Reviews

Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G review: What’s different?

Spoilers: Not a lot

Published

March 3, 2020

We thought the Huawei Mate 30 Pro was one of the best Android phones in an ideal world. The Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G is pretty much the same.

We already shared our extensive thoughts on the Mate 30 Pro in a previous review. If you want the full low-down, you can open this link on another tab or watch the video below.

What I want to focus on here is what’s different.

Give me more flagships with Vegan Leather

Glass looks great, sure. But it’s smudgy and no matter what marketing spin any brand puts on how tough their glass is, the prudent thing to do is slap a case on that expensive flagship for protection. That’s just how glass feels — slippery, fragile, and an accident waiting to happen.

Vegan Leather feels like something else entirely. While it’s probably smarter to also slap a case on the Mate 30 Pro 5G, I am less inclined to do so.

The vegan leather feels great on my hand. Not having a case also keeps the footprint of the device very desirable — a sweet spot for a phone with a 6.53-inch display.

You also don’t sacrifice the wireless charging feature if you opt for vegan leather over glass. Perhaps the cost to mass produce phones with vegan leather is much larger than glass. That’s a topic for another day.

But if we didn’t have to consider cost and production, I would take vegan leather over glass any day if only for how it feels and the way it looks.

5G just isn’t there yet

It’s honestly great that we’re getting plenty of smartphones with 5G capability. But 5G itself — that’s a bit trickier. A robust 5G infrastructure just doesn’t exist yet.

If this whole 5G business is flying over your head, perhaps our explainer can help. Go ahead and open that on another tab too for later reading.

Of course we tested what the speeds would look like.

“5G” in the Philippines
Tested on a #HuaweiMate30Pro5G pic.twitter.com/qExUyNLdOh

— Rodneil M. Quiteles (@rodneilquiteles) March 3, 2020

What you don’t see here is how we were barely getting 5G where we were located. We tested this alongside other media and they even had to step out just to make sure they’re getting the best reception possible.

I don’t know about you, but that just doesn’t seem practical. We’re taking steps toward 5G, but don’t buy any phone only because of its 5G capabilities.

Better camera performance?

We’re glad to say that’s not the case with the Mate 30 Pro 5G. Much like most of their flagships ever since partnering with Leica, the Mate 30 Pro 5G produces images that will likely appeal to a lot of eyes.

Just a few weeks ago, DXOMark gave the Huawei Mate 30 Pro 5G a high score of 134 for photos on a smartphone. At the time, it was the highest rated, beating the non-5G variante by two points.

So we did what anyone with a smartphone would do with their cameras.

We used it to take photos of food.

Took some snaps during an event.

And we also used it to take photos for the ‘gram. Lots of them. Here are a few shots with portrait mode.

Here are some using wide angle.

Some worm’s eye view shots.

We also wanted to see differences in normal, HDR, and portrait mode. It’s staggering!

: Normal

: HDR

: Portrait

Selfies are a hit or miss even in daylight. And it’s probably best to steer clear of portrait mode altogether when taking selfies.

Portrait mode at night at a busy street looks cinematic if not for the little-too-aggressive smooth effect.

Here’s a night shot and zoom combo for you.

Night shots can be tricky.

But with an ample amount of patience, they can look pretty darn good.

Here’s a selfie at night just for kicks.

Like I mentioned earlier, a lot of these shots look like they’re social media ready. Personally, I think some of the colors come off too strong, but when it works it really does.

Also, you’re not always gonna get the best shot right away. This is true for any camera. Smartphone or otherwise.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

If you feel like we glossed over so many things, that’s because a lot of it, as I mentioned earlier, had already been discussed in our Mate 30 Pro review.

No, this one still doesn’t have Google Mobile Services so I imagine you have to fall into a very specific subgroup to even want to consider this phone. Those would be:

You’re a loyal Huawei user. Brand-love yay! Can’t fault that.
You’re able to hold on to your older phone so you can keep phone-cloning apps when they get updates.
You’re really into the whole aesthetic of the photos it takes.

Personally, number two alone is giving me a massive headache. I don’t want to have to think about these things when I’m supposed to be using a “smart” phone.

That said, Huawei CEO Richard Yu says he feels they’re close to getting regularly used apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to their very own AppGallery. They’re also looking at other solutions in the meantime.

For Google’s part, they have already filed a permit with the US Government to be able to continue working with Huawei. Should that move forward, Yu told the media during a press briefing that their devices are ready to push the Google Mobile Services update immediately.

