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mercredi 10 août 2022

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 packs Qualcomm’s latest flagship processor, a bigger battery, and a better primary camera

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 was the best-selling foldable last year, and for some good reasons. Samsung offered quite a few noteworthy improvements on the device over its predecessor, including a larger cover screen, durable construction, Qualcomm’s flagship SoC from last year, and more. Samsung has taken a similar approach with the new Galaxy Z Flip 4, but it’s more of an incremental update over last year’s model. However, the new model addresses some glaring issues users faced with the Galaxy Z Flip 3, like its abysmal battery life and slow charging speed.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: Specifications

Specification Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Build
  • Armor Aluminum Frame
  • Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+
  • IPX8 water resistance
Dimensions & Weight
  • Folded: 71.9 x 84.9 x 15.9-17.1mm
  • Unfolded: 71.9 x 165.2 x 6.9mm
  • 187g
Display
  • Cover:
    • 1.9-inch Super AMOLED
    • 260 x 512p resolution
  • Main:
    • 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
    • 2640 x 1080p resolution
    • 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate (1-120Hz)
SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
RAM & Storage
  • 8GB RAM + 128GB storage
  • 8GB + 256GB
  • 8GB + 512GB
Battery & Charging
  • 3,700mAh
  • 25W Wired fast charging (up to 50% charge in 30 minutes)
  • Wireless charging support
  • Wireless PowerShare
Security Side-mounted fingerprint scanner
Audio Dual stereo speakers
Rear Camera(s)
  • Primary: 12MP f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel AF, 1.8µm pixel size (0.4µm bigger than Z Flip 3)
  • Ultra-wide: 12MP f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size, 123-degree FoV
Front Camera(s) 10MP f/2.4, 1.22µm pixel size, 80-degree FoV
Port(s) USB Type-C
Connectivity
  • 5G
  • 4G LTE
  • 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • NFC
Software One UI 4.1.1 based on Android 12
Colors
  • Standard colors:
    • Graphite
    • Bora Purple
    • Pink Gold
    • Blue
  • Bespoke Edition customizations
    • Front and back panel
      • Butter Yellow/Bespoke Yellow
      • Brick Red
      • Khaki Green
      • Navy
      • White
    • Hinge and frame
      • Black (matte finish)
      • Silver
      • Gold

The all-new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 looks virtually identical at first glance, but that’s because it hides most of the noteworthy changes on the inside. First and foremost, the phone packs Qualcomm’s latest flagship Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip. The SoC offers a significant performance upgrade over the Snapdragon 888 on the Flip 3, and as we saw in our benchmark run of the chip, it also cuts down on peak power usage compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. As such, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 should offer better performance and increased battery life than the Galaxy Z Flip 4. But we’ll reserve our judgment for our in-depth review of the device.

 

Speaking of improved battery life, Samsung has also packed a larger 3,700mAh battery on the Galaxy Z Flip 4. This, coupled with the more power-efficient chip, leaves no doubt that the newer model will outlast the Galaxy Z Flip 3 in daily use. Charging the Galaxy Z Flip 4 should also be a better experience, as the device comes with 25W wired fast charging support. Samsung claims you can get up to 50% charge in just 30 minutes using a compatible 25W adapter.

Graphite Galaxy Z Flip 4 on white background. Pink Gold Galaxy Z Flip 4 on white background. Blue Galaxy Z Flip 4 on white background. Bora Purple Galaxy Z Flip 4 on white background.

Along with these significant changes, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 also sports a slimmer hinge and Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on the outer surface. It also packs a slightly better 12MP primary camera with a larger 1.8µm pixel size. The rest of the hardware remains unchanged, and the device still sports a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover display, a 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display that refreshes at 120Hz and offers adaptive refresh rate support, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a USB Type-C port, stereo speakers, and IPX8 certification for water resistance.

Graphite Galaxy Z Flip 4 on white background. Pink Gold Galaxy Z Flip 4 on white background. Blue Galaxy Z Flip 4 on white background. Bora Purple Galaxy Z Flip 4 on white background.

Although there aren’t many hardware improvements this year, Samsung has improved the software experience on the Galaxy Z Flip 4. The device runs One UI 4.1.1 based on Android 12 out of the box, and it comes with a new FlexCam feature that lets you shoot hands-free video or capture full group selfies at various angles by partially folding the device. FlexCam is optimized for third-party apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook, making it a handy addition for most users. Furthermore, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 comes with a new SmartThings Scene widget for the cover screen, the ability to unlock your car, new clock designs and backgrounds, and more.

Pricing & Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 will go on sale in the U.S. starting August 26. Like last year’s model, the base variant of the Galaxy Z Flip 4 with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage will set you back $999.99. The device will also be available in 8GB + 256GB and 8GB + 512GB configurations, but we don’t have the pricing details for these variants at the moment. We’ll update this post with more information as soon as it’s available.

Bespoke Edition Galaxy Z Flip 4 promotional image.

