Gadgets
Review of the Realme GT3 in the UAE
Realme seems to have successfully blurred the boundaries separating mid-range and flagship smartphones through its brilliant Realme GT series. This series of smartphones offer an impressive combination of performance, fast wired charging, and an awesome design at an affordable price point. Continuing the momentum, Realme launched its latest addition to the GT line, the Realme GT3, at MWC 2023. Priced at AED 2499, this cutting-edge smartphone promises to deliver exceptional features and value.
The GT3 also comes packed with a standout feature: it can fully charge a phone in just 10 minutes, allowing you to quickly get on with your day. Realme had initially introduced its 240W charging technology in the China-exclusive Realme GT Neo 5 earlier this year, and now the company is extending its availability to international markets with the release of the GT3.
Aside from its enhanced charging capabilities, the GT3 also introduces a cutting-edge OLED display. While it may not feature LTPO technology, it comes packed with impressive features. The screen boasts a remarkable 144Hz refresh rate, surpassing the more prevalent 120Hz rate. Moreover, it has received HDR10+ certification, a significant improvement over its predecessor, and offers increased brightness and a higher resolution for a truly immersive visual experience.
When it comes to the design, the Realme GT3 boasts a more understated glass back design that elegantly shimmers when illuminated by light. However, the main focal point lies in the camera module, occupying the top portion of the back panel. It features three cameras and fake circuitry that mimics the powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset that fuels the phone’s impressive performance.
Upon unboxing the Realme GT3, one of the initial impressions is its lightweight construction, tipping the scales at just 199 grams. While it may not be the absolute lightest phone available, it falls within the same range as the standard Pixel 7 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus. The rear cover further enhances the ergonomics, gently curving at the edges and seamlessly blending into a plastic frame.
This combination of a lightweight design and curved back ensures a comfortable and enjoyable grip. Adding to the appeal, the rear cover features a glass material with a matte finish, effectively mitigating any concerns regarding fingerprint smudges. Realme is also incorporating elements from gaming phones by introducing an RGB “breathing” light encircling the dummy chip within a window.
This vibrant light feature becomes prominent during charging, low battery situations, and when receiving calls or notifications. While its usefulness for calls and notifications might be debatable unless you frequently place your phone face-down, it serves as a delightful touch that sets the phone apart from others in the market.
When you flip the phone around, you’ll be greeted by a gorgeous 6.74-inch AMOLED display. I personally found the screen to be quite bright and vivid, with videos appearing crisp and sharp. The display also features a highly customisable always-on display that conveniently presents essential information such as the time and battery life at a glance, eliminating the need to unlock the phone.
The Realme GT3 uses Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset from 2021, which is rapidly gaining popularity as the preferred system-on-a-chip (SoC) for upper mid-range smartphones, surpassing the Snapdragon 870. This is certainly a positive development, as the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 remains a highly efficient processor even in 2023. You also get 12GB of RAM and 1TB of storage space onboard.
During testing, the performance of the device proved to be commendable. Basic tasks such as scrolling, multitasking, using the camera, and launching apps were executed seamlessly. Gaming is also a breeze on these devices, as I observed that even demanding games ran smoothly without any additional optimisations, leaving room for potential enhancements in graphical fidelity, such as higher frame rates.
In terms of the camera setup, the primary Sony IMX766 50MP sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) remains intact, ensuring excellent image quality. The familiar 8MP ultrawide shooter also makes its appearance. However, the previously less useful macro unit has been replaced with a microscopic lens, offering a slight improvement in functionality. With this updated lens, the Realme GT3 can capture impressive close-up shots, enhancing its photography capabilities.
The Realme GT3 delivers solid image quality, characterised by vibrant colours and a satisfactory level of detail. However, some users may find that the images appear slightly over-sharpened. In low-light conditions, there is an expected decrease in detail and an increase in noise. However, the phone compensates for this by automatically switching to night mode, which helps improve the overall image quality in such situations.
Out of the box, the Realme GT3 runs on Realme UI 4.0 based on Android 13. While it bears some similarities to Oppo’s Color OS skin, it comes with a few adjustments. This is actually a positive aspect, as Color OS has gained recognition as one of the better Android skins in recent years.
