Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by voncrane

[PSA] GOYOJO GRS225RF Thermal Scope

voncrane — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:23:21 +0800

Hi all, here to share some awareness about the GOYOJO GRS225RF Thermal Scope with Built-in Laser Rangefinder launch. Hope it's all okay.

[November 2025 | USA] GOYOJO Optics proudly launches the GRS225RF Thermal Scope with Built-in Laser Rangefinder, offering tactical users, and outdoor enthusiasts professional-grade performance at a breakthrough price. Comparable thermal scopes with laser rangefinders typically retail above $1,000, but the GRS225RF combines high-resolution thermal imaging, precise distance measurement, and advanced features in one cost-effective package.

GOYOJO GRS225RF features precise laser range finding (±1 meter accuracy, up to 1000 meters), 256x192 thermal imaging resolution, a 1440x1080 OLED high-definition display, long-lasting battery, and smart connectivity. It delivers clear, reliable vision and efficient target acquisition in low-light conditions, complex terrain, or when observing distant targets.

Key Highlights
● Market-Leading Value: While comparable thermal imaging rangefinder scopes typically retail for over $1000, the GOYOJO GRS225RF delivers premium performance starting at just $759. Limited-time early bird price as low as $709 from December 15–30, 2025. offering the market's most competitive pricing.
● Precise Laser Range finding: GOYOJO GRS225RF features a built-in 905nm laser rangefinder with a 1000-meter measurement capability and ±1-meter accuracy, providing reliable data support for long-range identification and targeting. It assists shooters in quickly locking onto targets during hunting or tactical scenarios, enabling precise shooting.

Ultra-Clear Imaging
Equipped with a high-sensitivity sensor, the GOYOJO GRS225RF delivers thermal imaging performance featuring 256x192 resolution, 12μm pixels, and NETD<35mK. Utilizing VOx technology, it consistently produces detailed thermal images in low-light conditions. A 50Hz refresh rate ensures smooth tracking of moving targets during nighttime operations.

AI Image Enhancement
GOYOJO GRS225RF integrates image optimization with AI super-resolution algorithms, delivering detail clarity comparable to 384-resolution imaging. In complex backgrounds or long-range observation scenarios, AI effectively enhances contours, edges, and details, enabling faster and more accurate target identification.

High-Definition Display
The built-in 1440x1080 OLED display delivers bright, high-contrast visuals with crisp, discernible details. Whether scanning or aiming, the high-resolution screen provides an immersive viewing experience under all lighting conditions.

Long-Lasting Battery
The high-capacity battery supports continuous operation for over 7 hours, effortlessly handling scenarios such as long-distance hunting, night patrols, and outdoor monitoring to meet extended operational demands.

Additional Features
● High Magnification Zoom: The 25mm germanium lens provides 3.5x optical magnification and supports 1-4x digital zoom, balancing field of view with target detail for medium-to-long-range observation.
● One-Click Zeroing: Quickly calibrate thermal imaging and day/night vision modes to enhance shooting speed and accuracy.
● PIP (Picture-in-Picture) Mode: Simultaneously display the main view and zoom view to optimize target recognition accuracy.
● Multi-Color Imaging: Offers four thermal imaging color modes to suit different environmental requirements.
● App Connectivity: Features video recording capabilities, supports Wi-Fi connectivity and app integration for real-time preview, recording, and sharing.
● Durable and long-lasting: Lightweight and portable, it can withstand recoil impacts of up to 800g/0.4ms, balancing portability with durability.

For those interested, please see their launch & pricing information below.
Product Page: GOYOJO GRS225RF Thermal Optics with LRF.
Retail Price：$759
Early-Bird Price：$709（Limited Time: December 15–30, 2025).

About GOYOJO Optics
GOYOJO Optics, is committed to delivering high-performance, cost-effective optics that empower users to upgrade their gear without breaking the bank. Whether you're a hunter, outdoor enthusiast, or tactical user, GOYOJO combines technology with practical, real-world functionality—making professional optics more accessible than ever.
Official Website
Official Email

GOYOJO GH340 Thermal Imager Launch

voncrane — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 22:55:00 +0800

GOYOJO GH340 Thermal Imager Launch: Dual-Spectrum Fusion, Pro-Level Specs at a Breakthrough Price.

[November 2025 | New York] — GOYOJO Tools proudly launched the GH340 handheld thermal imager, a professional-grade device engineered to deliver advanced dual-spectrum fusion imaging at an unprecedented price point. Designed for industrial inspection, equipment maintenance, construction, and outdoor applications, the GH340 combines thermal infrared and visible-light imagery in one unified view, dramatically improving detection accuracy and efficiency. With a 256×192 thermal resolution, 25Hz refresh rate, rugged durability, and an all-day battery life, the GH340 offers capabilities typically found in significantly higher-priced equipment. Its official retail price is RM1,255 or $239, with a limited early-bird offer starting at RM877 or $219.

Key Highlights: Dual-spectrum fusion for rapid issue detection.
The GH340 integrates thermal imaging with visible-light footage in real time, allowing users to see heat anomalies in context. This fusion view helps quickly pinpoint hidden issues, such as leaks, electrical faults, insulation gaps, or moisture, while preserving surrounding structural details. The result is faster identification, reduced guesswork, and more reliable diagnostics.

256x192 resolution for sharp imaging
Captures finer temperature variations to enhance measurement accuracy. Meets professional application demands, delivering stable data support for industrial equipment monitoring and outdoor operations alike.

25Hz refresh rate for smooth, lag-free performance.
Delivers smoother, faster image capture to improve user viewing experience. Enhanced target tracking ensures clearer motion trajectories.

All-day battery life.
Equipped with a built-in 3500mAh rechargeable lithium battery, delivering up to 7 hours of continuous operation on a single charge to meet full-day work demands.

Rugged durability.
IP54-rated water and dust resistance combined with 2m drop protection ensures reliable performance under diverse harsh conditions, withstanding accidental impacts.

Multifunctional Integration
● Precise temperature measurement & high sensitivity, with a measurement range of -4°F to 1022°F (-20°C to 550°C), supporting accurate readings within ±2% error tolerance. Thermal sensitivity <40mk captures minute temperature differences.
● 6 color palettes adapt to diverse environments and scenarios, enhancing recognition efficiency.
● High-temperature alarm automatically flags abnormal hotspots, enabling early detection of potential risks.
● Auto-shutdown with configurable 5/10/20-minute sleep settings to extend device battery life.
● Data export via USB cable to PC for image transfer or firmware updates.