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 will be available in four standard colorways — Graphite, Bora Purple, Pink Gold, and Blue. Samsung will also offer a host of Bespoke Edition customizations on its website, allowing users to pick from five additional front/back panel color options and three hinge and frame finishes. These include Butter Yellow/Bespoke Yellow, Brick Red, Khaki Green, Navy, and White options for the front and back panel, and Black, Silver, and Gold options for the hinge and frame.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
    The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 promises better performance and longer battery life than the Galaxy Z Flip 3.

If you can’t wait to get yourself a Galaxy Z Flip 4, you’d be glad to know that pre-orders for the device open today. Those who pre-order a device before August 26 will receive a complimentary memory upgrade to double the storage, up to $900 off with eligible trade-in, and a Silicone Ring Case or Strap Case.

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Microsoft redesigns OneDrive as it turns 15 years old

Microsoft’s cloud storage service, OneDrive, turns 15 years old this month, and to celebrate, the company is redesigning the home page. OneDrive originally launched in 2007 as Windows Live SkyDrive, and it’s changed significantly over the years. The latest redesign aims to make the experience more tailored to the specific needs of each user.

First, there’s the new Home page, headlined by the new For You section. In this section, you’ll find highlighted files more relevant to you, such as documents you’ve been working or pictures taken on that day in past years (for personal accounts). Below that, you’ll see a list of your recent files, which you can filter by type to make it easier to find something specific. In an organization, OneDrive will show you who owns the file, when you last opened it, and also a new Activity column, which shows you who interacted with the file most recently. This can include new comments, whether someone shared the file, and so on.

Screenshot of the Home section in OneDrive

This new Home page will be the default landing experience on OneDrive, but you’ll still be able to see the My Files section to see all your files. The Activity column will also be shown there, so you can be aware of recent activity on your files. Microsoft has also worked to make the file management experience coherent across OneDrive, Teams, and SharePoint, so navigating your files on any of these platforms should feel similar and intuitive.

Microsoft also highlighted some other recent changes to OneDrive, including a new sharing experience, which is also consistent across OneDrive, Teams, and other parts of Microsoft 365. Over on mobile, OneDrive is currently testing a new “photo story” feature, which is a new way to share photos from OneDrive library with family and friends. This feature was released in preview at the beginning of July, and Microsoft says it plans to roll it out to users before the end of the year.


Source: Microsoft

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mardi 9 août 2022

Samsung rolls out surprise update for the 7-year-old Galaxy J7

Samsung has inarguably improved a lot over the years in supporting its smartphones and tablets with the latest software updates. A few months ago, the Korean OEM even pledged to provide four major Android OS updates and up to five years of security updates for its high-end devices. As if beating Google at its own game wasn’t enough, the company has now updated a seven-year-old smartphone with a new software update.

The Samsung Galaxy J7, a phone released back in 2015, has started getting a fresh new software update in multiple Asian regions. The new release, which has firmware version J700FXXU4BVG2 (for the SM-J700F model) / J700HXXU3BVG2 (for the SM-J700H model), brings GPS stability improvements to the phone. Unfortunately, the update packages do not appear to improve upon the April 2018 (August 2017 for the J700H edition) security patch level that signaled the end of these Galaxy J7 variants some three years ago.

Other than the GPS fixes, it’s actually unclear just what the OTA updates actually contain. It’s highly likely that the new firmware provides protection against a critical bug or security exploit, which is why the software is being patched for the few people out there still rocking the phone.

Samsung Galaxy J7 XDA Forums

Obviously the latest firmware update doesn’t change the version of Android OS. The Galaxy J7’s aforementioned models continue to run Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, that too with the pre-One UI and Samsung Experience-era TouchWiz skin. In other words, the latest firmware update claims to add GPS-related stabilization code, but the security patch level remains unchanged.

We can’t imagine it will be much fun using such an old device at this stage of 2022, especially as most affordable Android devices will offer far superior performance, battery life, and features. However, if you are still clinging on to the Galaxy J7, then you should see the update appearing over the coming days and weeks, depending on your region.


Source: Samsung Update Server (1, 2)

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[Update 2: 8 series, Nord 2, and more] OnePlus Nord N10 5G receives July 2022 security patches with latest update

Update 2 (08/09/2022 @ 09:35 ET): The OnePlus 8 series, 9R, Nord 2, Nord N20, and the Nord CE are the latest to receive the July 2022 patches.

Update 1 (07/28/2022 @ 09:10 ET): The OnePlus Nord is now receiving a new update with July 2022 patches. Scroll to the bottom for more information. The article as published on July 25, 2022, is preserved below.

OnePlus is currently in the process of shaping up its OxygenOS 13 skin based on Android 13. At the same time, the company is also trying to keep its older devices up to date with the latest security patches, but the amount of delay is quite intimidating. Case in point: While we’re about a week away from moving into August, OnePlus has now started rolling out the July 2022 security patches through the stable channel, starting with the OnePlus Nord N10 5G.

OxygenOS 11.0.7 for the OnePlus Nord N10 5G’s global model is currently rolling out to users. According to screenshots shared by users over on the OnePlus Community Forums, a similar update is also available for the T-Mobile variant of the same device. Note that the new build is still based on the Android 11 base, as the device is eligible for only one major OS update.

