Features

Huawei Nova 5T vs Samsung Galaxy A50s: Midrange heavy hitters

Which one’s for you?

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We’re entering the fourth quarter of the year and that means there’s a second wave of smartphones that are ready for your purchase just ahead of the holiday rush. Two of those are these heavy-hitting midrangers: the Huawei Nova 5T and the Samsung Galaxy A50s.

Before we go on any further, take a look at how the two stack up on paper.

There’s a fair number of similarities and differences and we’ll try to break them down for you one by one.

Display and UI

The differences in the display are almost negligible. Whether you’re indoors or underneath bright sunlight, the displays of both the Nova 5T and the Galaxy A50s are more than adequate.

As it is right now, the EMUI version on the Nova 5T currently doesn’t have a night mode even if you enable developer options. Which is why we can’t wait for EMUI 10 to arrive on this phone as an update. The new and improved UI should take the Nova 5T to another level.

In terms of bells and whistles on EMUI and ONE UI, this one ultimately comes down to preference. We have a whole other output in mind for different Android UIs but that’s a topic for another day.

We’ve transitioned to using full screen gestures and really like EMUI’s implementation better. It’s a lot closer to Android 10. You can swipe from either side to go back, swipe up one to go to the home screen, and hold and swipe up for recent apps. The one on the ONE UI is closer to Android 9 in that it just essentially hides the navigation bar and asks you to swipe up from where the recent apps, home, and back buttons used to be.

Processor and performance

This where the Nova 5T looks so much better at first glance. It’s literally carrying the internals of the P30 Pro — that’s Huawei’s flagship for the first half of the year. And that chip is no joke. It literally can handle anything you throw at it.

However, the Exynos 9611on the Galaxy A50s is no slouch either. We noticed some slow down — which has addressed via a software update — of the Exynos 9610 on the Galaxy A50. But we’re inclined to believe the same thing won’t happen to the Galaxy A50s. This chip is flagship grade and can more than hold its own.

We tried a few games on both devices and the Nova 5T was ahead by a hair. The Nova 5T seemed to launch some games a few milliseconds faster. Titles like Honkai Impact 3 and Asphalt 9 ran smoothly. Curiously, the Galaxy A50s edged the Nova 5T in launching PUBG mobile. But again, only by a few milliseconds. Mobile Legends isn’t a particularly difficult game to run so both phones had no trouble running it.

For other regular tasks, these midrangers are more than capable of handling them. We even watched a VLIVE on both phones with the video player floating on top of Twitter and the apps ran flawlessly.

Multi-camera showdown

We didn’t have enough time to dig too deep into all of the cameras. We’ll reserve that for a more detailed look in a separate camera shootout.

But to give initial impressions, the few shots we’ve taken so far suggest that the Nova 5T captures more detail with its main cameras. This is especially true with the wide angle camera which we find more useful than the telephoto lens.

Selfies are about the same and will mostly be decided by the software’s post-processing. Again, watch out for the upcoming camera shootout to really scrutinize images.

 

Design and other features

We’ve talked about the Nova 5T’s design identity and it appears Huawei put more thought into it than Samsung did with the Galaxy A50s. While both phones strived for a standout look, the Nova 5T’s approach — especially with the Midsummer Purple variant — appear more deliberate in targeting those that truly value self-expression.

The Samsung Galaxy A50s is made of plastic which helps push costs down but the Huawei Nova 5T is able to do this despite sticking to a metal body.

The Nova 5T doesn’t have the heft you feel from some premium phones, but we can argue that it’s a good thing. Nobody wants to carry around a heavy phone for no apparent reason.

The Huawei Nova 5T goes for a 3D back and one that builds upon the changing colors that it has been known for. In this regard, Huawei has distinguished itself, pioneering this kind of look. The Galaxy A50s has a curious shattered glass like design that we’ve seen before from OPPO.