Launch & Pricing Information.
Product page: GOYOJO GH340 Handheld Thermal Imaging Camera - GOYOJO
Retail Price: RM1255 or $239
Early-Bird Price: Starts at RM877 or $219 (limited time)

About GOYOJO Tools
GOYOJO Tools develops high-quality, high-value precision instruments designed to make professional-grade tools more accessible. From industrial inspection to equipment maintenance and outdoor applications, GOYOJO is committed to combining reliability, durability, and practical functionality, bringing professional tools to more people at a more attainable cost.
Official Website
Official Email

[PSA] Blackview Active 12 Pro Tablet

voncrane — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 23:23:21 +0800

Hi all.. Hot on the heels of the Mega 8 13" AI Smart Tablet, Blackview is here again with another World's 1st! I'm referring to upgrading your rugged lifestyle with the 1st proper 5G+WiFi 6E 11" Rugged Tablet with a 120” (read that again...120" capable) 200lm 1080P Projector. The Active 12 Pro's Global launch begins tonight till the 27th of August. You can choose between 2 variants... The 12GB RAM + 256GB ROM variant...typically, plenty enough for most users. Else, there's also the flagship 16GB RAM + 1TB variant. Both sporting DDR5 RAM & UFS3.1 Drives.

[video]https://gv-vod-cdn.aliexpress-media.com/ae_sg_gmc/video_target/gv98-acfdf375-a1c180dc-98a7d775-590a/trans/2b66aff1-4ca7-42ab-af4a-b9a2e0502151-h264-hd.mp4?auth_key=1755442111-0-0-fb55994a1ec60e862182260defc21b52[/video]

Blackview officially announces the global debut of the Active 12 Pro, the world’s first 5G rugged tablet equipped with a built-in 200-lumen 1080P autofocus DLP projector. Created for mobile professionals, field workers, and outdoor enthusiasts, it transforms the rugged device category with a rare mix of durability, projection, flagship performance, AI integration, and all-day power in one tablet.

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Designed for extremes, Active 12 Pro surpasses IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H standards with reinforced corners, anti-shock buffers, and drop resistance from 1.5m to 12m free-fall. It withstands up to 2.2 tons of pressure, operates in temperatures from –20°C to 60°C, and features UL94-rated flame-retardant casing, Gorilla Glass 5 display, and ESD-safe internal design. It’s tough enough for construction zones, freezing storage, desert ops, and everything in between.

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The integrated 200lm 1080P projector brings immersive viewing anywhere, anytime. With one tap, it can easily project an immersive 120-inch display with rich colors and sharp detail—even on uneven surfaces like tents, rocks, or vehicle panels. Featuring autofocus, keystone correction, and a dedicated projection app interface, it’s perfect for sharing blueprints, training content, or movies in the field. Plus, it supports Widevine L1 (Hello Netflix, Disney+, Prime, etc) for FHD streaming.

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Under the hood, Active 12 Pro holds an industry-leading 30,000mAh battery, complemented with 120W fast charging, capable of 112 days of standby time and reverse charging for other devices. A dual-beam 400-lumen camping light enhances its utility in dark environments, emergency use, or off-grid nights.

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It runs on the advanced 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7300 5G chipset with a 4.5 TOPS APU 655 AI engine, and supports up to 48GB RAM (16GB + 32GB expansion) and 1TB storage (expandable to 3TB). This delivers smooth multitasking and responsive performance, whether running complex applications or handling remote teamwork.

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For imaging, the tablet boasts a 108MP Samsung® AI main camera with Nona-Pixel Plus tech for crisp shots even in low light, and a 50MP front camera ideal for video calls or remote reporting. AI tools like one-click sky replacement and automatic touch-ups make field documentation or creative expression seamless.

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The 11-inch 2K display offers 650 nits brightness, 90Hz adaptive refresh rate (120hz would be nice but that'll probably push the price even higher... But hey, 90 is better than 60Hz) , and TÜV SÜD low blue light certification for safe viewing under the sun or in low light. Dual BOX speakers with Smart PA deliver immersive sound, while PC Mode 2.0, multi-window, and stylus support turn it into a mobile productivity powerhouse—ideal for site reports, design markup, or document editing on the go.

Running the new DokeOS_P 4.2 based on Android 15, the tablet features Blackview’s self-developed Doke AI, integrated with DeepSeek-R1, Gemini 2.0, and ChatGPT-4o mini (I expect a future GPT-5 update) for global smart control. From hands-free voice navigation and screen-aware assistance to creative AI apps like Hi Doki, ImageX, VidGen, and Soundle, users get a more responsive, intelligent, and secure rugged experience. Besides, Blackview provides 3 years of OTA software updates, ensuring long-term stability and a consistently smooth user experience. Speaking of long-term reliability, I can still personally vouch for the durability of the Oscal Pad 18 Tablet from over 2 years ago. Battery life & performance..still on point.

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For a limited time from August 18 to August 27, you can score it for as low as $529.99! About RM2.2K, down from RM3K for the 12GB RAM + 256GB ROM variant. Typically, plenty enough for most users. Else, there's also the flagship 16GB RAM + 1TB variant. DDR5 RAM & UFS3.1 Drives.. Don’t miss out!

Official Aliexpress Store...Non-Affliate Link

[PSA] Blackview Mega 8 13" AI Smart Tablet

voncrane — Tue, 13 May 2025 21:46:10 +0800

Blackview MEGA 8 Global Debut: The World’s First 13-Inch AI Flagship Tablet Fully Integrated with DeepSeek R1, ChatGPT-4o mini, and Gemini AI 2.0, Comes with a Free Tempered Glass Screen Protector, Stylus, and Protective Case.

In today’s AI-driven world, users seek devices that blend productivity and entertainment, but small screens, limited features, and short battery life often hold them back. Blackview, a leader in smart innovation, officially launched the long-awaited MEGA 8, the world’s first 13-inch AI flagship tablet. With full integration of top-tier AI models like DeepSeek R1, ChatGPT-4o mini, and Gemini AI 2.0, it offers a massive 13-inch FHD+ display, an 11,000mAh battery, and powerful specs—octa-core Unisoc Tiger T620, up to 36GB RAM (software bump), 512GB ROM, and 2TB of expandable storage. Running the latest DokeOS_P 4.1 (Android 15), MEGA 8 elevates AI-driven efficiency, multitasking, and entertainment to the next level.

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1. First-Ever 13-Inch AI Tablet, Powered by the Best AI Models
Blackview MEGA 8—the world’s first 13-inch AI flagship tablet—redefines smarter work, learning, and creativity. Powered by Doke AI 2.0, it fully integrates three top-tier AI models: DeepSeek R1, ChatGPT-4o mini, and Gemini AI 2.0, delivering real-time, precise solutions anytime, anywhere. With AI voice-print recognition, users can seamlessly control multiple apps hands-free with just a voice command. AI Global Smart Control makes switching between Gmail, YouTube, and WhatsApp effortless. MEGA 8 also features four exclusive AI apps for smart chat, image editing, video creation, and music generation. The Hi Doki App offers real-time AI search, text-to-image, text-to-music, document analysis, and homework help. The ImageX App provides 18 pro-level tools for photo animation, object removal, blemish elimination, and background replacement. The VidGen App introduces image-to-video and text-to-video generation with creative effects like AI hugs, kisses, and emoji animations. Finally, the Soundle App lets users instantly generate lyrics and melodies in up to eight genres, bringing pro-level music creation within reach.

