News

ZTE nubia 50 Ultra debuts with 4th-gen Under-Display Camera

Plus an artsy “Starry Night” Collector’s Edition

Published

March 9, 2023

Vincenz

ZTE may not be one of China’s popular smartphone brands, but the nubia 50 Ultra is their latest flagship that offers the extraordinary more than the usual.

4th-gen Under-Display Camera

Remember when ZTE launched the first-generation UDC (Under-Display Camera) last 2020? Well, it seems like ZTE is continuing to push the boundaries with its 4th-gen under-display technology called “Neovision UDC”.

Through several processes and advancements such as the UDC Pro+ chip, independent pixel drivers, and display enhancements, they have managed to squeeze in the camera beneath the display like it doesn’t really exist. Heck, even the display bezels are so thin at just 1.68mm (forehead) and 1.48mm (sides), making it the perfect fullscreen viewing companion without the added disruptions of a notch, punch-hole camera/s, or even that floating Dynamic Island.

Up front, it has a flat 6.8-inch AMOLED 120Hz display with a Full HD+ resolution, 1 Billion Colors and HDR10+ support, plus a peak 1500 nits brightness. Beneath all that Neovision UDC tech is its 16-megapixel selfie camera.

Powerful within

Just like any 2023 flagship around, the ZTE nubia 50 Ultra runs the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 4nm chipset by Qualcomm coupled with the Adreno 740 GPU. LPDDR5X RAM configurations range between 8GB, 12GB, and even a whopping 16GB. Storage options are 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB with the UFS 4.0 standard.

This flagship smartphone also has a 5000mAh battery capacity with support for 80W fast wired charging — but no word about wireless charging (neither reverse charging). For better heat dissipation, it’s cooled by a 10-layer super large bionic VC (Vapor Chamber).

On the software side, the phone runs the latest MyOS 13 based on Android 13. Moreover, the nubia 50 Ultra features a dedicated slider switch where you can program it based on your liking — either for opening the camera app for instant shooting, gaming for an overall better performance, or just a plain-ol’ mute switch like iPhones and some OnePlus smartphones have.

“DSLR-like” cameras

Plastered on its two-toned camera bump are the terms “35mm” and “85mm”, which are actually based on the focal lengths of DSLR (and mirrorless) prime lenses. Such lenses are helpful when you’re shooting portraits or wider subjects like sceneries or photos in action.

The ZTE nubia 50 Ultra has a camera trio with two 64-megapixel cameras — one for the primary (wide) 35mm lens with a custom Sony IMX787 image sensor and the other for its 85mm periscope lens that optically zooms in to 3.3x. Meanwhile, its third camera has a 50-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide 116-degree FoV (Field of View) that also doubles as a macro shooter.

All lenses support PDAF (Phase Detection Auto Focus) but only the wide (main) and periscope lens feature OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). Laser AF only works with the main sensor. The uncommon ring LED flash is also there to provide ample lighting in certain shooting scenarios.

Video recording relies on gyro-EIS. It supports up to 8K/30fps plus HDR10 / 10-bit in 4K. Also, the Neovision tech isn’t just limited to its UDC, as the imaging system is also found on its rear cameras for better photo quality output.

Starry Night Collector’s Edition

If you’re one of Vincent Van Gogh’s fans like me (if it still ain’t obvious with my Twitter username), the ZTE nubia 50 Ultra is also being offered in this special “Starry Night” Collector’s Edition.

It’s possible to achieve such back design through 3D etching process and a nano-scale photolithographic texture AG glass.

Other than the strong incorporation of the glass materials on its back, the highlight of the phone has got to be the impressionist’s ever-popular Starry Night painting.

Pricing and availability

Other than the special Starry Night Collector’s Edition, the ZTE nubia 50 Ultra is also offered in two colors. There’s Night Sea (more like grayish black) also Dunhuang — which is based from a popular city in northwestern China known for its desert.

Other than the phone itself, you’ll get an 80W fast charger, a red USB-C cable, SIM tray ejector tool, a hard-shell protective clear case, and some paperwork. For the Starry Night Edition, other than the obvious difference in design packaging, you will also get an extra red USB-C cable and charger other than what was stated in its regular packaging.

Looking into ZTE’s launch record, they’ve barely brought the nubia line outside China so hold your hopes for a global release — unless you can’t wait to buy one there, the pricing per configuration are as follows:

8 GB + 256 GB – CNY 3999 (approx. US$577 / EUR 541 / SG$ 776 / PhP 31,744)
12 GB + 256 GB – CNY 4299 (approx. US$620 / EUR 581 / SG$ 834 / PhP 34,125)
12 GB + 512 GB – CNY 4699 (approx. US$678 / EUR 635 / SG$ 912 / PhP 37,300)
16 GB + 1 TB – CNY 5,999 (approx. US$866 / EUR 811 / SG$ 1164 / PhP 47,618)

Gaming

The champ is here: WWE 2K23 now official

Featuring John Cena cover, WarGames, more

Published

March 20, 2023

GadgetMatch

After much anticipation, WWE 2K23, which features 16-time World Champion John Cena as its cover, is now available worldwide for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam).

