Author: chris eilers

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 is really a bomb for the affordable smartphone range when coming with just $125 (RM511). Moreover, it even features the MediaTek Helio X10 chip, which is found in the premium HTC One M9 Plus worth $700 (RM2,863). 

That can be one of the important selling keys for this Xiaom product. Recently, it has been reported that Xiaomi received up to 800,000 orders for Redmi Note 2 in just 12 hours. That is … amazing even when the phone has not gone on sale in any markets outside China yet. We guess that the number will keep increasing in the next days.

Besides the strong chipset, Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 is also equipped with a 13MP main camera along with a Samsung sensor f/2.2 and a super fast autofocus ability. It is recorded at 0,1s while many flagship phones on the market now just can go with 0,3s. Really impressive!

On the other hand, the front-facing shooter is capable of 5 mega-pixels, using an OmniVision sensor. It is also said to be a good cam for those who love taking selfies. So, it gives us a feeling that Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 can capture pretty awesome pictures, yet how about in reality?

Knowing that you have to see it to believe it, Xiaomi has released many pics taken by Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 to prove the capability of this budget phone. You can have a look at them in the gallery at the end of the post.

In conclusion, it is hard to deny that Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 is one of the best friendly-budget devices Xiaomi has ever had. It may even create hit sale for the company and help reach the target Xiaomi set for 2015. Hopefully Xiaomi Malaysia will bring it here as fast as possible!

Stay tuned! More info related to Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 will be updated here on PricePony Malaysia!

It has been quite a long time since we last heard something about a Huawei Mate member, so today we would like to introduce an upcoming machine of this series – Huawei Mate S, to you.

In preparation for a big event on September 2, 2015, Huawei company has announced their new handset called Mate S. The name was certified by GCF (Global Certification Forum), and it is quite impressive when said to sport the force touch tech of Apple iPhone 6S.

Basing on information related to this Mate S shown on AnTuTu benchmark with model number SUR-TL00, we know that it will feature a 5.7-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) display, 3GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage. As for the chip, the whole phone will be powered by HiSilicon Kirin 935 64-bit octa-core SoC processor, not Kirin 950 chip as what people have expected these days.

In terms of camera, there is a combo of 20MP shooter and a selfie one which has not been revealed yet. However, we still can hope to see a great front snapper, say, capable of 8 mega-pixels, which will be an ideal choice for selfie lovers.

Other Huawei Mate S specs also include the OS Android 5.0 Lollipop in combination with Huawei EMUI (Emotion UI) skin on top of it. Yet, we are afraid that the info about Huawei Mate S battery is still unclear. Though, rumors say that probably there will be a 4,500mAh cell put in charge of running the smartphone. That is even a lot larger than Samsung Galaxy Note 5 batt!

On the other hand, it is likely that a higher version of Huawei Mate S will be available with powerful 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM.

Besides those pieces of info, we also notice some leaked photos considered as the Huawei Mate S, which is going to debut at IFA 2015 this September. Nonetheless, they look a bit different from what is displayed on TENAA. Perhaps Huawei has decided to change something in Huawei Mate S design to make it more attractive. Let’s check it out!

Google has introduced the newest version for the Android operating system which named Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The software’s preview has been posted, this make everyone eagerly wait for the official release. It’s expected that the new Android OS release date will come together with the new Nexus devices.

Now, many manufacturer are preparing for the further update when the time comes. On top of that, Samsung has made efforts at work building TouchWiz on the Android M. An neat infographic gives us a overall glimpse about the changes of Android 6.0 Marshmallow on its devices. Let’s check out!

In a nutshell, Google gave out the six major features for Android M which are App Permissions, Web Experience, App Links, Mobile Payments, Fingerprint Support and Power & Charging. Google has gave out those information in the Google IO announcement. Then, Samsung also mentioned about those same features as well.

The Galasy S6 edge was used in the infographic, and it is supposed that this device will be the first among the Samsung’s curved handsets to have the Android M upgrade. Obviously, we will get more devices from the Galaxy line and Note line of Samsung get the further update of Android M such as Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung Galaxy S6 Duos, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung Note 4, Samsung Note 4 Duos, Samsung Galaxy ALPHA and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A.

We’ve reached out for more details on the Android Marshmallow update for Samsung devices. Moreover, many other brand such as Google Nexus, HTC, Sony, LG, Motorola and Huawei are on the way of getting ready for the new update, stay tuned and we will  fill you on any new information we get.

