Reviews

Huawei P50 Pro review: 5 topnotch cameras, 5 drawbacks

Using a Huawei smartphone in 2022 doesn’t seem bad at all

Published

January 28, 2022

Vincenz

Huawei was already at the peak of their popularity — not until the US vs China feud happened. Three years later, the Chinese tech giant hasn’t given up on the global smartphone market race.

The Huawei P50 and P50 Pro were teased last June 2021 and got announced in China a month after. After six more months, they finally made their latest flagship available to the rest of the world — Singapore and the Philippines included.

I’m keen on using their newest P-series smartphone as the last Huawei phone I tried was the Mate 30 Pro from 2019. But does this phone deserve the credit for being called a “legend reborn”? Did it actually get better over those years of despair and doubts? Read my honest thoughts below.

In a nutshell

This in-depth review is divided in four (4) parts. You can skip ahead and scroll down depending on what you’re curious about:

Topnotch cameras
More great stuff
The drawbacks
Is the Huawei P50 Pro your GadgetMatch?

For the spec-obsessed, here’s a rundown of the P50 Pro’s internals between the Chinese and Global version:

	P50 Pro (China)	P50 Pro (Global)
Display	6.6” 120Hz OLED	6.6” 120Hz OLED
Processor	Kirin 9000 5G 5nm chipset	Snapdragon 888 4G 5nm chipset
Memory	8/12GB	8GB
Storage	128/256/512GB	256GB
Battery	4360mAh 66W Wired SuperCharge 50W Wireless SuperCharge	4360mAh 66W Wired SuperCharge 50W Wireless SuperCharge
Operating System	HarmonyOS 2.0	EMUI 12 (Android 11)
Colors	Black, Gold, White, Pink, Blue	Golden Black, Cocoa Gold

Topnotch cameras

I’d like to talk about its cameras first since its the main highlight of this flagship.

For conscious mobile photographers, the Huawei P50 Pro consists of five cameras: four at the back and one in front.

50MP f/1.8 wide (PDAF, Laser AF, OIS)
13MP f/2.2 ultra-wide
64MP f/3.5 periscope telephoto (PDAF + OIS)
- 3.5x optical zoom
- 100x digital zoom
40MP f/1.6 B&W sensor
13MP f/2.4 front camera

If you look closely, you’ll find the lens and its sensors all along that monstrous dual-circle camera layout. Fortunately, the LEICA partnership is still here.

Consistency is key

Auto: Ultra-wide | Wide | 3.5x zoom

Unlike flagship smartphones I’ve reviewed in the past, the cameras of the Huawei P50 Pro are pretty consistent across the board.

Auto: Ultra-wide | Wide | 3.5x zoom

Whether you use ultra-wide, wide, or the periscope telephoto lens during day time, it will provide you great results with little to no adjustments in color and contrast.

Auto: Ultra-wide | Wide

In the example above, both the ultra-wide and wide lenses performed like it came from a single sensor with the right amount of highlights and shadows. Even the AWB (Auto White Balance) looked similar. Other phone brands aren’t consistent with how they process their images despite having great camera sensors and chipsets.

Night mode: Ultra-wide | Wide | 3.5x zoom

Surprisingly, all lenses performed coherently even at night. The vast camera array of the P50 Pro proved to be topnotch with that consistent look.

Night mode: Wide | 3.5x zoom

And yes, that bokeh effect works on closer subjects (like that cute stray cat) even when it’s already past golden hour.

Night mode: Ultra-wide | Wide

There are times where zooming out gets a better overall shot. Shooting the greenery through ultra-wide night mode actually helped in emphasizing the scenery better than what the main lens produced.

Auto: Wide | 3.5x zoom

Sometimes, you don’t even need to shoot with night mode on to get desirable results. For instance, this indoor shot was taken just via Auto Mode. Both the wide and telephoto shots still looked good and consistent.

The main star of the show

Using the main (wide) angle lens should be enough for most occasions. Whether it’s for food, places, or portraits, the P50 Pro delivers well.

Even when they’re not taken using Portrait mode, the amount of subject-object segmentation is clear especially with that creamylicious bokeh at the back.

For an even wider view

I prefer using the ultra-wide lens mostly in perspective and landmark (pun intended) shots.