During our experience with the Realme GT3, the software overlay provided a fast and seamless user experience. Moreover, there are ample customisation options available, allowing you to personalise various aspects such as icon shapes, system colours, and the always-on display. Realme has also assured that the GT3 will receive three major operating system updates and four years of security patches, ensuring long-term support and keeping the device up to date with the latest software enhancements.
The GT3 demonstrated impressive performance in our benchmark tests, achieving a single-core score of 1362 and a multi-core score of 3737 in the Geekbench 6 CPU tests, and a GPU OpenCL Score of 5958. Furthermore, it excelled in Sling Shot Extreme tests, reaching the maximum scores in these assessments. These results highlight the device’s robust processing capabilities and its ability to handle demanding tasks with ease.
According to Realme’s claims, the 4600mAh battery in the GT3 can be fully charged in just 10 minutes, reaching 50% in 4 minutes, and achieving 20% in as little as 80 seconds. Realme assures that these charging speeds can be achieved using the included USB-C charging brick and cable. In our testing, we discovered that the GT3 is indeed the fastest-charging smartphone we have evaluated thus far.
While we were not able to achieve the promised 100% charge in under 10 minutes, we came very close. It took us 13 minutes and 23 seconds to charge from 5% to 100%. Despite falling just shy of the claimed time, this charging speed remains highly impressive. However, it’s worth noting that the charging speed can vary significantly based on the ambient temperature.
The Realme GT3 is a notable improvement over its predecessor and brings a lot to the table. It ticks off the essentials with its impressive display, powerful chipset, extended battery life, impressive main camera performance, and swift charging capability. The GT3 truly excels in the charging department, solidifying its position as a standout device.
Price: AED 2499
Realme GT3 AED 2499
Summary
The Realme GT3 uses Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset from 2021, which is rapidly gaining popularity as the preferred system-on-a-chip (SoC) for upper mid-range smartphones, surpassing the Snapdragon 870.
User Review
( votes)Gadgets
Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Expands With S24 FE in the UAE
Samsung Gulf Electronics today announced the availability of the Galaxy S24 FE in the UAE, the latest addition to the Galaxy AI ecosystem that delivers premium mobile experiences to more users. Powered by the AI-based ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI’s Photo Assist features, Galaxy S24 FE showcases an enhanced camera setup that empowers users to be more creative. It’s the perfect device for gaming on the go with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a long-lasting 4,700mAh battery, and a powerful Exynos 2400 series chipset. The Galaxy S24 FE offers premium Galaxy AI tools and ecosystem connectivity to enhance communication, productivity and creativity — all housed in an iconic design and protected by robust Samsung Knox security.
Fadi Abu Shamat, Senior Director and Head of Mobile eXperience Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics, said, “Our vision is to bring cutting-edge AI technology to all our users in the UAE. The introduction of Galaxy AI is revolutionizing how people in the region connect, express themselves, and boost their productivity. With the Galaxy S24 FE, we’re extending the advanced features and Galaxy AI capabilities of our flagship S24 Series to a wider audience across the UAE, ensuring more users can experience the future of mobile innovation.”