Here’s the full changelog for the update:

  • System
    •  [Updated] Android security patch to 2022.07

OnePlus is yet to announce the rollout on its forums, so it might be a while before the OTA notification pops up on your device. If you don’t wish to wait, you can download the incremental update package from the link provided below and flash the update manually. OnePlus typically releases software updates in a phased manner in order to catch any bugs in the release ahead of the wider rollout. Therefore, we don’t recommend installing the update manually if you’re using your OnePlus Nord N10 5G as your daily driver.

OnePlus Nord N10 5G XDA Forums


Download OxygenOS 11.0.7 for the OnePlus Nord N10 5G


Update 1: OxygenOS 12 F.13 for the OnePlus Nord

OnePlus has started seeding the July 2022 patches to the OnePlus Nord. The update is rolling out in the form of software version F.13 to the Indian variant of the device.

Changelog:

  • System
    • [Optimized] the font display
    • [Fixed] the issue of blank screen in some scenarios
    • [Fixed] the issue of no response for fingerprint unlocking
    • [Fixed] the issue that charging icon displayed abnormally under Power-off mode
    • [Fixed] the issue that operation was not smooth on the printing preview interface
    • [Updated] Android security patch to 2022.07
  • Communication
    • [Fixed] the issue that Bluetooth name did not display in certain scenarios
    • [Fixed] the issue that there was noise in earphones when adjusting the call volume
  • Camera
    • [Optimized] the setting of watermark font
    • [Optimized] the display of pictures in some scenarios
    • [Fixed] the issue that Photos application lock worked abnormally
    • [Fixed] the issue that camera crashed abnormally in certain scenarios

Download:


Update 2: July 2022 patches for the OnePlus 8, 8 Pro, 8T, 9R, Nord 2, Nord N20, and Nord CE

The OnePlus 8, 8 Pro, 8T, 9R, Nord 2, Nord N20, and the Nord CE are the latest in line to receive stable OxygenOS builds with July 2022 security patches.

OxygenOS 12 C.33 for the OnePlus 8, 8 Pro, 8T, and 9R

The OnePlus 8 family and the OnePlus 9R initially received the July 2022 patches via software version C.32. It was eventually replaced by a newer build, C.33, with fingerprint related fixes.

Changelog:

  • System
    • Improves system stability for some scenarios. (on C.32)
    • Fixes an issue where fingerprint unlock might be slow to respond. (on C.32)
    • Optimizes the experience of fingerprint unlocking. (on C.33)
    • Integrates the July 2022 Android security patch to enhance system security. (on C.32)
  • Communication
    • Improves stability of mobile network connections. (on C.32)

Download:

OnePlus 8

OnePlus 8 Pro

OnePlus 8T

OnePlus 9R

OxygenOS 12 C.08 for the OnePlus Nord 2

OnePlus originally delivered the July 2022 patches to the Nord 2 via software version C.06. However, due to the buggy nature of that build, the company rolled it back and subsequently pushed two hotfixes: C.07 and C.08.

Changelog:

  • System
    • [Optimized] the experience of Bluetooth connection. (on C.08)
    • Optimizes the experience of fingerprint unlocking. (on C.07)
    • Improves system stability. (on C.06 and C.07)
    • Fixes the occasional issue when the call history was deleted automatically. (on C.06)
    • Updates Android security patch to 2022.07. (on C.06)
  • Camera
    • Fixes the issue that Ultra Steady might work abnormally at 4K resolution. (on C.06)

Download:

OxygenOS 12 A.07 for the OnePlus Nord N20

Changelog:

  • System
    • Android security patch upgraded to July 2022

Download:

  • Unlocked (CPH2459_11_A.07)

OxygenOS 11 11.0.18.18 and OxygenOS 12 C.05 for the OnePlus Nord CE

The OnePlus Nord CE’s Indian variant recently received its stable OxygenOS 12 update with the July 2022 SPL. Now, the C.05 update is rolling out to improve the system stability.

The European variant, however, has yet to get a taste of Android 12. Instead, it has picked up yet another OxygenOS 11 update with the July 2022 patches.

Changelog (C.05):

  • System
    • Improves system stability.
    • Optimizes the experience of fingerprint unlocking.

Changelog (11.0.18.18):

  • System
    • [Updated] Android security patch to 2022.07

Download:

Thanks to XDA Recognized Developer mlgmxyysd and XDA Senior Member Some_Random_Username for the download links!


Source: OnePlus Community Forums (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)

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lundi 8 août 2022

One UI 5.0 beta includes a new set of Wi-Fi developer options

Samsung rolled out the first One UI 5.0 open beta to the Galaxy S22 series last week, giving users in several regions a chance to experience the Android 13 update ahead of the stable rollout. We got a chance to experience the update on a Galaxy S22 Ultra, and we spotted a bunch of useful new features in the update. As mentioned in our hands-on preview of the update, the release includes all the new features Google introduced in Android 13, along with stackable widgets, new Material You colors, a redesigned Security and privacy hub, tweaked notifications, and more. But that’s not all there is to One UI 5.0.

