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  • Blackview MP100 Mini PC Worth It? A Detailed Breakdown

    Blackview MP100 Mini PC Worth It? A Detailed Breakdown

    Blackview is a brand known for its rugged phones and tablets, but recently, it has started making Mini PCs too. The MP100 is one of their new mini PCs, featuring a colorful LED design on the top. This chip was first seen in 2021 and has since been replaced by newer models.

    Blackview MP100

    One downside is that the MP100 uses DDR4 memory instead of the newer DDR5, and the graphics aren’t as powerful as those in newer Ryzen machines. Still, you can add a lot of memory and storage to this small PC.

    There are more powerful and cheaper options available, like the Intel Ultra 5 and newer AMD Ryzen 8000 series machines. Blackview offers the MP100 in grey and blue, with three hardware options: 16GB or 32GB of RAM and 512GB or 1TB of storage. The 16GB/512GB version costs $359.99, and upgrading to 1TB adds only $20. Doubling the RAM to 32GB with 1TB storage costs just $60 more than the base model.

    Currently, Blackview is out of stock, and you can’t find this product from online retailers. However, similar mini PCs like the Acemagic AM06 and the Beelink SER5 are available on Amazon.

    Here are the key specifications for the Blackview MP100:

    – CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U (8 cores, 16 threads)
    – GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics 512SP
    – RAM: 16GB DDR4 (expandable to 64GB)
    – Storage: 512GB M.2 NVMe Gen 3, 1x SATA slot for a 2.5-inch drive
    – Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x USB 2.0, 3.5mm Audio jack
    – Display Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x Display Port
    – Networking: 1x 1GbE LAN, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
    – OS: Windows 11 Home
    – PSU: 19V 3.42A 64.98W

    The case is finely made but entirely plastic. The top has a diagonal clear section with colored LEDs, which might appeal to home users but not so much to business users. If the MP100 is mounted behind a screen, the light show won’t be visible.

    Getting inside the MP100 is a mix of easy and tricky. The bottom comes off easily with four screws, revealing a space for adding a 2.5-inch SATA hard drive or SSD. To access the M.2 slot and memory, you need to remove another set of screws carefully to avoid damaging the ribbon cable.

    The MP100 has two 2280 M.2 NVMe slots, making it easy to expand internal storage. However, the drives don’t have a heatsink cover, and airflow is limited. The WiFi module can also be upgraded. The Ryzen 7 5700U processor in the MP100 offers good performance but is limited by using DDR4 memory and an older GPU. Newer chips like the Ryzen 7 5800U provide better performance and support faster memory.

    One issue with the MP100 is that it comes with a single 16GB memory module, which limits performance. For better performance, you should upgrade to dual-channel memory by adding another 16GB module. The Windows installation on the MP100 is poorly done, with the 1TB drive split into two partitions, which can cause problems with running out of space and complicate drive cloning.

  • Samsung Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: Is the New Foldable Worth It?

    Samsung Z Fold 6 vs. Z Fold 5: Is the New Foldable Worth It?

    Samsung has been doing great in the foldable phone market for the past few years. Their latest model, the Z Fold 6 is now available while many people still use the Z Fold 5. This article will compare the specs of these two phones to help you decide if you should upgrade.

    Z Fold 6

    Display

    The 6.3-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display, a 2376 x 968-pixel resolution, 410 pixels per inch (ppi), and a dynamic refresh rate from 1hz to 120Hz of news device is gonna be surprise you. The internal display is 7.6 inches with a resolution of 2160 x 1856 pixels. In comparison, the Z Fold 5 has a slightly smaller 6.2-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2316*904 pixels. Its internal display is also 7.6 inches, but the resolution is 1812*2176 pixels.

    Camera

    The cameras on both devices are quite similar. The 50-megapixel main camera has dual-pixel autofocus (DPAF), optical image stabilization (OIS) and an f/1.8 aperture. The ultrawide lens is 12MP and has an f/2.2 aperture and a 123-degree field of view. The telephoto camera is 10MP and features OIS, DPAF, an aperture of f/2.4, and 3x optical zoom. Aside from the ultrawide camera, which remains at 12 megapixels, the rest of the camera specs are almost identical to the Z Fold 5.

    Design

    There’s not much difference in design between the two phones. The Z Fold 6 feels slightly more comfortable to hold and is easier to carry around. It weighs 239 grams, whereas the Z Fold 5 weighs 253 grams. he Galaxy Z Fold 6 measures 68.1mm by 153.5mm by 12.1mm. When unfolded, it’s 132.6mm by 153.5mm by 5.6mm.

    Performance and Battery

    Galaxy Z Fold 5 has Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset inside, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 has the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, which originally launched with the Galaxy S24 series. Both generations of foldables have 12GB RAM. Both phones come with 12GB of RAM and offer storage options of 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 Terabyte. They also share the same battery capacity of 4400 mAh and support fast charging speeds of up to 25W.

