A mysterious new Samsung phone received certification from China’s TENAA agency revealing its key specs. The device bearing the SM-C5560 identifier is believed to launch in China as the Galaxy C55 or Galaxy Y55 and will bring a 6.67-inch OLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 13MP front-facing cam which is most likely housed in a punch-hole cutout. We also get confirmation of an in-display fingerprint scanner and a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
The listing confirms the phone is equipped with an unspecified chipset with a 2.0 GHz clock speed. The phone will be available with...
Apple Music Classical is now available in six markets in Asia - Japan, China, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. The announcement urges users to “pre-order”, meaning the actual availability of the service will happen at a later stage.
Japan, China, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan: pre-order Apple Music Classical now on the @AppStore. https://t.co/lwnF4Dx4ua pic.twitter.com/6PVPl02ZHs— Apple Music Classical (@AppleClassical) January 9, 2024
The service is available for free to all Apple Music subscribers but works with a standalone app. It has over 5 million classical tracks in Hi-Res...
Asus unveiled the ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro yesterday at the ongoing CES 2024. The announcement only included the US and European prices of the lineup, but we now know how much the Pro model will cost in India.
The Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro comes in a single Phantom Black color with two memory options - 16GB/512GB and 24GB/1TB, priced at INR94,999 ($1,140/€1,045) and INR119,999 ($1,440/€1,320), respectively. The 24GB RAM version, called Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition, will come bundled with the ROG AeroActive Cooler X, which will also be available for purchase separately for INR5,999...
Intel has announced a bevy of new chips for desktop and notebook devices at CES 2024 as part of its 14th generation of lineup. The company also announced a new Core U series for thin and light machines.
Starting off, there is the new 14th gen flagship HX series, which includes five new chips, lead by the flagship i9-14900HX at the top. These are based on the refreshed Raptor Lake architecture, which is essentially the same as the 13th gen but with higher clock speeds. They also include support for Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4.
i9-14900HX
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In its initial unveiling of the C4, LG revealed that the new model would be brighter than last year’s LG C3, despite using the same core OLED panel. This is an important upgrade, because its key competitor last year was the Samsung S90C, which offered much better brightness at the same price, and this year’s Samsung S90D will be even brighter. But the question was: how much brighter would the C4 be?
After seeing the LG C4 in action, I don’t have an exact measurement for how much brighter it is, but I can sum it up: bright enough.
The level of extra vibrance and pop is immediately clear; HDR highlights gleaming off metal are more dazzling, and white areas of the screen have the extra cleanness that brighter OLED whites bring. It feels like a major hardware upgrade, not the same kind of panel.
LG says that the brightness improvement is all down to the new Alpha 9 Gen 7 processor, which is much better at power management, meaning that LG can afford to pump more power into highlight areas making them brighter, because it’s using power much more efficiently in other areas of the picture.
(Image credit: Future)
This may mean that the brightness improvements are largely limited to highlights rather than also offering a fullscreen brightness upgrade (so, basically, it may be that the C4 is a big step up for HDR movies, but not so much for watching sports or beating reflections), but we’ll only know that for sure from testing.
I actually saw the LG C4 next to the LG G4 (which is also set to be brighter than last year’s LG G3 model, but there is an actual hardware improvement in play there as well as the better processing, because the lenses in the micro lens array (MLA) OLED screen have been redesigned), and while the G4 is still a clear step up in brightness over the mid-range C4, the two sets looked far closer to each other than I expected.
My estimate is that the C4 is approaching 1,000 nits of peak brightness for the 55-inch and up models, though to be clear, I have no measurements or official line to back this up. LG wouldn’t be drawn on the exact figures it expects the C4 to hit, but suggested that this is the correct ballpark.
The smaller 42-inch and 48-inch C4 models will also be brighter than last year’s models, though as with previous years will still be less bright than the 55-inch and up models.
(Image credit: Future)
From the demo I had, it was hard to judge the other improvements to the processing – the C4 uses a new generation of the Alpha 9 processor, rather than the new and extra advanced Alpha 11 that's in the LG G4, but there should be a further polish to the images.
But one of the juiciest upgrades to the processor is the addition of LG's lossless wireless Dolby Atmos sound, which we think is a big deal. This means you can connect one of LG's higher-end 2024 soundbars to it without any cables, but still get full-quality, uncompressed audio to the soundbar.
Speaking of audio, though, one of the weakest areas of the LG C3 compared to competitors was its built-in sound, with the Samsung S90C beating it at the same price, and the Sony A80L offering a big audio upgrade for a little more money.