By framing the shot first before hitting the camera shutter button, the P50 Pro will surely produce great shots that doesn’t need any adjustments prior posting on social media.

Zooming in is my very best friend

Admittedly, I’ve used the P50 Pro’s periscope telephoto lens more than the wide lens for most subjects.

In hard-to-reach areas such as buildings and structures (architecture), I prefer zooming in and see what’s the best frame before capturing one.

It’s also very useful in scenarios that require rapid movement such as flying birds, as well as trees, grasses, and flowers getting hit by the breezy wind.

Most of the food shots I took were also captured using the zoom lens more than its wider counterpart.

The more I zoom in, the more I can focus on the intricate details of the food. It’s also helpful in hiding the phone’s annoying shadow when taking a photo through the main lens.

I’m a real sucker for golden hour shots. Even with just auto mode, the P50 Pro was able to capture these scenes just like how I see them in person. Truly astonishing.

Cafés at night also looked more warm and cozy just by pinching in onto the composition and focus on the shop’s decor instead of capturing the usual full façade.

Finally, the P50 Pro truly stunned me when I was able to take a clear shot of the moon — both in 30x and 100x. Even though it was digitally zoomed and the camera preview looked messed up, its AI algorithm produced such detailed moon shots even with just using Auto mode. No need to buy a telescope just to capture the whole full moon view.

Night mode saves the day?

While we’re already on the topic of night photography, I just also want to hype up Huawei’s Night Mode feature.

That heading might sound stupid but in situations where abundant source of light is missing, the Huawei P50 Pro was still able to process and display dark shots into something beyond the naked eye.

While true-to-life shots are what we want, activating night mode especially after sunset and in pitch dark areas are recommended for better night shot output.

I actually haven’t used any tripod nor any accessory in shooting those stars. All you need is to breathe, stay calm, be firm, and let the less than a second processing of the P50 Pro do its night mode magic for you.

Et voilà! With the right amount of passion and patience, you can also take great night time photos if ever you’re planning to buy this smartphone.

Fast AF

It can either mean “auto focus” or “as f***”. Whichever came to mind, I just want to point out that its Phase-Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) system, Laser AF, and OIS work wonders!

Whenever I ride my bicycle or sit at the back of a tricycle, the P50 Pro doesn’t miss a focused frame. This also adds a motion effect while the subject in-focus is still focused.

Even your pets in motion can be captured in an instant with its quick shutter release. Mind you, it works in both wide and zoomed modes.

Too warm? Or just right?

We all have our preferences in photos. Sometimes, I just feel like the P50 Pro produces warmer shots than what I see in reality.

But sometimes, having a warmer tone in photos adds more life to them.

AI (sometimes) hate you

Night mode ON | OFF

Or maybe I was just right all along. The P50 Pro tends to produce warmer shots whenever night mode is turned on.

AI mode: ON | OFF

The same goes when AI is turned on while trying to capture food photos.

AI mode ON | OFF

Whether it’s the green salad or these ensaymada buns, the P50 Pro’s AI algorithm over-enhances photos compared to what I see in real life.

Night mode OFF | ON

Night mode also brightens up photos a bit too much. When I know it’s too much, I turn off night and AI mode completely.

When in doubt, just use Black and White

If you want to add more drama to your shots, the B/W sensor of the P50 Pro can result to well-toned monochrome shots.

Two lens modes for the price of one

Unlike the past P-series flagships, the P50 Pro only has one selfie camera placed at the center instead of the usual upper left side.

Aside from the regular angle lens, you get an even wider view at 0.5x for better groufies.

This became very helpful especially during this time where we’re all required to comply with social distancing for the safety of everyone.

Selfie: 0.5x | 1x

And even though I look empty in these selfies, it amazes me that the P50 Pro’s front camera can shoot an ultra-wide angle selfie.

More great stuff

1. Eleganza extravaganza

The Huawei P50 Pro screams elegance and sophistication. From its shiny back and metal railing, it looks and feels like any other premium flagship.

The colorway that I have is the Cocoa Gold. But when you actually see it in person, it looks more silver-y with some hints of bronze. It’s hard to explain but I feel my photos did the phone’s color some justice anyway.

The most eye-catching feature for me isn’t actually the color, rather the camera cutout itself. Looking back at the Huawei P9 with its dual-camera design, Huawei made a “legend reborn” with the P50 Pro by having what they call the “Dual-Matrix” camera design.

