Samsung is reportedly in talks with Apple to supply the latter with OLED displays. According to The Elec, Apple will feature the displays in its rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro and future iPad Pro models.
The Elec doesn’t have a track record of Apple rumors, so take the report with a big grain of salt. That said, the report claims that Samsung is using a Thin Film Encapsulation (TFE) method of production to create thinner OLED panels. Such a method can lead to thinner versions of the MacBook Pro and iPad Pro, though it also offers more space for something like a larger battery.
Samsung currently supplies Apple with OLED displays for the iPhone X, XS, and XS Max.
Editor’s Pick
Samsung is working on a 5x optical zoom camera, might debut in the Galaxy Note 10
Samsung subsidiary Samsung Electro-Mechanics announced today that it developed a 5x optical zoom camera module (via ETNews). The company also announced it has begun mass production of the camera module. On paper, a 5x zoom module …
If the report is true, the rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro will be the first Apple computer to feature an OLED display. The future iPad Pro models will also be the first in Apple’s series of tablets to make the switch from LCD to OLED.
According to leading Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the machine will launch sometime this year with a new design. Kuo also said Apple will start to mass-produce two new iPad Pro models between Q4 2019 and Q1 2020.
There have never been more options in the highly competitive $200-$250 price segment. In a clash between reigning smartphone stalwarts and sprightly upstarts, it is the consumers who end up winning.
Realme is one such upstart that has carved out a definite niche for itself by providing top-notch hardware, great cameras and an equally good software experience. In our Realme 3 Pro review, we found the phone to be a fairly competitive device that presents itself as an alternative to the popular Redmi Note 7 Pro.
However, Samsung too has been hitting it out of the park with their refreshed focus on the mid-range. The Samsung Galaxy M30 is one such phone that packs a gorgeous AMOLED display and a huge battery. Which one should you choose? We help you make a decision in our Realme 3 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy M30 comparison.
Design
Both phones employ a polycarbonate finish that is equal parts resistant to damage from drops and a bit of a scuff magnet. We’ve had the two phones around for a few weeks now and there are very clear and evident signs of scratches and scuffs. Keeping up with the latest design trends, both phones have a gradient-rich design that looks quite good. The Realme 3 Pro has a bit more flair to it. Between the more interesting color scheme and the gold trim around the camera module, the Realme 3 definitely has a more interesting look from the back.
Flip the phones over and the Realme 3 Pro and Samsung Galaxy M30 look remarkably similar. Both devices have a waterdrop notch and large displays. To be fair, there is little room for differentiation here, as all smartphones move towards a homogeneous design with minimal bezels, small notches, and the smallest chin possible.
Other differences are fairly minimal. Button layouts between the two phones differ, and the Realme 3 Pro sports a Micro-USB port, which is a definite downer. The two phones weigh approximately the same, which is an interesting point given the much larger battery capacity on the Galaxy M30.
Display
While the notch might have stylistic differences, the biggest differentiator between the Realme 3 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy M30 is the kind of screen used. The Realme 3 Pro has a 6.3-inch IPS LCD panel while the Galaxy M30 sports a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display. The difference is stark and while the Realme 3 Pro’s screen looks quite good, the deep blacks and vibrant colors of the M30 can’t be beat.
Viewing angles are generally great on both phones but the Super AMOLED panel on the M30 really takes the cake for being one of the most visually appealing displays at this price point. The Galaxy M30 allows you to adjust screen saturation levels and color profiles to suit your preferences. The Realme 3 Pro too lets you change the saturation levels, but the implementation just isn’t as effective. As an aside, both phones support the Widevine L1 DRM so you should have no trouble streaming high resolution content from Netflix and others.
Performance
Realme 3 Pro
Snapdragon 710
4GB or 6GB RAM
64GB or 128GB storage
micro SD expansion
Galaxy M30
Exynos 7904
4GB or 6GB of RAM
64GB or 128GB storage
micro SD expansion
As far as performance is concerned, there really is no comparison between the two phones. The Realme 3 Pro is, by far, a much more powerful device compared to the Galaxy M30. The Snapdragon 710 chipset used on the Realme 3 Pro ensures that it can handily keep up with any and all tasks you might throw at it. Be it heavy multitasking or just regular day-to-day use, there is enough power under the hood to ensure no slowdowns or noticeable lags.