LG had the C4 paired with the SC9S soundbar during my demo, which it specifically recommends as a pairing with the TV, using a custom bracket for the two to connect neatly. We know that LG's new processor does even more elaborate upscaling of sound for spatial audio, but will the actual speakers be better? I don't have a ton of hope considering how strongly LG thinks you should use this soundbar.
I can't wait to get the LG C4 in our testing room to fully test its performance and see how it ranks among the best OLED TVs, but from the moment you see it, it's clear that it delivers the exciting year-on-year improvement that the LG C3 struggled to offer, excellent though it was. LG has come to play in 2024.
We’re covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.
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Google unveiled a bunch of new features today at CES. Taking the cake is probably the new Quick Share system, developed in partnership with Samsung. This will replace Google's Nearby Share, introduced in 2020.
It's interesting to see Google adopt Samsung's naming for what used to be its own similar service. The new Quick Share is billed as the best of both worlds. Google says it's "integrated the experiences" with Samsung and thus created the best default, built-in option for peer-to-peer content sharing across all types of devices that run Android or Chrome OS.
Moreover, the...
Google unveiled a bunch of new features today at CES. Taking the cake is probably the new Quick Share system, developed in partnership with Samsung. This will replace Google's Nearby Share, introduced in 2020.
It's interesting to see Google adopt Samsung's naming for what used to be its own similar service. The new Quick Share is billed as the best of both worlds. Google says it's "integrated the experiences" with Samsung and thus created the best default, built-in option for peer-to-peer content sharing across all types of devices that run Android or Chrome OS.
Moreover, the...
The MSI Claw is the latest PC gaming handheld to hit the scene since the release of the Steam Deck a couple of years ago, but it's core distinction — being the first Intel-powered device in this category — makes it both exciting as well as somewhat perilous for both MSI and Intel.
Given the strong showing that AMD has had with its AMD Z1 and Z1 Extreme chips powering the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and likely many others to come, Intel can't afford to miss out on this fast growing market.
Meanwhile, MSI is taking a chance on the new Intel Core Ultra processor line that is powering many of the best laptops announced at CES 2024, and as yet, these chips are just getting into the hands of reviewers so it's too soon to tell if the integrated Arc graphics in the MSI Claw will have the same level of performance as the RDNA 3 graphics in the AMD Z1, especially since the MSI Claw and more recent AMD-powered handhelds feature full 1080p displays with high refresh rates.
If there was one thing I've consistently heard here at CES from both MSI and other laptop manufacturers betting their laptop lines on the new chips is that the Intel Arc graphics in the Core Ultra processors is absolutely up to the task and in my limited amount of time messing around with the MSI Claw, I can see why they'd be so confident.
The number of titles I was able to test out on the Claw was limited, but they played brilliantly all the same, and with several major advantages for Intel's iGPU over AMD's competing Z1 series, the MSI Claw might not just be an important beachhead for Intel in a very critical PC gaming market, it can also serve as powerful showcase for what its chips are capable of doing.
MSI Claw: Price & availability
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
There's no firm pricing or release date yet for the MSI Claw, but I've been told by MSI that it should launch between the middle of February and the middle of March, and it will be available in a few configurations, which will dictate its sale price.
The base configuration, with an Intel Core Ultra 5 135H processor and 512GB SSD, is expected to sell for $699 (about £560, AU$980), while the Core Ultra 7 165H processor with 1TB SSD storage configuration is expected to top out at $799, with the Core Ultra 5, 1TB SSD option costing somewhere in between.
Currently, there will only be a 16GB LPDDR5 memory option regardless of configuration, but I expect that depending on the success of the initial production run of the device, the spec configuration range might grow to include more memory as well, but MSI has no official plans for a 32GB memory option at this time.
MSI Claw: Specs
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
MSI Claw: Design
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
On the design side of things, the MSI Claw will be very familiar to anyone who has used one of the new PC gaming handhelds, but there are some design choices that are pretty solidly MSI.
With a very strong gaming laptop pedigree, MSI's Claw is very much in line with many of its best gaming laptops in terms of aesthetic and agressive gamer styling, but there are some functional differences between the Claw and its competitors as well that aren't purely for looks.
The cooling system on the MSI Claw is larger than on the ROG Ally, making for a somewhat thicker device, and the more open venting on the back of the Claw ensures that enough air is being pulled through to keep the Core Ultra processor cool.
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(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
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(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
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(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
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(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
There are also two buttons on the back of the device that are for programming your own macros into the device as well, something missing on its competitors, and the choice of FHD resolution and 120Hz refresh makes for a slightly less crisp looking picture than the QHD display on the Legion Go, but with such a small-sized screen, 1080p is way more than you probably even need and looks fantastic in practice.