While most of you might not be a fan of it (some of my friends even pointed out it looks like a washing machine and dryer combo), I’m a fan of its form that goes hand-in-hand with the overall ergonomics of the phone.

Holding the phone one-handed isn’t a sore at all!

Whenever I hold it, it feels surprisingly light but with the right amount of heft. Whether I use it for calls, chats, social media, shooting photos, and even playing games, the phone is comfortable to hold.

2. Astounding audiovisual experience

Probably one of the biggest features of the P50 Pro is its 6.68-inch OLED display with a punch-hole cutout. Let us remember that the Huawei nova 4 was one of the first smartphones to introduce the display tech.

If you remember the P40 Pro from 2020, it had a dual notch at the left side. Now, Huawei has also decided to move it into the center just like Xiaomi did with their recent 11T and 12 series. Its refresh rate was also bumped up from 90Hz to a 120Hz panel for a smoother and snappier UI navigation.

Napaka-ganda ni Wonyoung sa true lang

K-Pop music videos are known for their bright and color-popping visuals. Thanks to the display’s 1B colors, the P50 Pro was able to show colors that my IPS monitor cannot even produce.

It’s mandatory for K-Dramas to have rain scenes — and Kook Yeon-su isn’t exempted

I was even able to watch Netflix’s 그 해 우리는 (Our Beloved Summer) in its full glory. How? I’ll explain more later.

We don’t talk about Bruno. We talk about Isabel’s perfection

Was even able to play a 4K HDR copy of Disney’s Encanto. The moment I played it, that’s when I realized the P50 Pro has one of the most immersive and true-to-life smartphone displays out there.

That one song that makes me feel in-love even if I’m not

Its stereo speakers are also loud enough with a decent amount of bass and treble. TMI but it’s the perfect device companion whenever I take a shower so I can sing while the music is playing. And if you’re worried about accidental splashes and submersion, it has IP68 water and dust rating too.

3. Once an Android, still an Android

While the new HarmonyOS 2.0 is making waves in China, Huawei still decided to ship the global version with EMUI 12 based on Android 11. If you’ve grown into Huawei’s custom Android skin, this wouldn’t be a problem. I even enjoyed navigating through the phone’s UI even if I’m accustomed to Apple’s iOS.

With the presence of the Huawei AppGallery, I was able to download most apps I use in my other phones: Telegram, Viu, 9, Lazada, Shopee, GCash, and other local banking apps.

If you’re still worried about other apps that are not found in the AppGallery, there’s also APKPure integration. That’s what I used to download APK versions popular streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Apple Music, Spotify, and more.

Shenter Xiaoting will always have a place in my heart 🥺

If you’re worried about missing your social media apps, don’t worry as you can also install Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Slack, Discord, among others.

I was even able to download Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile with ease. If you’re worried about updates, installing the APKPure app will notify you just like Google’s Play Store.

4. Speedy performance

After installing those graphics-intensive games, I immediately tested how the P50 Pro performs. As we all expect, Snapdragon 888 performed great. There’s even a dedicated Game Booster tab whenever you open a game so you can turn off unwanted notifications and take screenshots or screen recordings at ease.

Asphalt 9 is always the best racing game to test out in any smartphone — though it’s a different case if you own Forza Horizon 5 and are subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Although Genshin Impact was stuck with medium settings, playing it still felt smoother and more responsive. And if you wish to bump up the graphics quality, you’ll just end up overclocking the smartphone — which you don’t want to do since this is a device with a chipset that isn’t user-replaceable (unlike PC rigs that can be replaced when the overclocked chipset breaks).

For people who continuously whine about Snapdragon 888’s overheating issues, sorry to break it to you but I didn’t experience any significant heating or lagging issues when I played these games.

5. Small yet long-lasting battery

With just a 4360mAh battery, most of you wouldn’t expect a full-day of battery life with moderate usage but my experience begs to differ.

One of Kim Doki’s best acts in Taxi Driver — and I’m not complainin’

I was able to binge-watch three episodes of 모범택시 (Taxi Driver) in Netflix continuously from 35% before the phone died. If I’ll do the math for you, that was more than three (3) hours worth of video playback.