However, these are all “ifs” for now. Until these things actually happen, I would hold off on buying this phone.

Reviews

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review: The Ultimate Camera Smartphone

Like a Leica

Published

May 8, 2024

GadgetMatch

It is almost guaranteed that the best flagship smartphones you can buy today have nothing less than their excellent cameras.

But Xiaomi not only wants to take smartphone photography up a notch, their approach is unlike anything we’ve seen before.

This is our Xiaomi 14 Ultra Review!

Reviews

Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 review: Bigger and better

Than the already impressive Xiaomi Pad 6

Published

May 2, 2024

Rodneil Quiteles

Around 8-9 months ago, I was in the market for a tablet that can be my on-the-go companion when I step out for events and don’t want to bring a laptop. I found it with the Xiaomi Pad 6 but now months later, the company has come out with a bigger, better version — the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4.

Unboxing the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 and its accessories

Like the tablet that preceded it, the 6S Pro came with a generous accompaniment of accessories. Other than the tablet itself, there’s the Cover, Touchpad Keyboard, and the Focus Pen.

Watch the unboxing below.

@gadgetmatch

This is our favorite Android tablet right now! #XiaomiPad6SPro #Xiaomi

♬ original sound – GadgetMatch – GadgetMatch

Pros and cons of going bigger

The first, most recognizable difference between the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 and the Xiaomi Pad 6 is the size. The 6S Pro comes in at, as the name suggests, 12.4 inches while the 6 offers 11 inches of screen.

That may not seem like a lot on paper, but I assure you, the extra 1.2 inch makes a huge difference in practice.

For one, the 6S Pro just doesn’t fit in the Xiaomi Sling I was merrily walking around with. Thankfully, I have since acquired a bag small enough to carry around for half to full day affairs, but big enough to fit my usual 13-inch laptop. That means it also easily fits the 6S Pro along with all of its accessories for a lighter load out.

The extra size also means it’s mostly better to use on a desk vs carrying on hand. I can count in one hand the number of times I opted to hold the tablet instead of just propping it up on some surface somewhere.

While I’ve found a solution, I still count the mini-laptop-like size as a con especially if you’re really eyeing something that you can already use with your existing smaller bags.

The size of the screen though, makes it great as both a main screen or secondary screen. On days that I would work from home, I usually have the 6S Pro to my left, running episodes of Arrow as I go through the day’s work. Meanwhile, when I’m out and about, it makes for a more than big enough screen to handle tasks like some quick writing and email correspondence.

Better in many ways

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the 6S Pro is as powerful as flagship smartphones that came out late 2023 to early 2024. It’s as good as it gets.

I feel even more at ease using the multi-screen function knowing it has the hardware to keep things running, perhaps all day. I’ve had a handful of writing sessions in this set-up, including the very article you’re reading now.

That means you should have no qualms pushing its computing power. In fact, I have to say I have criminally underutilized it over the last 10-12 days that I’ve had it.

I’ve also used the multi-screen feature when scheduling posts on our social platforms.

You can lock certain app combinations if you use them frequently.

It’s a handy function that works not just for productivity but also for more of my favorite showcase: Watching two different fancams (even if they’re of the same person), at the same time.

Media-viewing, you already know. The 3K display is absolutely stunning for media consumption. Other than X-Men 97 and Arrow episodes, I’ve used this to tune in to the NBA Playoffs in the morning. It’s the perfect white noise, desk companion.

And it’s not just the display too. The 6S Pro is equipped with 6 speakers with support for Dolby Atmos. While so many modern devices these days can say that. We can vouch that in the 6S Pro, this combination truly works wonders. If not old TV Shows, I switch over to music apps to listen to Gabe Bondoc, Jesse Barrera, BINI, TWICE, Marc Indigo, Kjwan,or whatever it is I’m in the mood for.

The top-of-the-line chip along with the 144Hz refresh rate also lends itself nicely to gaming. We only really played Honkai: Star Rail briefly but it was a fun and a little different experience on a display this large.

If you’re a content creator, this is also pretty darn good already for some light video editing. Whether that’s using the native video editor or an app like CapCut.

You can accomplish all of these tasks knowing you have a device whose 10,000mAh battery will more than keep up with you. Brought this along once on a 14-hour day and while I managed to drain it all the way to 13%, it did stay alive on a heavy-usage day. It tops up pretty quickly too thanks to its 120W HyperCharge tech.