This ultimately will go down to what speaks to you aesthetically. But we’re giving Huawei some plus points for sticking to its identity.

Both phones also have a fingerprint unlock system. On paper, the Galaxy A50s looks more advance with its in-display sensor. However, in practice, the fingerprint sensor on the Nova 5T situated on the power button is way faster and makes a lot of sense ergonomically.

You can unlock your phone whether the display is upright or facing down. That’s convenience at its finest.

Which one is your GadgetMatch? 

The Huawei Nova 5T and Samsung Galaxy A50s have very little difference in terms of overall performance.

The Galaxy A50s has battery life and the dying headphone jack going for it, but the Nova 5T more than makes for it in other departments. It has more RAM (8GB vs 6GB), can potentially do more with its quad-cameras, takes better low-light selfies, and charges faster thanks to SuperCharge. Huawei’s 22.5W SuperCharge system can take you from zero to 50 percent in just 30 minutes. It’s fast and efficient.

The decision might come down to aesthetics and comfortability with the UI. You’re gonna have to pick as well which notch you prefer — you have the Infinity-U on the Galaxy A50s and a punch-hole that sits on the top left side on the Nova 5T.

Whichever one you choose, know that you’re getting a phone that can more than keep up with all your tasks, social media usage, gaming and look good while it’s at it.


This feature was produced in collaboration between GadgetMatch and Huawei Philippines.

Accessories

Here are two Fancy iPhone 14 cases for the Full-on Fab

Moshi never disappoints!

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Already rocking the new iPhone 14 series but looking for cases that are fab and fancy? Well, Moshi is here to save you!

As of this writing, it’s Pride Month — and GadgetMatch is celebrating all genders in the spectrum.

These cases are perfect regardless of how you identify yourself. And even if you’re a guy, you could rock these too.

Heck it’s 2023! Stop putting stereotypes on case designs and colors. Be confident and BE YOU!

Swift unboxing

While Moshi’s set of accessories aren’t limited to the new iPhone 14 series, what we have here are cases that are specially-meant for the new iPhones.

With its clear packaging, you can clearly see the case details including the leather texture as well as the golden touch of its logo.

Right out of the box, it already entices you with its 10-year warranty.

Unlike the previous Moshi iPhone 13 case collection I’ve held last year, the new Moshi cases for the iPhone 14 series now have MagSafe built-in instead of their in-house SnapTo technology which is limited to Moshi cases and accessories only.

For product authenticity, no need to worry as these have ready-to-scratch seals for serial code activation. All you have to do is to grab your iPhone, open the camera app, scan the QR code, and fill-in your necessary details to activate the product.

And if the photos above did not satisfy you at all, here’s the unboxing of the two fab cases caught on video.

 

@gadgetmatch Shut up and take my money 😭 #iphone14 #iphonecase #moshi ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

Moshi Napa Slim in Lavender Purple

Most of you were probably looking at that golden camera cutout. Well, it’s not just painted in gold as this camera cover is an aircraft-grade aluminum for better durability when laid out flat on tables or put in rugged pockets.

And as already shown earlier, the back of the Moshi Napa Slim is crafted with a vegan premium leather for that added grip and better texture when held. Speaking of better texture, the inside of the case has a microfiber inner lining to avoid unwanted scratches when putting the phone in.

The Moshi Napa Slim case is lightweight at just 94 grams (or 0.2 pounds). Durability-wise, it features a hybrid shock-absorbing frame that resists shocks when dropped all throughout.

The power button and volume rockers are also made out of aluminum-grade aluminum for that tactile response.

Setting up a pretty lockscreen wallpaper and an #OOTD that adds complement to the case and completes that fab and fancy look.

The Moshi Napa Slim is also available in three more colors including Serene Gray, Midnight Black, and Juniper Green. The regular iPhone 14 and 14 Pro cases retail at US$ 45.95 while the bigger cases meant for the iPhone 14 Plus and Pro Max siblings sells for US$ 49.95.

