Showing posts with label samsung. Show all posts
Showing posts with label samsung. Show all posts

Samsung Galaxy S9/S9 Plus - What are the changes?



The most anticipated smartphone for 2018 has finally been announced 2 days ago.
The successor of Samsung Galaxy S series, the S9 and S9 plus. However, is it worth the hype?

Overview

credit: https://www.androidcentral.com/

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 plus can be called the refinement of the S8 and S8 plus.
The complaint I had last year was the very bad fingerprint sensor placement and a very weak single firing bottom speaker and the feeling when you holding S8 plus felt weird in general. (Not very unison). Samsung Galaxy Note 8 felt much better when I was holding it. 

However, with all the lastest S9 / S9 plus, Samsung fixed all those small issues that I had last year. 

The Changes


  1. The fingerprint sensor has been shifted to a location that you can reach it easier and more comfortable when using it.
  2. In addition to the downwards-firing speaker, the earpiece will now double up as an additional channel to offer you stereo experience while listening to music. It has been mentioned that it will be 40% louder than the S8/S8 plus. Since the S series aimed to be an entertainment device for the consumer, how can they have a bad speaker?

                              
  3. A new Camera that has dual aperture capability on the rear camera sensor, which is capable of shooting at f/2.4 when there’s plenty of light, but can switch to f/1.5 when the phone detects low-light conditions. At the same time, you can actually record super-slow-mo recording at 960fps. Furthermore, the software will know when will be the actual timing you want to SLOW down.
  4. Depending on the country, The processor will be using the latest SnapDragon 845 or the latest Exynos chipset.

                        
  5. You can now do real-time translation using Camera Bixby Vision and also it will estimate your food calories. (Interesting)

Conclusion

Even though the changes on the outside doesn't seem to be a lot, but the fact is that S9 and S9 plus are smarter and powerful than the previous generation.

They are also promoting their Samsung DEX (Desktop Experience) with their latest Pad. You will be able to use your mouse as your mouse when being "Dock" to the Dex. 

The release date for Singapore is
16 March, Samsung Galaxy S9 will be selling at $1198 for 64gb version.
Samsung Galaxy S9plus will be retailing at $1348 for 64gb version and $1489 for 256gb version. 

Too bad I am not a huge tech blogger, Samsung doesn't seem to invite me to their event. =p 

Samsung Note 8 first impression.

Hooray, Samsung Note 8 is everywhere now. 
I believe every tech blogger/youtube had already covered the phone in details.
Hence this post will be my first impression about Samsung Note 8. The video will be up once my wife purchase the phone next week!



1. How does it feel on my hand?
Let me compared it with Samsung S8 plus. S8 plus feels a little edgy to me, the side of the phone feels sharp. However, for Note 8, it feels so "complete". I don't feel uncomfortable holding it at all.

Luckily I got a big hand, the Long screen doesn't really bother me much as I am able to reach the top and all the buttons on the phone easily.

The only part that I can't seem to touch is the fingerprint sensor. It is so far away from my index finger. (The finger that I usually register for most phone). Yes, I know S8 plus fingerprint sensor is at the same place, but S8 plus is shorter, hence my finger can reach. Don't believe? go and try, please.

Rating 9/10 

2. How is the software experience?
Honestly, I got only 2 words to describe it. BLAZING FAST.
Not sure whether is it the RAM that makes the experience so amazing or because Touch Wiz become so light now. I tried to tap around all the existing application and switch between apps, I did not see any slowness at all. Additionally, the software feels very Stock Android, which I am a fan of. It is running on Android 7.1.1 with no news of it upgrading to Android 8.0. (With their track record, it might release around year end. 


Samsung introduced BIXBY in Note 8 too, which I didn't really have the chance to try. I know it is still in the infancy stage, so please give them a chance I guess?

BIXBY is the future for their Samsung products like Fridge, Aircon, TV and etc. Hence if they could get it to work, the possibility of creating a Samsung Smart home will be possible. 

Rating 10/10 

3. How is the Camera?

They have finally implemented the dual camera setup which I have been waiting for a long time. At first, I was super excited about it when I heard the "WIDE" lens, but it turned out to be a "LIE" because it was referring to the main lens is wider than the secondary lens... It is not the kind of lens that LG G6 adopted. 
It is much more similar to an iPhone / Oneplus5 instead. However, it is much powerful due to the OIS on both lens.

I didn't really have the opportunity to retrieve the photos that I took with it, however, I did not see any blur picture even I am "walking" or "moving" around. Those video samples that I took seems very smooth while play back and it is like I am holding a gimbal while taking the video.

Additionally, the software includes stickers and some animation feature which make the picture taking like snapchat. For those who use snapchat very often, or edit photos with a cute sticker, you will definitely love this feature.