There’s a lot you can do on the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 that I dare say it can replace a laptop for a large number of people.

About the accessories

The generous helping of accessories is also such a boon. These normally come as a bundle if you pre-order the device. And I can tell you right now, it’s totally worth it.

The Cover is a little unorthodox. Instead of the usual folio with a straightforward flapping cover, you get on that turns into somewhat of a triangular stand that sticks out. It looks odd at first but you’ll get used to it quickly especially since it lets you prop up the tablet in both portrait and landscape. Very helpful in many scenarios, especially when using apps that have no support for landscape orientation or are better off viewed vertically.

You don’t get a lot of versatility with how it tilts so that’s one thing to keep in mind. That means you get weird angles when using the pretty darn good selfie cameras when you’re in video calls.

For my part I opted to take calls while it’s propped up vertically.

The Cover also has a provision for the Focus Pen that I, admittedly, never really get to use a lot.

Although, I do plan to spend more time with the device. Hopefully I figure out more use-cases for the Pen during that time.

Lastly, there’s the Keyboard cover. Like the Cover, you don’t have a lot of freedom in terms of how it’s tilted. But that’s par for the course for most keyboard folios. But unlike most ones, this looks more like the Microsoft Surface where there’s a kickstand at the back.

The keyboard itself feels great to type on. There were days where I opted to write articles entirely on it because of the keyboard feel. It feels that good. Although it doesn’t light up so best to have a lamp at night or use it only when the lights are on. It also has an okay touchpad. Nothing too fancy but it gets the job done. The layout is so reminiscent of a regular laptop which added to the whole satisfying feeling when typing on it.

Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 specs

Display — 12.4” 144Hz 3K display, supports Dolby Vision
Processor — Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Battery — 10,000mAh, 120W HyperCharge
RAM and Storage — 8GB+256GB / 12GB+512GB
OS — Xiaomi HyperOS
Cameras — 50MP main (4K, 60 FPS video), 2MP depth, 32MP front (1080p, 30 FPS video)
Connectivity — USB 3.2 Gen 1, Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi 7
Audio — Six (6) speakers, support for Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Hi-Res wireless

Is this your GadgetMatch?

I absolutely love it when we get review devices that are easy to recommend. That’s exactly what the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4 is. Mouthful of a name with a feature set that’s just as packed. It’s a device made for many purposes. It’s a workmate, a creative companion, and a relaxation buddy all-in-one. It certainly deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

It also doesn’t hurt that it’s at a fair price point. Especially for everything it offers. I see this as a device great for anyone looking to be productive, creative, with a fair bit of balance since you can also use it to unwind with streaming apps and even gaming.

Price and availability

The Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro will be available in two variants and are priced as follows:

12+512GB — PhP 39,999
8+256GB — PhP 33,999

It comes in classic Black and White colors.

Meanwhile, the accessories are priced as follows:

Focus Pen — PhP 3,499
Touchpad Keyboard — PhP 6,499

Discounted from May 3 to 9

Naturally, these will be available at special slashed prices from May 3 to 9 on the Shopee exclusive online sale.

12+512GB — PhP 37,199
8+256GB — PhP 31,199

Buyers will get free Redmi Buds 4 Active (valued at Php 999) for every checkout of the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro.

Convenient Smart Home

I swear, Samsung’s The Freestyle spells freedom

The projector-slash-smart-TV makes you want to watch shows wherever, whenever possible

Published

May 2, 2024

MJ Jucutan

Anyone in their late 20s who just finally broken free from the asylum that raised them would know that settling for a small, tight space would be better for mental sanity.

Getting away from my parent’s clutches meant bidding goodbye to a capacious living room. There’ll be no more monstrous TV that I can watch on while I rot on the sofa bed.

You can’t have the same luxury in a 40 sqm condominium space. When you’re moving out, you have to let go some of the stuff that made you… you. But it gives you an opportunity to create a new identity, armed with the freedom of making decisions on your own.

Freestyle for those who just earned their freedom

Taylor Swift’s speech at the NYU Spring 2022 graduation ceremony resonated with me as I pack my bags and boxes.

“The scary news is: You’re on your own now. The cool news is: You’re on your own now.”

It’s scary to be on your own. No fallbacks; no safety net. But I revel in the freedom of making decisions that won’t be disapproved by my parents.