If that isn’t believable enough, I also went out with this phone to take a lot of sample photos plus some social media updating in-between. Believe it or not, it only managed to consume 15% of its overall percentage. This is also safe to say that the 4G-only Snapdragon 888 was efficient to save battery life in times where you don’t play hard on it.

The drawbacks

1. 2021 flagship with a 2019 back

Despite loving its dual-matrix camera design, I’m not a total fan of this finish. While there’s an included silicon case in its packaging, dust and smears still accumulate over time.

I haven’t even started yet but it’s difficult to clean its back when I did beauty and usage shots for this device — even when I used a soft microfiber cloth for it. I’d rather have a “boring” matte back over a shiny back that’s ultra-glossy and smudgy that made waves until 2019.

2. Not all curves are pretty

I used to love curved smartphone displays way back when Samsung announced the Galaxy S6 Edge in 2015. But after realizing it’s more of an aesthetic rather than function, it became more of a “gimmick” for me.

I don’t think having a curved display means “premium” especially when most phone brands slowly transitioned their flagship smartphones back to flat displays for durability and better display legibility.

Surprisingly, the P50 Pro’s embargo lift shared the same day as Sheon’s birthday from Billlie 🥳

During those instances where you’re surrounded with uncontrollable bright lights, those make the curved display more prominent. It may be immersive for some, but it’s distracting for me. It’s also just more expensive to get repaired if ever it gets knocked down on the floor and shattered.

And should I also mention that its in-display fingerprint scanner sometimes require multiple presses in order to get recognized?

3. Where’s 5G?

I know you’re wondering and it isn’t a typo. The P50 Pro is equipped with a flagship-grade Snapdragon 888 — but only with 4G.

The China-exclusive P50 units were shipped with Kirin 9000 — which is a 5nm 5G chip that made its debut through 2020’s Mate 40 Pro. If you’ve been keeping track of the Huawei saga for the past few years, Qualcomm has offered only 4G chips for Huawei, not those with 5G in it.

With the ongoing global chip shortage that also affected major players such as Apple, Sony, and Intel (and could last until 2023), it’s quite understandable for Huawei to reserve the Kirin chips in their homeland.

But admit it or not, most of us want a smartphone that could last up to three to five years. By then, 5G has drastically improved. And as someone who has experienced the instantaneous speeds of 5G and how it helped me do tasks faster such as downloading heavy files for editing or playing intensive games whenever I’m outside, the P50 Pro lacking 5G support is a dealbreaker for me.

Considering its competitive price tag in an already highly-competitive smartphone market full of 5G midrangers and flagships, this is where Huawei might able to make or break a customer’s satisfaction.

4. Super fast charging? Only with Huawei

To fully maximize Huawei’s super fast charging feature, you only need to use its bundled 66W SuperCharge adapter and USB-C to USB-A cable. I know they’re not the only one as Chinese manufacturers such as Xiaomi and vivo also do the same for their phones. But hey, the good thing is the chargers are still bundled!

Not that third-party chargers and cables won’t totally work, they’ll just charge the P50 Pro slower than what’s advertised. So if you have a large GaN charger and fast USB-C to USB-C cables like I do, forget it. The Huawei P50 Pro will still treat that as a normal 25W charger.

Here are the charging results using the 66W charging brick:

3 minutes = 4%
5 minutes = 10%
10 minutes = 25%
15 minutes = 38%
25 minutes = 55%
30 minutes = 67%
45 minutes = 92%
50 minutes = 98%
55 minutes = 100%

Whereas the third-party chargers and cables took longer as expected for about more than 65~70 minutes as Huawei limits the fast charging capabilities using other accessories.

5. Still, the lack of Google

While it may not be a problem for others, the lack of Google Mobile Services (GMS) is still a problem for most.

As someone who relies on Google apps often such as YouTube, Gmail, Meet, and Drive, it’s hard to justify buying this phone if the user wants the best of everything with Google in it. There is and will always be other Android smartphones out there with Google Mobile Services.

Luckily, there’s an app that could temporarily fix this issue. By installing GSpace from Huawei’s AppGallery, it will be able to open apps that rely on GMS. Albeit, you have to withstand another layer of pop-up ads before you can use an app — unless you pay for a premium and remove ads for life.

With it, I was able to open and play videos on YouTube, glance at emails on Gmail, upload photos to Drive, and even color-grade photos in VSCO. Just expect casual app crashes in-between.