    The Z Fold 6 offers some upgrades in display resolution, slight improvements in design, and a newer chipset. If you already own the Z Fold 5, the differences might not be significant enough to get an immediate upgrade to new foldable device.

  • Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. S24 Ultra: Is the New Model Worth It?

    Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. S24 Ultra: Is the New Model Worth It?

    Samsung has released its new phone, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and many are wondering if it’s worth upgrading from the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The premium Android market has many options, and the Galaxy S series has consistently delivered high-performance phones with great features. The new Galaxy S24 Ultra follows in this tradition, but is it a significant improvement over its predecessor?

    Galaxy S23 Ultra

    Samsung’s design philosophy has been consistent over the years, with minimal changes from one flagship to another. The Galaxy S24 Ultra continues this trend, with only minor design adjustments. The most notable change is the new titanium frame, replacing the aluminum alloy used in the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Samsung claims this change enhances the device’s longevity, but there’s no concrete evidence supporting this.

    Another design change is the shift to a flatter display, reducing the curvature of the edges. Samsung suggests that this adjustment improves readability and productivity. The Galaxy S24 Ultra also introduces Gorilla Glass Armor for durability, claiming to be four times more resistant to scratches and with a 75% reduction in reflection.

    Despite these changes, the overall dimensions of the phone are slightly altered, making it taller and less broad. The Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains its weight despite the shift to titanium, showcasing a commitment to a lightweight design. Additional color options, including yellow, gray, and violet, are introduced alongside the existing black variants.

    The display sees significant improvements, with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 1,750 nits. This enhanced brightness is especially beneficial for viewing HDR content. The Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains its 5,000mAh battery, now with 50% recycled cobalt. However, real-life improvements to battery life may not be substantial.

    The phone continues to support 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. Reverse power sharing allows the Galaxy S24 Ultra to charge accessories like Galaxy Buds or Galaxy Watch at 3W. The charging capabilities remain similar to the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

    One of the most significant changes comes in the hardware department, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra being powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This makes it the first phone globally to launch with this chip. The new chipset promises a 30% performance boost and a 25% improvement in graphics performance over its predecessor. Samsung also collaborates with game studios to mainstream ray tracing in Android games.

    The camera setup sees notable improvements, featuring a 200MP sensor that is 60% larger than the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s ISOCELL HP2. The larger sensor allows for more light, enhancing low-light photography. Samsung emphasizes the improved optical image stabilization (OIS) for smoother images. The AI capabilities of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 enhance the camera’s performance, providing features like the “ProVisual Engine” and “Generative Edit.”

    The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with the latest One UI 6 update based on Android 14, offering visual enhancements to Samsung’s custom Android interface. Samsung assures seven years of Android generation and security updates, ensuring prolonged software support for the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

  • Clicks: Bringing Back Buttons to Your iPhone, but Is It Worth It?

    Clicks: Bringing Back Buttons to Your iPhone, but Is It Worth It?

    In the era of touchscreen smartphones, the Clicks keyboard aims to satisfy the nostalgia for physical buttons on the iPhone. Designed as the first “creator keyboard” for iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Clicks offers a unique solution for those who miss the tactile feel of typing.

    iPhone

    Developed by tech reviewer Michal Fisher, Clicks is a lightweight keyboard accessory that attaches to the bottom of the iPhone, reminiscent of the classic 2009 Palm Pre look. Weighing just a fraction of a pound, it promises a “perfect balance” of click resistance and feedback, aiming to provide a familiar and satisfying typing experience.

    Clicks retains the standard layout of the iPhone keyboard, ensuring ease of use for users. The keyboard also includes keys for voice input, commands, and tab, catering to various typing needs. Depending on the iPhone model, the Clicks keyboard is priced between $139 and $159.

    While Clicks brings back the physical keyboard concept, it’s not the first attempt at reintroducing buttons to iPhones. In 2014, Typo introduced a physical keyboard that covered the Touch ID home button, mimicking the BlackBerry look. However, Clicks distinguishes itself by snugly attaching to the iPhone’s bottom while maintaining a protective case.

    For users contemplating whether a physical keyboard is the solution to their typing preferences, alternative options exist. Keyboard apps, like Gboard, offer features such as resizing the keyboard on the display, addressing spacing challenges during typing. Some developers are integrating AI into digital keyboards, with Samsung rumored to add AI features to enhance typing experiences.

    Despite Clicks’ attempt to revive the physical keyboard trend, it faces competition from existing digital solutions and the evolving capabilities of touchscreen keyboards. The question remains whether users are willing to embrace a physical attachment, especially considering the availability of cost-free alternatives.

    In conclusion, Clicks brings a nostalgic touch to iPhone typing, catering to those who miss the sensation of physical buttons. However, with advancements in digital keyboard technology and alternative solutions, the success of Clicks in the market may depend on how users perceive the value of reverting to physical buttons on their iPhones.

