Samsung Galaxy S23: a compact flagship that delivers

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April 4, 2023

Samsung S23 — The new Galaxy S23 is the most compact of Samsung's new flagship smartphones. Picture supplied by Samsung.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a compact flagship smartphone that boasts impressive performance and camera features.

Upon unboxing the device, the first thing that stands out is its sleek and modern design. Next, we were impressed by its size and weight. It fits comfortably in one hand and doesn’t feel too heavy. The back panel has a frosted glass finish that gives it a premium look and feel.

It has a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The screen is bright and vivid, with accurate color reproduction, making it a pleasure to use for watching videos and browsing social media. There’s also an in-display fingerprint sensor that works quickly and accurately.

Photography

Samsung smartphones have a well-earned reputation for excellence in camera technology, and the Galaxy S23 is no exception.

Its camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 12MP telephoto sensor. On the whole, it’s a winning combination, capturing excellent images in good lighting conditions, with vibrant colors and plenty of detail. The ultrawide and telephoto sensors also produce good results, although they don’t quite match up to the quality of the main sensor.

In low-light conditions, we found the camera somewhat less impressive, with images often appearing noisy and lacking detail. However, the device’s night mode feature helps to improve the quality of low-light images significantly.

Samsung describes the S23’s portrait mode as best-in-class, and we have no quibbles with that claim. In our testing it produced impressively natural-looking bokeh and accurate subject separation.

Performance

The Galaxy S23 is powered by the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 system-on-a-chip (SoC), which provides a marked improvement in performance and efficiency gains compared to previous generations.

The device runs smoothly and handles multitasking with the aplomb you’d expect from its flagship status. We didn’t experience any lag or stuttering during our time with the phone.

On the memory front, the 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage on the base model should be enough for most users, although beefier versions are available for a price.

Battery life and charging

Given South Africa’s electricity supply woes, a device’s staying power has taken on added importance. The Galaxy S23 is a bit of a mixed bag in this regard. On the plus side, we found the 3900mAh battery (200mAh more capacious than its predecessor’s) to last a full day with moderate usage.

Another important consideration is fast charging and here, alas, the S23 falls short of its potential, supporting last year’s 25W fast charging, compared to its 45W capable bigger siblings, the S23+ and S23 Ultra siblings.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a premium design, a vibrant display, excellent performance, and a good camera setup.

While it falls short in some areas, such as the lack of improvement in the ultrawide and telephoto lenses, the main camera and portrait mode make up for it.

The device is powered by a high-performance SoC, which delivers snappy and responsive performance, and the battery life is good enough to last a full day of moderate usage.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a solid addition to Samsung’s flagship smartphone lineup and an excellent choice for those looking for camera and performance features in a compact device.

Prices in South African start at R21,999.

Bank boosts solar financing options to help South Africans tackle load shedding

By

Editorial Staff

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March 28, 2023

FNB_Energy Solutions_crop — FNB has broadened its funding for alternative energy solutions. Image supplied by FNB

South African bank FNB is expanding its financing options for solar and alternative energy solutions to assist businesses and consumers in mitigating the impact of load shedding, a persistent power supply issue in the country.

The bank has announced several new financing options, including an energy home loan that allows clients to add a loan facility to their existing mortgage bond to fund the installation of solar energy systems. The loan amounts start at R50,000 and go up to 15% of the value of the client’s home, with interest rates aligned with individual credit profiles. The solar energy loan can also be added to a new home loan.

FNB also offers energy finance through securities-based lending or an unsecured personal loan.

The bank has created a “one-stop-shop” on its app, where customers can purchase backup power solutions such as UPS devices or inverters starting from R149 per month over a 24-month payment term. There is no paperwork involved in accessing these financing options, as the process is fully digitized and accessible through FNB’s platform.

Reputable providers

The bank says it is partnering with reputable renewable energy providers to offer pre-screened lists of alternative energy solutions. It will pay the deposit directly to the supplier upfront, ensuring that customers are not out of pocket unless the cost of the renewable energy solution selected by the customer exceeds the approved loan amount.