Weight-and-size-wise, the MSI Claw is heavier than the Steam Deck, but it's not inordinantly bulky or unwieldy, at least not any more than its competitors. The buttons along the front could be explained a bit better, since the buttons around the screen that control things like opening the MSI Center M interface or opening the settings screen are important, but it doesn't help of you if you can't remember of immediately tell which button does what.
I will say that the MSI Claw did run somewhat hot under load, but it is hardly alone on that front, and it does an admirable job of helping bleed heat from the device at least.
MSI Claw: Performance
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Given the limited amount of time I had with the MSI Claw, the last thing I'd have been able to do is put the device through any kind of formal battery of benchmarks, and the number of games I had access to were limited to a select few like Sonic Superstars and Assassin's Creed: Mirage, both of which played fantastic with little to no issues.
I spent most of my time playing Sonic as it terns out since I wanted to focus on a game where the speed of the onscreen elements would really show off the 120Hz refresh rate, and it was definitely the right choice. While not necessarily the most taxing title, the Sonic and friends (and enemies, and frenemies) all looked so crisp I kept thinking that the display was a higher resolutions than it was (it was 1080p), or that the display was OLED (it's not). Meanwhile, flying through a level with rings, structures, characters, and much more flew past Tails as I sped towards the end of the course and I couldn't produce any screen blur, ghosting, or screen tearing.
The Intel Arc integrated GPU features 8 Xe cores, which is the same as the Intel Arc A380, though the power draw of the iGPU in the Core Ultra 7 165H is naturally a much lower wattage (I was told it drew about 30-35W). This still manages to deliver some solid graphics performance, however, and the improvements that Intel has made for its Arc graphics driver over the past year has considerably improved my confidence in Arc GPUs. Older games will still likely run into problems though, especially anything from the DX9 era or earlier, so if you're hoping to do a lot of retro gaming on the go with this handheld, well, that is the risk with relying on an Arc GPU going forward. Anything DirectX11 or higher will play much better, however, and this likely includes most of the games that everybody is playing anyway.
The audio was also fairly robust for a handheld, so if you're planning on playing without a headset, you'll be absolutely fine. I only had about 20 minutes of total playing time with an MSI Claw, so I am very happy to report that the 53WHr battery did not noticeably diminish much in that time. How long it will actually last will need to wait until I do a formal review in a few weeks time, but MSI and Intel say that the battery should get you about a two hours of play time with full performance.
MSI Claw: Early verdict
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
While a full evaluation of the MSI Claw will have to wait for more rigorous benchmarking and extended play time, everything I saw was very promising, especially for a chip that's relatively new to the scene. Intel Arc has very strong hardware fundamentals, especially the hardware AI cores that power XeSS super sampling to boost frame rates and visual quality. It should be much easier hitting much higher frame rates on the MSI Claw than on the Asus ROG Ally (for those games that support it) as a result.
The price is a tad too high for my liking, but it's definitely in line with the market, and the MSI Claw is unmistakably an MSI device in terms of aesthetics. The MSI Center M also seems to have learned from the foibles of the ROG Ally and Legion Go's UI and kept things much simpler.
With nothing but my eyes and my gut to go on, I dare say that MSI and Intel have pulled off a hell of a device that is really going to distinguish itself from an increasingly crowded field of devices. Ultimately, February or March will tell the tale of whether Intel's new Core Ultra processors are up to the task of powering the next generation of PC gaming handhelds, or whether AMD can keep its current leadership position in the market.
Today, among many other things, Samsung also unveiled a brand new screen for XR headsets, which features a very interesting technology: OLEDoS, or OLED on Silicon. This is apparently the world's first OLEDoS display with an RGB sub-pixel structure. It's created by applying organic materials onto a silicon wafer.
It's 1.03" in diagonal, and square, and the company promises it has a whopping 3,500 ppi. While Samsung hasn't mentioned the resolution, some quick math shows it to be about 2,550 x 2,550. XR headsets would of course use two of these, one per each eye.
As this doesn't need a...
In our experience, the Doogee V30 Pro is one of the best rugged smartphones, focusing on being tough and its imaging capabilities.
We were already impressed with the original device (see our Doogee V30 review), so we had high hopes for the V30 Pro. Equipped with a 200MP main camera instantly makes this Smartphone stand out as featuring one of the highest resolution cameras on the market; this is complemented by a 24MP low-light and macro camera and a 32MP front camera, which all help to ensure the high-resolution photo and video whatever the conditions or environment.
