Virtual Content Has No Border

Tag: feature

Mix Flip: Comprehensive Price and Feature Review
Design & Build

Largest Outer Display on a Flip Phone

Advantages: The Xiaomi Mix Flip stands out with the largest outer display on a clamshell foldable at 4.01 inches, narrowly surpassing the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra. This innovation makes it a great choice for users seeking enhanced usability without flipping the phone open.

Portability: Measuring just 85mm when folded and weighing a mere 192g, it’s lightweight and fits comfortably in pockets, making it highly portable.

Build Quality

Materials & Colors: Available in two colors—Purple and Black—with a matching shiny chassis. However, the lack of water and dust resistance may concern users in harsher environments.

Camera Placement: Xiaomi opts for vertically aligned camera bumps, which, while stylish, are quite prominent and may inconvenience users during flat placement.

Hinge: The hinge is functional but feels less premium compared to competitors like Motorola, with a slightly loose feel and a more noticeable crease.

Ports & Buttons

Placement: The USB-C port is positioned at the bottom, and the volume rocker and power button (with a built-in fingerprint scanner) are on the right. The scanner is reliable, and face recognition works well for basic tasks but cannot handle payment authentication.

Screen & Speakers

Internal Display

Specs: Features a 6.86-inch AMOLED panel with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 3000 nits of peak brightness. The display delivers vibrant colors and impressive clarity, even under bright sunlight.

Eye Comfort: Certified by Rheinland for low blue light and flicker-free viewing, making it gentle on the eyes during prolonged use.

Outer Display

Design Limitations: The 4.01-inch display is bright and sharp but hampered by a persistent widget bar on the right side, reducing usable space for apps and making navigation less intuitive. Supported apps are limited, with notable exclusions like Netflix and Audible.

Audio

Sound Quality: Dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos deliver decent sound, though not as immersive as phones with more advanced audio systems.

Specs & Performance

Hardware

Processor: Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

Performance: Swift and responsive, with smooth multitasking and gaming capabilities. However, prolonged gaming causes the device to heat up due to insufficient cooling mechanisms.

Benchmarks

The Mix Flip outperforms key competitors in benchmarks, making it a solid option for demanding tasks like gaming or multitasking.

Cameras

Rear Cameras

Specs: Dual 50MP Leica cameras (main and telephoto). The absence of an ultrawide lens is compensated by excellent zoom and portrait capabilities.

Performance: Daytime shots are sharp and vibrant, with detailed textures and accurate colors. Zoomed images remain crisp up to 4x, with notable quality degradation only beyond 20x.

Low Light: Struggles with clarity in low light and bright sunlight due to flare and softer details.

Front Camera

Selfies: The 32MP front camera produces softer images compared to the rear cameras, making the outer display a better option for selfies.

Video

Supports up to 8K at 24fps, with OIS minimizing shakes. Features like teleprompter mode enhance the device’s appeal to content creators.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery

Capacity: A 4780mAh battery powers the device for approximately 1.5 days of regular use, slightly outlasting competitors like the Galaxy Z Flip 6.

Test Results: Achieved 13 hours and 58 minutes in PCMark’s battery test, reflecting strong performance.

Charging

Speed: Supports 67W wired charging, achieving 47% in 30 minutes. Wireless charging is notably absent.

Software & Apps

Operating System

HyperOS: Runs on Xiaomi’s new HyperOS based on Android 14, which retains some issues from its predecessor MIUI, including excessive bloatware and app duplication.

Features: The phone includes innovative tools like call answering while closed and flex mode for video apps like YouTube.

Updates

Longevity: Xiaomi promises four years of software updates and five years of security patches, offering decent support compared to competitors.

Price & Availability

Price: The Xiaomi Mix Flip is priced at £1,099 (~$1,375) and is available via the Mi Store and Amazon.

Availability: Not officially sold in the U.S., limiting its reach.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mix Flip blends innovation and practicality with its large outer display, lightweight design, and impressive internal performance. While its lack of water resistance and minor software limitations might deter some, its standout display, powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and versatile cameras make it a competitive option in the foldable market. Ideal for users prioritizing a sleek, feature-packed device with gaming and multitasking capabilities, the Mix Flip is a bold addition to Xiaomi’s portfolio.
November 23, 2024
MediaTek Dimensity 9400 to Feature Record-Breaking LPDDR5X RAM

As time goes on in the world of technology, better chipsets and faster RAM are being made for users. In April, Samsung introduced us its LPDDR5X RAM which can transfer data at speeds up to 10.7 Gbps. That means it can move data very fast. Also, the Dimensity 9400 chipset from MediaTek is coming soon to surprise us all.