The new financing options complement existing ones, such as the ecoEnergy home loan, which has financed 61 megawatts of alternative energy, paid out R970 million to date and aims to reach R2 billion in green-energy home loans by June 2024.

With the energy supply crisis in South Africa showing no signs of slowing down, banks are widening funding options, particularly for the residential market where the uptake of solar has been slow due to the initial cost of buying into these alternative solutions.

While in the long run, solar is cheaper than Eskom’s electricity, the cost of buying into these alternative solutions has remained the biggest disadvantage for homeowners looking to be less reliant on the beleaguered utility.

Bounce Back billion

FNB also announced that it is on track to fund R1 billion in Bounce Back Loans to SMEs by May 2023. These loans have a government guarantee and low-interest rates, and FNB has already extended nearly R900 million in Bounce Back Loans, with R262 million funding Women in Business.

FNB’s credit offerings include the Aspire credit card, which offers eBucks rewards and access to SLOW Lounges when purchasing tickets via eBucks Travel. Customers can also create a virtual card stored on the FNB App, and some virtual card purchases qualify for Purchase Protect insurance. FNB’s Fusion account, with a starting credit limit of R1000, allows customers to build their credit profile and has a credit facility for emergencies with zero interest for 30 days.

FNB CEO, Jacques Celliers said, “As a responsible financial institution, we are committed to making a positive impact in society, and we recognize the challenging impacts of the current economic environment on our customers. Our aim is to provide customers with ongoing support to help them realize their individual, family, and business aspirations. We intend to do this through our extensive range of needs-based solutions.”

Banking on the cloud paves the way for women in tech.

By

Editorial Staff

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February 9, 2023

GirlCode CEO Zandile Mkwanazi. Image supplied

STANDARD Bank and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have teamed up with GirlCode, a non-profit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in the technology industry. The partnership aims to empower and equip women with the skills needed to flourish in tech-related industries.

GirlCodes’ mission is to bridge the gender skills gap in tech by providing a digital learning and growth hub for young girls who want to get into tech. Completely online and free, what started as a hackathon for women in 2014, GirlCode now boasts three online courses to bolster various tech skills – one of which is the AWS Cloud Practitioner course.

Bespoke

An eight-week bespoke cloud boot camp was developed to prepare the participants to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam and provide them with the technical and soft skills needed to successfully enter the job market.

The participants accessed the program via video tutorials created by the GirlCode team. They learned about AWS cloud concepts, services, security, architecture and support to prepare them for the exam, and created connections with other learners through an online community discussion board.

AWS, the world’s largest cloud services provider, says it develops programs like this to ensure accessibility to emerging technology training and certification amidst the challenges our young people face in South Africa to ensure they are able to take one step closer to employability.

“In 2017, we joined forces with AWS for our All women hackathon,” says GirlCode CEO Zandile Mkwanazi. “Today we run skills development programmes to turn young women into fully certified cloud practitioners.”

Applications opened in October 2022 and 3 366 women have enrolled for the programme so far, 55% of them unemployed.

Hireable

“With Standard Bank and AWS at our side, we can equip our students with the skills they need that will get them hired by just about any ICT business or big corporate that utilised AWS technology – of which there is no shortage of positions available,” she says.

“If more organisations partner with us, we can get well on our way to ushering 10 million women into a tech career by 2030. It can only be accomplished when we come together as an industry.”

This programme has been accentuated and accelerated even further with the SHE Dares programme.

Powered by Standard Bank and AWS, the SHE Dares Cloud Practitioner Journey challenges women all over South Africa to earn the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification. “Getting this certification means you can validate your cloud fluency with an industry-recognised credential from AWS and highlight your overall understanding of the AWS Cloud—with our support every step of the way,” says Mkwanazi.

Ayanda Sibanyoni (20) is one of the graduates who joined the first cohort to complete the AWS. “Getting started with a program was a walk in the park because our facilitators made sure we had all the resources and support necessary to be successful.”

