Hands-On
OPPO R11 hands-on and photo comparisons

A few days after it appeared on the official online store, the OPPO R11 was launched in Shenzhen, China. This is the R9s’ successor and the newest dual-camera flagship addition to the OPPO roster. Here are my thoughts after two full days with it in the bustling city.
Look and feel
The R11 is definitely a smooth and sleek machine.
Although it seems to be a bit big for my tiny girly hands (I still maintain that the size of the iPhone SE is a perfect fit to my teeny hands), this size remains to be standard, as 5.5-inch phones continue to dominate the market.
The phone feels premium with a good weight and feel. It comes in gold, rose gold, and black. We got our hands on the matte black and it looked good, and well, also looked familiar.
Front camera
OPPO has always placed extra importance on picture quality and the selfie experience. The 20-megapixel front-facing camera says a lot here.


Still built into the phone is the Beauty Mode and its software-generated Bokeh Mode, which makes it possible to achieve the shallow depth effect even with a single shooter on this side of the phone.
Rear camera
The R11 has a dual 20-megapixel and 16-megapixel rear camera setup. It’s also equipped with customized image processing software (14-bit Spectra 160 ISP) specifically designed by Qualcomm to improve its photographs.
According to OPPO, this means faster focus speeds, more vivid colors, and better low-light capabilities. I put that to the test.
Thanks to the extra lens, this camera is capable of 2X optical zoom and up to 10X zoom with software assistance, which is close to but not quite the technology unveiled at this year’s Mobile World Congress.


The R11’s rear camera has a Portrait Mode that “intelligently adjusts” depending on the scenario at hand. Initially, this function didn’t excite (I’m a do-it-yourself kinda gal, and selfies are my thing), but it exceeded my expectations.
You can do no photo wrong on this mode — unless you accidentally crop out your face while taking the photo from the rear camera (since we’re so used to selfies with the front-facing cam and display).
The mode can also work on photo subjects other than your own face, although admittedly, it was harder to focus on the correct object to get the bokeh right.
Once you do, though, the results are impressive.
Other points
The R11 is powered by a Snapdragon 660 processor with 4GB of memory and 64GB of storage that’s expandable using a microSD card. It runs on Android 7.1 Nougat skinned with OPPO’s ColorOS 3.1, which adds security for mobile payments and file transfers. Gaming is also a thing on this nifty gadget, as OPPO is the official partner of King of Glory, China’s biggest mobile game. It has a battery capacity of 3000mAh and OPPO’s VOOC fast charging. It retails for CNY 2,999 or roughly around $440.
Initial impressions
There is a lot to love from OPPO’s new release. Admittedly, it’s tough to find the next big feature and innovation in today’s high-tech world, more so from a phone that bears a striking resemblance to an already popular smartphone. But, it’s what’s inside that counts, and the R11 does perform.
For a selfie sucker such as I, who on non-coverage days insists on shooting with a smartphone as opposed to lugging around a DSLR, this may be a great smartphone solution. One too many times I’ve used a different smartphone for my portrait needs because either the front or rear camera was just not up to par.
That isn’t the case here. Everything I like about OPPO’s previous selfie shooters remains, and the Portrait mode on this phone’s rear camera is promising.
It seems the Selfie Expert is branching out, and I’m excited to see where this goes.
SEE ALSO: OPPO R11 reveals itself earlier than expected
[irp posts=”14546″ name=”OPPO F3 review and selfie comparisons”]

Accessories
The GameSir G8 Galileo is great for PS Remote Play
While we wait for the PlayStation Portal