One UI 5.0 Open Beta Hands On: New features for your Samsung Galaxy phone

As spotted by an Android Police reader, One UI 5.0 also includes a new set of developer options for Wi-Fi. You can access it on a device running One UI 5.0 by heading to the Wi-Fi settings, selecting the Intelligent Wi-Fi option, and tapping on the Intelligent Wi-Fi version ten times. Doing so brings up a new set of Wi-Fi developer options, which provide connection information, nearby Wi-Fi information, Wi-Fi and network diagnosis, router and time-specific history, and app-specific network history.

One UI 5.0 Wi-Fi developer options.

Note that, unlike Android’s developer options, you need to tap the Intelligent Wi-Fi version number each time you wish to access the new Wi-Fi developer options.

One UI 5.0 Wi-Fi developer options connection information. One UI 5.0 Wi-Fi developer options nnearby Wi-Fi information. One UI 5.0 Wi-Fi developer options Wi-Fi and network diagnosis. One UI 5.0 Wi-Fi developer options Time-specific history.

In essence, the new Wi-Fi developer options give users access to information about the quality of the active Wi-Fi network and the reception quality of nearby networks. Furthermore, the options listed under the Wi-Fi History and Network History headers let you keep track of historical data around all measured activity and the activity recorded from the router or apps. Although these tools might not seem all that useful for the average user, they can come in handy if you want to identify Wi-Fi dead spots around your home or track how much data apps handle in the background.

While you can access all this data using a third-party app from the Play Store, having access to it right within One UI is definitely a bonus.


Via: Android Police

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WhatsApp will now give user a little over two days to delete a message

Sometimes the best part about using a third-party chat app like Line, WhatsApp, or even Signal, is the ability to delete messages after you have sent them. WhatsApp previously limited the time to delete a chat message to around one hour. Now, it will extend that time generously, giving users a little over two days.

WhatsApp has brought its new time limit out of beta and finally delivered it to the public. The new updated rule for deleting a message will extend to 60 hours or two days and 12 hours. While this change seemed good, many on Twitter seemed disgruntled. Instead of focusing on extending the time, many expressed interest in an edit button. In addition, others chimed in and requested the removal of the deleted message notification. Regardless, the new update should give users plenty of time to mull over sent messages.

If unfamiliar with WhatsApp or the feature mentioned above, users can send messages and choose to delete them if they’d like. The message can be deleted for yourself, or you can choose to delete the message for everyone in the chat. Mainly, it can be used to correct a message with misspellings or even reword something. You can also delete images and movies as well. If you are going to use this feature and have it be effective, all parties in the message must be running the latest version of WhatsApp. Furthermore, WhatsApp will not inform you if a message is not deleted from the other party’s chat window. So please be cautious when sending messages.

WhatsApp recently fulfilled one of its most requested features, bringing the ability to transfer the app’s entire chat history from Android to iPhone. While it was previously only available in beta, the company rolled out the ability to all users just last month. The transfer process will allow users to migrate account information, profile photo, individual chats, group chats, chat history, media, and settings. If you want to try a new chat platform, download at the link below.

WhatsApp Messenger (Free, Google Play) →

Source: WhatsApp (Twitter)
Via: The Verge

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Apple is reportedly more serious about iPhone 14 production in India

We’ve been hearing rumors about the upcoming iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro for a while now. We’re expecting the regular models to retain most of the hardware included in the current model. On the other hand, the Pro variants could see some of the biggest changes brought to the iPhone in years. These might include the retirement of the notch, the introduction of an always on display (AOD) feature, and more.

When it comes to iPhone production, Apple typically relies on China the most. This has lead to some supply shortages during previous lockdowns in the aforementioned country. To avoid putting all of its eggs in one basket, the company will reportedly take iPhone 14 production in India more seriously. Reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared on Twitter:

My latest survey indicates Foxconn’s iPhone production site in India will ship the new 6.1″ iPhone 14 almost simultaneously with China for the first time in 2H22 (India being one quarter or more behind in the past). In the short term, India’s iPhone capacities/shipments still have a considerable gap with China, but it’s an important milestone for Apple in building a non-Chinese iPhone production site. It implies that Apple is trying to reduce the geopolitical impacts on supply and sees the Indian market as the next key growth driver.

Apple potentially producing the iPhone 14 in China and India simultaneously would be a major achievement for the company. This way, if production slows in either of the two nations, the Cupertino overlord would still have some breathing space. Notably, too, phones assembled in India aren’t as heavily-taxed as imported ones. So this could possibly affect the iPhone pricing in the particular country.

Do you plan on buying an iPhone 14 this fall? If so, which model are you going for? Let us  know in the comments section below.


Source: Ming-Chi Kuo (Twitter)

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How to set up the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G: A step-by-step guide

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is one of the best smartphones under $500. In addition to offering a delightful design and powerful hardware, it also provides the best in class software support that even beats some of the best flagships on the market. If you just picked up the Galaxy A53 and want some help setting it up, you’ve come to the right place. Follow these simple steps to successfully set up your brand new Galaxy phone.