The significant feature of Samsung’s new RAM technology is that it is going to be 25 percent more power-efficient than the previous version. Also, performance will increase by 25 percent. Any task related to artificial intelligence, like converting voice to text, will be easier.

The Dimensity 9400 is going to be MediaTek’s upcoming fastest and most powerful chipset. Samsung’s new memory has been tested together with it for three months. Everyone expects the Dimensity 9400 to be the first chipset to support this advanced RAM technology. However, it might take a few more months before the new chipset hits the market.

Not only smartphones, but the new chipset can also be used in the automotive industry and self-driving cars. Corporate Senior Vice President of MediaTek JC Hsu expressed his satisfaction with their new chipset. He believes that its AI functionality and mobile performance will impress everyone. The real performance and power efficiency will be known after its official launch. Until then, interested customers can wait eagerly.

July 18, 2024
Revolutionary Imaging: Canon’s EOS R1 to Feature Advanced Processing System

Canon has officially announced the upcoming release of its much-anticipated flagship camera, the EOS R1. This state-of-the-art full-frame mirrorless camera is expected to hit the market later this year, marking a significant milestone in Canon’s EOS lineup.

Enhanced Performance and Precision
The EOS R1 is designed to surpass the capabilities of its predecessor, the EOS R3, particularly in video and still performance. At its core lies an innovative image processing system, integrating a new CMOS sensor with the groundbreaking Digic Accelerator and the proven Digic X processor. This powerful combination promises to handle vast data volumes with unparalleled speed, setting a new benchmark in autofocus efficiency and accuracy.

Innovative Features for Dynamic Photography
Canon’s deep-learning technology has been harnessed to fuel the EOS R1’s “high-speed and high-accuracy subject recognition,” a feature that will be indispensable for action and sports photography. The camera’s Action Priority function is engineered to detect and focus on key subjects performing specific actions, ensuring that pivotal moments are never missed.

Uninterrupted Tracking Capabilities
The EOS R1 boasts an exceptional ability to maintain focus on athletes, even when they temporarily move out of the frame, suggesting its potential as an essential tool for capturing the intensity of this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.

Integrated Noise Reduction for Superior Image Quality
In a groundbreaking move, Canon has incorporated advanced noise reduction technology, previously available only in PC software, directly into the EOS R1. This enhancement is poised to elevate image quality to new heights, empowering photographers to achieve their creative vision with greater clarity and impact.

Anticipation Builds for the Flagship Camera’s Arrival
While pricing details remain under wraps, the anticipation for the EOS R1 continues to grow. Photographers around the world are eagerly awaiting the chance to experience the next level of imaging excellence that Canon promises to deliver with its new flagship camera.

May 18, 2024
Horizon Forbidden West PC Version Gets Exciting New Feature

The Horizon Forbidden West PC port will include a major new feature that could enhance its visual quality and performance. When Horizon Forbidden West launches on PC, it will come with support for Nvidia DLSS 3, making it one of the latest games to incorporate this technology. The game, developed by Guerrilla Games, continues the story of Aloy as she explores the Forbidden West to restore the lost terraforming AI Gaia.

Initially released for PlayStation 5 in 2022, the game received positive reviews and later received a DLC expansion called Burning Shores. Horizon Zero Dawn, the previous game in the series, was also ported to PC in 2020, marking a trend of Sony-published titles expanding beyond PlayStation consoles. Sony announced last September that Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition would arrive on PC, developed by Guerrilla Games and Nixxes Software, known for their PC ports of popular PlayStation games like Spider-Man Remastered and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. This PC version will include both the main campaign and the Burning Shores DLC expansion.

Nvidia recently revealed that Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition will support its DLSS 3 technology upon its PC release. DLSS 3 is a feature that enhances performance and visual quality using AI, and a new trailer on the Nvidia GeForce YouTube channel showcased its benefits in the game, particularly in improving performance, image quality, and reducing latency.

Horizon Forbidden West joins other games like Fortnite, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, and Alan Wake 2 in implementing Nvidia’s DLSS 3 technology. This third generation of DLSS, released last year, is designed to increase frame rates for supported PC games, offering players a smoother gaming experience. However, DLSS 3 is exclusive to Nvidia RTX 40 series GPUs, such as the RTX 40 Super series.

With its stunning graphics on PlayStation 5, Horizon Forbidden West impressed players upon its initial release. Now, the PC version stands to benefit even more from Nvidia’s DLSS 3 technology, potentially offering improved visuals and performance. While an exact release date for the PC version has not been announced, it is expected to launch on Steam and the Epic Games Store sometime in 2024.