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2. The Largest 13-Inch Display and 11,000mAh Battery Ever in Blackview Tablets!
To deliver a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience, MEGA 8 features Blackview’s largest-ever 13-inch FHD+ display—13% larger than standard tablets—providing clearer visuals with reduced eye strain. Certified by TÜV SÜD for Low Blue Light, it’s ideal for long sessions. It also supports Widevine L1 for 1080P HD streaming and has a quad-speaker Smart-K stereo system for cinema-grade audio. For productivity, Split-Screen 2.0 and PC Mode 2.0 enable smoother multitasking, while wireless keyboard and mouse support instantly transform it into a 13-inch touchscreen PC. Despite its large screen, MEGA 8’s 11,000mAh battery provides up to 20 hours of daily use and 1,416 hours of standby.

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3. The Clearest Tablet with a 50MP SONY® Rear Camera Ever.
To effortlessly capture notes, scan images, and preserve memories, MEGA 8 features a 50MP SONY® IMX362 AI rear camera for vibrant photos and AI Smart Google Lens for instant object recognition and query solutions. It also records in 1080P FHD, while the 13MP front camera ensures clear video calls, even in low-light settings.

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4. The Most Powerful Tablet with 512GB ROM and 2.2GHz Turbo Performance
To tackle complex tasks with speed and efficiency, MEGA 8 features a 2.2GHz turbo octa-core Unisoc Tiger T620 processor, delivering a 22% speed boost for smoother gaming and streaming. With 36GB RAM (12GB + 24GB expansion) and Atomized Memory 2.0, apps load 28% faster, while 512GB ROM + 2TB TF card support offers massive storage.

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5. Elevate Your Work, Play, and Creative Journey with the Latest DokeOS_P 4.1 Based on Android 15.
Running DokeOS_P 4.1 (Android 15), MEGA 8 enhances performance and security. File transfers are 77x faster with the EasyShare App, and the Workspace App ensures better productivity. Intuitive copy-paste features and smooth navigation make every task effortless.

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What’s even more exciting is that MEGA 8 comes with a free tempered glass protector, tablet cover, and stylus for an enhanced experience. From today till May 18th, the Blackview MEGA 8 is available worldwide on AliExpress. With an early bird price of only RM880 or RM925 —50% OFF—you’ve got every reason to treat yourself. Don’t wait, click here and make it yours today!

Official Aliexpress Store

[video]https://gv-vod-cdn.aliexpress-media.com/ae_sg_gmc/video_target/gv96-b91d83a7-a1819ebe-96340e42-7251/trans/12566fe3-328a-414d-a248-9ed27557a26b-h265-hd.mp4?auth_key=1747144090-0-0-b579a6bcacf47d38f11de024c0df46fe[/video]

[PSA] The Oscal Pad 100

voncrane — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 19:01:23 +0800

Oscal has done it again, unveiling its groundbreaking 12-inch AI-enhanced or powered Smart Tablet. The Pad 100 attempts to revolutionize our digital experience whist ushering in a new era of Intelligence.

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OSCAL Pad 100, powered by advanced AI, offers intelligent photo editing tools: Magic Eraser removes background distractions; Sky Replacement brightens skies; Portrait Blur emphasizes subjects; Photo Unblur sharpens shaky images. Color Focus highlights subjects in color against black-and-white backgrounds, while Portrait Light enhances low-light shots, ensuring clear details. The tablet is equipped with the Unisoc Tiger T615 chip, which offers robust performance for multitasking and high-load programs. Its AI power-saving technology increases battery life, while the AI Smart Charging Protection System prevents overcharging and overheating. AI Smart Brightness Adjustment automatically adjusts screen brightness based on ambient light, reducing eye strain during extended use. AI...Ai everywhere...

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With a 12-inch 2K HD display that supports 16.7 million colors for vibrant images, the Pad 100 offers 30% more viewing space than 10-inch panels. It lessens eye strain when used for extended periods of time and is certified for low blue light and eye-care modes. Pre-installed WPS Office software makes the Pad 100 a portable PC, and an included pen helps with note-taking and drawing. It also supports full-size keyboards and mice for increased productivity.

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The Pad 100 packs a 9,000mAh battery allowing all-day use and offers 5W reverse charging for other devices. Widevine L1 certification also enables 1080P ultra-high-definition streaming on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, both enhanced by dual Smart-K stereo speakers for immersive audio. Pad 100's octa-core Unisoc Tiger T615 CPU delivers an AnTuTu score of 291,769, assuring smooth performance for office work, sophisticated programs, and modest gaming. It has 12GB RAM with 1:2 expansion technology, which allows for up to 24GB virtual RAM for rapid app switching. It has 256GB of storage and MicroSD compatibility for up to 2TB, making it suitable for large storage demands. An efficient cooling system provides stability throughout extended or high-load operation, keeping the device cool and performing consistently.

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Android 15 enhances the Pad 100 with privacy protections such as Private Space and Anti-Theft Protection. Efficiency improvements such as App Cloning and fixed split-screen modes, and conveniences like Bluetooth auto-connect. Personalization features include color contrast settings, app widget previews, and flexible in-app camera controls.

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Don’t miss the OSCAL Pad 100 global launch today!. Starting at only $159.99 (originally $319.98), the first 200 buyers get a free Bluetooth keyboard. This exclusive early bird offer runs from February 17th to 23rd, Pacific Time. Act fast to secure this amazing deal! See below for official website & online store.

Official Aliexpress E-Store

[PSA] Blackview's New Year Promo & Devices

voncrane — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 20:07:46 +0800

Celebrate the New Year with Blackview’s Exclusive Global Launch Day Offers!

Sure Christmas is over....ish.. However you can still kick off the year-end festivities with Blackview’s global launch day surprises! They are currently offering early bird discounts of up to 56% off on AliExpress. From the global launch of rugged phones to ultra-large laptops. So if you are in the market for such and missed out on Black Friday deals, Now's is the next best time to grab these early bird deals.

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Beginning with the BV8200 Rugged Phone . There's an Early Bird Special starting tomorrow Dec 31 till Jan 7). The phone goes on sale for $199, as opposed to RRP ($459.98)...And depending on if you account's a new one, you will be able to score even more savings with coupons. Alright, not for some corny specs spitting write-up.