Screenshot of the welcome screen on the Galaxy A53

  • After taking out the Galaxy A53 from the box, it’s time to power it on. Press and hold the power button on the left side until you see the Samsung logo on the screen. Wait until the phone boots up.
  • On the welcome screen, choose the language of your choice. If you’re specially abled, you can also access the Accessibility features to guide you through the setup. Select Start once you’re ready.

Language selection screen Galaxy A53

  • Select your preferred language and select Next.
Screenshot of the privacy policy and End User License Agreement screen on the Galaxy A53 Screenshot of Galaxy A53 set up wizard: Permissions for Samsung apps and services
  • Select the check boxes next to the Privacy policy and End user license agreement. You can’t proceed without accepting them. Sending diagnostic data is optional. It helps Samsung improve software and services by collecting data about how you use your phone, app crashes, etc. Hit “Agree” to go to the next screen.
  • Review permissions for Samsung apps and services. Some features might not work out of the box if you decide to toggle off some permissions. For example, if you deny Phone permission, you won’t be able to pick up or reject calls using your earbuds. But you can always enable them from device Settings later on. Click Agree when you’ve made the necessary changes.
Screenshot from Galaxy A53 set up wizard: Choose Wi-Fi network Screenshot from Galaxy A53 set up wizard: Checking for updates
  • It’s time to connect your phone to the internet to finish the rest of the setup. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list of available networks and enter the password to connect your phone. If you don’t have Wi-Fi, you can also use mobile data (assuming you have inserted the SIM card). You can also set up the phone offline, but you’ll miss out on critical steps such as adding your Google account and restoring your backup.
  • Once the Wi-Fi/mobile data is connected, the phone will check for pending updates.

Screenshot from Galaxy A53 set up wizard: Copy your apps and data

  • On the next screen, you’ll be asked if you want to copy apps and data from your old smartphone. Choose Next and follow the on-screen prompts to restore your apps, photos, contacts, and other data. If you want to start fresh, choose Don’t copy.
Screenshot from Galaxy A53 set up wizard: Sign in with your Google account Screenshot from Galaxy A53 set up wizard: review Google Services
  • You’ll be prompted to sign in with your Google account on the next screen. This is needed to let you access the Play Store and other Google services. Enter your Gmail address/phone number and password to log in. If you don’t remember these details, use the Forgot email or Forgot password options to recover your account. You can also Create a new account from this screen.
  • Agree to the Google Term of Services, Google Play Terms of Services, and Privacy Policy and proceed to the next step.
  • Review backup, location, and device maintenance settings. Keep Back up to Google Drive toggled turned on so that your apps, app data, contacts, and device settings automatically back up to Google Drive. If you don’t want apps to access your device location, you can disable the Location and Wi-Fi scanning permissions here.

Screenshot from Galaxy A53 set up wizard: set up a device security method

  • Now, you’ll be prompted to set up a device security method to protect your phone. Fingerprints is the most secure option, but should you prefer convenience over extra protection, you can also choose face recognition. You can also set up a Pattern lock, PIN, or a Password. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the desired security method.
Screenshot from Galaxy A53 set up wizard: Install additional apps Getting your phone ready splash screen on the Galaxy A53
  • Next up, you’ll be asked if you want to install additional apps. These include first-party Samsung apps and third-party apps like LinkedIn and Microsoft Office. If you don’t want them, uncheck the boxes and select Ok.
  • Wait for the phone to apply settings and get things ready. You might have to stare at this screen for a couple of minutes.

Galaxy A53 set up wizard prompting to download "recommended apps"

  • You’ll be again prompted to install recommended apps, which are nothing but regional third-party apps that earn Samsung revenue when you install them. It’s safe to ignore them or install them as you see fit and select Next.

Add your Samsumng accopunt screen on the Galaxy A53

  • The final step involves adding your Samsung account. If you want to use Samsung services like Samsung Health, you’ll need a Samsung account. This is a completely optional step, and you can always do it later by selecting Skip.

Screenshot from Galaxy A53 set up wizard: You're all set up!

  • That’s it! Select Finish and you’re ready to use your shiny new Galaxy A53 5G.
    Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
    The Galaxy A53 is one of the best mid-range smartphones under $500.

Using a protective case will go a long way in keeping your brand new phone safe against drops, falls, and scratches. If you’re looking for recommendations, these are the best cases for Galaxy A53 5G to buy in 2022. While you’re at it, be sure to check out the best accessories for the Galaxy A53 5G.

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These are the Best Oppo phones to buy in 2022

Oppo has greatly evolved over the past years, going from a lesser-known Chinese smartphone OEM to one of the world’s top 5 smartphone brands. While China and India remain the main focus for the company, the company has made great strides in expanding its presence in the western market in recent years. Oppo’s launch cycle isn’t as busy as Xiaomi’s, but it still churns out new smartphones at a fairly quick pace, making it. The Oppo has a wide smartphone portfolio catering to different needs and budgets. The Find series sits at the top as the most premium lineup, showcasing the best hardware Oppo has on offer. Then there’s the Reno series, mostly consisting of premium mid-range and affordable flagship smartphones. Finally, the F and A lineups are geared toward budget-conscious buyers. If you’re looking to pick up an Android phone that offers an eye-catching design and a solid set of cameras, Oppo has a lot of great options. To help you pick one, we have rounded up the best Oppo phones in 2022.