Moshi Overture with Detachable Wallet in Serene Gray

On the outside, the Moshi Overture isn’t any different from its Napa Slim case sibling.

It features that strong anodized aluminum camera cover that is also raised — also for unwanted camera scratches.

The same can be said with its power and volume buttons — irresistibly tactile to the touch.

Et voilà! With MagSafe built-in onto the case itself, the wallet stand attachment perfectly snaps into place.

Like previously mentioned, this case also has a built-in wallet with up to three (3) slots for your debit, credit, and even transit cards.

And as already teased earlier, the Moshi Overture features this golden circular element when you completely cover your iPhone that blends well to its premium vegan leather skin as well as its microfiber lining and the same shock-absorbing frame.

And just like that, it looks classy and fabulous too — even if you’re a heterosexual male without an ounce of fragile masculinity 🤩

Moshi’s Overture case with Detachable Wallet is also available in a Midnight Black colorway. It retails for US$ 65.95 for the smaller-sized iPhone 14 and 14 Pro while a dollar more (US$ 66.95) for the larger iPhone 14 Plus and Pro Max variants.

SEE ALSO: There’s a Moshi bag for your every need 

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Automotive

Home away from home: Next-Gen Ford Everest makes long trips cozier

I don’t know how it gets better than this~

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Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

There’s an inexplicable poignance when you’re driving late at night, alone inside an elephantine 7-seater SUV while humming to the 10-minute version of “All Too Well”.

I took a long way home after dropping off my friends, sighing at every stoplight at 32nd Street. I was crestfallen that I was alone inside a big car, yearning for companionship and laughter. When I used to drive small cars, I didn’t have this longing but I guess it was the price to pay for being engulfed with joy after driving the Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

After all, this automobile gave me an opportunity to bridge people together. I finally had ample space for my buddies and our luggage. Everything and everyone was able to fit in comfortably — stories, laughter, happy moments, and emotional baggage included.

It gave me a weekend full of core memories to cherish and remember.

Home is where the heart is, but that’s not where mine lives

When my mates Aureil and Miguel arrived at 30th East A parking at The Fort, they were amused at how comfortable I was. I transferred between seats with bare feet; scarves and blankets thrown everywhere; bags scattered across the trunk.

What can I say? The Everest has a cozy vibe, it’s impossible not to feel comfortable as if it’s your own home.

That afternoon, there was a downpour and we were watching the raindrops splatter on the panoramic moonroof. We were sitting in the backseat, waiting for the rain to stop, killing time while we listen to folklore.

We comfortably sat in the second row which accommodates three individuals, thanks to the spacious leg- and headroom. Even if I was sitting in the middle, there was enough room despite the high-center tunnel. This wasn’t anything like the Ford Everest two years ago.

The soft-touch materials and leather-padded seats kept us warm like a brittle fire, even with the air conditioner turned on at 16 degrees Celsius.

That’s one of the first things I liked about the Next-Gen Everest Titanium+, everyone felt cozy in the homey atmosphere. We felt safe being in each other’s presence.

Even if we were traveling from East to South and up North, the long trip gave us a safe space to be comfortable in and with ourselves. Don’t you just like yourself more when you feel at home (with the right people)?

L-R: MJ, Miguel, Aureil, Jomi.

Drive out of the city, away from the crowds

I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with driving, what with the never-ending bumper-to-bumper traffic across Metro Manila — be it on inner roads, national highways, and even expressways.

When there’s an opportunity, I switch with a trusted confidante of mine like Jomi who also got a chance to drive the Next-Gen Ford Ranger early in February, so I can sit in the front passenger seat, shake my iced coffee, and look at the side mirror while taking selfies and ~helping~ with the navigation… sometimes. Long live the passenger princess and the walls we crashed through!

But there are also moments when I want to drive and make an effort for people close to my heart. Primarily when I have a refined, tech-savvy vehicle that makes everything comfortable.