She says the women in her cohort shared a common goal and provided each other with both technical and emotional support. For her, the AWS skills builder was the program’s standout feature because it was simple to use and had modules that accommodated everyone.

Terrified

“I was terrified before beginning the program because I didn’t understand what cloud computing was all about. The study materials made studying easy and interesting. They used day-to-day examples in order for us to relate to the topics and understand the fundamentals of cloud computing,” says Sibanyoni.

“As I went through the modules, I started to understand how cloud computing works and the potential it has to improve and expand businesses.” – GeekWire.co.za

Howzit Mzansi! Huawei Mate 50 Pro debuts in South Africa

By

Editorial Staff

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January 27, 2023

The Huawei Mate 50 Pro, the latest smartphone offering from the Chinese tech giant, has officially been launched in South Africa. Here’s a closer look at the features and specifications of this new flagship device.

Display and design

The Mate 50 Pro comes equipped with a 6.8-inch OLED display, featuring a 1440×3200 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. These specifications are designed to enhance user experience in various applications, such as gaming and scrolling. The device’s design includes a glass back and a metal frame, making it both visually appealing and durable.

It also comes with IP68 dust and water resistance, providing added protection against the elements. The display is protected by Huawei’s Kunlun Glass, which offers enhanced scratch resistance and durability.

Processing power and OS

The smartphone is powered by Huawei’s own Kirin 9000 chipset, which promises impressive performance and energy efficiency.

The Mate 50 Pro runs on the HarmonyOS 2.0 operating system, the company’s response to restrictions on using Google’s Android operating system due to ongoing US sanctions. HarmonyOS 2.0 aims to provide a seamless user experience, with Huawei continually working to expand its app ecosystem and offer alternatives to popular Google apps and services.

Camera capabilities

The Mate 50 Pro boasts a quad-camera setup with a 108-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens, a 12-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, and a 3D depth-sensing camera. Huawei says this versatile configuration allows users to capture high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios, such as low-light conditions, wide-angle landscapes, and distant subjects.

The front-facing camera features a 32-megapixel lens, which should provide crisp selfies and clear video calls.

Battery and charging

Thanks to loadshedding, battery life is a big concern for South African smartphone users. The Mate 50 Pro addresses in several ways, starting with a 5000mAh battery, which should last for a full day of regular use.

The device also supports both 66W wired and 50W wireless fast charging, enabling users to recharge their phones quickly when needed. Additionally, the Mate 50 Pro offers reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge other devices wirelessly, such as earbuds or compatible smartphones.

And the Low-Battery Emergency Mode helps users conserve power by limiting certain functionalities when the battery level is critically low, helping to ensure that essential communication features remain available.

Storage and connectivity

The Huawei Mate 50 Pro comes with various storage options, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, with the possibility of expanding storage through Huawei’s Nano Memory Card. In terms of connectivity, the device supports 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and NFC, ensuring users can stay connected in various environments and take advantage of fast data transfer speeds.

Security features

Huawei says it has made security a priority in the Mate 50 Pro, incorporating an in-display fingerprint sensor and facial recognition technology for secure and convenient device access. Additionally, the smartphone comes with a range of software-based security features, such as app encryption and secure file storage.

Availability and price The Huawei Mate 50 Pro will be available for purchase at various retail stores and online shopping platforms from 1 February 2023, starting at R24,999.

Oppo-tunity knocks for SA smartphone fans

By

Editorial Staff

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March 30, 2022

The Oppo Reno 5 is now available in South Africa. Image supplied

IT’S been a busy time for South African technology watchers with the local launch of new smartphones from three big brands in as many weeks.

The most recent is the Reno5 from Oppo, a relative newcomer on the South African scene, but one that’s already making waves.

Since its low-key arrival in the country last October, the China-based brand says it has sold 30,000 of its budget to mid-range A15, A53 and A72 devices, a modest but respectable start to its stated ambition of becoming the number one smartphone brand in South Africa within five years.

The Reno5 marks Oppo’s entry into the upper mid-range to premium category. With a price tag of R14,999 and available on monthly contracts from R499, it offers many features found on flagship devices costing R5,000 to R10,000 more.