We happen to be in a region where the PlayStation Portal has yet to be released. Good thing, PS Remote Play is available and GameSir has a controller you can hook up to your smartphone that’s readily compatible. Enter the GameSir G8 Galileo.
You might not see it right away, but the biggest difference with the G8 Galileo compared to other smartphone controllers (even the ones GameSir made themselves) is it’s actually full size.
Watch our unboxing.
@gadgetmatch Unboxing the Gamesir G8 Galileo. Best smartphone controllers right now? #gaming #mobilegaming #remoteplay #RemotePlay #remoteplayps5 #mobilecontroller #controller #controllers
Most smartphone controllers prioritize portability. Thus, they’re more compact. That means smaller face buttons, smaller thumbsticks, and generally smaller overall profile.
Usable, sure. But not exactly ideal for people with chubby hands like yours truly.
This is also one of the primary reasons why, despite owning a Backbone One, I’ve rarely used it for its intended purpose. And the reason why the PlayStation Portal is appealing to me.
The GameSir G8 Galileo changes all of that because of its size. It’s also not just larger. Its ergonomics are great too. Your hands will sit nicely on the nice, curved handles for a more comfortable, more enjoyable handheld gaming session.
PS Remote Play
Another big area of convenience is you don’t necessarily have to have the GameSir app to make it work. Simply download the PS Remote Play app, register, and fire it up.
To make sure it’s on PS Remote Play compatible mode, just press the Share and Options buttons simultaneously. Those are the tiny buttons on the left and right hand side of the controllers right above the left thumb stick and the face buttons.
Upon pressing simultaneously, make sure the color on the GameSir logo on the lower right part of the controller is white. That’s how you know it’s on PS Remote Play mode.
Once done, just easily plug-in your smartphone with a USB-C port on GameSir’s signature flexible USB-C plug and off you go.
Actual play time
Here’s a quick Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 gameplay using the GameSir G8 Galileo along with the HONOR Magic5 Pro with Remote Play:
Playing #SpiderMan2PS5 via Remote Play using an HONOR Magic5 Pro and the new @mygamesir G8 Galileo. pic.twitter.com/q6eDBYAq1E
— rodneil (@rodneilquiteles) November 30, 2023
This under a minute clip, naturally, isn’t representative of the entire Remote Play experience. Anyone who has tried it before knows that with extended play time, you’ll likely experience a few hiccups here and there. That’s just the nature of the beast.
That said, this whole set-up has been generally great. Other than Spider-Man 2, I’ve managed to play a handful of quick NBA 2K24 games like this. I still racked up a handful of wins despite suffering from occasional latency trouble.
The feel of the controller is fantastic and is easily the most enjoyable out of every other smartphone controller that I’ve tried before. And I’ve tried a few other than the Backbone One. There’s the GameSir X3, GameSir X2 Pro-Xbox, and the Razer Kishi V2.
Compatible games, mapping
Depending on the platform you’re on, the GameSir G8 Galileo will work on multiple other games. If you’re an iPhone 15 Series user, Remote Play, select Apple Arcade games, and even the AAA games set to release for that iPhone will work with this controller.
For Android users, it’s the usual handful of controller supported games that will work with this. For everything else, you’ll have to resort to mapping — a task for those with patience.
If you need more tutorials on how to get it working, just follow GameSir on Facebook or YouTube. They constantly post tutorials.
You can buy the GameSir G8 Galileo here: https://bit.ly/gsg8galileo
Use G8Creator on the Coupon Code for 10% off.

The HERO of action cameras is back! And no doubt, the GoPro HERO 12 Black is one of the hottest action cameras around.
Not only does it provide great video output, it’s also packed with features and improvements that make it stand out from the crowd.
Packed Inside and Out
If you’re already planning to purchase the new GoPro HERO 12 Black, here’s what you should expect with its thicc packaging.
View this post on Instagram
If you’re here for the nitty-gritty new features of the brand’s latest action cam, you can see all the specifics in this article.
Keep on reading for the actual hands-on experience..
Reels-Ready
With the continuous rise of Reels and/or TikToks, having to shoot vertically is the way to go.
This is where the new Vertical Framing feature comes handy as it can shoot vertical videos for you without actually turning the device — as opposed to other action cameras including its older counterparts.
Make It Even Wider
The GoPro HERO 12 Black, just like any other action camera, comes with a default lens that it’s enough to shoot wide enough footage.
But with the optional Max Lens Mod 2.0, it makes shots even wider.
You can choose between three lens views: the default Wide (16-34mm), Max SuperView (middle ground), and the Max HyperView (the extremest view).
Just remember, you can only apply these when shooting in the default horizontal orientation.
If you’re shooting for Reels or TikTok and want this super wide look, you can stick with the default FoV (Field of View) of Vertical Mode. Otherwise, you can shoot in Horizontal Mode and just rotate it during post-process (or via GoPro’s Quik app available in both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store).
Also, don’t forget to enable it in its drop-down quick settings menu. This way you can fully-maximize its full-blown super-wide angle view whenever, wherever.
Memento Making
I enjoyed using the combination of the new lens and vertical shooting of this wonder cam during the duration of my travel. And with just one press of the top button, it instantly starts recording.
Several swipes also enables it to shoot photos or record timelapses.
Terrific Thailand.mov
View this post on Instagram
Cute Capy Cafe.mp4
View this post on Instagram
Short Singapore Stop.mkv
View this post on Instagram
What’s Poppin’ in this Pop Up.hevc
View this post on Instagram
Compact Camera Companion
The GoPro HERO 12 Black is fantastic for recording and keeping travel mementos. But other than that, it’s also be good for documenting your everyday life.
The thing I love about the GoPro HERO 12 Black is that it features a built-in mount that can be flapped out within seconds.
My former action camera relies on its case before it can actually be mounted.
View this post on Instagram
Despite the continuous advancements of smartphone cameras and their video-making improvements and capabilities, the ultra-wide lenses aren’t the best performers when you’re trying to shoot videos. This is true even if you rock the latest flagship Android smartphone or even the maxed out iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The GoPro continues to exist to fulfill that vital role in shooting. Its compact form, ease of access, easy usability, and rugged-readiness are more points to consider on owning a GoPro HERO12 Black. It’s better than actually pawning your phones just to shoot UWA (ultra-wide angle) footages in the harshest conditions.
Pricing and Availability
The GoPro HERO12 Black is being sold for PhP 24,990 (US$ 399.99 / EUR 449.99 / GBP 399.99 / SG$ 580). Meanwhile, the HERO12 Black Creator Edition retails for PhP 36,990 (US$ 599.99 / EUR 679.99 / GBP 599.99 / SG$ 890).
The Max Lens Mod 2.0 is a separate purchase for PhP 7,490 (US$ 99.99). A special bundle is available for other regions. Visit GoPro.com for specific pricing and other bundle offers in your respective regions.
Hands-On
I used the Infinix ZERO 30 5G to film my workout routines
It looks too posh as a workout recorder, but it does the job!