What if your phone could survive the toughest conditions, run flawlessly, and still look great while doing it? Meet the Blackview BV8200—a revolutionary AI (yeah i know..) rugged phone that redefines what’s possible. With a stunning 1.3-inch smart back display and 19 dynamic mechanical watch faces, it’s not just a phone; it’s a statement. Keep your notifications and apps within easy reach, all while flaunting your style. The massive 6.5-inch 2.4K FHD+ screen is 1.5x clearer than before, and with its 120Hz AI smart refresh rate, every swipe, tap, and scroll feels flawless, all protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 for maximum toughness. Stuck in the dark? The BV8200’s bundled170-lumen dual-beam LED flashlight is 70% brighter, lighting your way in even the darkest conditions. Capture your memorable moment with the 50MP Samsung® ISOCELL GN5 AI camera, complete with OIS stabilization for stunning, shake-free shots. And whether you’re snapping selfies or landscapes, the 32MP front camera and 13MP ultra-wide & macro lenses deliver jaw-dropping clarity. With the best 4G MediaTek Helio G100 octa-core processor, BV8200 allegedly slashes app load times by 25%, making multitasking smoother than ever. Plus, with a whopping 36GB RAM (12GB + 24GB expansion), 256GB ROM, and up to 2TB of SD card support, you’ll never run out of space—no matter where life takes you. And speaking of taking you places, BV8200’s massive 8800mAh battery keeps you going for up to 888 hours on standby. When it’s time to recharge, 45W fast charging gets you powered up in no time, ready for whatever adventure awaits. Built to endure, Blackview BV8200 is MIL-SPEC-810H and IP68/IP69K certified, so it thrives in even the harshest conditions including bolehland. With the all-new 4th Gen DokeOS based on Android 14, enjoy a smoother, more intuitive experience, personalized to your every need.

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Let's move on to the AceBook 12: Elevate Every Task, Ignite Every Idea, Power Through Life. This Early Bird Special begins a day after from Jan 1 - 7. Allowing you to grab it for just $379.99, instead of RRP ($569.21).
What if your laptop could keep up with your hustle? Blackview AceBook 12 is crafted for the go-getters, the creators, and those who never stop moving. At just 1.6kg and 18mm thin, this sleek yet powerful device delivers everything you need without compromise. Its stunning 16-inch FHD+ screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 88% screen-to-body ratio gives you the space to multitask with ease. And with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification, you’ll get comfort during those long work or study sessions. Unlike the standard 135°hinge, the AceBook 12 boasts a full 180° hinge, making collaboration and screen-sharing effortless at any angle. When it comes to sound, the dual smart-PA box speakers with 3D surround sound provide an immersive audio experience whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. The oversized 106cm² backlit glass touch-pad does more than just help you navigate—it lets you control volume and skip tracks intuitively, anytime. Powered by a 10th-Gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor, Intel® Iris® Plus Graphics, and 16GB of RAM, AceBook 12 handles all your tasks smoothly. Plus, with a 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD (expandable up to 2TB), you’ll have all the space you need for your important projects. Connectivity is a breeze with seven pro-level ports, including USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) and an HDMI 2.0 port for 4K resolution.

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PILOT 1: World’s 1st Loudest 5W 138dB Speaker & Super-bright Dual LED Torch Rugged Phone. This Early Bird Special begins same as above from 1st Jan till 7th Jan. Promo price is $139.99 instead of $279.98. Initially wasn't so impressed with the offer. But they've also agreed to add an X20 AMOLED Smartwatch Free with First 100 Orders! So vroom vroom!!

Tired of struggling to hear your phone in noisy environments or being left in the dark? Blackview OSCAL PILOT 1 has you covered. This rugged phone isn’t just built for endurance; it’s designed to elevate your entire experience. With "double comfort, twofold safety" at its core, it’s more than just a device—it’s your ultimate companion for work, adventure, and everything in between. PILOT 1 is packed with cutting-edge features that blend innovation with practicality, from the world’s loudest 5W 138dB speaker for crystal-clear sound in any situation to a super-bright 170-lumen dual LED flashlight with light and SOS modes, guaranteeing that you’re always visible and safe—no matter where you are. Its sleek yet rugged design balances durability with modern flair, ensuring users stay stylish without compromising strength. Whether you’re snapping memories with its 50MP main camera and 32MP selfie camera, or editing with the AI editing tools, your photos will always be picture-perfect. Ready to stop worrying about your phone running out of power? The PILOT 1 comes with an enormous 15,000mAh battery , supported by 33W fast charging, so you can stay connected longer. And with the 90Hz AI smart display, everything looks smoother, clearer, and brighter—even in direct sunlight.

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So get ready to save big with Blackview’s global launch! Set your reminder: tomorrow, December 31st to January 7th (PST). These limited-time discounts are too good to miss—add to your cart today! links to official stores below;
PILOT 1 Smartphone
AceBook 12 Laptop
BV8200 Rugged Phone

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PSA: Blackview Active 10 Pro Rugged 5G Tablet

voncrane — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 21:11:57 +0800

The World’s First 5G 30,000mAh Rugged Tablet with 400lm Camping Light – Blackview Active 10 Pro Launches with 108MP Ultra-Clear Camera, 20MP Infrared Night Vision, Harman Kardon® Stereo Sound, Upgraded for Your Rugged Lifestyle!

Blackview just launched its revolutionary flagship AI rugged tablet, "Active 10 Pro", today! It features cutting-edge 5G connectivity, a massive 30,000mAh battery, and a 400-lumen camping light. The Active 10 Pro is designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts. With advanced waterproof, dust-proof, and shockproof technologies, this rugged tablet promises a safer and more comfortable experience for those pushing the limits of outdoor adventure.

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This revolutionary flagship rugged tablet, Blackview Active 10 Pro, boasts powerful features that meet all the core requirements of a smart tablet. Military-grade MIL-STD-810H certificated, with IP68, and IP69K. You can rest easy knowing it excels in waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof capabilities, ensuring reliable performance even in extreme temperatures.

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Equipped with a 30,000mAh super-sized battery, Active 10 Pro offers an incredible 90-day battery life, eliminating any concerns about running out of power. It is powered by the 5G MediaTek 4nm Dimensity 7300 chipset, delivering unprecedented speed and stability. Additionally, its 400-lumen ultra-bright camping light features three modes—illumination, SOS rescue, and strobe flash—ensuring safety and convenience during outdoor adventures.

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The camera performance is equally impressive. Active 10 Pro features 108MP and 50MP Samsung® cameras, along with a 20MP infrared night vision camera, enabling users to capture stunning HD images in both daylight and low-light conditions. With the AI photo editing tools: Magic Eraser, AI Sky Replacement, Portrait Blur, Color Focus, and Portrait Light, users can easily enhance their photos for perfect results.

