Mobile
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 unveiled with new ARMv9 CPU cores
The new CPU will be 20% faster than the Snapdragon 888.
Qualcomm has introduced its next-generation processor for premium Android handsets, which boasts a number of enhancements. It is, in some ways, a complete departure from prior designs, as it uses the new ARMv9 instruction set and a new naming structure. The first commercially available phones containing the new processor will be available by the end of the year, so we won’t have to wait long to see it in action.
Meet the Snapdragon 8 Gen1
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 uses a new naming method that uses a digit for the class (8 being flagship) and a generation for the generation. It’s Qualcomm’s first 4nm chipset, as well as the first to adopt the new CPU architecture.
The CPU’s three cluster design is retained, although the cores are now based on ARMv9 designs. This indicates that the primary processor will be a Cortex-X2 with a clock speed of 3.0GHz. Three performance cores based on the Cortex-A710, which will run at 2.5GHz, and four efficiency cores based on the A510, which will run at 1.8GHz, will support it.
Overall, the new CPU will be 20% faster than the Snapdragon 888’s while also cutting battery consumption by up to 30%.
Moving on to the GPU, thanks to its revolutionary architecture, the new Adreno claims a 30% performance gain and a 25% power savings. Qualcomm created three Elite Gaming features, one of which will help developers establish a balance between performance and power efficiency.
With the Adreno Frame Motion Engine, the GPU can render a game at twice the frame rate while consuming half the power. Alternatively, it can maintain the same FPS while halving the power demand.
Desktop-class volumetric rendering is another new capability. For dramatic lighting effects, such as the God rays that level designers tend to adore, volumetric lighting is used. Variable Rate Shading Pro, an image-based VRS, is also new, and it should make it easier to integrate VRS into more games. Qualcomm has teamed with some of the most well-known game studios to guarantee that their games take full advantage of the hardware.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 has an integrated X65 5G modem that can give potential peak speeds of 10 Gbps and supports both sub-6 and mmWave operation. It also offers carrier aggregation for the uplink for the first time.
Local connectivity benefits from Wi-Fi 6 and 6E capabilities, as well as Bluetooth enhancements. The new chip supports Bluetooth LE Audio and can stream CD Lossless Audio via Bluetooth LE, which is a significant improvement over existing technology. One source can broadcast one or more audio streams to an unlimited number of recipients using the Broadcast Audio capability. Stereo recording, as well as voice-back channels, will be supported.
The Trust Management Engine, which would reside beneath the hypervisor, was also introduced by Qualcomm to strengthen the chip’s security (which was introduced with the 888). Even if the security zones above it are breached, the TME will remain protected.
The first Snapdragon 8 Gen 1-powered flagships will be available before the end of the year, with announcements expected soon.
Foldables
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4: Here’s what you need to know
Is this the best option if you want a phone that also functions as a small tablet?
The Samsung Galaxy Fold was revolutionary when it was originally introduced in 2019. Even though the overall formula hasn’t altered dramatically three generations later, Samsung has greatly improved it. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the most advanced foldable produced by the firm to date thanks to those years of improvement.
On August 10, 2022, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 was released as part of the summer season of Galaxy Unpacked events. The general sale date was set for August 26 and preorders began that day. At the same event, Samsung also unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is simply a more refined version of the company’s already-proven formula. The new Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 SoC upgrades both the processor and cameras. The design has been slightly modified to provide a little bit more screen real estate, better durability, and an all-around more attractive grip. The experience is further enhanced by some new software techniques and new colors.
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 doesn’t significantly change from its predecessors overall. As usual, it seems to be a “regular” smartphone when folded, although a rather thick one. However, if you open it up like a book, a sizable foldable display is revealed. When you need more space, the inner display lets you use it like a tablet, while the outer display lets you use it like a regular smartphone.
There is hardly any competition for Samsung in the foldables market. The competition it does have—from Motorola, Oppo, Xiaomi, and a few other companies—cannot compete with Samsung’s global presence. In North America, you have two options if you want a foldable phone: a Samsung “fold” type phone or a Samsung “flip” style phone.