Galaxy S24 FE makes it easy for anyone to shoot stunning photos and videos. Its premium camera setup features a 50MP wide lens and 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom — both supported by optical image stabilization (OIS) — plus a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 10MP selfie camera. The camera system’s capabilities are further elevated by Samsung’s dynamic ProVisual Engine, an AI-driven camera engine that takes visual quality to incredible heights. Making its debut in the FE Series, ProVisual Engine features vastly improved technology that leverages advanced AI algorithms to deliver breathtaking detail and remarkably subtle textures:
- Nightography with AI image signal processing (ISP) to improve low-light performance, enabling beautiful night portraits
- Works with the wide camera’s 50MP Adaptive Pixel Sensor to enable optical-quality performance at zoom levels from 2x in addition to the optical 3x zoom. AI zoom also provides enhanced image quality at distances between digital zoom lengths. Object-aware engine to recognize scenes and optimize colours in Super High Dynamic Range (HDR), ensuring vibrant and lifelike photos and videos
When it is time to edit, Photo Assist features breathe life into ideas. Since its introduction with the Galaxy S24 Series devices, Galaxy AI has become invaluable for editing images and expressing creativity:
- Generative Edit reassembles the world through object moving and removal capabilities, allowing more creative freedom
- Portrait Studio reimagines selfies as cartoons, comics, watercolour paintings, or sketches to add flair to online profiles
- Edit Suggestions quickly remove pesky flaws, such as reflections, with the press of a button
- Instant Slow-mo immortalizes every second of life’s important moments in a snap
The powerful Exynos 2400 series chipset enables an uncompromised gaming experience compatible with cutting-edge features such as Ray Tracing. In a world where every bit of speed and efficiency counts, the Galaxy S24 FE utilizes several key features to stay ahead of the competition:
- A 1.1x larger vapour chamber improves cooling to maintain peak performance for longer durations
- A bigger 4,700mAh battery allows for long, worry-free gaming sessions
- A 6.7-inch adaptive Dynamic AMOLED 2X display – the largest display ever used in the FE Series – with up to 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and stunning viewing experience
- Vision Booster optimizes colour and contrast for clear and comfortable gaming even in sunlight
The Galaxy S24 FE incorporates the same advanced AI experience as the Galaxy S24 Series. Designed to enhance work, simplify communication, and increase connectivity, Galaxy AI on the S24 FE offers tools that unlock new possibilities:
- Circle to Search with Google satisfies curiosity with unprecedented ease by offering instant search results with just a long press of the home button and circle
- Interpreter instantly translates in-person conversations, lectures, or any other type of presentation, even when offline
- Live Translate breaks down communication barriers on phone calls and is now being extended to a selection of popular third-party apps
- Composer from Samsung Keyboard generates suggested text based on simple keywords for email and supported social media apps
- Note Assist streamlines the note-taking process and automates formatting and translation. In Samsung Notes, you can get transcription, translation, and summarizing of voice recordings directly. Texts in PDF files also can be translated and overlaid through PDF overlay translation
Every Galaxy AI-enhanced experience becomes even more useful when the Galaxy S24 FE is connected to Samsung’s expansive mobile ecosystem. It seamlessly transfers files, quickly sets up extended displays, and effortlessly executes complex creative ideas through intuitive inputs. In this hyper-connected Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy S24 FE enables experiences that increase productivity, creativity, and efficiency.
Building on the innovative legacy of the S Series, the Galaxy S24 FE is fortified with strong security. Samsung Knox, Galaxy’s multi-layer security platform that safeguards critical information and protects against vulnerabilities with end-to-end secure hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection.
As a continuation of the S24 Series tradition of sustainable design, the Galaxy S24 FE has been made to do more with less when it comes to the planet’s resources. It features a wide variety of recycled materials, including recycled plastics, aluminium, glass, and rare earth elements in both internal and external components. It also features seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates and comes in a packaging box made from 100% recycled paper material.
Customers who purchase the breakthrough Galaxy S24 FE will receive a complimentary bundle of value-added services from premium Gulf brands worth up to AED 598. This exclusive package includes offerings from Samsung Entertainer, Anghami, VIU Premium and Starzplay Sports, providing customers with an extensive suite of entertainment and dining options to elevate their lifestyle.
The Galaxy S24 FE is available in retail stores and online starting October 3rd. At launch, customers can enjoy double the storage — a 256GB variant for the same price as the 128GB, starting from AED 2,399. The Galaxy S24 FE is available in Blue, Graphite, Gray, and Mint colours.
Gadgets
HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2″ Debuts in UAE with Stunning 2000-Nit Tandem OLED PaperMatte Display
Huawei’s latest tablet, the HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2”, is officially hitting shelves in UAE. Featuring a stunning Tandem OLED PaperMatte Display, innovative digital art tools, and an all-new HUAWEI Glide Keyboard, this latest offering from Huawei is designed to cater to both productivity and creativity. With advanced anti-glare technology, a powerful battery, and luxurious craftsmanship, the MatePad Pro 12.2″ is set to become a must-have device for users seeking a seamless blend of style and substance.
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” is now available for purchase through Huawei’s online store and select retailers in UAE starting at AED 2999. It is available in two elegant colour options: Golden Silk and Black. To provide a worry-free experience, Huawei is offering the HUAWEI Care+ Service, which can be purchased alongside the new tablet.