Running the latest version 11 of Google’s Android mobile operating system and boasting 5G support, a 6.44-inch OLED display with in-screen fingerprint sensor and a beefy 8GB of RAM, the Reno5 also promises a top-notch photography experience. This comes courtesy of a quad-camera setup comprising a 64MP main lens, 8MP ultra-wide lens, 2MP macro lens and 2MP depth lens. Selfie fans haven’t been left out either, thanks to the 32MP front facing camera.

Music fans are also catered to with Dolby Atmos support and a 3.5mm headphone jack, the latter an increasingly rare feature on premium smartphones.

“The Reno 5 is our most ambitious smartphone model yet. Offering ultra-fast, ultra-powerful connectivity and high-end technology that works,” Liam Fourie, Head of Got-to-Market and Operations at Oppo South Africa, said in a statement, adding that it incorporates “technology that improves everyday connection to each other, especially during these uncertain times”.

And with nothing more uncertain these days than a reliable electricity connection, the Reno5’s biggest selling point is likely to be its claimed ability to charge from dead flat to 100 percent in just 36 minutes, thanks to the 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 charger, which, unlike several premium smartphone brands, Oppo supplies free with the phone.

New Mate

A week earlier, another big Chinese brand, Huawei, announced that its Mate 40 Pro would be available in South Africa from 1 April 2021 at a recommended retail price of R19,999.

It runs Android with Huawei Mobile Services instead of Google Mobile Services, thanks to the ongoing US government ban on the company using products from American companies, so applications must be sourced from the Huawei AppGallery rather than the Google Play Store.

The Mate 40 Pro sports 5G connectivity, a high-resolution OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and fingerprint sensor embedded below the screen. It packs 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

Photography has long been a selling point of the Mate series and the 40 Pro is no exception, boasting an eye-catching ‘Space Ring’ camera hub containing a 50MP primary lens plus 20MP and 12MP lenses. The 13MP front-facing camera is paired with a 3D depth sensor.

The new Huawei is powered by a 4,400mAh battery that the company says delivers all-day battery life and supports both wireless and reverse wireless charging, the latter allowing users to power up other devices like smartwatches and earbuds from the phone.

Expanding Galaxy

Not to be outdone by its Chinese rivals, South Korean tech giant Samsung kicked off the recent launch flurry by unveiling not one, but three new smartphones – the Galaxy A72, A52 and A32 – at its second major launch of the year.

“We are committed to bridging the gap between flagship features and affordability. The Galaxy A Series offers incredible value in its segment,” said Justin Hume, Director: Integrated Mobility at Samsung South Africa.

The Galaxy A72 is one of three handsets launched by Samsung South Africa recently. Image supplied

The company announced that it would offer 5G capabilities on two of the new devices, the A72 which comes with 5G as standard and the A32 which it is offering in LTE and 5G models.

All devices include on-screen fingerprint scanning and support Samsung Pay, which the company says has grown hugely popular in South Africa with millions of transactions since its launch. Galaxy A users will also be able to take advantage of the Samsung Care+ offers that will accompany their release. – GeekWire.co.za

Pocket power! Pre-orders open for fold-Huawei flagship smartphone

By

Alan Cooper

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March 22, 2022

Huawei P50 Pro and P50 Pocket — Huawei has launched its P50 Pro and P50 Pocket smartphones in South Africa. Image supplied

THE latest innovation from Chinese tech titan, Huawei, the foldable P50 Pocket Premium Edition is available for pre-order in South Africa, along with the new P50 Pro, the latest non-folding addition to the flagship P series.

The Pocket is Huawei’s first horizontally folding smartphone. While the company has released two diagonally folding devices, these were never released in South Africa. Unlike its predecessors, which are the size of standard smartphone and fold out into tablet sized devices, the new Pocket folds down into a compact device that can fit easily into a pocket or clutch purse.

It features what Huawei calls an “all-new multi-dimensional hinge” that enables it to fold “seamlessly in half, while still being ultra-slim and lightweight”.