Everything inside the Next-Gen Everest parades sophistication. It has the right blend of modern interiors, accented by high technology accordingly.

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

The steering wheel is incorporated with quick access buttons so you won’t have to look away just to adjust your vehicle and audio controls.

There are also several storages upfront: Bottle holders, an upper glove box, and a center glove box. As a driver with lots of unnecessary “important” stuff, having plenty of storage options give me peace of mind that whatever I need can be stored easily should I need them.

Nine out of ten, I barely needed the stuff I put in glove boxes, but it’s still a nice touch for those who really need extra space.

Just the right amount of space

Speaking of space, there’s plenty for my short legs. With an 8-way power adjustment, the front seats are easy to calibrate to get our desired seating position. This has been extremely helpful for my friend, Jomi, and I who fall below 5’4” in height and struggle with reaching the pedals.

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

The electronic gear shifter is easily accessible, too, even if we have short hands, which was also designed ergonomically for better grip. It felt like a bulky gaming mouse, reminiscent of the ones I use when playing with the ROG Strix G16.

The fully digital instrument cluster shows everything I need to know, in signs that are easy to understand and comprehend. Simply put, the Next-Gen Everest Titanium+ made me want to be the driver more than the passenger princess.

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

I’m now at a point where I’m willing to drive and bear the traffic, even if I have to travel roads as far as 70 kilometers down South and be on the road for four hours or more. (Only if I have this car.)

Wonderstruck, blushing all the way home

When we picked up my friend Kalvin in Parañaque, he was astounded by the vehicle’s convenient and innovative features.

He was mesmerized, gasping at the sight of the hands-free Power Liftgate and the power-folding function for the third-row seats, which I pressed so we can have an adequate cargo space for all our luggage and essentials.

Miguel arranged the placement of our luggage upon opening the hands-free Power Liftgate.

When we let him ride the shotgun, he was astonished by how much technology you can tinker with inside the vehicle.

It all started with the massive, 12-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system. He was ecstatic using the voice-activated controls using Wireless Apple Carplay with our iPhones, and the Android Auto Compatibility for his Samsung Galaxy S21+.

Jomi’s iPhone 13 wirelessly charging at the pad.

Then, he saw how we used wireless charging for our iPhones, and how Miguel didn’t have any power bank and used the 230V inverter in the rear center console instead.

Of course, there are 12V sockets found in the front center console, third row, and in the cargo area — which we only got to use when we had to pick up more passengers during a heavy downpour around SM Clark and my power bank couldn’t accommodate everyone’s smartphones.

We were singing in the car, getting lost upstate

We opened the panoramic moonroof to let the light and wind in.

During our drives along C5, SLEX, Skyway, NLEX, SCTEX, and other major highways, we were blasting music using the Next-Gen Everest’s 8 speakers.

When the weather conspired in our favor, we opened the moonroof to let the light and fresh air in and sang our hearts out with Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream”. Let’s run away and don’t ever look back~

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

Using Apple CarPlay, we were able to navigate the Clark Freeport Zone using Google Maps while playing on Spotify simultaneously. We felt young with no regrets, just love. (Almost 30 is still young, right?)

Remember when you hit the brakes too soon?

Perhaps, the thing that got me really excited about the Next-Gen Ford Everest is how I felt the security features and driver-assist technology. Even more-so compared to my previous rides with other Ford vehicles.

I came to the conclusion that it was the enormous veneer of the Everest Titanium+. That, coupled with my lack of expertise in maneuvering 7-seater SUVs that triggered the features made me appreciate them.

With a recent mishap using my own car during a heavy downpour and I ended up rolling down a 70-degree slope, the Next-Gen Everest’s Hill Launch Assist, Roll Over Mitigation, and Hill Descent Control gave me reassurance that the accident won’t happen again while I was behind the steering wheel.