In light of this, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is currently the greatest foldable smartphone available worldwide. It has many advantages over the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and is more powerful and capable than the Galaxy Z Fold 3 from a year ago. If you want a folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the best one you can get right now.
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 not only has some of the best hardware on the market, but it also boasts the best software commitment of any foldable available. Samsung will send security updates for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 for five years and four Android upgrades, making it a good long-term investment.
Obviously, this phone is pricey. A used or refurbished Galaxy Z Fold 3 could be a better choice if you can’t afford the minimum price of $1,799. A Galaxy Z Flip 4 is another option and starts at $999. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is now the best option if you want a phone that also functions as a small tablet.
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 | |
|---|---|
| Displays | Exterior: – 1.9-inch Super AMOLED – 512 x 260 – Gorilla Glass Victus Plus Interior: – 6.7-inch Super AMOLED – 120Hz refresh rate – 2,640 x 1,080) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128, 256, or 512GB UFS 3.1 No expandable storage |
| Power | 3,700mAh battery 25W Super Fast Charging Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 Wireless PowerShare No charger in the box |
| Cameras | Exterior: – 12MP wide, 1.8μm, OIS, Dual Pixel AF, ƒ/1.8 – 12MP ultrawide, 1.12μm, ƒ/2.2Internal: – 10MP, 1.22μm, ƒ/2.4 |
| Audio | Stereo speakers Dolby Atmos support No 3.5mm headphone port |
| SIM | Single nano-SIM tray eSIM support |
| Biometrics | Side-mounted capacitive fingerprint sensor |
| Software | Android 12 One UI 4.1 |
| Dimensions and weight | Folded dimensions: – 84.9 x 71.9 x 17.1mm (measured at hinge)Unfolded dimensions: – 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9mmWeight: – 187gIPX8 water resistance |
| Colors | Global: Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold, BlueBespoke Edition: – Front/back: Yellow, White, Navy, Khaki, Red – Frame: Silver, Black, Gold |
Deals
Best OPPO deals to check out at 8.8 ShopeePay Festival
Get up to 50% off when you check out select new products from OPPO this 8.8 ShopeePay Festival!
We search Shopee every day to discover the best offers. The online retail giant offers some of the greatest discounts on a huge selection of goods, whether you’re looking for a brand-new home appliance or the latest smartphones to satisfy your tech cravings. Shopee can provide for all of your needs.
Because it offers a variety of smartphones at various price points, OPPO is one of the brands we love this year. In the upcoming 8.8 ShopeePay Festival, enjoy more rewards and get the best value when you score the latest OPPO smartphones on Shopee.
Here are our top 3 choices that we recommend you check out:
The new OPPO A16, which has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage space, is a good entry-level option that can handle your daily tasks. If you need to shoot photos and upload them right away to your social media sites, the 13MP AI Triple Camera is ideal. The huge 6.5″ HD+ display and large 5000mAh battery are very entertaining for watching your favorite K-drama series. Click here to check out the OPPO A16.
With the Night Plus Filters, 2MP Bokeh Camera, and AI for Beautification available on the OPPO A55, you can capture every moment as vividly as possible. The Helio G35 chipset’s enormous 5000mAh battery and 18W rapid charging capabilities are ideal for your gaming needs. Click here to check out the OPPO A55.
The quad lens and AI-assisted camera on the OPPO A94 make it easy to capture all of life’s moments. The A94 captures the journey of life in vivid, precise clarity, from macro to ultra wide-angle and zoom photos. If you consider yourself a power user, the Helio P95 chipset and 8GB+128GB of storage will more than meet your requirements. It would be a shame not to include support for high-speed 30W VOOC flash charging. Click here to check out the OPPO A94.
Don’t miss any of the awesome deals and promos at the OPPO Official Store in Shopee and enjoy up to 50% off when you check out select new products from OPPO this 8.8 ShopeePay Festival!