“Since the hinge is made of ultra-high strength steel, you also don’t have to worry about its durability,” the company said in a statement.

Its camera system comprises a 40MP True-Chroma camera, a 13MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 32MP ultra-spectrum camera, a 10-channel multi-spectrum sensor and an ultra-spectrum illuminator. The P50 Pocket also features the True-Chroma Image Engine and HUAWEI XD Optics, like the HUAWEI P50 Pro.

“All of these features come together to create images that are true-to-life and rich in detail.”

The “smart” cover screen displays notifications, schedule, calendar, music, weather and the camera, and is interactive. It can be customised through a variety of themes.

The cover screen also doubles as a viewfinder for taking selfies. “The rear camera portrait selfie algorithms boost low-light performance and preserve details and skin textures. You also get highly accurate, built-in beautification features that make sure everyone always looks good, yet still natural.”

When unfolded, the Pocket transforms into a 6.9-inch fully flat screen boasting 120Hz refresh rate and a touch sampling rate of 300Hz.

The recommended retail price is R28,999.

Pro option

For those looking for a more affordable, non-folding flagship phone, the P50 Pro comes in at R19,999.

Best-in-class photography is a major selling point of the device, starting with its “True-Form Dual-Matrix Camera” system, which comprises a main camera matrix and a superzoom matrix that provide “lifelike imagery with extreme clarity and high dynamic range”.

The hardware is enhanced with the Huawei’s XD Optics and XD Fusion Pro Image Engine, which the company says make for brighter, high-resolution images and greater detail.

The periscope zoom lens on the Pro has 100x zoom with a total zoom range of up to 200x when used in conjunction with the wide angle and periscope lens. The smartphone also supports 4K video recording from both the front and rear cameras.

It also has a 120Hz refresh panel with a 300Hz touch sampling rate, providing a smoother display and faster response time.

Powering the P50 Pro is a 4360mAh battery that supports 66W fast charging and 50W Wireless fast charging.

On the negative side, neither the Huawei P50 Pocket Premium Edition nor the P50 Pro are 5G capable. Also, instead of Android 12 from Google, they run on Huawei’s own Emui 12, which lacks any Google services, including the Play Store, Gmail and Google Maps. – GeekWire.co.za

New notebooks mate portability with productivity

By

Editorial Staff

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January 8, 2022

Huawei Matebook B Series — Huawei's new MateBook B-Series notebook PCs are now available in South Africa. Image supplied

THE coexistence of multiple screens – phones, tablets, laptops and PCs – is especially common in the business world, particularly as companies continue to embrace the possibilities of remote working. Both businesses and individuals are looking for new, efficient systems that allow for seamless interoperability across devices and help to maximise productivity.

That’s according to Huawei, which believes that the future of smart offices will be defined by integration: of devices, of interactions and of ecosystems.

“We are living in an era that demands constant connectivity and collaboration, and the extent to which we are currently creating and sharing content across multiple devices is only likely to grow. Tech solutions, if they are to stay relevant in this evolving space, need to meet this need in ever more innovative ways,” the China-based global tech giant said in a statement.

“They need devices that work together easily, handle large and frequent data transfers, and pose no security risks.”

These qualities, it says, can be found in its three new MateBook B Series devices now available in South Africa: the B7-410, B3-420 and B3-520.

The B7-410 is Huawei’s flagship lightweight business laptop. Aimed at high-end users like professionals, senior businesspeople and those who looking for an “elite experience”, the B7-410 boasts an ultra-slim metallic unibody, FullView Display, Huawei Share and an 11th Gen Intel Core processor.

The trackpad incorporates “Huawei Free Touch”, which the company says provides haptic feedback and near instant feedback, making it significantly more responsive and tactile than the average trackpad.

The B3-420 and B3-520 models are slim and lightweight laptops that feature a metallic design and balanced performance. Like the B7-410, they also boast FullView Display, which offers an immersive viewing experience, and an 11th Gen Intel Core™ processor. According to Huawei, they are better suited to younger users looking for a highly portable laptop that offers value for money.