And with GMS in mind, one more rant is that EMUI doesn’t show music controls on the lock and control center if you play from third-party apps such as Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Spotify — unless it’s played by Huawei’s native Music app.

Is the Huawei P50 Pro your GadgetMatch?

If you’re that eager to own a smartphone with a superior set of cameras, astounding display and speakers, slim and lightweight design, flagship-grade performance with an efficient battery life, the P50 Pro is no doubt the best option for you. But if the lack of GMS, 5G, and other considerable drawbacks affect your purchasing decision, owning a Huawei smartphone simply isn’t for you.

For now, the Huawei P50 Pro has one of (if not the) best cameras in a smartphone today. This might be a bold statement but the P50 Pro can even beat last year’s Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra in terms of camera prowess. But remember, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is just around the corner so we have to wait before we can tell which smartphone has the best cameras in this specific quarter.

The Huawei P50 Pro is currently available in Europe for EUR 1199 (approximately US$ 1337, SG$ 1810, PhP 68,503). Stay tuned for the official Singaporean and Philippine pricing as they will be announced soon.

UPDATE 1: Huawei P50 Pro’s SRP (Suggested Retail Pricing) in the Philippines is actually cheaper at PhP 52,999 and comes with a free Huawei Freebuds Pro (worth PhP 7,999) if you purchase from February 4 to 10, 2022.

UPDATE 2: In Singapore, the Huawei P50 Pro retails for SG$ 1548. The phone is currently being sold in several retailers like Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Gain City, iShopChangi, Lazada, and Shopee. It’s also available in carriers such as M1, Starhub, and Singtel,

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.

Reviews

OnePlus 12R review: Making sense of OnePlus’ latest flagship

Smooth beyond belief, but is it worth the upgrade?

Published

April 29, 2024

Levi Verora Jr

OnePlus has been fairly consistent when it comes to their positioning. Historically, the brand has offered flagship-level smartphones for a more affordable price point compared to its chief competitors. The OnePlus 11, for instance, did great overall, with just minimal misses here and there.

Now, the brand is back with the OnePlus 12R. It’s technically the “lite” or base model of the latest numbered series, but promises the same smooth, flagship-caliber experience. Users loyal to the OnePlus brand might think, is it time to upgrade? Conversely, is it worthy of a non-OnePlus regular’s consideration?

OnePlus 12R specs

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14
16GB RAM
256GB internal storage
6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 94.2% screen-to-body ratio
120Hz dynamic refresh rate, up to 1000Hz touch response rate
5,500mAh battery
100W SUPERVOOC charge

Appearance, feel: Still needs improvements

It’s good that the OnePlus 12R’s volume keys are now on the right. It makes it easier to adjust the volume when held with just one hand.

The alert slider is on the left, and the selfie camera punch hole is in the middle. Other than that, there aren’t many changes. The rear cameras look exactly the same from the OnePlus 11 series.

I wish OnePlus solved the slippery problem too. Although the unit we reviewed had a matte black finish, it was still slippery to hold. I’m sure most users have this habit of putting their phones on their laps from time to time. I wouldn’t recommend doing that with this particular model.

It will fall 100% of the time. Furthermore, it doesn’t help that there is no case to at least reinforce the grip. I was extra cautious every time I held the phone, because it just didn’t give me that assurance I was looking for.

Display, audio: Immersive, punchy

Moving on, the device’s display is bright as it gets. You will see content with a more natural tone. Details are vivid and crisp, and are retained even in bright and dark spots. Even when you zoom in on a 2160p video being played, you are guaranteed clear and accurate images. Moreover, I didn’t experience any eye strain while doing a handful of stuff on the phone. That’s always a great sign, but is expected of more expensive phones nowadays.

On the audio side, the dual speakers provide you with an immersive feel. The sound comes out loud and punchy. They’re also placed appropriately. Even when you hold the phone horizontally for streaming or gaming, chances are you won’t block the speakers with your fingers.

Performance, browsing, gaming: Smooth AF

Performance wise, the OnePlus 12R is good as advertised. You will feel the smoothness right away when scrolling, switching between one app to the other, and more. This annoying thing that happens with Android phones lately where the keyboard just suddenly hangs on your screen didn’t occur once with the OnePlus 12R.