The Galaxy M30’s Exynos 7904 chipset is a definite downgrade in comparison. Yes, you might not notice much of a difference in regular day-to-day tasks, but heavier apps and games will definitely take just a bit longer to start. Simply put, it is a slower processor and it shows once you start pushing the hardware.
Avoid the Galaxy M30 if gaming is a priority.
Graphics capabilities are where the two phones differ the most. Where the Adreno 616 GPU is able to crank out high frame rates at the maximum graphics setting in PUBG, the M30’s Mali G71 MP2 struggles at delivering a solid frame rate even at the medium graphics option. The M30 is one to avoid if gaming is a priority.
Benchmark scores validate our own tests and there is a huge difference between the Realme 3 Pro and Galaxy M30 in the AnTuTu benchmark.
Battery
A bigger battery or faster charging, that’s what you will have to choose between when deciding between the Realme 3 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy M30. A 4,000mAh battery is no slouch and the Realme 3 Pro can easily last you well over a day of use. Add to that VOOC 3.0 charging and you’ve got a phone that can be topped off from scratch in just about 70 minutes.
Bigger battery or faster charging, what do you prefer?
The Realme 3 Pro has great battery life but the Samsung Galaxy M30 manages to top that with an enormous 5,000mAh battery onboard. The phone comfortably manages two days of use. While not as fast as VOOC charging, the 15W fast charger included with the phone can top off the phone fairly quickly.
Camera
Realme 3 Pro
16MP, f/1.7
5MP depth sensor
25MP front facing camera
Galaxy M30
13MP, f/1.9
5MP ultra wide camera
5MP depth sensor
16MP front facing camera
The Realme 3 Pro’s dual-camera array faces competition from a triple-camera combination on the Galaxy M30. It would be hard to call either phone as best in class, that crown goes to the Redmi Note 7 Pro, but they are both capable of capturing perfectly serviceable shots.
Realme 3 Pro OutdoorsGalaxy M30 Outdoors
Out and about in bright daylight, the Realme 3 Pro has a cooler cast to the image and it gives the image a slight saturation boost that makes colors pop. The Galaxy M30 too doesn’t quite get the colors right but the warmer cast might make the images a bit more appealing to look at.
The one area where the Galaxy M30 definitely has the Realme 3 Pro beat is in the secondary wide-angle camera. Picture quality falls far short of excellent but the sheer flexibility can’t be beat. The ultra-wide camera offers a lot of opportunities to get creative with photography.
Realme 3 ProGalaxy M30
The Realme 3 Pro’s HDR mode is a lot more effective at containing highlights and bringing out details from dark areas. The Galaxy M30, on the right, burns out the yellow petals. The Realme 3 Pro does a much better job here.
Realme 3 Pro IndoorsGalaxy M30 Indoors
In less than perfect lighting, noise levels go up on both phones. While I prefer the warmer color signature of the Galaxy M30, the image is noticeably softer compared to the one captured by the Realme 3 Pro. Noise levels are also higher than you would expect. In extreme low-light conditions, the Realme 3 Pro has a night mode built-in, that can produce a brighter but extremely noisy image.
The Realme 3 Pro can capture 4K video at 30FPS as well as super slow-motion 960fps video. The Galaxy M30 on the other hand maxes out at Full HD video recording. Recorded footage looks comparable on both phones, but the lack of any form of stabilization tends to make videos look shaky.
Software
Realme 3 Pro
Android Pie
Color OS 6
Samsung Galaxy M30
Android Oreo
Samsung Experience 9.5 UI
There are pros and cons to the software approach on both devices. The Samsung Galaxy M30 still runs on Android Oreo. With the upcoming release of Android Q, it is appalling to see a top-tier manufacturer ship a phone with such an old software build. That said, Samsung Experience 9.5 on the phone has been polished to a sheen and the user experience is incredible. Samsung has done a brilliant job of optimizing the software for the hardware and you will struggle to find slowdowns or jitters in the interface. There are ample features here to customize your entire phone usage experience.