Recently, some news sources have announced that Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and S6 edge Plus will come to Malaysia with dual SIM feature, but how about microSD card slot?

As we mentioned in a post before, Samsung Galaxy Note 5 with model number SM-N9208 would come along with quad-band 2G, dual-band 3G, and 4 LTE bands (850/18002600). Besides, the device would sport a dual SIM. Locally it would support Wi-fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth, NFC and ANT+. So, they are what we know for sure about Samsung Galaxy Note 5 now.

Furthermore, some more info related to this flagship duo has been claimed that both Note 5 and S6 edge Plus will lack removable batteries and expandable storage, just like their elder brother Samsung Galaxy S6 launched at the beginning of the year. Though a rumor has been raising on the internet these days, saying that Note 5 will have a hybrid SIM tray slot for users to put a microSD card in, it is wrong info and not going to happen in Malaysia.

As for the price tag, both devices are expected to arrive in Malaysia in early September, a few days later than our neighbor Singapore. Accordingly, Note 5 hit the Singaporean market last Saturday, 15 August, 2015 with two color options: Black Sapphire and Gold Platinum. However, Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ will make it on 22 August, 2015 with prices set as below:

– Samsung Galaxy Note 5 32GB: SGD1,088 (~RM3,190)
– Samsung Galaxy Note 5 64GB: SGD1,188 (~RM3,483)
– Samsung Galaxy S6 edge Plus 32GB: SGD1,188 (~RM3,483)
– Samsung Galaxy S6 edge Plus 64GB: SGD1,288 (~RM3,776)

Well, basing on this list of prices in Singapore and the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 price in Malaysia (RM2,499), we predict that Samsung Galaxy Note 5 price in Malaysia would be ranging from RM2,900 to RM3,500 and S6 edge Plus from RM3,400 to RM3,800.

In conclusion, we think maybe we have to get used to the fact that most flagship phones nowadays and in the future will be coming with no microSD card slot.  

Just after launching the Xiaomi Mi4i with 32GB model in India, we have recieved the great news for Malaysia market too.

In terms of the Xiaomi Mi4i Specs, the device still keep the original specifications. The smartphone runs second generation of Octa-core Snapdragon 615 processor with the speed clock at 1.7 GHz. Xiaomi Mi4i display will come with 5-inch Full HD, and 1920 x 1080 resolutions. The device powered by MIUI skin based on Android version 5.0.2, and equipped with 2GB of RAM. It will be capable for the LTE ability with dual-SIM. However, this will not the hybrid SIM together with Micro SD device. Therefore, there is another variant regard of the internal memory afterwards.

For the first option of 16GB model with non-expandable internal storage, the Xiaomi company introduce us the larger storage option with the 32GB variant.

The Xiaomi Mi4i price in Malaysia for the 16GB model will be RM749 and the 32GB model will be RM900. Moreover, another latest updated information confirmed that the Mi4i 32GB is priced officially at RM 899 with dark grey colour available.

Meanwhile, the price in India is Rs. 12,999 (appx. RM814) for the 16GB variant and Rs.14,999 (appx. RM939) for the 32GB variant which are a little bit higher.

The Xiaomi Mi4i release date in Malaysia (on sale) is expected to be August 18th. Make sure to keep up with the Xiaomi’s Malasysia information to get the latest news of this heated smartphone!

The flagship ZTE AXON PRO was launched officially last month. It is known as the very first ZTE high-end phone boasting a lot of top features and the best choice for business people.

In terms of design, ZTE AXON PRO is the world’s first device combining metal and striae design with a 5.5-inch 2K (2560 × 1440) display. Its body measurements 6.06 x 2.9 x 0.37 inch. Spec-wise, it sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor clocked at 2GHz and powerful 4GB RAM. For those who are concerned by the overheating issue caused by SD810, you can relax a bit since it is a revised version of SD810, which means less heat, even snappier and more responsive. On the other hand, the 4GB RAM will support a lot in handling heavy multi-tasking or playing games. 