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

The front and rear parking sensors were also working hand-in-hand to alert me when vehicles, pedestrians, and other inanimate objects are too near or getting in the way while I was on the road.

While driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic in the incorrigible Ortigas Avenue Extension where motorcyclists and street vendors pop in a flash, prompting other vehicles for a sudden brake, the Pre-Collision Assist activates when I didn’t get to step on the brakes as quickly as I could.

The vehicle would vibrate, emitting an alarm loud enough to shake you off the driver’s seat. I got saved by the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), which works when you aren’t able to respond to a potential collision.

Remember when I pulled up and said “Get in the car”~

The evasive steer assist and lane-related features helped me navigate the hellish C5 traffic at night. But I found the parking assist even more commendable.

Parking small cars is a piece of cake for me — be it parallel, diagonal, or perpendicular. The Next-Gen Everest, however, is a different case. It’s enormous, and I found it difficult to squeeze in between other colossal automobiles.

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

What astounded my friends was the activation of the Active Park Assist 2.0. The vehicle used its 360-degree camera and parks on its own with the Park Aid assist.

But of course, we have the utmost confidence in our abilities to park the Next-Gen Everest properly. We simply used the infotainment system to give an overview of whether we were alighting in perfect symmetry.

The Terrain Management System also came into play when we were driving and parking across the lahar-filled concrete and gravel parking in Alviera and around Clark Freeport Zone.

It just has everything you can ask for, and maybe more.

I just wanna stay in that lavender haze

Photo-op before we hop on a ride to participate in our Spartan BEAST (21KM+30 Obstacles) race in Alviera.

Riding the comforts of the Next-Gen Everest felt like finally finding someone whom you’ll want to clean up bottles with on New Year’s Day. It’s delicate and gorgeous at the same time — both the relationship and the experience of a shiny, new vehicle.

It lasted long enough with only less than half of the tank with over 500km ride in four days. Refueling the tank fully only happened on the fifth day as I drove back to the East.

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

Long trips used to be grueling, no matter how big a car is. But when it’s designed to look and feel like home, 500 kilometers on the road from East to South and to the North and back is just a breeze through time.

Not to mention, the exterior of the Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+ comes with a tough, aggressive facade. It doesn’t give a cozy vibe, but we have to look beyond its appearance. Sometimes, we end up liking a person when we spend some time to know them more.

I guess that’s the lesson the Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+ wants to impart: Look beyond what you see, and get the best experience you can ever feel. 7-seater SUVs aren’t that intimidating to me anymore.


Price and availability

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

The Next-Gen Ford Everest comes in many finishes and colors. These are: Absolute Black, Aluminum Metallic, Arctic White, Equinox Bronze, Meteor Gray, Sedona Orange, Snowflake White Pearl, and Blue Lightning. It starts at PhP 1,799,000 for the Everest 2.0L Turbo Trend 4×2 AT. It goes up to PhP 2,495,000 for the Everest 2.0L Bi-Turbo Titanium+ 4×4 AT variant.

For more information, visit the Ford Everest page. To reserve the Next-Gen Ford Everest through www.ford.com.ph or check your nearest Ford dealer.

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Hands-On

moto razr+ Hands-on: Flip Phone Done Right!

Or moto razr 40 ultra globally

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moto razr

Meet the newest moto razr+ — or moto razr 40 ultra globally. It has all the flagship-grade hardware in a thin and compact form.

But its biggest upgrade has got to be its new full-on cover screen — and it might just be the best one yet!

Can’t wait to see how the new razr looks and feels?

Here’s our hands-on with the new moto razr+.

If you haven’t kept track of the record, motorola released two razr flip phones globally. Those are the motorola razr back in 2019, and the motorola razr 5G in 2020.

motorola (or Lenovo) then skipped the year 2021 and brought us the motorola razr 2022 — only to be sold exclusively to China.

Fast track to 2023, motorola is coming back with a whole new flip phone for the international markets! Say hello to the 2023 motorola razr family

 

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