The image quality overall is good, although the depth of detail in the high-resolution images could be better. When it comes to creative control, there is a Pro mode, which gives you some creative control, including a focus mode that enables you to adjust the depth of field. While this isn't to the extremes of a high-end smartphone, it will give you a little more creative control than a standard phone. The 200MP images are impressive, with that resolution offering plenty of flexibility when it comes to editing and composing the composition.
Under the hood, the V30 Pro is powered by a Dimensity 7050 5G Chipset with 32GB of RAM. While it's categorized as a mid-range device in terms of processing performance, it manages multitasking and gaming well, although some apps can slow down under load. Internal storage is generous at 512GB, and the fact that you can expand this up to 2TB with a compatible TF card means that it should meet most users' storage needs.
Durability is the main selling point, and it is certified with IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H standards. On paper and when tested, the phone proves more than resilient to harsh conditions, drops, and being submerged in water. All of these make it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts and those in demanding professions.
The phone's large 10800mAh battery ensures offers decent longevity of use on a single charge. Although the charging speed is average, the battery life compensates well.
Additional features like Wi-Fi 6, NFC, and the latest Android 13 operating system enhance its overall appeal. These features, combined with the phone's robust construction, make the Doogee V30 Pro a great choice for outdoor tech enthusiasts looking for a smartphone that can withstand pretty much anything and take decent pictures.
Doogee V30 Pro: Price and availability
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
How much does it cost? Starting from$455 in US
When is it out? Available now
Where can you get it? You can get it directly from the retailer, Amazon, and others
The Doogee V30 Pro is priced at various points depending on the source. It's listed at $455 on the official site, emphasizing its rugged features and high-performance camera. Moreover, it's available for $349.95 on Amazon.
The phone was announced in October 2023 and released on November 1st, 2023, making it currently available for purchase. You can find the V30 Pro for purchase on various online platforms, including the company's official website.
Value: 4 / 5
Doogee V30 Pro: Specifications
Doogee V30 Pro: Design
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Robust
High resolution camera
Excellent battery life
The Doogee V30 Pro distinctly stands out in its design, especially when compared to standard smartphones. Measuring 178 x 80 x 22mm and weighing 380g, it is notably bulkier and heavier than more conventional models like the iPhone 15 Pro, which weighs around 220g. This heft, however, is a testament to its ruggedness and durability.
In terms of ports, the V30 Pro features a USB Type-C at the base, protected by a robust rubber flap that ensures a watertight seal when the charging cable is removed. Additionally, the phone's TF/SIM card slot, located on the left side, accommodates dual cards in a side-by-side configuration. This design not only provides convenience but also maintains the phone's waterproof integrity.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
User interaction is well-considered in the V30 Pro's design. It includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button for swift access and device activation. The volume buttons, located above the sensor, are large and tactile, making them easily operable even when wearing gloves – a thoughtful feature for outdoor or rugged use.
On the opposite side, the phone sports a customizable red button. This versatile feature can be programmed for various functions, such as quick camera access, aligning with the phone's emphasis on high-resolution photography.
The overall build quality balances toughness and style. Despite its rugged nature, the V30 Pro manages to maintain a degree of aesthetic appeal, making it not just a functional device but also a visually pleasing one.
Design: 4 / 5
DOOGEE V30 Pro: Features
Dimensity 7050 5G Octa-Core
Android 13
The V30 Pro, with its focus on outdoor utility and imaging, makes it a great option for outdoors types and photography enthusiasts as well as anyone who just needs a rock solid and robust phone, such as any tradesperson. At the heart of the V30 pro is the incredible 200MP Main Camera, complemented by a 24MP night vision camera and a 16MP ultra wide-angle and macro camera; this combination offers plenty of versatility when it comes to capturing different subjects such as landscapes, close-ups as well as vibrant night scenes.
The phone's 6.58" FHD+ IPS 120Hz waterdrop screen ensures that every visual, whether it's a photo preview or a map, is displayed with stunning clarity and fluid motion. This display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, helps to combine durability with visual excellence, making it perfectly suited for outdoor environments.
The phone's core, powered by a flagship-grade Dimensity 7050 5G Chipset and up to 32GB of extended RAM, provides the muscle for multitasking and moderate gaming
When it comes to storage, the V30 Pro boasts a massive 512GB internal space, expandable up to 2TB, offering ample room for high-resolution photos, videos, apps, and more. The device's ruggedness is supported by IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certifications, ensuring it can withstand challenging outdoor conditions like water, dust, and drops.