However, I was hoping for the selfie cam to have the same MegaPixel as the rear cam. Nothing special about it for this.
Rating 8/10 

4. The price (not for everyone)
Samsung will be retailing it at $1398 in Singapore. If you preorder now, you will be able to get the phone on 9th Sep and they are bundling it with Samsung Dex and $100 accessories voucher. If you are not interested in pre-ordering, you can purchase it any other day after 15Sep. 

On the side note, $1398 is the new high price for their flagship device. IF you really compared it with S8plus, the obvious differences are the extra "2nd" lens, 2GB RAM more and Pen only. 

Ask yourself this questions before deciding to buy the Samsung Note 8. 
  1. Will you use the pen very often? 
  2. Will you take "Portrait photo" very often?
  3. Do you find 4GB ram phone slow?
If you say yes, please just buy it. 
If you can't really be sure, please just go to the shop and test it out before making an impulsive buy. 

Interesting Tech - EZ-Charm for Samsung Gear 3 and Gear FIT2


"EZ-Link Pte. Ltd., Singapore’s largest issuer of CEPAScompliant cards, in collaboration with Samsung Electronics Singapore, launched the EZ-Charm Wearable, a new variety of EZ-Charms that can act as add-on accessories for Samsung Gear series of products." 

Over the past years, EZ-link had created many different kinds of charms. The purpose of this is to let commuters in Singapore travel around with their own style. Since travelling with just a card is boring right?

Finally, they have released something which I find it interesting, a charm that which you can attach it to your Samsung Gear 3 or Gear FIT2. (Since I own a galaxy gear 3)

Judging by the picture, it fits in seamlessly and it doesn't look out of place at all. If you are wearing a black band, that would be perfect for it.

Even though it looks small, it does consist of all the EZ-link function that normally an EZ-link card would have. You can tap when travelling via MRT/Buses/Taxi and even tap to pay when you are shopping!
*Not all shop accept EZ-link payment, so please check with the shop before assuming they have such payment method.*

Where to get?

For an exclusive promotional period, Samsung customer will enjoy a free EZ-Charm wearable for every brand new purchase of Samsung Gear S3 frontier LTE (SGD $548), Gear3 Classic(SGD $498) or even Gear FIT2(SGD $298) at all Telecommunication Operators.

Unfortunately for existing gear owner like myself, we are out of luck. It is not available for individual purchase at the moment. We just have to wait for them to release it individually. Oh well. 

Rumor roundup - Samsung Galaxy Note 8


I came upon Samsung Facebook page this morning and I saw this post. UNPACKED | 23.08.2017.
With a pen pointing to the screen. Definitely, it is referring to Samsung Galaxy Note 8.

Honestly, I prefer the Note series as compared to the Galaxy series. My previous phone was Note 5 and I felt that I am very productive with that phone. I can take down my ideas anytime and able to highlight stuff with the pen so that I can share that specific point with my friends.

We all know what happened to Note 7 last year right? BOOM! However, I believed that they have redeemed themselves with Galaxy S8/S8+. Since there was no explosion news till date.

What to expect for it? (Based on rumor)

  1. Bigger Infinity Display and a higher resolution

The rumored so far has been swaying to 4K 6.3Inch Display. This means that it will be bigger than the current Galaxy S8+! With a bigger screen, taking note with it will be a breeze! 
Since Samsung has been holding onto the best display crown for a long time, I believed that Samsung Note 8 will carry on the legacy.

     2. Dual Camera (Vertical or Horitzontal) who cares.

@Credit Kevinnguyen

Based on the leaks, Samsung note will come with Dual Camera which was missing from Galaxy S8/S8+. However, there are no credible proofs that mentioned what kinds of dual camera format they are using. I am hoping for something that is similar to LG G6? Since I loved it so much when I was using the phone a few months ago. 

        3. Fingerprint scanner underneath the display. 


This is a hopeful feature that everyone wants since the current Galaxy S8/S8+ fingerprint sensor is in an awkward position. Since rumor state that Apple next iPhone will have that kind of feature, maybe they will try to implement it?

        4. Better S-Pen Functionality

The SPen will come with enhanced feature such as selecting and translating that section of text. Currency conversions can also be done using the S-Pen. Other existing features will be enhanced so that that it will be more natural when using it too. 

Conclusion

Please note that I did not include the specs details as it would most likely be the usual Snapdragon 835 or Exynos processor. USB-C and with an expandable storage. 

In my opinion, Galaxy series is much more of an Entertainment device whereas Note series will be a more productive device for people to use for their work or studies. S-pen will complement and enhance the user experience. 

We shall wait till next months or hopefully there will be more leaks too. 