  • Is the Google Pixel Tablet Worth It? A Comprehensive Review

    Is the Google Pixel Tablet Worth It? A Comprehensive Review

    The Google Pixel Tablet is an Android-based tablet from Google, and it comes with a Charging Speaker Dock that transforms it into a smart display with improved speakers and Nest Hub-like features. The tablet is powered by custom Tensor G2 silicon and features a 10.95-inch LCD display, front and rear 8MP cameras, and a 7,020mAh battery.

    Google Pixel Tablet

    The base model of the Pixel Tablet with 128GB storage is priced at $499 in the US, while the 256GB storage variant costs $599. In the UK, it is priced at £599, and in selected European markets, it is priced at €679. You can purchase the Pixel Tablet from the Google Store, Amazon, Best Buy, and other major retailers.

    The Pixel Tablet was tested for two weeks, with the review unit purchased by Android Authority. The unique feature of the tablet is its dock, which enhances its functionality as a smart display. However, the dock is the main reason to consider buying the tablet, as it offers a better speaker and a pseudo-Google Nest smart display experience.

    When attached to the Charging Speaker Dock, the Pixel Tablet provides a room-filling audio experience. The dock holds the tablet securely with strong magnets, but it loses its functionality when separated from the tablet. The tablet itself has a Google aesthetic with soft-touch aluminum and slim bezels around the screen, making it suitable for both portrait and landscape orientations. The LCD panel is decent for a tablet and provides a good smart display experience.

    In terms of performance, the Tensor G2 chip offers enough power for everyday tasks without any issues. However, the tablet’s screen refresh rate is capped at 60Hz, which can make the overall performance feel sluggish compared to other devices with higher refresh rates.

    The Pixel Tablet provides the full Pixel experience on a larger screen, running on Android 13. It offers Google apps, Pixel-specific features, and a Material You design. However, some apps may not be optimized for the larger screen, and the absence of an official stylus or keyboard attachment limits their productivity potential.

    While the Pixel Tablet aims to excel in smart home integration, its Hub Mode falls short compared to dedicated Nest Hubs. It lacks features like Continued Conversation support and multiple Voice Match users. However, it performs well for basic tasks that require an interface, and the dock-centric setup ensures the tablet is always charged and ready to use.

    The battery life of the Pixel Tablet is standard, lasting around 10 hours with typical use. The cameras on the tablet are average, with both front and rear shooters being 8MP and limited to 1080p/30fps video recording.

    The Google Pixel Tablet caters to a specific niche, offering a hybrid experience as a portable slate and a smart display. While it may not match the performance and features of other Android tablets or provide a complete Nest Hub experience, it is a suitable option for those on a budget seeking a basic smart display and a user-friendly Android tablet.

  • RX 6400 Graphics Card: Very Budget-Friendly but worth it?

    RX 6400 Graphics Card: Very Budget-Friendly but worth it?

    AMD received significant backlash for its controversial release of the RX 6500 XT graphics card priced at $200. The card failed to deliver the expected performance for its price, leading to numerous negative reviews. In response, AMD is now set to launch more affordable NAVI-based RDNA2 graphics cards, with the  introduction of the AMD Radeon RX 6400.

    RX 6400

    The Radeon RX 6400, a budget-friendly entry-level graphics card, supports ray tracing and comes with an enticing price tag. Unlike AMD’s usual practice, there is no Founders edition available for this particular card. Instead, custom board manufacturers such as Biostar, XFX, ASUS, and Gigabyte have released their respective RX 6400 models.

    AMD has positioned this new graphics card as a competitor to the GTX 1050 Ti. Priced at just $160, the RX 6400 offers an attractive alternative for budget-conscious PC builders. Additionally, its entry-level nature ensures lower power consumption, eliminating the need for an additional power connector. If the card is priced correctly and readily available in the market, it will be welcomed news for those seeking an affordable option with ray tracing capabilities.

    Taking a closer look at the GPU’s specifications, it is apparent that the RX 6400 is a refined version of the RX 6500 XT, with slightly weaker specifications. The GPU features 768 streaming processors, 12 ray accelerators for ray tracing, and 48 texture units. It operates at a base clock of 2 GHz and a boost clock of 2.3 GHz.

    Unfortunately, similar to the RX 6500 XT, the RX 6400 lacks support for AV1 Decode, H265/HEVC Encode, and 4K H264 Encode. With a TDP of only 53 watts, the card requires no additional power connector, making it compatible with power supplies as low as 350 watts.

    Considering the disappointment surrounding the RX 6500 XT’s performance, it is crucial for potential buyers to exercise caution before purchasing the RX 6400. According to AMD’s claims, this card is positioned as a competitor to the GTX 1050 Ti and GTX 1650, offering superior performance. It remains to be seen whether the RX 6400 lives up to these expectations and provides a viable alternative in the budget graphics card market.