Deals
Get up to 56% off on OPPO Gadgets in the 8.8 Mega Flash Sale
From August 8 to 12, grab exciting freebies, vouchers, deals on Shopee and Lazada.
Heads up, shoppers! OPPO will offer incredible discounts with awesome freebies, vouchers, and deals during the OPPO 8.8 Mega Flash Sale on Shopee and Lazada.
From August 8 to 12, visit and shop on OPPO’s Official Stores to enjoy up to 56% off on OPPO gadgets. You can collect a Php 200 off voucher if you reach a minimum spend of Php 9,999 and a Php 400 off for every minimum purchase of Php 14,999.
Don’t miss the chance to use your Php 50 and Php 55 shipping discount vouchers before checking out if you have a minimum spend of Php 500 on Shopee and Lazada, respectively.
For Lazada shoppers, you can also get a Php 50 off voucher for every minimum purchase of Php 500, including a 10% cashback on your orders.
Freebies to watch out for on 8.8
If you plan to shop from 12 pm to 2 pm on August 8, take advantage of free G25 Bluetooth earphones for each smartphone order ID. Later in the day, you also can enjoy a free A8 long speaker if you order the OPPO A55 from 9 pm to 11:59 pm.
A wide array of freebies are also in store for you throughout the sale. That includes a free 32GB SD Card when you order OPPO A16 3GB, a free TG113 Bluetooth speaker for every purchase of OPPO A55, a free Neon Island desk pad for all your OPPO Reno6 Series purchases, and a free A8 long speaker with Neon Island desk pad for every OPPO Reno7 Series orders.
Flash deals, and giveaways on OPPO’s 8.8 TikTok Livestream
There’s more to look forward to on 8.8 when you check out OPPO Philippines on TikTok. Be sure to watch out for limited flash deals and giveaways during OPPO’s 8.8 TikTok Livestream on the following dates: August 7 from 2 pm to 9 pm; August 8 from 11 am to 9 pm; August 9 from 11 am to 7 pm, and August 10 from 11 am to 7 pm.
Bundle deals on Shopee, Lazada
Exciting bundle deals are also available from August 8 to 12, such as OPPO Band and OPPO Enco Buds for Php 1,999; OPPO A55 and OPPO Enco Buds for Php 9,499; OPPO A94 and OPPO Enco Buds for Php 11,999; OPPO Reno5 and OPPO Enco Buds for Php 15,999; and OPPO Reno5 5G and OPPO Enco Buds for Php 19,999.
Mark your calendars now! Don’t miss the chance to enjoy OPPO 8.8 Mega Flash Sale spectacular treats to welcome August on Shopee and Lazada, even on TikTok. Add to the cart and check out your favorite OPPO devices at great deals so you can finally take home the gadgets you have been saving up for!
Axgon AXGH1V1 Review: Powerful yet affordable gaming headset
An affordable gaming headset packed with premium features.
Axgon AX1CVA Review: A stylish gaming chair for less
With a full steel frame, a chic color scheme, and affordable price, will it appeal to gamers?
Samsung Galaxy A13 Review: A smack in the middle
An affordable Android phone that has decent performance, more than a day of battery life, and class-leading software support.
vivo T1 5G Review: A new mid-range champ
If you want a stylish phone that is fast, reliable, and has a great battery life, the Vivo T1 5G...
Go Hotels will make your travel to Puerto Princesa hassle-free
It's a go-to hotel in the heart of Palawan.
Lenovo Legion Y25g-30 Review: A versatile gaming monitor
A perfect monitor for competitive gamers?
Vivo T1 5G: Unboxing and First Impressions
Is the Vivo T1 5G the right phone for you? Let's take a quick look at our first impressions.
Peculiar Eyewear HUGO Anti-radiation Eyewear Review
Keep your eyes protected with trendy specs from Peculiar Eyewear for as low as Php 189 only at Shopee's 6.6...
Anker PowerPort III Review: The Only Charger You Need
Truly live more when you charge fast!
Anker Nano PIQ 3.0 Review: A compact universal charger
It's one of the smallest yet most powerful fast chargers we've tested.