February 17, 2024
Nokia Feature Phones Maintain Global Leadership

In surprising news, HMD Global continues to make its mark in the mobile phone industry. According to IDC’s latest report, HMD Global, the company responsible for Nokia phones, has secured the top position in feature phone shipments during Q3 2023. This accomplishment highlights the enduring popularity of Nokia feature phones, with HMD Global commanding 30.7 percent of the global market. The company has seen a remarkable 22.4 percent increase in volume compared to the previous quarter.

HMD Global attributes its success to four key factors. First and foremost is the integration of Unified Payments Interface (UPI), enhancing the functionality of Nokia feature phones and enabling secure digital transactions. This move aligns with the growing trend towards digital payment solutions.

Additionally, HMD Global emphasizes the successful updates made to various Nokia feature phone models. These updates include new designs, vibrant colors, and larger battery capacities, catering to consumer preferences for extended and reliable user experiences. The company’s commitment to adapting to user needs has played a pivotal role in maintaining Nokia’s relevance.

While smartphones dominate discussions in the tech world, the continued success of Nokia feature phones proves their enduring significance. These devices offer a simpler, more affordable option for users who prioritize basic communication features without the complexities of smartphones. HMD Global’s achievements in the feature phone segment provide hope for the sustained success and relevance of the Nokia brand.

Despite the ever-evolving tech landscape, HMD Global’s success with Nokia feature phones hints at the brand’s potential longevity. The company’s strategic approach, evident in the UPI integration and thoughtful updates, positions Nokia as a viable option for users well into the future. The current contract between HMD Global and Nokia Corporation is set to conclude in 2026, leaving room for continued innovation and growth.

November 24, 2023
Could the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Feature an S Pen Slot?

It seems that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 might come with a built-in slot for the S Pen stylus, similar to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. The previous model, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, worked with the S Pen but did not have a dedicated slot to store it. A recent Samsung patent suggests that this might change in the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

The patent, discovered by Studimo (via Android Central), presents potential locations for housing an S Pen on a foldable phone, possibly the one Samsung plans to launch next year. Two ideas are explored: one involves embedding the S Pen slot into the back of the phone, just below the rear camera, while the other extends the phone’s bezel to the side to hold the S Pen when not in use.

It’s important to remember that patents do not guarantee that specific features will make it into actual products. They offer insights into a company’s design concepts and explorations but don’t guarantee their implementation.

Stylus innovation
The absence of a built-in S Pen slot on Samsung’s foldable phones so far suggests there might be engineering challenges preventing it. It’s possible that incorporating such a slot makes the device thicker or heavier, and these trade-offs may not be deemed worthwhile by Samsung.

As we noted in our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 review, you can purchase cases with compartments for storing the S Pen, but it’s not the most convenient solution. Having a dedicated slot for the stylus when it’s not in use would be more practical.

The patent also introduces a potential innovation for the S Pen: physical buttons on the side. These buttons would likely be customizable and could be used to trigger specific actions on the Galaxy phone that the stylus is connected to.

While there haven’t been many rumors or leaks about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, it’s reasonable to assume that Samsung will follow its typical release schedule, meaning we can expect to see it around August next year, possibly alongside the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6.

November 6, 2023
iPhone 16 Pro to Feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 for Enhanced 5G

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are set to provide enhanced 5G capabilities, thanks to Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X75 modem, according to tech analyst Jeff Pu. This addition will enable faster and more energy-efficient 5G connectivity for these new iPhone models.

In a recent research note with investment firm Haitong International Securities, Pu disclosed that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will come equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem. However, Pu anticipates that the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will stick with the Snapdragon X70 modem, which was used for the entire iPhone 15 lineup. This represents a shift in Apple’s typical strategy, as they have historically used the same Qualcomm modem across all models in each iPhone generation. This exclusion of the standard iPhone 16 models from the upgrade would be a change in approach for the company.

The Snapdragon X75, introduced in February 2023, brings several improvements, including advanced carrier aggregation and other technology enhancements that contribute to faster 5G download and upload speeds compared to the previous X70 model. The modem’s combined mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G transceiver is more space-efficient, taking up 25% less circuit board space, and it is also more power-efficient, using up to 20% less power, according to reports.

An important feature of the Snapdragon X75 is its support for the latest “5G Advanced” standard, which signifies a significant step forward in the realm of 5G technology, often described as the precursor to 6G. 5G Advanced is expected to introduce artificial intelligence and machine learning enhancements that will result in improved 5G performance. Moreover, it will expand the reach of 5G technology to a wider range of devices and applications.