ZTE AXON PRO Unboxing

Other ZTE AXON PRO specs include non-expandable 32GB ROM, a 3,000mAh non-removeable battery, fingerprint scanner, NFC and 4G connectivity. As for taking photos, there is a combo of dual lens (13MP + 2MP) for the main camera with and an 8MP for the selfie one. Unfortunately, wireless charging is not available due to the metal cover. Yet, you do not have to worry much as QuickCharge 2.0 will help you get 50% of the cell in just 30 minutes. More interestingly, ZTE AXON PRO is the first handset sold in the U.S. that features Hi-Fi audio playback. It gives you a fuller, louder, and purer sound quality than ever.

About ZTE AXON PRO price and availability, it costs 2,699 Yuan (about RM1,650). Meanwhile there is also another version called ZTE Axon Lux, which is more premium and priced at 3,888 Yuan (about RM2,375). Anyhow, there are no words made for official ZTE AXON PRO launch as well as ZTE AXON PRO price in Malayisa for now. Hopefully in the near future, they will bring this awesome device here.

Now, let’s take a look at the following unboxing pictures of ZTE AXON PRO:

In the recent reports, there were many information about the Microsoft’s Surface. As the info from the WMPU through the unsure sources confirmed that the smartphone with codename “Project Juggernaunt Alpha” is supposed to released in the late 2015 or early 2016.

After acquiring the Nokia business, Microsoft begin making and selling the company’s own products. Now they do not use the Nokia name anymore, though Microsoft still use the branding of Lumia. Then, let’s see what Surface Phone of Microsoft Lumia smartphones brings to us.

If rumors are true, the Surface Phone would come with the really impressive hardware specs. For instance, the high-end processor, huge RAM and storage, display with high-resolution as well as the high-quality cameras.

Now we will check out the specific details of this amazing handset. Microsoft’s Lumia Surface Phone Specs :

• Aluminium & Magnesium unibody
• Display: 1440×2560 16:9 AMOLED 5.5″ ClearBlack Gorilla Glass 4
• Operating System: Windows 10 Mobile (Current revision of the device is running 10.0.10514.19)
• Processor: Intel Atom x3 (SoFIA) 64-bit
• RAM: up to 4GB RAM (lower end with 3GB and higher end with 4GB)
• Camera: Back: 21MP PureView Zeiss 6-lens Front: 8MP Zeiss Wide-Angle
• Storage: Options will include 64GB and 128GB with MicroSD Expansion up to 256GB

Some other reports also point other special features such as Surface Pen, USB Type-C connectivity, wireless charging,  Wi-Fi ac,etc.

Looking at these great features, we can see that the Surface Phone has all of the good specification that any smartphone users want to have. However, the As these are just the rumored information, we have to wait until the Microsoft confirm about the upcoming Surface Phone. This can be the next most awaited device in the near future!

Samsung

It’s not very surprise for the appearance of the Samsung from the frist ranked. The compay has known for making the record for over 250 various products. Every technology devices of Samsung contains its own special features as well as the high-end specs compared to the other devices in the market. Here are its top 5 popular handsets :

1. Samsung Galaxy S3

2. Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505)

3. Samsung Galaxy S5

4. Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime

 5. Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500)

LG

1. LG G3

2. LG G2

3. LG L70 Dual (D325)

4. LG Optimus Fuel

5. LG Volt

Sony

Sony is noted for a figure of a hundred devices which is still good. Because of the effective specs and nice design, it is among the Worldwide Top 20 Semiconductor Sales Leaders.

1. Sony Xperia Z2

2. Sony Xperia Z1 (C6903)

 3. Sony Xperia Z (C6603)

4. Sony Xperia Z3 (D6603)

5. Sony Xperia Z3 Compact (D5803)

Motorola

2. Motorola Moto G Dual SIM (XT1033)

3. Motorola Moto G 2014 (XT1068)

 4.Motorola Moto G 2014 Dual SIM (XT1069)

5. Motorola Moto E 2014 Dual SIM (XT1022)

HTC

HTC is one of the Taiwanese manufacturer of Android and Windows smartphones. Then, the company managed to have more than 60 machines with the different models. The first of this list played a roll of the flagship in last year – One M8

1. HTC One M8

2. HTC One

 3. HTC Desire 510

4. HTC One M9

5. HTC One X

Huawei

1. Huawei Honor 3C

2. Huawei Honor Holly

 3. Huawei Ascend G610

4. Huawei Ascen P7

5.Huawei Ascen P6

Google (Nexus)

1. Google Nexus 5

2. Google Nexus 6

3. Google Nexus 7

4. Google Galaxy Nexus

5.Google Nexus 4

Is it because Apple is running out of ideas for their new products in the future?