Meanwhile, the Realme 3 Pro runs a newer build of Android. Color OS 6 runs on top of Android Pie and it too, gives you a lot of options to tweak the phone’s interface to your liking. Unfortunately, in our review, we observed that the software wasn’t quite polished enough. From the awkward translations to some less than optimal hard-coded options, the Realme 3 Pro’s software needs a bit more work.
Specs
Realme 3 Pro
Samsung Galaxy M30
Display
6.3-inch IPS LCD display
2340 x 1080 resolution
6.4 inches, 1080 x 2340 pixels (~394 ppi), ‘Infinity-V’ Super AMOLED
As more users upgrade from entry level smartphones to something with a bit more grunt, smartphone manufacturers are doing their best to offer the best possible hardware package in this segment. Both the Realme 3 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy M30 offer rather good value for money by targeting very different audiences.
It is clear that the Galaxy M30 is directed towards users who aren’t too demanding from their phones and need something that does the basics right. Couple that with great battery life and you’ve got a winner on hand. The Galaxy M30 is priced at 14,990 rupees (~$210) for the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage version, while you can step up to the 6GB RAM variant with 128GB of storage for 17,990 rupees (~$250).
The Realme 3 Pro is meant for gamers or users who demand more from their hardware. The software isn’t as polished and the battery isn’t as big, but the Realme 3 Pro’s Snapdragon 710 can run circles around the Exynos 7904 on the M30. The Realme 3 Pro starts at 13,999 rupees (~$200) for 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, and goes up to 16,999 (~$245) for 6GB RAM and 128GB storage.
A third alternative, of course, is the Redmi Note 7 Pro. A brilliant package, the phone combines a Snapdragon 675 chipset with a flagship level 48-megapixel camera that is capable of capturing truly brilliant photos. The base model of the Redmi Note 7 Pro with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage is priced at 13,999 rupees (~$196) while the higher-end option with 6GB RAM with 64GB of storage is available for 16,999 rupees (~$243).
Between the Realme 3 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy M30, we would opt for the Realme. For our money it offers better performance, a battery that lasts long enough and a camera that resolves a bit more detail. That’s not to say that the Galaxy M30 is a bad phone but the antiquated software build does not exude confidence and it remains to be seen how well the lower-end hardware holds up over years of use.
KaiOS has quickly become one of the most popular mobile platforms in the world, bringing smartphone-style features to cheap feature phones. The platform previously received a $22 million cash injection from Google last year, and it’s now received a $50 million round of funding.
The funding round, led by Cathay Innovation, includes Google and TCL as well, according to an emailed press statement. So what will the team do with its cash injection?
“With the Series B funding, Kai plans to expand into new markets, invest in product portfolio research and development, and expand its ecosystem by accelerating the growth of the KaiOS developer community; to further bridge the digital divide,” KaiOS Technologies explained in the statement.
Google is bringing more than just money to KaiOS though, as it’s also delivered Youtube, Google Assistant, and Google Maps. The company also announced earlier this year that it would be bringing Voice Typing to the platform.
Editor’s Pick
WhatsApp on KaiOS: What you’re getting, what’s missing
WhatsApp is certainly the most popular instant messaging app on smartphones, having come a long way since its 2009 debut. Fortunately, the Facebook-owned developer has decided to bring the app to the fledgling KaiOS platform …
The platform-holder also revealed that its partners have shipped over 100 million KaiOS devices to date. That represents a substantial leap over its reported 85 million shipped figure back at MWC in February.
KaiOS phones recently arrived on the African continent too, thanks to devices like the MTN Smart S and Orange Sanza. We spent a week with the former device, finding it to have plenty of positives, but a very weak spec sheet too.
“In markets where $10 extra can mean the difference between eating for the week and not, a $17 phone with WhatsApp and other smart features might be a game-changer. As woefully compromised as it is in terms of specs, there’s really nothing like it in many markets,” we wrote in our KaiOS phone review.
The AAPicks team writes about things we think you’ll like, and we may see a share of revenue from any purchases made through affiliate links.
No home entertainment setup is complete without a killer surround sound system. Luckily, we can fill that void with this certified refurbished Laut BT Surround Sound System that’s currently on sale for under $60 with the promo code below.