Instead of opting for the familiar rectangular TV, an unconventional projector such as Samsung The Freestyle took over my chamber.

I didn’t have to worry about mounting a TV on bare walls I haven’t decided how to decorate or setting a TV stand that would cramp my already tight space.

I’ve had my hands on it a few years back, which makes me familiar with its capabilities as a Smart TV. Now, it’s on its 2nd-generation, and this portable TV just got even better.

Learning to adjust and adapt

Samsung’s The Freestyle is easy to set up, and it’s even easier if you have a Samsung device that allows you to control everything through the SmartThings app.

While I have the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, I still managed to set everything up using my iPhone. My Samsung account, after all, is still logged in on my Safari browser. (I am deeply sorry, Samsung)

The beauty of having a Smart TV is how everything just works. It connected easily — on my WiFi, signing in my accounts, and accessing my favorite streaming apps.

It took me less than 30 minutes to set the whole thing up. From unboxing the device to figuring out the setup and finding the right angle.

It keystones automatically, which meant adjusting the screen to a perfect rectangle regardless of the angle you’re projecting on. This makes it easy to watch on a wall or on a ceiling — depending on your preference and watching behavior.

And more importantly, the remote control works even if you don’t point directly to the device. I tried pointing it at the screen and on a different wall, and the Freestyle just works flawlessly — even its voice assistants such as Samsung’s Bixby.

Whatever situation it finds itself in, the Freestyle just knows how to adapt and give you the best experience. I’m still learning to do the same.

Drawn to a whole new world

The first thing I did was watch my comfort anime, One Piece, and feel free like a kid again. The picture quality — whether on daytime or at night — is superb, vivid, and crisp.

Even at the scorching noon time reaching a heat index of almost 50-degrees Celsius, the sunlight is no match for the Freestyle’s projected screen. It’s like looking at a phone screen with almost 3000-nits peak brightness.

Netflix has just added the Enies Lobby arc, which is the storyline that made me fall in love with the anime. Having no friends growing up like Nico Robin makes me burst into tears every time I re-watch the scene where she screamed wanting to be live and be saved.

It didn’t help that the built-in speaker projects a 360-degree sound making me feel as if Nico Robin is screaming within my apartment.

To refresh my tears and regulate my emotions, I shifted to watching my favorite Disney movies since I just came back from Hong Kong Disneyland, and the magic’s still inside me.

I relieved my memories by playing my favorite films such as Aladdin, Frozen, Tangled, and Little Mermaid. Singing to my childhood songs made it magical, and the Freestyle just makes the experience spectacular.

Since the Freestyle can be connected via Bluetooth and/or HDMI to another sound system, I linked it to my JBL PartyBox Encore Essential, which immersed me and my whole space — making me feel like I’m back in Disneyland.

Of course, I almost burst into tears again.

To endless possibilities

I had a lot of fun using the Freestyle. Sometimes, I’d stand in front of the projector while playing some of Ariana Grande’s music videos, acting as if I’m starring in my own music video. Honestly, there are plenty of ways to experience and enjoy the Freestyle.

It’s portable, lightweight, and I bet it would make a great tool for traveling — especially on camping and road trips. I haven’t found ways to do that since I’m preoccupied with moving in and out of my new home.

Looking back, I would have loved to own the Serif as I dream of decorating my own space with my own aesthetic. But the sudden life change didn’t give me the space and the budget to make me build my dream space.

Nevertheless, it came with an unconventional solution. One that gave me endless possibilities as I try to explore who I am becoming. The Freestyle suits those with creative minds; it’s just as versatile as I am. Simply plug it in and find the right angle to experience a new way to watch your favorite content.

Maybe we don’t get what we want, but the universe will always give us what we need at the moment. Everything is still in perfect alignment. That’s my conclusion from the whole ordeal with the moving out process and having to only take the Freestyle with me in my new space.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

I’m a big fan of Samsung’s Lifestyle TVs. Most of the time, they’re unconventional and fits a certain aesthetic and — of course — lifestyle.

Samsung The Freestyle fits those who are in love with freedom, wanting to watch their favorite shows in YouTube, Netflix, or Disney+ whenever, wherever possible. It’s a smart projector and TV in one that won’t require you to use your last three brain cells, because it just works.

Samsung The Freestyle (2nd Gen) is currently available at an introductory price of PhP 34,999. Its predecessor retailed for PhP 48,999.