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Thanks to AI smart refresh rate and power-saving algorithms, Active 10 Pro delivers a smooth, efficient user experience, significantly extending battery life. The Harman Kardon® dual stereo speakers, professionally tuned, provide immersive, high-impact sound, whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or listening to music.

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Active 10 Pro runs on the upgraded Doke OS 4.0 based on stock Android 14, so you can have a more user-friendly, personalized, and cooler experience with every interaction.

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In addition to Active 10 Pro, Blackview is also launching the Z20 Kids Smartwatch, a perfect blend of safety, entertainment, and connectivity. Equipped with GPS tracking, calling, and photo-taking capabilities, it ensures that children stay connected with their parents at all times. The 800mAh battery supports up to 5 days of usage, while the 1.83-inch display is clear and easy to operate. With SIM card support, IP67 waterproofing, and a versatile design for all kinds of activities, it’s ready for any adventure. The real-time GPS + LBS + Wi-Fi tracking feature lets parents keep track of their child’s location, providing peace of mind.

Price and Availability
The first 500 customers to purchase the Active 10 Pro will receive an additional $USD10 store coupon, bringing the price down to as low as $309.99. The Z20 is priced at $28.99 (originally $99.98).
This exclusive early bird offer is only available from today the 9th to December 15th (Pacific Time), lasting just 7 days! Hurry and add to your cart to grab these value-packed rugged tablets and smartwatches!

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Beelink EQ13 N200 Mini PC

voncrane — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 23:49:35 +0800

Hey everyone, hope we are all doing great this time of the year. I bring to you another in-depth review, this time it's the recently released Beelink EQ13 N200 Mini PC. A next-gen light office mini PC. Beelink released 2 versions of pretty much the same hardware. One has the Intel®Alder Lake N100 Processor, while the other packs the Intel®Alder Lake N200 Processor. My review unit is the latter with a Max Turbo Frequency of 3.7GHz and Intel UHD Graphics 32EUs, delivering solid performance for day-to-day computing tasks, which include light office, multimedia playback, virtual machines, NAS, meeting all your daily needs, and helping you balance work and entertainment. Notice there's mention of "Gaming" and that's by design. You see this CPU can easily handle the majority of general computing tasks....And 16GB DDR4 RAM + decently fast internal storage is plenty enough to run the latest Windows 11, very large file and system caches, software development and batch photo editing/processing. It'll also handle some light gaming, what it can't do comfortably is play 3D intensive games or use CAD packages. (Note: general computing tasks don't require 3D graphics).

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So why should you consider this particular Mini PC? Well for starters, the price, its low power usage (more about this below), and the design. IIRC, this is the first time Beelink's pulled off a dustproof design (dust filter present just above the air intake vents on the bottom) and an inbuilt traditional power supply. This means, only a single power cable required, no adapter needed. Although, there's a 10Gbps USB-C port on the front, appears its purely for data transfer as it doesn't power the device or sends video signal to my monitor... not unlike the Beelink's SER6 Pro's 40Gbps USB4 Port which allows one to completely ditch the power adapter & HDMI/DP cable.. And if you haven't seen that review...Here you go..

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The Beelink EQ13 appears well built, sporting a laser faceted top panel & a unibody chassis. I would like to credit its near silent operation to the improved airflow design. That air intake placed on the bottom coupled with a silent fan, heat fins, sink, & pipe does seem to do its job. Heard no sound from the Mini PC even during heavy benchmarking and the top surface remained just slightly warm...definitely can touch and leave your hand there...

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Okay enough fluff and let's get down to the specifications sheet.

*Dimension: 126*126*39mm (Without rubber feet)
*Color: Navy Blue Only
*CPU: Intel Alder Lake N200 Processor, Max Turbo Frequency 3.7GHz (4C/4T) 6MB Cache
*GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 32EUs @ up to 750 MHz; TDP: 6W (Configurable up to 25W TDP according to Beelink)
*SSD Slot 1: 500GB M.2 2280 PCIe3.0 x4 (upgradeable up to 2TB)
*SSD Slot 2: M.2 2280 PCIe3.0 x1
*RAM: 16GB SO-DIMM DDR4 32MHz Slot*1
*Network: WiFi 6 (Intel AX101); Bluetooth 5.2
*1x Power LED & button up front
*Operating Environment: -10°C-45°C, Humidity: 30%-85%
*Storage Environment: -20°C-60°C, Humidity: 10%-90%
*Built-In Power Supply
***Input: 100-240V,50/60Hz,19A
***Output: 19V/4.47A
*Ports
***1x AC Jack
***1x USB-C (10Gbps)
***3x USB3.2 Gen2(10Gbps Data Only)
***1x USB2.0 (480Mbps)
***2x LAN 1000Mbps
***1x 3.5mm Audio Jack
***2x HDMI (Max 4K@60Hz)
*Box Contents/Accesories
***1x HDMI
***1x AC Cable
***1x User Manual
*Additional Functions
***Wake On LAN
***Auto Power On

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Box & Hardware Images

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English Manual

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Basically, it shipped with Windows 11 Pro V22H2, Build 22621.2715 and later updated to V23H2 Build 22631.3737. OOTB, we had 446GB of usable SSD storage which got reduced to 429GB after all Windows updates and some key software are installed. No games.

Some default BIOS Settings [Tweak with caution]

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Now some Benchmarking numbers; SSD Information, R/W Speeds. All this time the EQ13 N200 was connected via HDMI to a single Lenovo L32p-30 4K Monitor running at 4K@60Hz resolution. I'm all about real-world experience and so left the Power Mode set to "Balanced" which is the typical setting most users would run it on as opposed to the benchmark-loving "High Performance" mode. So if you like what you see, expect it to fare even better unshackled. I did switch it to "High Performance" to see max power usage.

Crystal Disk Info

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Cinebench 2024 (R23 Updated)

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Web Browser Performance (Brave)

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SSD Speeds
Crystal Disk Mark Software; Image 1 is NVMe SSD Test Peak Performance, the second image tests NVMe Real World Performance, while the 3rd tests my Sammy USB3.0 thumb drive.

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File Transfer Speeds (Samsung Fit USB3.0 Flash Drive Connected)

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LAN & Internet Speed Test
The Beelink Mini EQ13 N200 is rated for up to 1Gbps via each Ethernet port and is Wi-Fi 6 capable. You'll get lag-free steaming & downloading. Recently moved homes & I'm yet to setup my Eero 6+ mesh WiFi 6 router. So these tests are from a WiFi 5 connection a distance away from the router. I'll update the WiFi 6 speeds in a few days after its setup. Perhaps even a brief review of that router too. So watch this space. Edit: See post #3 below.. Wi-Fi 6 speeds updated.