Navigate this guide:

Best Overall: Oppo Find X5 Pro

find x5 pro ceramic back

The Find X5 Pro is the best OPPO phone in 2022. It showcases the best hardware that OPPO has to offer in a traditional form factor and goes head to head against the top-tier flagships such as the Galaxy S22 Ultra, Pixel 6 Pro, and iPhone 13. Everything about the Find X5 Pro screams premium. It has a unique ceramic back that also covers the camera bump, and thanks to rounded corners and smooth curves, the phone feels great in hand.

The Oppo Find X5 Pro has one of the best panels on the market, featuring a 6.7-inch AMOLED LTPO display with QHD+ resolution and a refresh rate that can vary between 1Hz and 120Hz. Under the hood, it’s powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The main highlight of the Find X5 Pro is its camera package. It features a triple camera setup comprising a 50MP primary shooter with 5-axis OIS, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 13MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. Oppo’s first self-developed MariSilicon X imaging chip is also onboard, and it makes a big difference when shooting videos in low-light conditions. The Find X5 Pro’s charging game is also strong, topping out at 80W for wired and 50W for wireless charging, which is far superior to the Galaxy S22 Ultra and the Pixel 6 Pro. On the software front, the phone runs the latest ColorOS 12 based on Android 12.

    Oppo Find X5 Pro
    The Oppo Find X5 Pro is a top-tier flagship packing Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and MariSilicon X imaing chip.

Also Great: Oppo Reno 8 Pro

Oppo reno 8 Pro in hand with unboxed contents including a charger and USB cable in the background

While the OPPO Find X5 is the best phone that OPPO has to offer, it’s only available in Europe and the UK. For people outside these markets, the Reno 8 Pro is the best Oppo phone to buy. It offers many of the marquee features of the F5 Pro for a much lower price. It has got a bright, beautiful 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Under the hood, it packs a 5nm MediaTek Dimensity 8100-Max chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The primary 50MP Sony IMX766 camera is the same as the Find X5 Pro, accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro lens. The phone also packs Oppo’s in-house custom MariSilicon X imaging chip which is in charge of image processing. The Reno 8 Pro also got a capable selfie shooter, featuring a 32MP Sony IMX709 sensor with RGBW matrix for improved low-light performance, auto-focus, and 90-degree field-of-view. The charing performance is on par with the Find X5 Pro. You get a large 4,500mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC wired fast charging, which provides 50% charge in 11 minutes. The phone doesn’t support wireless charging, which is understandable for its price. The Reno 8 Pro has an effective Ultra-Conductive Cooling System to keep thermals in check while gaming and doing other intensive tasks. The phone runs Android 12 with ColorOS 12.1 on top and has dual stereo speakers and X-axis leaner motor.

    Oppo Reno 8 Pro
    The Reno 8 Pro is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8100-MAX and offers powerful cameras backed by MariSilicon X imaging chip.

Best Midrange: Oppo Reno 8 5G

Reno 8 lineup in three colors layint on a flat surface

The Reno 8 5G takes the crown for the best mid-range Oppo phone. It has the same camera setup, battery, and charging speed as the Reno 8 Pro model but costs much lower. The overall hardware package is really competitive, making it a great phone for anyone who wants a premium smartphone experience without giving in to an expensive flagship. Except for a few minor changes, the overall design of the Reno 8 is quite similar to the Pro model. It flaunts a 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED display on the front with a 90Hz refresh rate, 180Hz touch sampling rate, and 95% DCI-P3 gamut coverage. The display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 and can reach a peak brightness of 800 nits.

The phone is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 1300 chipset, featuring an Arm Cortex-A78 core at 3.0GHz, three Cortex-A78 cores at 2.6GHz, and four Cortex-A55 cores running at 2.0GHz. The chipset is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB/256GB of UFS 3.1 flash storage. The triple camera setup of the Reno 8 is the same as the Pro model, featuring a 50MP primary shooter, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. However, the Reno 8 doesn’t have the MariSilicon X imaging chip, so its image processing and overall photo quality will be slightly behind that of the Reno 8 Pro. However, it has the same 4,500mAh battery and 80W SuperVOOC charging as the Pro model, which is quite impressive considering the price difference between these two phones. Other highlights include a liquid cooling system, an in-display fingerprint scanner, 5G connectivity, and Wi-Fi 6 support. The phone ships with ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12.

    Oppo Reno 8 5G
    The Oppo Reno 8 5G offers a 6.4-inch 90Hz AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset, and a 4,500mAh battery.