I also played Marvel Super War, easily one of the most demanding MOBA titles out there. The phone did not get hot even after a lengthy session at high graphics settings. That’s where the upgraded RAM capacity kicks in. But I feel it’s something the OnePlus 11 can also do, so it isn’t downright special.

I love the larger battery on the OnePlus 12R. It easily lasts a whole day on average usage. You’ll need just about 40 minutes to charge it from 15% back to full. When not in use, it will spend probably just 1% to 2% battery overnight on standby.

OnePlus 12R cameras: Hit and miss

50MP f/1.8 Sony IMX890 main camera
8MP f/2.2 ultra-wide camera
2MP macro camera
16MP selfie camera

Although OnePlus has a partnership with Hasselblad, the OnePlus 12R particularly uses a Sony IMX890 sensor for its main camera. It delivers fairly well for what is expected of a OnePlus camera. Color reproduction is very… well, OnePlus (you’ll understand if you’ve been using OnePlus devices in the past).

The tone is more on the redder, browner, and slightly more saturated side, which is ideal for food and landscapes. You’ll definitely capture the vibe of places and entice viewers with your food photos. This is without needing to post-process the color temperature or add filters.

The main camera does its job. It retains good detail even in captures against the light, thanks to its high dynamic range. It does well to fend off the sun’s rays or unwanted glares, and blend it with the photos you take.

You will get crisp and vivid photos by default, but detail loss will begin to be felt at 2x zoom and beyond. But it’s not like that’s super noticeable from your phone’s screen.

What I appreciate is the adjustable depth of field after portrait shots, for you to be able to match the background’s blur or bokeh effect properly with the subject. Speaking of, I underwent a trial and error phase under portrait mode. Some snaps came out out of focus, even if the indicator said “ready.”

But I reckon it’s not a perfect process, so I just adjusted on the fly. However, I did expect a lot more assistance from the camera especially since there’s some AI processing that comes with the algorithms. There were also times where the blurred effect at f/1.4 was too exaggerated, as if it’s cartoonized. On the positive side, there’s not much segmentation error and the transition from focused to blurred parts is generally smooth. But it would be tricky for users who aren’t too meticulous adjusting settings and would just rather point and shoot.

Other than that, I enjoyed shooting cityscapes and landscapes with the 8MP ultra-wide lens. There’s just a “correct” feel to it and it covers what you intended to do properly. The 2MP macro lens is extraneous at this point, since the main camera does pretty well for close ups of food and other subjects. I wouldn’t have hurt for OnePlus to include a periscope lens or an extra portrait sensor, considering its price point. As for filming, the camera package also has OIS and EIS support, and taking videos at 1080p @ 60fps had no hiccups on my end.

In front, the selfie camera delivers the same, “realistic” results as its predecessor. This may both be a good and bad thing for those who want smoother selfies instead of having their pores or eyebags come out too sharp. Personally, I prefer some smoothness with selfies, but a little retouching won’t hurt. You do you.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

As I’ve mentioned, OnePlus is consistent with how they approach the market. Loyal OnePlus user? You may feel this is an upgrade if you’ve been using a handset from two to three generations prior. Trying something new to break the iPhone-Galaxy S series duopoly? Go ahead, there’s no harm trying.

The OnePlus 12R is smooth, without a doubt, if that’s what you’re looking for. The camera package delivers the same signature performance expected of the brand. On paper, there are a lot of improvements. But is it worth it? It’s tough to say yes resoundingly.

If you happen to own a OnePlus 10 or 11, the differences in overall usage are minute. If you’re ready to spend PhP 40,000 or more, there are a lot of options that come with more cameras or put focus on gaming. Alternatively, if you want to save, there are also capable flagship killers in the market for a lot less. Moreover, other top brands’ flagships — base model or better — are selling for a lot less these days.

That makes the release of this particular variant from the series a little confusing or questionable at this point. Perhaps, it would have been better if OnePlus waited a bit more and dropped a banger of a latest flagship line with a lot more features and enhancements. I’m trying to make sense of it, but for now, it’s best to wait.

The OnePlus 12R retails for PhP 43,990 in the Philippines.

SHP: https://bit.ly/OnePlus-12R-Shopee
LAZ: https://bit.ly/Oneplus12R
Kiosks and partner Stores: http://bit.ly/3O9q76V