It is said that Apple will bring changes to their iPhone handset in terms of design every 2 years, and Apple iPhone 7 may not be an exception. Recently, Apple has submitted a patent application USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office), proposing a flexible, curved display similar to the edge on Samsung Galaxy S6 edge or S6 edge Plus just launched this month.

Those edge parts are likely to have a range of various functions, including displaying necessary information (like time, weather, etc.). Besides, they will also act as virtual buttons, allowing users to switch between different modes, adjust sound volume, and so on. Moreover, the traditional home button on Apple iPhone may even be replaced with another one on the edge.

There is one example shown to illustrate what people can do with the functions on the edges. If you are listening to music, the edge of the iPhone can display a list of songs, artists or albums, and all you have to do is to scroll through.

According to some sources, Apple will probably release up to 2 devices next year, one of which will come with the standard edges for traditional users and the other will own the curved edges like what we see on Samsung Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge Plus. 

In conclusion, Apple still has not confirmed anything. However, if this concept is coming true, it will be a big challenge for Apple since they will have to make people “forget” Samsung edge phones whenever mentioning the curved screen. Anyhow, we should be looking forward to Apple iPhone 6S this year first. There is a long period of time before iPhone 7  gets announced. Let’s wait and see!

So, looking at the following concepts of iPhone 7, what do you think?

Up to now, we still have no idea about how the upcoming Xperia Z5+ will look like. However, from an screen capped taken from an unfinished presentation of the company’s upcoming phablet, we can partly have a clear image about Sony Xperia Z5+ classical style.

As you can see below is the image of Xperia Z5+. Especially, in term of the Xperia Z5+ Specs, the device will come with the 5.5-inch display, or maybe larger, together with the 4K resolutions of 3,840 x 2,160 pixel.

Previously, there are many rumors around the preparation of the Sony flagships that Sony is planning to make a successor, possibly an entire new Xperia Z5 range. The latest rumor also hints that  the company’s “4K X-Reality” technology could be applied for some of these smartphones.

The device will have 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. For taking pictures, there will be a 20.7-megapixel main camera, along with 8-megapixel front camere. The battery will come with 4,500mAh capacity.

Moreover, the given pictures also showed that the upcoming smartphone will be available in three color options which are black, white as well as gold. In addition, it seems to be extra option for Chrome.

At the edge side of the Sony Xperia will be equipped the fingerprint sensor. Sony is going to boot the two version of the Xperia Z5 and Xperia 5+ at IFA, even though knowing that Sony might reorganized to lauch and upgrade the devices few months afterwards. The current information of the Xperia 5 flagship that it will use the Snapdragon 810 chipset. However, it is not sure how much the upgrade will cost.

The Sony Xperia Z5+ price in Malaysia as well as the Xperia Z5+ release date hasn’t been announced yet. If you are interested in this Sony smartphone line. Stay tuned and we will update the newest info!

Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 has hit the market and received quite a lot of attention from the public thanks to its package of pretty good specs and super affordable price. And not long ago, Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 Antutu* score was revealed, partly helping prove that the product Xiaomi introduces this time can become the first choice in its kind. So, how many points to be exactly?

Specifically, Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 was able to score 48,983 Antutu points with a 5.5-inch FHD display, a MediaTek MT6795 or MT6795T octa-core processor, 2GB RAM, and either 16GB or 32GB ROM. In addition, a 3,060mAh battery and a combo of 13MP rear and 5MP front-facing camera are also important parts of the machine.

So, one thing we should note is that the recorded score was from the premium version of Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 including MediaTek MT6795T processor and 32GB of storage. It is really impressive due to being higher than its competitor Lenovo K3 Note (which reached 46,081 points) in our latest post, and even higher than the flagship Meizu MX4 and Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Good job, Xiaomi!

In conclusion, we can see that Xiaomi has tried their best to improve their products and Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 somehow shows that. It is absolutely better than its predecessor Redmi Note and able to stand out among other handsets in its range. Hope that Xiaomi Malaysia will soon bring it here!

*AnTuTu is one of the most popular benchmark apps for Android devices. It tests many parts of your device and assigns an overall score. The higher points a device get, the faster and stronger it is. 

Close-up Xiaomi Redmi Note 2:

(Image source: gizmochina, phonearena)