“All three laptops work seamlessly with Huawei smartphones, allowing users to move easily between devices without any unnecessary delays or syncing issues,” Huawei said.

Security

It is also punting security as a strong drawcard of the MateBook B Series, which comes standard with a TPM2.0 security chip that safeguards data confidentiality, integrity and usability. The chip not only saves and manages BIOS and hard-drive passwords, it also supports the encryption of system and app login credentials.

“This means that the TPM2.0 chip can encrypt the login details of your online banking, messaging and email apps, providing additional security for information.”

All three laptops come with high-speed Wi-Fi 6 support, too. Coupled with a Wi-Fi 6 router, the laptops can theoretically manage transfer speeds of up to 2.4Gbps, which Huawei says is almost three times faster than the Wi-Fi 5 rate. “This gives users a faster connection, wider signal coverage, more powerful anti-interference and a more stable connection.”

The B Series is available locally through Pinnacle and Mustek. – GeekWire.co.za

SuperNova! New smartphones target camera savvy Gen Z market

By

Editorial Staff

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September 7, 2021

CHINA-based tech giant Huawei is taking aim at South Africa’s increasingly influential Gen Z market with the launch of its latest Nova line of smartphones.

The Huawei Nova 8 and Nova Y60 are now available locally and bring premium specs, like fast charging and high-megapixel-count cameras, to more affordable devices.

For example, the Nova 8 boasts 66W Huawei SuperCharge support, which Huawei says will allow the phone to be charged to 60% in just 15 minutes and 100% in 35 minutes. “So even if you had forgotten to charge it earlier, you can still charge up while you’re busy getting ready to meet up with the gang,” the company said in a statement.

On the photography front, the Nova 8 features a 64MP AI Quad Camera system. This includes a 64MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera, 2MP macro camera and a 2MP Bokeh camera.

“These cameras work together to deliver stunning images and videos in all scenarios, no matter how bright or how dark the environment may be,” said Huawei.

The Main Camera and Ultra-Wide-Angle Camera on the back of the HUAWEI Nova 8 work together to enable Dual-View Video. One is in charge of capturing the whole picture, and the other is used for close-up shots, adding a playful touch to your videos.

Plenty to smile about

Fans of selfies also have plenty to smile about thanks to the Nova 8’s 32MP High-res Front Camera which also supports the Super Night Selfie Mode that automatically enhances facial conditions and improve background details. In addition, the built-in AI algorithm intelligently removes flares from glasses.

The Huawei Nova 8 comes in the Blush Gold colour and has a thin and light body that weighs only 169g.

Generation Z (or Gen Z for short), is the demographic cohort coming after Millennials and before Generation Alpha, born from the mid-to-late 1990s to the early 2010s. With its second, more budget friendly new model, the Nova Y60, Huawei doubles down on the Gen Z messaging, starting with the battery life.

“If you’ve got plans to be out and about with your friends, then a smartphone that offers a long-lasting battery is important, especially if you want to capture your day with pics or enjoy some music streaming on your phone,” the company said, referring to the 5000mAh large battery and proprietary power-saving AI algorithms.

“Coupled with the Ultra Power Saving Mode, the smartphone can last longer even when the battery level is low, a great advantage if you’re out and about for a longer time than you planned.”

While the Nova Y60’s camera specs aren’t up to the Nova 8’s the solid AI Triple Camera, Huawei believes it punches above its weight it its price class. “The 13MP Main Camera has an f/1.8 large aperture – the bigger the aperture, the more light your smartphone camera can gather, which is needed to enable better picture quality.”

The Nova Y60 is available in two colours, Crush Green and Midnight Black.
The Nova 8 is available at the Huawei Huawei website or its physical stores for R10,998 and the Nova Y60 costs R3,099.

Both phones come with a two-year warranty, one-time free screen guard service, free unboxing service at the store and 50-days screen insurance.