Audio quality is less of a prominent feature. However, the V30 Pro still features high-quality dual stereo speakers certified by Hi-Res, ensuring rich sound whether you're listening to music in the wilderness or taking calls on the go. Keeping the phone running is a 10800mAh battery, with 33W fast charging and support for OTG reverse charging, ensuring you can stay powered for extended adventures without frequent recharging.
Enhanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6, dual 5G SIM support, and NFC ensure that whether you're streaming, sharing, or navigating, your connection should remain fast and reliable. The phone also includes an accurate navigation system with dual-channel positioning, ideal for outdoor explorations.
Running on the latest Android 13, Doogee's rugged phone offers a personalized experience with its side fingerprint recognition, enabling quick and secure access, while the personalized custom button and smart gesture control are in line with the market leaders.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Features: 4.5 / 5
Doogee V30 Pro: Performance
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Excellent for photography
Ultra tough build quality
When it comes to performance, the Doogee V30 Pro is more than just the usual processing power of the phone, with the high-resolution camera and rugged build to consider.
Starting with the headline 200MP main camera, which is undoubtedly the standout feature. This high-resolution camera, along with the 24MP night vision and 16MP ultra-wide-angle and macro cameras, delivers a versatile imaging experience. The standard app is flexible with auto and a Pro mode that you can dip into, enabling you to capture stunning landscapes, detailed close-ups, and vibrant night scenes with relative ease.
Image quality is good, and the camera App offers enough flexibility for enthusiasts to have a bit of fun. While the headline of 200MP will pique the interest of photographers, the image quality isn't up to that of the market leaders; it's good but not outstanding. The detail is high, but you can see the limitations of the camera; likewise, the dynamic range struggles to capture the full spectrum. When it comes to creative control, there is some flexibility in the Camera Pro feature, especially with the Manual Focus control. Still, again, this is limited and good but is lagging behind the market leaders.
The camera's performance in various lighting conditions is decent enough, offering clarity and colour accuracy that should satisfy photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. While the image resolution is outstanding and offers plenty of flexibility in post-capture, some detail is limited. At all times, you do need to ensure that the lenses remain as clean and clear as possible to ensure the best image quality.
As a device tailored for outdoor use, the V30 Pro's durability is a critical aspect of its performance. Its IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certifications ensure that it can withstand harsh conditions, from water immersion to dust and drops. This ruggedness doesn't reduce its functionality, making it an ideal companion for anyone wanting a phone that can endure challenging environments without compromise.
The Geekbench scores provide insight into the phone's processing capabilities. With a single-core score of 978 and a multi-core score of 2646, the V30 Pro shows respectable performance in its category. These scores suggest that the phone can handle everyday tasks and moderate multitasking efficiently. The compute score of 2303 further indicates that it can manage moderate gaming and other demanding applications reasonably well, although it might not match the high-end phones in raw power.
Beyond the numbers, the real-world usage of the V30 Pro aligns with its intended purpose. Its capacity to handle multitasking, combined with its significant storage options (512GB internal and up to 2TB expandable), ensures you have ample space and processing power when you need it. The large battery life and fast charging capabilities further enhance its usability, ensuring that the phone keeps up with the demands of extended outdoor activities and heavy camera usage.
The Doogee V30 Pro stands out for its camera, which, while not market-leading, is decent enough, and, of course, its rugged durability, support and battery life.
(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Performance: 4 / 5
Doogee V30 Pro: Verdict
The Doogee V30 Pro is a well-balanced, rugged smartphone, blending a decent camera with robust durability. The phone instantly stands out for its impressive 200MP main camera setup, 24MP night vision and 16MP ultra-wide-angle camera. It is a great option for photography enthusiasts who want a decent-resolution camera but aren't too bothered about too much creative control. The fact that you have this camera, coupled with its rugged build that's certified to endure the toughest of environments, makes it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts as well as tradespeople working in challenging conditions.
However, it's important to note that the V30 Pro, with its mid-range Dimensity 7050 5G Chipset, caters more to efficient day-to-day performance rather than the high-speed demands that we've seen with the latest market-leading releases. Its bulkier design might also be a consideration for those accustomed to more compact devices. Additionally, while the 10800mAh battery ensures longevity, the charging speed is not the quickest, which could be a minor setback for users on the go.
The Doogee V30 Pro is an excellent choice for users whose priorities align with outdoor durability and photography. It's less about sleekness or top-tier processing speed and more about reliability, storage capacity, and capturing life in detail, no matter where you are. So, for adventurers, professionals in harsh environments, or photography hobbyists who prefer not to carry a separate camera, the V30 Pro emerges as a strong contender.
Should you buy a Doogee V30 Pro rugged smartphone?