Also great: Oppo F21 Pro 5G

Oppo F21 Pro 5G in two colors

Another solid mid-range option from Oppo that costs less than the Reno 8 5G and offers a stunning design and a capable camera system is the Oppo F21 Pro 5G. It’s not as feature-packed as the Reno 8 5G and also misses out on a high refresh rate display. But if you’re willing to look past its 60Hz display, the rest of the hardware package is solid. It’s easily the best-looking phone in this price range. You get a 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 180Hz touch sampling rate, 93% DCI-P3 gamut coverage, and 600 nits max brightness. The back houses a triple camera setup inside a rectangular camera island. There are cool RGB ring lights around the primary and ultra-wide camera sensors that light up when you receive calls or notifications. Under the hood, the Oppo F21 Pro 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 flash storage. The camera setup is headlined by a 64MP primary shooter, a 2MP monochrome shooter, and a 2MP macro lens. Over on the front, there’s a 16MP shooter that handles selfie and video calling duties. The phone packs a 4,500mAh cell and supports 33W fast charging. It’s a bit disappointing that the charging speed is a step down from the F19 Pro+, which offered 50W fast wired charging. Other noteworthy bits include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, IPX4 water resistance, 5G support, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

    Oppo Reno 8 5G
    The Oppo Reno 8 is a solid mid-range smartphone, packing a 6.43-inch 90Hz AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, and a 4,500mAh battery with 65W fast charging

Best for most people: Oppo Find X5 Lite / Reno 7 5G

OPPO Reno 7 5G in blue and back colorways

We think the Find X5 Lite, known as the Reno 7 5G in India, is the best phone for most people. It strikes the perfect balance between hardware and price and delivers on all essentials. Its 6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED display is great for media consumption, and a 90Hz refresh rate provides a smooth scrolling experience. The display has a max brightness of 600nits, and it’s protected by Gorilla Glass 5. The Oppo Find X5 Lite is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 900 chipset, paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage. On the back, there’s a triple camera setup, headlined by a 64MP primary shooter and backed by an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro lens. Selfies and video calling duties are handled by a capable 32MP wide-angle shooter. The phone packs a 4,500mAhm, which is enough to get you through the day, and when you need to recharge the phone, it only takes about 31 minutes to fully charge the device from 0% to 100% using the 65W SUPERVOOC charger. The phone comes with an in-display fingerprint scanner and retains the 3.5mm audio jack. In terms of connectivity, the phone supports NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6, and 5G. On the software front, the Find X5 Lite ships with ColorOS 12 based on Android 11, but an update to Android 12 is available. You can pick up the phone in Starlight Black and Startrails Blue colorways.

    Oppo Find X5 Lite
    The Oppo Find X5 Lite is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 900 chipset and packs 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage

Also great: Oppo Find X3 Neo

Oppo Find X3 Neo in two colorways standing side by side

Although a year old at this point, the Find X3 Neo packs a powerful punch, and its hardware can trade blow with any 2022 top-tier midrange. And since it’s a generation old, you can snag it at a good discount. It’s more premium than the Reno 7 5G, featuring an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back. You get a large 6.55-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and 1100 nits peak brightness. The Find X3 Neo is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SoC, which, although two years old at this point, is quite powerful and can easily handle intensive gaming and demanding tasks without breaking a sweat. You also get a whopping 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 flash storage.

The Find X3 Neo offers a versatile camera system: a 50MP primary shooter, a 13MP telephoto lens, and a 2MP macro lens. Over on the front, there’s a 32MP selfie shooter. Under the hood, the phone packs a 4,500mAh battery with 65W fast charging, capable of fully charging the phone in just 35 minutes. The Find X3 ships with ColorOS 11 based on Android 11 but can be upgraded to ColorOS 12. Overall, the Find X3 is a great mid-range smartphone, but it’s a bit pricey for a phone that has a two-year-old chipset and is just a rebranded version of the 2020 Reno 5 Pro Plus. If you’re in the UK, you can pick up the OnePlus 9 base model for the same price and get a faster Snapdragon 888 chipset and a better display.

    Oppo Find X3 Neo
    The Oppo Find X3 Neo is powered by Snapdragon 865 and offers a quad-camera setup headlined by a 50MP primary camera.

Best budget: Oppo K10 5G

Oppo K10 5G in three colors

The Oppo K10 is our pick for the best budget Oppo phone as it offers a solid hardware package at a competitive price. It ticks most boxes people have when buying a smartphone in this price category, including a beautiful design, a long battery life, a multi-setup camera, and decent performance. Although the phone uses an LCD, it’s a high-quality panel that gets plenty bright and offers great color reproduction. It’s a 6.56-inch HD+ LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate, 600nits max brightness, and 100% coverage of the DCI-PC3 gamut. The phone is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 810 SoC, featuring two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores running at 2.0GHz. While you can find phones with faster chipsets in this price range, the Dimensity 810 is no slouch and can handle everything you throw at it without any issues. Another highlight of the Oppo K10 5G is that it ships with 8GB of RAM on the base model, while competitors such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro and Relme 9 only offer 6GB. The K10 5G features a dual-camera setup on the back comprising a 48MP main shooter and a 2MP depth sensor. The phone also shines in the battery department, packing a large 5,000mAh cell that supports fast charging via a 33W SUPERVOOC charger. You also get IPX4 water resistance, 5G connectivity, and powerful dual stereo speakers, which further add to the value. The Oppo K10 5G runs ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12 and comes in two stunning colorways: Ocean Blue and Midnight Black.