Movies nowadays are made with surround sound in mind. Without it, you’re only getting half the experience. While films benefit most, it can also immerse you in sports, TV shows, and games.
The Laut BT Surround Sound Speaker System delivers a quality audio experience.
The Laut BT Surround Sound Speaker System is a powerhouse, boasting 340 Watts of power due to its innovative sound technology and design. The central speaker is a 6.5-inch woofer that’ll give you that rich bass experience.
The system’s exterior is built with a high-density natural polymer that prevents vibration and loss of sound. This focuses all the sound through their mesh protective shield, made to maintain steady audio quality and protect against external damage.
The original price of this surround sound system was $149, but right now it’s subject to a price drop to $69.99. And, since you’ve made it to this point, then you deserve to know how you can save another15 percent on top of that. Use the promo code WEEKEND15 at the checkout page to see the total cost drop to $59.50.
There’s only one caveat to this tremendous value: it’s refurbished. Certified refurbished in fact, which means it has gone through all the critical checks to ensure it works and functions like new.
As part of the Memorial Daysale, the promo code is only available until May 27. Don’t miss your chance at this great saving. Hit the button below to find the deal.
All the latest goodies from the shop to add to your collection!
The Fortnite Item Shop has updated once again, and players can now hop in and pick up some new gear, including brand new cosmetics, gliders, and other items.
Today’s update adds a brand new bundle into the game in the form of the Hang Time Bundle, giving players the option of grabbing two new outfits and a set of challenges to unlock a variety of styles for the skins that are all themed around the latest Jordan-themed update to Fortnite. Also added back into the shop was the Tomatohead outfit and its Axeroni and Night Slicer items.
Alongside the bevy of skins and pickaxes, players can also pick up some cheaper items to add to their arsenal. Today, the Jaeger and Brawler outfits are in the shop, alongside the Battle Axe and Hot Rod items. For emotes, the Squat Kick dance and a new emote, Buckets, is available.
As is the case with every day, the Fortnite item shop updates every day at 8 pm EST, which means the clock is ticking on your ability to pick up any of these items.
Updated May 22, 2019: The store updated with all the latest goodies for you to enjoy!
Sony’s smartphone business has been in the doldrums for a while, as the likes of Huawei, Samsung, and Xiaomi streak ahead. The Japanese giant confirmed last year that it was investigating the possibility of downsizing operations in certain regions as a result. Now, these plans have indeed become a reality.
Sony held its investor relations day this week (h/t: Xperia Blog), and one of the slides in its presentation showed a list of markets that will be dropped or see reduced operations. More specifically, the affected markets include Africa, Australia, Canada, India, Latin America, the Middle East, South East Asia.
The slide also reveals Sony has way more defocused/dropped countries than focus markets. The company’s focus areas are Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan. Now, that doesn’t mean Sony will only be operating in these regions. After all, “defocused” likely means affected markets will receive reduced resources and/or fewer models.
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5 best Sony cameras
There is no need to introduce you to Sony, right? Their products range from TVs to audio, video game consoles, and more. Sony’s camera department is equally important, and the Japanese brand has become well …
The news comes almost a year after Sony Mobile first confirmed it was “reviewing business feasibility” in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. The Japanese brand has made several changes since then, including the closure of a manufacturing plant. Other reported changes include slashing 2,000 jobs and merging its mobile division with other business units.
Sony’s latest flagship, the Xperia 1, seems like a step in the right direction for the firm though. The new device offers a Snapdragon 855 chipset, a 4K HDR OLED screen, and a versatile triple camera setup. But we’ll need to wait until June for the device to actually hit markets. What would it take for you to buy a Sony smartphone? Let us know in the comments!
We’ve all got an inner geek. Powerful microscopes might have been invented for research purposes, but in reality, they’re the ultimate curiosity-satisfying tool.
If you want a super-strong microscope of your own, now’s your chance. This HD microscope camera lets you magnify anything by 1,000 times, and right now it’s down from $130 to just $38.99.
Whether it’s tech or an insect, if it fits under the scope then it’s fair game. The microscope camera has built-in LED lights with adjustable illumination to help you capture crisp, detailed images.