They are also available from Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C and Takealot. – GeekWire.co.za

New mobile image sensor with advanced features

By

Editorial Staff

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July 13, 2021

GLOBAL tech heavyweight Samsung has introduced its latest 108-megapixel mobile image sensor, Samsung ISOCELL HM3.

According to the company, with a wide spectrum of advanced sensor technologies, the HM3 can capture sharper and more vivid images in ultra-high resolution with faster auto-focus and extended dynamic range.

“While a pixel is just a single dot of color, when in millions, these dots can be transformed into stunning snapshots of life,” said Duckhyun Chang, Executive Vice President of the sensor business at Samsung Electronics.”

He said that with more pixels, images are sharper, with fuller details that can maintain their integrity even when enlarged, adding that Samsung had been at the forefront of bringing the most pixels to mobile image sensors as well as various supporting technologies that take sensor performances to the next level.

“The ISOCELL HM3 is the culmination of Samsung’s latest sensor technologies that will help deliver premium mobile experiences to today’s smart-device users.”

For faster auto-focus, the HM3 integrates an improved Super PD Plus feature. Super PD Plus adds AF-optimised micro-lenses over the phase detection focusing agents, increasing measurement accuracy of the agents by 50-percent.

The enhanced phase detection auto-focusing (PDAF) solution helps to keep moving subjects in sharp focus and delivers optimum results in dark environments.

In mixed light environments, such as at the end of a tunnel, the HM3 adopts Smart ISO Pro, a high-dynamic-range (HDR) imaging technology which uses an intra-scene dual conversion gain (iDCG) solution.

Reduced noise

Smart ISO Pro simultaneously captures a frame in both high and low ISO, then merges them into a single image in 12-bit color depth and with reduced noise.

“As Smart ISO Pro does not require multiple exposure shots to create a standard HDR image, it can significantly reduce motion-artifacts. In addition, with a low-noise mode, it improves the light sensitivity by 50-percent to capture brighter and clearer results in low-light environments than its predecessor,” the company said in a statement.

The HM3’s pixel layout is especially arranged in three-by-three single color structures suitable for nine-pixel binning. By merging nine neighbouring pixels, the 108Mp HM3 mimics a 12Mp image sensor with large 2.4μm-pixels, heightening light sensitivity when taking photographs in low-light environments.

With an improved binning hardware IP, the HM3 supports seamless transitions between 108Mp and 12Mp resolutions.

Designs of the new sensor has also been optimised to reduce energy usage under preview mode by 6.5-percent, offering added power efficiency to the overall mobile device.
Samsung ISOCELL HM3 is currently in mass production. – GeekWire.co.za

Bank teams up with tech giant to offer zero-interest deal

By

Editorial Staff

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April 14, 2021

Samsung S21 — Samsung's S21 Ultra is one of the devices available at a special prices to Standard Bank customers through a deal between the tech giant and the bank. Image supplied

SAMSUNG and Standard Bank have partnered to offer customers 0% interest on all Samsung products bought using a Standard Bank credit card, from the Samsung online store.

“We are committed to offering the best of Samsung innovation and an ecosystem of incredible experiences to more people. Now through Standard Bank and this exciting collaboration, we can bring even more added value and convenience to those who choose the power of cutting-edge technology to enhance the quality of their daily lives,” said Kagiso Khaole, Head of e-commerce and Services at Samsung South Africa.

Products on offer range from specials on newly launched devices like the Galaxy S21 5G and the latest Galaxy A Series, to Samsung’s line of home appliances.
Israel Skosana, Head of Card Issuing said the past year had shown that South Africans were increasingly reliant on mobile technology to communicate, work and play.

“Our latest partnership with Samsung will hopefully encourage customers to adopt and utilise multiple digital platforms and payment options like Samsung Pay, the Standard Bank Banking App, and virtual cards,” he said.

To take advantage of the deal, visit the Samsung online store and select a product priced R5000 or more and pay using your Standard Bank credit card, selecting the six, 12 or 24-month budget plan. You will receive a 0% interest rate for the duration of your selected budget plan payment term, for that specific purchase from Samsung.

The offer period ends on 30 June 2021. – GeekWire.co.za

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