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Intel Arc Control

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Media Playback
Handled all my test files with ease, right up to the 1.4GB 4K UHD 400Mbps Level 6.1 Main10 HEVC Jellyfish video bitrate test file. Smooth playback whilst simultaneously playing a 4K video off YouTube. Switching fine between the windowed and Fullscreen modes.

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Power Consumption
Image 1: Sleep Mode; Image 2: Lowest recorded power draw during active normal use; Image 3: Highest recorded power draw during intensive benchmarking

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Conclusion
IMHO most quad-core Alder Lake-N processors have similar performance. What will typically set em apart is power consumption, SSD performance, active & passive cooling tech, as well as bundled ports threshold. Personally, this EQ13 N200 does meet my expectations as a home/small office PC. The built-in power supply, MSC 2.0 cooling system, and its dust-proof design is game changer in this form factor. A Cold Boot takes 15 seconds, full reboot takes 48 seconds, while a full shutdown only takes 6 seconds. Time measured after all Windows updates done and typical home/office software installed. This entire review was completely done using the EQ13.

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Purchase Links
Official Beelink Website (Ships Worldwide)
Beelink Official Store on Aliexpress

SocMed URLs
Twitter
Facebook

For more information, please pay attention to this space. I'd like to thank Beelink for providing this review unit. They are viewing the results at the same time as you are. As usual, fellow forummers, do feel free to comment below should you require further specific information or a test done on this Beelink EQ13 N200 Mini PC. I'll be glad to assist.

PSA: World Premiere Blackview HERO 10 Smartphone

voncrane — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 19:54:47 +0800

Hey all, just posting this to help those who might be seeking such. Blackview recently launched the HERO 10 smartphone. Their USP is that it's the cheapest decent flip phone. They are trying to promote wider foldable adoption with minimal bank balance hurt (Under RM2K with coupon). Bold claims I tell you. One I'm hoping to confirm after I've put it through its paces. On paper though, it bests the Unisoc Tiger T616 I've been daily driving on the budget Oscal Pad 18 Tablet. And the Tiger T616 does fly. Oh wai, It is more powerful than Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. So I've got high hopes.

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The HERO 10 was launched on May 20th and premieres on till June 7th. It's currently undercutting the likes of Samsung & Huawei. Packing decent specs as per below, despite its price point. The Blackview Hero 10 features a 6.9” AMOLED display with 1080 x 2560px and 10-bit colors. It has a peak brightness of 1,300 nits (1,920Hz high-frequency PWM dimming). When opened, the phone measures 169.0 x 75.7 x 8.1mm and weighs 198g. This display folds with a waterdrop hinge and is rated for 250,000 folds. The hinge can hold it partially open at 30° and 150°. Alright, here are some specs;

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Enjoy a durable, foldable screen with comfortable viewing. The HERO 10 boasts a 6.9-inch AMOLED main display with 2560x1080 high resolution. Authorized with TÜV SÜD Low Blue Light certification, and with PWM dimming, it ensures comfortable viewing, particularly in low-lit environments. Designed for its clamshell factor form, it is infused with Split View allowing you to juggle multiple tasks.

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Utilizing the UTG (ultra-thin glass) and industry-leading waterdrop-shaped hinge for both easy bending and strong durability, the Blackview HERO 10 achieves a crease depth of less than 0.17mm, ensuring next-to-no crease. Plus, its main display stands durable after 250,000 folds, ensuring over 15 years of life span or so . The Smart Cover Screen works as a shortcut for essential functions, from notifications to call redialing and more, as well as a viewfinder for sharper selfies through a 108MP camera.
Capture images freely at angles ranging from 30 degrees to 150 degrees, the Blackview HERO 10 opens up more creativity in shooting. With tailor-made FlexForm camera mode, it allows you to capture every moment, showcasing your personality from different angles, tripod-free and even hands-free; it also delivers a retro-style DV-like shooting experience, excellent for you vloggers out there.

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Blackview HERO 10 houses a 108MP Samsung main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera on the back, and a 32MP selfie camera, all enhanced with the latest ArcSoft 9.0 algorithms.

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Designed with meticulous attention to every detail, it is crafted with a vegan leather back cover and aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frames, making every flip a pleasure. Its compact body fits perfectly in the palm, pocket, and delicate handbags. Now onto some stuff dear to my heart. Blackview software team applied Dynamic Island to the Android 13-based DokeOS 4.0 on HERO 10 as their first attempt, named Live View, for Android fans seeking a similar fruity experience. It's a section where real-time activities pop out, allowing you to instantly access and achieve further control...More importantly, Blackview promises three years of major Android version updates!!

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5G...5G....5G mana??? Well, considering the high expenses of 5G networks while ensuring seamless performance, this is powered by the powerful 6nm MediaTek Helio G99 I mentioned earlier, a high-tier 4G chipset with darn near 5G-level performance. Paired with up to 36GB (12GB physical and 24GB virtual) and 256GB of ROM, the SoC achieves 442,746 scores on the Antutu Benchmark.

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The Blackview HERO 10 is now available for purchase from the following official channels;

Blackview Webstore
Aliexpress Official Store

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[video]https://video.cdn.aliexpress-media.com/ae_sg_gmc/video_target/gv8f-86080afa-a181d08c-8f8060ee-238f/trans/17052553-8fe2-4770-8a86-a6de8d6a0988-hd.mp4[/video]

Blackview (Aliexpress) Super Brand Day!

voncrane — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 23:57:27 +0800

Blackview AliExpress Super Brand Day Kicks Off with Six All-new Global Launches!

Blackview, known for its rugged phones, tablets, smartwatches, and a range of smart devices, is set to launch a promotional event, "Blackview Super Brand Day" on AliExpress, featuring global debuts of six new products. This includes the 5G high-end rugged BL9000, the mid-range 5G BL8000 rugged phone, the 4G BV9300 Pro with a super-bright 100-lumen flashlight, the world's first rugged smartwatch W50, ultra-fast WiFi 6 Tab 70 WiFi tablet, and AirBuds 8 earphones with ANC. With discounts up to 70%, it's a great chance for tech enthusiasts to find smart devices and accessories at significant savings.

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The three new dual-screen rugged smartphones feature innovative secondary screens for quick access to essential functions and enable ultra HD visual selfies, enhancing everyday and outdoor use. Let’s discover their superior performance.