The microscope camera at a glance:
Magnifies objects up to 1000 times
Uses a dynamic image sensor and eight super-bright white LED lights
Allows you to snap photos and save to your computer with a single click
Comes with a stabilizing stand so you can focus easily
Adjusts between 40 times and 1000 times with ease
If you keep accidentally setting things on fire with your old magnifying glass, it’s probably time for an upgrade. If not for yourself, the microscope camera would make a great gift for a science-enthused relative.
Hit the button below to check out this temporary offer.
The AAPicks team writes about things we think you’ll like, and we may see a share of revenue from any purchases made through affiliate links. To see all our hottest deals, head over to the AAPICKS HUB.
All the latest goodies from the shop to add to your collection!
The Fortnite Item Shop has updated once again, and players can now hop in and pick up some new gear, including brand new cosmetics, gliders, and other items.
Today’s update does away with all John Wick-themed items and brings back a series of older characters in the Skully and Beef Boss outfits. Alongside the outfits, the Skully Splitter harvesting tool and Patty Whacker and Flying Saucer items are also back, so players are able to complete the respective sets if they want.
Alongside the bevy of skins and pickaxes, players can also pick up some cheaper items to add to their arsenal. Today, the Archetype and Recon Specialist are back in the game, alongside the Fresh Cut harvesting tool and Marathon musical track. For emotes, the Fandangle and True Love emotes are back in the shop.
As is the case with every day, the Fortnite item shop updates every day at 8 pm EST, which means the clock is ticking on your ability to pick up any of these items.
Updated May 21, 2019: The store updated with all the latest goodies for you to enjoy!
The Redmi range is one of the most popular budget smartphone families in the world, and its cheapest devices usually offer a great price/performance ratio. Now, it looks like the Xiaomi sub-brand is readying another low-end device.
The new phone (model number M1903C3EC) might be the Redmi 7A, and it’s popped up on China’s TENAA website. A cursory glance at the spec sheet reveals its entry level trappings.
Xiaomi’s latest device serves up a 1.4Ghz octa-core chipset, 2GB to 4GB of RAM, 16GB to 64GB of expandable storage, a 3,900mAh battery, and a 5.45-inch HD+ (1,440 x 720) display.
Other notable features include a solitary 13MP rear camera, 5MP selfie snapper, and a 3.5mm headphone port.
Editor’s Pick
Redmi Note 6 Pro vs Note 7 vs Note 7 Pro: Which is the best budget Xiaomi phone?
Xiaomi’s Redmi series is by far the fasted selling mid-range phone brand in India. So much so that the biggest complaint against the phone, aside from the ads strewn across MIUI, is how hard it …
This device looks like a downgrade compared to the previously announced Redmi 7. Unlike the Redmi 7, this new phone lacks dual rear cameras, a fingerprint scanner, and has a lower CPU clock speed. All of this means we’re likely looking at the Redmi 7A.
As for pricing? Well, the Redmi 6A had a launch price of 599 yuan (~$87), so don’t be surprised if this new phone has a similar price tag. What do you think of this latest Xiaomi phone? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
App development is just about the hottest ticket in town right now. It’s fun to learn too, as creating each new app is a fulfilling little project.
Then there’s the potential for big bucks. With the right idea and a bit of training, you never know if you’ll strike gold. A friend of mine, who’ll remain anonymous, developed an app which is close to being sold for a seven-figure sum.
Interested in discovering if this is for you? You can learn online, and the Ultimate Mobile App Development Certification Bundle, which is on offer this week, is an extensive resource. You can learn at your own pace in your spare time.
The bundle features more than 60 hours of hands-on training spanning six learning kits. Each kit focusses on a different approach or aspect of app building, making it an excellent way to become an all-around app development pro across Android and iOS.
For example, there are specialized Android and iOS courses, but you also dive into Flutter and Dart: a cross-platform tool you can use to build apps that run natively on both iOS and Android using the Dart programming language.
It doesn’t take a math whiz to work out that more than a $1,000 worth of top tech training is on offer. At just $41 then, this deal is a learn how you can get your app idea off the ground.
Interested in taking on the Play Store? You can find the deal by tapping the button below.
The AAPicks team writes about things we think you’ll like, and we may see a share of revenue from any purchases made through affiliate links. To see all our hottest deals, head over to the AAPICKS HUB.