The game comes in four editions:

Standard Edition

US$ 59.99 for previous-gen, US$ 69.99 for current gen consoles (physical or digital)

Cross-Gen

US$ 69.99 on PlayStation and Xbox consoles
Includes Standard Edition across previous and current-gen platforms within same console family or account

Deluxe Edition

US$ 99.99 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One (physical or digital), and PC (digital)
Includes Standard Edition
Bad Bunny Bonus Pack
Season Pass to five post-launch DLC content packs
MyRISE Mega-Boost and SuperCharger
Ruby John Cena MyFACTION card
Gold Asuka MyFACTION card
Three Basic Premium Launch MyFACTION card packs

Icon Edition

US$ 119.99 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
Features original cover art by WWE-inspired artist Rob Schamberger
Includes all bonus content in Deluxe Edition
Ruthless Aggression Pack featuring John Cena “Prototype” character, “Leviathan” Batista, developmental rookie versions of Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton, John Cena Legacy Championship, and WrestleMania 22 Arena
Emerald Paul Heyman MyFACTION manager card
Three Deluxe Premium Launch MyFACTION card packs

WarGames, You Can’t Beat Me finally arrive

The highlight of WWE 2K23 is its much-requested WarGames feature which allows for 3v3 and 4v4 single player or multiplayer mayhem inside two side-by-side rings, surrounded by a double-steel cage.

The game also has a “You Can’t Beat Me” 2K Showcase wherein players will step in the shoes of Cena’s toughest competitors throughout his 20-year professional wrestling entertainment career to try and beat him.

Star-studded lineup

WWE 2K23 has a roster of 201 new and returning superstars, including the most popular names in Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Queen Zelina, Undertaker, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Rhea Ripley, Drew McIntyre, Bianca Belair, and more.

Ruthless Aggression versions of John Cena, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar are also included in the Deluxe and Icon editions.

More personalization

MyFACTION and MyGM have also been upgraded, with five new GMs and two new brands (NXT 2.0 and WCW), seven new match types, more titles, more challenges, and better Hall of Fame progression.

With Creation Suite, players can design custom superstars, GMs, arenas, entrances, move sets, and more. Custom arenas are likewise playable online.

Watch out for DLCs

Post-launch, gamers should look out for five DLCs headlined by fan-favorites Bray Wyatt, The O.C., The Steiner Brothers, Zeus, Wade Barrett, and Eve Torres.

These content updates will be released one by one until August, adding 24 more superstars to the WWE 2K23 overall roster.

Laptops

Logitech products now available in Watsons stores

Not a drill!

Published

March 20, 2023

GadgetMatch

Looking for cosmetics brands inside a Watsons store? Nowadays, the chances are you’d come across some Logitech products too.

Logitech, a brand known for its tech devices such as headphones, keyboards, and mice, has partnered with Watsons — yes, the popular beauty and health retailer.

The interesting development means all 28 Watsons locations in Singapore, as well as the shop’s online store, will have Logitech’s various products on display and ready to be purchased.

According to Logitech’s Bernard Chow, the Head of Cluster for Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, the move tries to cement the brand’s identity as not only a “tech” brand but also a “lifestyle” brand.

Among the products to be sold in Watsons stores are the following:

K380 multi-device Bluetooth keyboard: SG$ 59
Pebble wireless mouse M350: SG$ 45
Lift vertical ergonomic mouse: SG$ 119
POP wireless mouse: SG$ 54
BRIO 500: SG$ 199
Zone Vibe 100 wireless over-the-ear headphones: SG$ 159

On the part of the Watsons, making tech devices available on its stores’ shelves also allows the brand to expand outside of beauty and health products, integrating such products to cater to an even broader customer demographics.

Laptops

Lenovo partners with AMD to launch newest ThinkPads

Optimal productivity

Published

March 20, 2023

GadgetMatch

Lenovo’s ThinkPad laptops have always taken pride in being portable powerhouses. The company has partnered with AMD to make the newest ThinkPad P16s Gen 1, ThinkPad Z16 and Z13 Gen 1, and ThinkBook 15 Gen 5 available in the Philippines.

These workstations all come equipped with AMD Ryzen pro processors, a slew of enhancements, and even more advanced security features for the benefit of those on the go.

The most affordable of the batch, the ThinkBook 15 Gen 5 is available for PhP 30,999 and comes with Ryzen 5000 series processors with Radeon graphics, as well as AI features that make virtual communication a breeze.

Meanwhile, the ThinkPad P16s Gen 1 is priced at PhP 57,999 and has ThinkShield security suite and MIL-SPEC testing.

Improved usability features include a fingerprint reader, full numeric keypad, wider touchpad, and all-day battery capacity.

For a more powerful option, there’s the ThinkPad Z13 Gen 1 which retails for PhP 74,999 and can breeze through even the heaviest of tasks as it is equipped with a Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z processor.

It is expected to deliver maximum responsiveness even when multitasking or having a handful of programs open. It can also be relied on for Zoom or Teams, as well as music and video streaming.

Lastly, the larger ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 is designed not only for business use but also for content creation and gaming. The powerhouse laptop of the batch is priced at PhP 105,999.

It comes with Radeon RX 6500M discrete graphics and AMD smart technologies to fully support users’ needs, as well as groundbreaking security features.