New Smartphone Releases to Consider Featuring the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and Google Pixel 6a

While most of us would always swear by the smartphone that we have, it is hard to resist swapping out our old device for the latest shiny new one on the market. Here’s a roundup of the latest smartphones available, from the most recent Samsung Galaxy Z releases to the affordable Google Pixel 6a and the first-ever Nothing Phone with a transparent back, for you to make the switch with.

1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G

It almost seems like just yesterday when Samsung first unveiled their compact foldable and now we’ve got their next generation which enhances its key features for you to fully customise your Z Flip 4 (from $1,398) inside and out, with custom fonts, icons, designs and backgrounds in various formats such as images, GIFs and video. Compared to its predecessor, the phone now comes with a large battery that gives you the ability to charge up to 50% in 30 minutes with Super Fast Charging — an especially handy feature when you’re in a rush.

It also comes with an improved advanced camera technology that upgrades the camera with a 65% brighter sensor powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Mobile Platform, so that your photos and videos come out crisper and more stable whether it is taken during the day or night.

Here’s a closer look at the tech specs for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 5G.

The Samsung Galaxy ZFlip4 5G is priced from $1,398 and is available from 2 September 2022 at local telecommunication operators, Samsung Experience Stores, major consumer electronics & IT stores, as well as online through the SAMSUNG ONLINE STORE and Samsung Official Stores in LAZADA, SHOPEE, and AMAZON.

You can ALSO pre-order yours HERE.

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 5G

Dubbed their most powerful smartphone yet, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 (from $2,398) will be their first device to ship with Android 12L, a special version of Android created by Google for large-screen experiences including foldables. Powered with the improved OS, the Z Fold4 makes multitasking easier and more intuitive with a new taskbar that provides a layout similar to a PC and the ability to instantly switch full-screen apps to pop-up windows or split screens.

The display has been updated with a brighter screen and a less visible Under Display Camera (UDC) which features a new scatter-type sub-pixel that optimises your user experience to make content more enjoyable on the large 7.6-inch main screen. Cameras have also gotten an upgrade with the 50MP wide lens and 30x Space Zoom lens promising a 23% brighter sensor and enhanced processing power so that your photos come out clear even at night.

Here’s a closer look at the tech specs for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 5G.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 5G is priced from $2,398 and is available from 2 September 2022 at local telecommunication operators, Samsung Experience Stores, major consumer electronics & IT stores, as well as online through the Samsung Online Store and Samsung Official Stores in LAZADA, SHOPEE, and AMAZON.

You can also pre-order yours here.

3. Google Pixel 6a

The Google Pixel 6a (from $749) has been named the most affordable phone by the tech giant that is powered by Google Tensor, the first chip designed by Google just for the Pixel. The chip is similar to the one used in Pixel 6 Pro which means that your Pixel 6a will launch apps faster, load pages and images more quickly, and even live translate in 11 languages in real time.

The Pixel 6a includes a dual rear camera with an upgraded ultra wide lens and advanced photography features such as the Magic Eraser, which allows you to remove distractions or make objects blend right in; and Face Unblur, which makes faces in motion sharper. It also comes with an adaptive battery that can last over 24 hours with an Extreme Battery Saver mode that enables you to choose which apps to turn off so that your battery can last up to 72 hours.

Here’s a closer look at the tech specs for the Google Pixel 6a.

The Google Pixel 6a is priced from $749 and is available to purchase through GOOGLE STORE, CHALLENGER, and SHOPEE.

4. Nothing Phone (1)

Nothing’s first smartphone, the Phone (1) (from $769), reinvents the idea of a smartphone featuring a Glyph Interface that helps you to minimise screen time. Instead of having the whole display light up, the unique light patterns made up of 900 LEDs can help to indicate who’s calling, signal app notifications as well as charging status using a personalised ringtone and unique Glyph pattern.

Designed with a sustainable transparent back, the phone is powered by the Nothing OS to provide a smooth user experience with bespoke widgets, fonts, sounds, and wallpapers that are designed in-house. The device also features dual cameras with advanced 50MP sensors including the main camera powered by the flagship Sony IMX766 for stable, true-to-life, and detailed content.

Here’s a closer look at the tech specs for the Nothing Phone (1).

The Nothing Phone (1) is priced from $769 and is available to purchase through M1, CHALLENGER, and LAZADA.

5. Xiaomi MIX Fold 2

The Xiaomi MIX Fold 2 (price TBA) sports an inner folding design with a 6.56-inch display when closed and an 8.02-inch OLED display when extended. Compared to traditional displays, light transmittance has been increased by 33% and reflection has been reduced using the new POR-LESS technology so that you can get a more detailed viewing experience without hurting your eyes.

Combining Leica’s imagery expertise, the Xiaomi MIX Fold 2 comes with a 50MP IMX766 main camera, 13MP ultra-wide angle camera, and an 8MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom and portrait capabilities. It also packs a cooling system equipped with a large-area VC to enable up to 50% improvement in thermal conductivity — something rarely seen in foldable smartphones.

Here’s a closer look at the tech specs for the Xiaomi MIX Fold 2.

Pricing and availability for the Xiaomi MIX Fold 2 have yet to be announced.

6. POCO M4 5G

As the latest addition to the POCO line-up, the POCO M4 5G (from $249) aims to deliver the ultimate entertainment experience with the power of 5G. The phone features a 6.58-inch signature DynamicSwitch display that intelligently switches the display refresh rate to match what you’re doing, ensuring you get optimal enjoyment while saving power and extending battery life.

Fitted with a dual-back camera array, the POCO M4 5G comes with a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor for real-time depth detection alongside a wide range of innovative AI-enabled photography and videography features and modes so that you can capture photos and videos with clarity and precision.

Here’s a closer look at the tech specs for the POCO M4 5G.

The POCO M4 5G is priced from $249 and is available to purchase through the POCO Official Store on SHOPEE.

7. OPPO Reno8 Series

Powered by Dual Sony Flagship Sensors and several AI-enhanced imaging features, the new Reno8 series is designed to act as your portrait expert to help you capture ultra-clear portraits even in the most challenging scenarios. Both phones feature a Streamlined Unibody design with an upgraded Super-Conductive VC Liquid Cooling System, ColorOS 12.1, and the Sony IMX709 sensor for the 32MP front camera as well as the Sony IMX766 for the 50MP rear camera.

Specially customised for OPPO, the camera sensor together with the brand’s self-designed Quadra Binning algorithm ensures a 60% increase in light intake and a 35% improvement in noise reduction when you’re taking your selfies for dynamically bright and sharp photos no matter the setting. The main camera sensor on the rear, combined with the All-Pixel Omni-Direction PDAF technology improves focus speed, accuracy, and stability, capturing more light for an improved image brightness in dark environments.

In addition to the improved camera sensors, the Reno8 Pro 5G is also equipped with OPPO’s first self-developed imaging NPU, the MariSilicon X, to provide a flagship-level portrait camera experience with 4K video shooting using the 4K Ultra Night Video and 4K Ultra HDR Video mode.

Here’s a closer look at the tech specs for the OPPO Reno8 5G and OPPO Reno8 Pro 5G.