When you don’t have a flip smartphone that’s versatile enough to help you film your workout routines, what do you look for?
An affordable smartphone with a high-resolution front camera!
Nowadays, it’s important to have an excellent selfie shooter. It can be for vanity, for helping you review your form, or you just love recording yourself while living in the moment.
Before I got my hands on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and the OPPO Find N3 Flip, I was using the Infinix ZERO 30 5G. And boy, did it help me in my fitness journey.
Let’s talk about its cameras
On its rear, the Infinix ZERO 30 5G has a triple set of cameras. A 108-megapixel main camera, a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens, and another 2-megapixel for depth.
With those numbers, on paper, the Infinix ZERO 30 5G would’ve been ideal to record my fitness journey. Except, we don’t normally film using the rear cameras.
Inside the gym, I always place the smartphone somewhere I can see it. I look at the phone recording from time to time to check my form, and to check the shooting angle.
It’s also respectful for other gym-goers to see if they might be filmed while you’re working out. A lot of times, they’re uncomfortable being seen as part of your content. The proper gym etiquette is to ask them if they’re comfortable to be seen in the background while you film.
With that in mind, it’s precisely the reason why I enjoyed using the Infinix ZERO 30 5G.
The front shooter’s a beast
Not a lot of smartphones prioritize their front cameras. All eyes are on its rear cameras capable of up to 100x zoom or something like that. While they’re nice to have when you’re traveling and out and about, I appreciate the efforts Infinix put into the ZERO 30 5G.
It’s equipped with a 50-megapixel front camera that’s capable of recording 4K videos at 30 or 60fps, and 1080p at 30fps.
Having that camera system allowed me to film my fitness journey, especially at a time when I was hitting almost rock bottom and I was only living life between home and the gym.
Here’s a reel stitched from 4K videos, all taken using the Infinix ZERO 30 5G.
View this post on Instagram
Sleek and slim, like yours truly
Aside from the camera capabilities of the Infinix ZERO 30 5G, I liked its design and build whenever I brought it to the gym. This particular unit I have is coated in Rome Green eco-leather.
Accented by gold on its camera island and sides, it looked posh and sophisticated, matching the vibe of my Anytime Fitness gym: Somewhat expensive, but still affordable.
Moreover, it’s lightweight yet feels durable enough which gives me extra assurance whenever I place it near the free weights.
It might look fragile given that it looks a little bit ritzy, but trust me, it’s tough. It’s equipped with a Gorilla Glass 5 upfront. Also, it has a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen which gave me a vivid preview of my photos and videos.
And even with that slim frame, it still sports a 5000mAh battery capacity, capable of 68W fast wired charging through its USB-C port on the bottom side.
Is this your GadgetMatch?
The Infinix ZERO 30 5G retails at PhP 14,999. For its looks and capabilities, you’d think it comes with a higher price tag.
Now, if you use mostly your cameras as part of your everyday life and don’t want to shell out lots of cash just to get a device that takes excellent photos, this is worthy of your attention.
It’s a sweet candidate for its price range. If you’re looking for a sign to get a device that you can use for your obsession with TikTok videos and Instagram Reels, the Infinix ZERO 30 5G might be it.
-
Gaming2 weeks ago
Ubisoft is giving away an Assassin’s Creed game for free
-
Convenient Smart Home1 week ago
The Samsung HW-Q600C Q Soundbar lets you ‘feel’ your entertainment
-
Reviews1 week ago
Lenovo Legion Glasses review: An 86-inch TV at your fingertips
-
Accessories1 week ago
The GameSir G8 Galileo is great for PS Remote Play
-
Automotive1 week ago
Honda launches CONNECT app: Safety and security at one’s fingertips
-
Buyer's Guide2 weeks ago
The Best TV Buyer’s Guide 2023: Black Friday Deals
-
News2 weeks ago
OnePlus 12 officially revealed in new teasers
-
Gaming1 week ago
Netflix is getting three classic Grand Theft Auto games next month