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Blackview BL9000: The World's First 5G Dual-screen Rugged Phone with 50 MP Dual-direction HD Selfies

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As the world's first 5G dual-screen rugged phone to achieve 50 MP dual-direction HD selfies, BL9000 features a 50MP Samsung® ISOCELL GN5 rear camera and a 50 MP front camera, supporting 4K video recording for both. It boasts 120W super-fast charging, a 5G MediaTek Dimensity 8020 processor, up to 24GB RAM, and 512GB ROM for smooth multitasking and gaming. Early-bird special: $299.99 ($659.98) for the first 500 orders, and the first 100 orders will be gifted the new ANC AirBuds 8 earphones for free.

Blackview BL8000: Dual-screen Rugged Phone with 50 MP Rear Camera.

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Featuring a revolutionary secondary screen and 4K HD rear video recording, BL8000 captures memorable moments. BL8000 is equipped with a 5G Dimensity 7050 processor, up to 24GB RAM, and 512GB ROM, ensuring smooth performance and ample storage for photos, and videos. Early-bird special: $199.99 ($459.98) for the first 1000 orders, and the first 100 orders will be gifted the new rugged watch, W50.

Blackview BV9300 Pro: 100-Lumen Super-bright Dual-display Rugged Phone

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For night-time adventurers, Blackview BV9300 Pro is ideal with its 100-lumen flashlight and circle secondary screen. It has a large 15,080mAh battery for extended use. Powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, up to 24GB RAM and 256GB ROM, BV9300 Pro ensures powerful performance. Early-bird special: $199.99($399.99), and the first 100 orders will be gifted the new AirBuds 6 earphones for free.

Blackview Tab 70 WiFi: All-new Blazing-fast WiFi 6 Speed Tablet.

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Blackview Tab 70 WiFi, ideal for daily use and entertainment, features WiFi 6, a 10.1-inch HD+ display, and dual speakers. It supports 1080P HD streaming with Widevine L1 certification on platforms like Disney+ and Prime Video. Enjoy smooth operation with up to 6GB RAM, 64GB ROM. Its 6580mAh battery offers up to 48 days of standby. Early-bird special: $79.99 instead of $159.98 (50% off).

Blackview W50: The World's First Bluetooth Calling Rugged Smartwatch

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Blackview W50, a first-of-its-kind rugged smartwatch with Bluetooth calling, suits outdoor enthusiasts. It has scratch-resistant PANDA® glass, withstands up to 7kg of pull force, and is water-resistant to 2 meters, functioning in -30℃ to 70℃. Features include independent Bluetooth calling, a ultra-large 1.39-inch screen, and a 370mAh battery with over 30 days of standby. Early-bird special: $25.99 instead of $86.63 (70% off)

Blackview AirBuds 8: Flagship Smart Earbuds with ANC.

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AirBuds 8 offer premium noise-canceling and comfort with Active Noise Cancellation for clear calls, a 13mm large driver for rich sound, and a 400mAh battery for up to 30 hours of audio. Early-bird special: $19.99 instead of $66.63 (70% off).

Click here to visit Blackview's Official Store from Jan. 17th to Jan. 19th, 2024 PT, and explore a variety of great discounts.

TLDR Links to Official Aliexpres Product Pages
BL9000
BL8000
BV 9300 Pro
Tab 70 WiFi
W50 Smartwatch
Airbuds 8 with ANC

PSA: Blackview BV9300 Pro Phone Launch

voncrane — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 23:18:22 +0800

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Embrace an All-new Dual-Display Rugged Lifestyle! Blackview’s Rugged Phone BV9300 Pro based on the Predecessor BV9300 is Set to Launch with Dual-Screen, 64+32MP Cameras in Upgraded Arcsoft®8.0, 6nm G99 and the Latest DokeOS 4.0. A custom Android 13 OS primarily focused on privacy and enhanced functionality. Here are 5 key features or reasons to get this phone.

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1. Display Upgrades: All-new Dual-Screen
In addition to the 6.7" 2.4K main display, BV9300 Pro boasts a 1.3" all-new rear display that allows users to customize clock styles, freely set music, quickly check time and more. When users flip their phone over, it won't display complete notifications for additional privacy protection. Furthermore, the sub-screen can also achieve easier visualized rear-cam selfies and reduce power consumption by 30%.

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2. Camera Upgrades - 64 + 32MP Cameras Supported by ArcSoft® 8.0
Backed by 64MP Samsung® ISOCELL GW3 camera sensor, BV9300 Pro takes the color fidelity and authenticity of images up another level. Super PD makes autofocus more precise and faster, as well as Smart-ISO and Tetrapixel tech ensure clear and bright images at all times. Additionally, the 117° Ultra-wide expands the field of view while up to 2cm ultra-macro captures images more finely. The 32MP Samsung® ISOCELL GD2 Front Camera increased light sensitivity by 25% to ensure every selfie is more vivid and lifelike. Moreover, boasting the latest ArcSoft® 8.0, BV9300 Pro improves photographic results by up to 15% thanks to its Panorama, Portrait Mode and more.

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3. Screen Fluidity & Performance Upgrades
Blackview BV9300 Pro packs the 6nm MediaTek G99 chipset for more powerful performance in high-end games and demanding scenes. With up to 24GB RAM (Actual 12GB + "Expanded" 12GB....In simpler terms, a portion of the fast storage is used), it ensures faster app switching and multitasking. Paired with 256GB ROM which can be expanded by 1TB TF card, users can store more photos, songs and short videos, saying goodbye to storage limitations. At the same time, the integrated cooling system keeps the constant temperature at 43.8°C to prevent overheating.

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4. Battery Upgrades - 15080mAh Battery plus 33W Fast Charge
Users may occasionally be unable to charge their phones during long outdoor expeditions. Don’t worry, Blackview customized the enormous 15,080mAh battery with up to 1,824hrs of standby. Despite its mighty battery, it only takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the BV9300 Pro. Additionally, intelligent charging protection will help stop charging if the battery level exceeds 80% at night. Besides, 5W OTG reverse charging turns the BV9300 Pro into a lightweight power station for some small smart devices like earphones.

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5. OS Upgrades - The Latest DokeOS 4.0 for More Seamless Operations
The brand-new EasyShare App allows users to transfer files without network and the Workspace App provides them with dual independent spaces. With the support of smart scanning, BV9300 Pro performs one-step scanning without opening specific apps. It also updated the full set of themes, making the colors more unified. From automatic cleaning of sensitive information to more refined access permissions, BV9300 Pro allows users to take full control of their privacy without leaving any hidden loopholes.

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Pricing & Availability
Blackview BV9300 Pro made its global debut on AliExpress, from January 17th to January 19th, 2024 PT. The 8GB+256GB edition at $199.99, while the 12GB+256GB edition at $219.99, with up to 50% OFF! Additionally, the first 100 buyers will get a free pair of Blackview Airbuds 6!! Free Shipping included.

Interested? Click here to seize it!