At the heart of the device is the standout Tandem OLED PaperMatte Display, which delivers an extraordinary viewing experience that remains sharp and clear—even under the brightest sunlight. The 12.2-inch display, capable of reaching up to 2000 nits of brightness, provides stunning HDR visuals with vibrant colours, ideal for streaming, graphic design, and more. This level of brightness is complemented by sophisticated anti-glare technology, including anti-sparkle and nanoscale etching, ensuring that reflections and glare are kept to a minimum. The display’s magnetron nano-optical layers also help reduce light interference, allowing users to enjoy their content in any environment.
One of the most impressive features of the display is its PaperMatte finish, which mimics the look and feel of paper. This thoughtful design offers users a comfortable and natural viewing experience, whether they’re using the device for extended work sessions or enjoying a casual read. The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2″ introduces the all-new HUAWEI Glide Keyboard. This redesigned keyboard case integrates stylus storage and charging. By simply placing the HUAWEI M-Pencil into the slot, the stylus pairs and charges automatically. The keyboard itself boasts stain-proof materials, making it durable enough to withstand common spills and smudges. The Glide Keyboard also makes it easier to switch between different modes. It’s now as easy as flipping open a laptop and doesn’t require multiple steps.
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2″ comes with the GoPaint app, introducing a suite of groundbreaking digital art tools. Among these are the new Splatter and Fluid brushes, designed to unlock new levels of creativity. The Splatter brushes allow users to create mesmerizing ink splatters by hovering the M-Pencil over the screen and double tapping. The GoPaint app features 15 different Splatter brushes, each inspired by real-world splatters like spray paint, scattered tree leaves, and the iconic works of Pollock. Fluid brushes, meanwhile, recreate the blending effects of liquid pigments, offering an authentic watercolour and ink experience.
Huawei has paid just as much attention to the design of the tablet itself and it’s evident in the Golden Silk colourway. This mesmerising finish is the result of painstaking craftsmanship, with each device undergoing over 1,000 rounds of polishing. The final product is a tablet that not only performs at the highest level but also stands out with its luxurious, silky finish that subtly glows under light.
With all of this power comes incredible battery life. The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” is equipped with a massive 10,100 mAh battery, offering up to 14 hours of continuous video playback. For those in need of a quick charge, the tablet’s 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge technology means it can go from zero to 100 per cent in just 55 minutes. Thanks to Huawei’s Smart Power Conserve, the tablet can also remain on standby for up to 380 days.
The HUAWEI MatePad Pro 12.2” is now available in UAE, offering consumers a tablet that combines performance, design, and creativity.
Foldables
HONOR Magic V3 Reduces Eye Strain with AI Defocus Display Technology
HONOR has introduced a groundbreaking innovation in eye care technology with its AI Defocus Display. This cutting-edge feature, first seen in the HONOR Magic V3, aims to mitigate the rising prevalence of myopia, particularly among smartphone users.
Traditional methods of addressing myopia, such as wearing glasses, often offer temporary solutions but may inadvertently contribute to the progression of the condition. HONOR’s AI Defocus Display takes a different approach, inspired by defocus glasses. By simulating controlled defocus on the display, the technology helps prevent the elongation of the eye’s axial length, a key factor in myopia development.
HONOR has conducted extensive scientific tests to substantiate the effectiveness of the AI Defocus Display. According to the tests, the feature is effective at reducing transient myopia by 13 degrees on average in a 25-minute session. Testing results also showed that the thickness of the central choroid increased after completing a visual task for 24 minutes with the AI Defocus Display function enabled. These findings provide compelling evidence of the transformative potential of this cutting-edge technology in myopia control and improving overall eye health.
Additionally, the HONOR AI Defocus Display has garnered recognition and endorsement from esteemed experts from Beijing Tongren Hospital (which is affiliated with Capital Medical University), and the Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center (SEDPTC). These experts have thoroughly evaluated and supported the development of this innovative technology. Their expertise and endorsement serve as a strong validation that the AI Defocus Display is a cutting-edge solution that adheres to the highest standards of eye care technology.
With the AI Defocus Display, HONOR is at the forefront of the smartphone industry, offering a unique and effective solution to combat myopia and promote healthier vision. As the prevalence of myopia continues to rise, HONOR’s technology provides a promising avenue for mitigating its impact and improving the quality of life for millions of individuals.