    Oppo K10 5G
    The Oppo K10 5G provides a 6.56-inch 90Hz display, MediaTek Dimensity 810 SoC, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging

Also great: Oppo A76

Oppo A76 in black and blue colorways

If you’re tight on budget, the Oppo A76 is another great budget-friendly option that costs less than the Oppo K10 5G and offers a decent set of specs. Both phones share many similarities. They have an identical display, similar designs, and the same battery and charging speed. On the front, the Oppo A76 features a 6.56-inch HD+ IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate, 100% coverage of DCI-P3, and 600nits max brightness. Under the hood, the phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 chipset, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS storage. The camera setup is a step down from the K10 5G. You get a 13MP main shooter, a 2MP depth lens, and an 8MP selfie camera. A large 5,000mAh battery keeps the show running, and you also get a 33W fast charger inside the box. If you’re looking for a 5G phone, you’ll have to look elsewhere, as the A76 only supports 4G LTE. For biometrics, there’s a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and Face Unlock. The phone has a 3.5mm audio jack but no NFC. Out of the box, the Oppo A76 runs ColorOS 11 based on Android 11, but an update to ColorOS 12.1 based on Android 12 is available for the phone. You can pick it up in either Glowing Black or Glowing Blue color.

    Oppo A76
    The Oppo A76 is solid budget phone, featuring a 6.56 90Hz panel, Snapdragon 680 chipset, and a large 5,000mAh battery

Best Oppo phone you can’t buy: OPPO Find N

OPPO Find N half unfolded on a ledge

It’s a shame Oppo doesn’t sell the Find N outside of its home country because it’s one of the best foldable smartphones out there. We had the pleasure to review it last year and were really impressed. It has the best form factor of all foldables right now. It’s not too big like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 or Huawei Mate ̣X2 nor too small like the Galaxy Z Flip 3 or Motorola Razr. Thanks to its more traditional aspect ratio and compact size, the Oppo Find N is much easier to type on and carry around. And unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the Find N folds completely flat and doesn’t show much of a display crease. It features a 7.1-inch flexible OLED main display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 5.5-inch outer AMOLED panel with a 60Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the phone packs Snapdragon 888 SoC, paired with 12GB RAM and 256GB/512GB flash storage. The rear camera setup features a 50MP primary shooter, a 16MP ultra-wide shooter, and a 13MP telephoto lens. The Find N has a 32MP selfie camera on both the front and inner display. It has a 4,500mAh battery with 33W wired and 15W wireless charging support. The phone uses a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and runs ColorOS 12 out of the box. To learn more, check out our full review of the Oppo Find N.

That wraps up our list of best Oppo phones in 2022. The Find X5 Pro is the best Oppo phone right now. It’s every bit as premium as flagships from Samsung and Apple and even features Oppo’s first in-house MariSilicon X chipset for image processing. If you’re looking for a decent flagship without burning a hole in your wallet, the Reno 8 Pro is a solid buy. Meanwhile, the Reno 8 and Find X5 Lite are both excellent mid-rangers that offer great value for money and premium designs.

Also, be sure to check out our round-up for the best Android phones, the best cheap Android phones, and the best smartphones to buy in 2022.

The post These are the Best Oppo phones to buy in 2022 appeared first on XDA.



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dimanche 7 août 2022

Is the Apple Pencil 2 waterproof? Does it have an IP rating?

The Apple Pencil 2 is an artist’s best friend. It offers pressure sensitivity, shading support, double-tap shortcuts, and many more smarts. It’s the ideal tool for creators who use their great iPads as canvases to express their artistic ideas. That’s not to mention that iPadOS 16 will introduce the Freeform app in late 2022 — which fully supports the Apple Pencil. Those brainstorming their thoughts will get to reflect them through the precise tip that the Pencil packs. Now you must be wondering — is the Apple Pencil 2 waterproof? Does it have an IP rating? Here’s everything you need to know about this particular matter.

Is the Apple Pencil 2 waterproof?

Let’s start by clearing a very common misconception. Some Apple products (such as recent iPhones) are water resistant — rather than waterproof. This means they’re capable of resisting water to a certain degree, based on several factors. Down the road, this resistance may wear away depending on how and where you use your device.

Apple Pencil 2

The Apple Pencil 2 is neither waterproof nor officially water resistant. Apple doesn’t mention an IP rating for it. So while it may survive water splashes, we advise you to keep it away from a direct liquid stream. If you want to clean it, there’s no harm in using a damp, soft cloth to wipe its body gently. Though, I’d be more careful with the sensitive tip.

If you accidentally drop your Apple Pencil 2 in a water container, quickly pick it up and wrap it with a dry cloth. Don’t use a hair dryer or a heater — as these could damage its internals, particularly the battery. Another wise idea is avoiding attaching it to an iPad until it fully dries on its own. You wouldn’t want to trigger the magnetic charging mechanism while it’s wet — just in case.

    Apple Pencil 2
    The Apple Pencil 2 pairs to compatible iPads magnetically and charges wirelessly through the same mechanism.

How often do you drop your Apple Pencil 2 in a water container? Let us know in the comments section below.

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