00

Both series are available in Black, Jade Green, and White and the regular Xiaomi 14 has a Snow Mountain Pink while the Xiaomi 14 Pro has a Titanium edition.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the Xiaomi 14 series especially when it comes to the international launch.

Xiaomi 13T Series Unleashed with Leica Technology for Your Visual Artistry

Xiaomi just unveiled its latest Xiaomi 13T Series smartphones, and they’re all about helping you take your photography and videography to the next level. Co-engineered with Leica, the Xiaomi 13T Series is touted to deliver stunning images and videos with authentic Leica colours and style.

Camera Technology Co-Engineered with Leica

The Xiaomi 13T Series features a triple camera setup with Summicron lenses from Leica. The main camera is a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens with a 24mm equivalent focal length and a 7P aspherical lens that captures more light and detail. There’s also a 50-megapixel telephoto lens with a 50mm equivalent focal length for close-up shots and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens for landscapes and group photos.

Xiaomi 13T Series 28

Xiaomi’s new Custom photographic styles feature in Pro mode lets you adjust Tone, Tonality, and Texture at the preset stage, so you can retain more details and colours for post-processing. You can also save your favourite presets for your own unique look.

With the Xiaomi 13T Pro, you can shoot videos in 10-bit LOG 4:2:0 H.265. This format gives you more control over colour and detail in post-production. The pre-installed Rec.709 LUT gives you an added professional touch for better colour accuracy and visual depth. You can also import your own LUT styles. The camera is also capable of 8K video recording, you can capture every memory in more detail than ever.

Long Battery Life, Crisp Visuals and Dolby Atmos

The Xiaomi 13T Series features a 6.67-inch CrystalRes Display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1.5K resolution  (2712 x 1220 pixels). The display is also incredibly bright, with a peak brightness of 2600 nits. With 100% DCI-P3 gamut coverage and support for 68 billion colours, you’ll get stunning visuals with accurate colours and vibrant contrast. Completing the media experience is the built-in dual speakers that has Dolby Atmos support.

Xiaomi 13T Series 36

The Xiaomi 13T Series is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chipset in the Pro model and the MediaTek Dimensity 8200-Ultra in the standard model. Both chipsets should offer excellent performance and power efficiency. Powering this is a 5000mAh battery that supports Xiaomi’s 120W HyperCharge. This allows you to get 100% charge in under 20 minutes on the 13t Pro. The regular Xiaomi 13T, on the other hand, comes with a 5,000mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging.

Stylish with Substance

The Xiaomi 13T Series features a sleek and contemporary design. The Alpine Blue model has a premium Xiaomi BioComfort vegan leather back panel with a soft and delicate texture. Also along for the ride are the Meadow Green and Black models that come with glossy finishes. Both smartphones are tough and durable complete with IP68 water and dust resistance.

Xiaomi 13T Series 48

Together with a tough, stylish build. The Xiaomi 13T series comes with a guarantee for security and Android updates. Xiaomi is committed to providing four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches.

Pricing and Availability

The Xiaomi 13T Series will be available for pre-order from September 27 to October 6, 2023. The Xiaomi 13T Pro price starts at MYR2,499, while the Xiaomi 13T starts at RM1,799.

Xiaomi 13T Series 39

Those who purchase a Xiaomi 13T series smartphone during the pre-order will get a premium package. This consists of free screen replacement (within six months upon purchase) worth RM 299; 100GB cloud storage on Google One for 6 months, and 1+1 years of extended warranty.

In addition to this, purchases made in-store or through Xiaomi’s online stores will be getting some freebies. The freebies are listed in the table below with the available variants and pricing for each.

image 7
Source: Xiaomi Malaysia

Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Unveiled for Midrange Devices

Qualcomm has just unveiled the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. This latest addition to the Snapdragon family brings a performance-centred processor built for midrange and entry-level devices.

Built on the 4nm process technology, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is geared to be a go-to choice for smartphone manufacturers aiming to strike the perfect balance between power and affordability. It opens up the market bringing more performance to a mid-range segment that is gaining momentum the world over.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Snapdragon 7s Gen2 2.jpeg webp2
Source: Xiaomi on Weibo

Now, you might be wondering about the peculiar name. To clear the air, there was no first-gen 7s, and it’s not a successor to the Snapdragon 7 either. The “s” remains a mystery, but it’s essentially a sign of streamlined specifications. Under the hood, the octa-core system on a chip comes with four high-performance cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and four power-efficient cores humming at 1.95 GHz.

While the specifics of the Adreno GPU remain under wraps, it’s more than capable, supporting FHD+ resolution at 144 Hz. However, it’s worth noting that the FastConnect 6700 connectivity platform takes a step down compared to the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, with peak download speeds of 2.9 Gbps and Bluetooth support capped at 5.2. However, that doesn’t rule out low-energy audio needs.

The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 isn’t too shabby in the imaging department. Its Spectra ISP can handle cameras with resolutions of up to 200 MP and 4K video capture at 30 fps. Memory-wise, it supports up to LPDDR5 clocked at 3200 MHz. Other features include USB-C 3.1 and Quick Charge 4+.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Snapdragon 7s Gen2 2.jpeg webp
Source: Xiaomi on Weibo

Xiaomi has unveiled that their upcoming Redmi Note 13 Pro will be one of the first smartphones sporting the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 system on a chip. The smartphone is the latest edition to Xiaomi’s renowned Redmi Note line which has always struck an enticing balance between performance and affordability. It will be truly exciting to see the chipset at work in the upcoming smartphone.