In the marketing sphere, it is anticipated that Apple will emphasize the “5G Advanced” capabilities of the iPhone 16 Pro models, similar to how the iPhone 6s was marketed with “LTE Advanced” support in 2015.

While Apple has reportedly been developing its own 5G modem for iPhones since 2018, the project has encountered several development challenges. The launch of such a modem, if it ever comes to fruition, is not expected before 2025 or later. In the meantime, Apple has extended its 5G modem agreement with Qualcomm through 2026. Apple is projected to unveil the iPhone 16 lineup in September 2024, so there is still ample time before these devices become available to the public.

October 14, 2023
Nokia’s Trio of Feature Phones: Entertainment and Durability Combined

Nokia has made headlines with the release of three new feature phones: Nokia 106 (2023), Nokia 105 (2023), and Nokia 110 (2023). In this article, we will explore the features and specifications of these three mobile phones.

Nokia 106 (2023) promises to be an excellent choice for those seeking entertainment on the go. This phone comes equipped with both an FM radio and an MP3 player. What’s more, the FM radio can be operated wirelessly, adding to the convenience. If you’re a music lover, you’ll be pleased to know that this phone boasts a microSD card slot capable of storing up to 8,000 songs. Additionally, Nokia has included several pre-loaded games, including the ever-popular Snake game. Durability is also a key feature of this rugged feature phone.

One of the standout features of Nokia 106 (2023) is its impressive battery life. The company claims that the phone’s battery can provide an astonishing 22 days of standby time on a single charge. The phone includes a micro USB slot and offers the capability to store 2,000 contacts and 500 SMS messages. For added practicality, it even features a torchlight. While some specifications are still under wraps, this Nokia phone already shows great promise.

The new Nokia 105 (2023) boasts a 1.8-inch QQVGA screen, running on the S30+ operating system. Notably, this phone is IP52 certified, making it waterproof. With the capacity to store 2,000 contacts and 500 SMS messages, it provides ample space for your communication needs. Like the Nokia 106 (2023), this model also features wireless FM radio and a torchlight. It supports microSD cards up to 32GB for expanded storage. Powering this device is a 1,000 mAh battery, ensuring extended usage on a single charge.

The Nokia 110 (2023) feature phone joins the lineup with the S30+ operating system. It sports a 1.8-inch QQVGA display and includes a T9 keypad at the bottom. For those interested in mobile phone photography, this device is equipped with a QVGA camera. The phone’s 1,000 mAh battery offers reliable and long-lasting performance. With IP certification, it proves to be durable and resistant.

Entertainment features shine in the Nokia 110 (2023), featuring an MP3 player and FM radio. The beloved Snake game makes a return, and the phone even supports mobile phone wire recording. Dual SIM card slots are available, allowing users to manage two numbers simultaneously.

September 10, 2023
Nokia Quietly Introduces Refreshed Nokia 150 Feature Phone with Enhanced Battery Life

Nokia has again quietly announced the release of two feature phones in the market. You can consider these two feature phones as a refreshed version of the previous model. One of them is Nokia 150 feature phone. In 2020, some changes were brought to the phone.

New designs were seen during the transition. The phone will be powered by a 1450 MHz battery. This battery will be enough to keep the phone running for a long time. Features FM radio and MP3 player.

You can listen to music through headphones or speakers. The phone has a 0.3-megapixel VGA camera on the back. You can expand the storage by using a Micro SD card.

Not much information is known about the price and availability of the phone. You can buy the phone in the standard color red. On the other hand, the Nokia 130 phone is being considered as a refreshed version of the earlier Nokia 125 model.

You will get the design of the T-nai keyboard on the phone. A large speaker is provided at the back of the phone. You can use the torch through the rear LED. But it is not much different with Nokia 150 model.

August 2, 2023
Android 14 May Bring Satellite Communication Feature to Top-End Devices

Satellite communication is a technology that allows devices to connect to satellites in space. This can be quite useful in areas with poor or no traditional network coverage.

According to Wccftech, Samsung’s top-tier smartphones are also tipped to get this feature. Android 14 is the next version of the Android operating system, which will power many smartphones and tablets and add new fancy features.

iPhone and Huawei support satellite technology The situation may change after Android 14 release. Team Pixel said from their Twitter account that when Android 14 is released, it will be able to send SMS using satellite technology.

It is expected to make its official debut in October along with Google’s Pixel 8 smartphone. However, we need to remember that this information is not from an official source.

So we should all look forward to the details coming out from more credible sources as we get closer to the unveiling date.

Android devices with Android 14 may come with interesting features. But we have to wait for the official announcement to be sure.

July 23, 2023