The era of bezel-less smartphone - Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ overview

A few weeks ago, Samsung teases us with this "Announcement". 
Credit: Samsung

NOW ITS FINALLY HERE. THE GALAXY S8 AND S8+

Credit: bgr

Samsung Galaxy now come in two different screen sizes, S8 has the 5.8inches screen while the S8 Plus has the 6.2inch screen. However, lots of tech reviewer who are able to hold the phone at the unboxing event said that it was pretty easy to hold the phone with one hand.

"What has change?" 

Credit: Credithouse

  1. Gone are the home button (the bottom bezel). The home button technically still there, just that it is underneath the screen now and when you press hard, it will give you feedback and bring you back to your homepage. (Virtual Button).
  2. The fingerprint is at the back now, beside the camera.
  3.  IRIS Scanner is there now!
  4. Screen resolution is the same on both phone however now it will be able to play HDR+ mode. It will depend on the video provider. (Netflix and etc)
  5. Dual Pixel camera, for better low light performance and improved camera processing software.
  6. Front camera become 8MP with autofocus
  7. Bixby - Something like google assistant. For example, you can use the camera to search the landmark information or even a product in front of you.

    *Bixby goals is to help you improve your day to day life... Machine learning!
    NOTE!: There is a button on the side to activate the A.I
  8. USB-C now.
  9. Battery - 3000mAh on the S8, 3500mAh on the S8+
  10. Color: Midnight Black, Orchid Grey, Coral Blue, Arctic Sliver and Maple Gold. 
Pricing in Singapore is still unknown yet.


Conclusion


Credit: Techcrunch

I am currently using S7 Edge for awhile now, which I am totally in love with it. 
Samsung always produces the best screen which making viewing video so pleasurable.

Even though last year wasn't the best year for Samsung due to the faulty battery incident. However, i believe that they have increased their quality check on every phone hence I still have FAITH in their product!.
I guess I will have to wait patiently for it to arrive in Singapore so that I can feel it personally. Be sure to wait for my hand on post/video and maybe I will buy one myself. 

*Wink Samsung SG* I am waiting for you to contact me =p 

Let me know down in the comment below on your opinion of the Samsung S8 release, will you get one? (You can email me too)

Remember to follow me on Instagram(which you can find on my blog below)

[Top 3 Tech News] that you should be aware about

Top 3 Technology News for the week, and it will be the new topic on my blog. I will be posting on every Monday.
(Since my new year resolution is to double my views asap)

The reason for this topic is that i can summarize up some of the tech news that i think are interesting for you. Treat it as your Weekly Dosage of technology news. 

Number 1; Samsung S7 Event

Credit to Samsung

As you can see from the picture, Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 Edge is on Feb 21st.
What we know about Samsung Galaxy S7 so far? 

According to certain sources leaks, 

Samsung Galaxy S7
  • It will be an 5.1 inch Quad HD display
  • Snapdragon 820
  • 4GB of rams
  • 32GB or 64GB with expandable storage
  • Improved 12MP camera
  • Backing up by 3000mAh battery. 
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
  • 5.5 inch Quad HD Display 
  • Huge 3600 mAh battery 
Both will be running on Android Marshmallow (v6.0)

Both of the phone design will be similar to their predecessor, the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. I do not think they will be coming out with something that has a X factor, where people will scream and clap their hand during their announcement. I am still looking forward to see how they will fare in 2016.

Number 2; Facebook fighting with Uber?  

They are many news saying that Facebook has submitted a new patent which i will call it "Face Ride" for now (Don't scold me thanks)

The idea that they had in mind is that when you RSVP for an event on the Facebook page, they will give you the option below, 
  • Going and driving, 
  • Going but not driving, 
  • Maybe
 If you choose to go and drive, Facebook will try to create a route for you to fetch your friends if you want too. If they are not your friends, they will match you with someone that has similar interest as you. I am not sure whether you can earn any money via this?
(like create a private chat and discuss how much you want to charge them?)


Somehow I am loving this idea of theirs, this could actually improve the usefulness of creating an event on Facebook and invite your friends because you can actually ask someone to drive you there too! Hopefully Facebook can roll out this sooner, and maybe we can see some "points added" if you are the driver.

Number 3;  Apple's secret Virtual Reality(VR) team.



If you team Apple, you will be so happy that they are trying to develop their own VR headset. 
The tech giant has assembled a secret research group which focusing on this area where they are actually creating some prototypes already. Unfortunately there are no leaks on that, hopefully we will see more in the near future.

Honestly, i have no idea why Apple want to join the VR world since they do not have their own console... It may be use for their Apple TV and gaming ideas on it? This is my own opinion! DONT TAKE IT TOO SERIOUSLY. 

Why VR? 

Thanks to many VR anime/comic genre, lots of developers are trying to create the possible virtual reality world. I do not think a full VR immerse type of games/world would be release anytime sooner. Even Oculus Rift is not perfect. 

End ------

Thanks for reading, hopefully you guys are enjoying it. 
Once again,  i am sorry for my poor grammar/English. 
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