PSA: Blackview BL8000 Flagship Phone Launch

voncrane — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 18:23:56 +0800

As one of the pioneers in rugged devices, Blackview continues to breakaway from traditional phone designs. The Blackview BL8000 is another just launched rugged flagship phone. Just like the higher model BL9000 (here's a link to a little write-up I made), this also features a similarly sized second screen on the back albeit with slightly lesser resolution 360 vs 240. Quick further differences are the CPU, GPU, speakers, and charging speeds. It is a rugged phone that doesn’t compromise on core functions, there's much more waiting for you to explore, such as NFC, face unlock, useful toolkits, and a 4-in-1 navigation system with dual frequency positioning. Read on;

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1. Dual-Screen Magic in Every View!
The rugged phones category is still a niche one. Nonetheless, Blackview be trying to lead the pack with their dual-screen models. Showing that rugged phones can still look and play good. Nestled within the phone’s rear, the 1.32" secondary screen of Blackview BL8000 provides quick access to the clock, music, step counter, weather, compass, and camera. And importantly for some, without any moving parts unlike the Flip/Fold designs. The main display sports a 2.4K 6.78" Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 display with 120Hz smart dynamic refresh rate, and 550nits peak brightness. The phone’s sound system is also noteworthy with the smart-PA box speaker setup.

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2. 5G Performance Thrills in Every Task!
Tired of rugged phones that crumble at the slightest hint of demanding tasks? Fear not, for the Blackview BL8000 has arrived. Corny, I know..... Powering the BL8000 is the 6nm Octa-core 5G MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor with up to 24GB(12GB+12GB expansion) of DDR5 RAM and 512GB of UFS3.1 ROM. Unsurprisingly, it supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and due to its impressive 8,800mAh battery with 33W charging, its designed for those frequently on the move.

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3. Photography Marvels in Every Shot!
Just because it's classified as a "Rugged Phone" doesn’t mean camera quality should be sacrificed. Photography enthusiasts will be pleased with the 50 MP Samsung® ISOCELL GN5 rear camera and 8MP wide-angle camera with 117° FOV support, while the 16MP front camera takes care of selfies with its 90° FOV. The real surprise that awaits shutterbugs on Blackview BL8000 is the all-new ArcSoft® 8.0 software with up to 18% photography result improvement.

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4. Durability Reigns At Every Angle!
Ruggedness is the key to the Blackview BL8000. Despite being IP68/IP69K/MIL-STD-810H-certified as its forebears in its market, the BL8000 still added reinforced CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS 5 with 4x scratch resistance on both sides. What’s more, this phone also comes handy for adventurers with Glove Mode 2.0, helping users get work done with gloves on, even in extreme outdoor conditions from -40 ℃ to +80 ℃.

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5. Brilliant Operation With Every Byte!
Blackview BL8000 might catch users' eye with its robust exterior, but it’s the surprises within that truly captivate users with DokeOS 4.0 based on Android 13, which puts users at the center, offering improved convenience, smoothness, privacy, and personalization.

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Price and Availability
During the AliExpress premiere sale from Jan 17 to Jan 19, 2024, PST, Blackview BL8000, initially valued at $459.98, will kick off with a special price of $299.99 – that's a jaw-dropping 50% discount! Be among the first 1000 buyers to snag it at a limited offer of $199.99. Plus, the first 100 orders will receive a complimentary Blackview W50 (Smartwatch).

Click here to grab yours now! Do note this leads to their official Aliexpress Store and is NOT an affiliated link.

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PSA: Blackview BL9000 Flagship Phone Launch

voncrane — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:25:44 +0800

Hey all, here's a little something different than the usual. Blackview just launched their All-new 5G Dual-screen Rugged Flagship: BL9000 with a secondary display, Octa-core Dimensity 8020, up to 24GB RAM & UFS3.1 512GB ROM, 120W Super-fast Charging, 50MP OIS Anti-shake Rear & 50MP Front Cameras. As a rugged smartphone industry leader with over a decade of experience, Blackview is committed to innovation. Its products claims excellent rugged capabilities (shockproof, waterproof, and dustproof), capable of withstanding drops of up to 5 meters, protection in water depths of up to 15 meters, survives when thrown from heights of up to 60 meters, resistance to 20-ton heavy truck crushing, all centered around the philosophy of "enabling smart life for more people."

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As 5G tech becomes more common and the need for clearer selfies grows, people are expecting more from 5G in terms of high performance and camera quality. Excitedly, Blackview's BL9000 features a revolutionary secondary display, an Octa-core 5G MediaTek Dimensity 8020, up to 24GB RAM & 512GB ROM, 120W super-fast charging, dual band WiFi 6, a 50MP OIS anti-shake rear & 50 MP front cameras, dual Harman Kardon speakers sounded by Harman AudioEFX®, X-axis Linear motor, glove mode 2.0, CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS 7 (Victus®) , and top-tier STD-MIL-810 & IP68+ IP69K waterproofness. BL9000 is a game-changer, offering five key enhancements: innovative dual-screen tech, ultra-fast performance, dual 50MP selfie cameras, top-tier ruggedness, and seamless operation, enabling users to enjoy a rugged lifestyle with hyper-speed 5G dual-screen capabilities. Here are the specs in a graphical form.

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1. Innovative Dual-screen Lifestyle
The BL9000 offers increased efficiency and convenience with its Dual-screen Lifestyle via a revolutionary secondary display. Addressing common issues faced by users during outdoor travel or daily use, such as the large screen being cluttered making it difficult to quickly access needed apps, privacy concerns due to the large screen when making calls or receiving notifications, and the inability to take clear HD selfies with the rear camera using a single screen. BL9000 offers an effective solution with its innovative dual-screen design. BL9000 features a 1.3-inch circular secondary screen, protected by CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS 7 (Victus®), which allows users to easily access the clock, music controls, fitness tracking, and even a compass for convenient outdoor navigation with just a tap. Additionally, the secondary screen enables crystal-clear visualized HD selfies with its 50 MP Samsung® rear camera, capturing memorable moments effortlessly. The design of the secondary screen also excels in privacy protection, letting users discreetly view notifications and answer or reject calls on a smaller display, safeguarding personal privacy. In terms of personalization, users can choose from 24 different mechanical watch faces, signatures, or backgrounds to display their unique style daily. From one-tap app access, privacy protection, rear-camera HD selfies to personalized customization, Blackview BL9000 offers a more efficient and convenient all-new dual-screen lifestyle.

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To deliver a visually rich and detailed experience while also handling unexpected drops and impacts with ease, BL9000 comes equipped with a 6.78-inch 2.4K FHD+ display, enhanced by advanced MiraVision technology and protected by top-tier CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS 7 (Victus®). This glass is engineered for 67% higher drop height resistance than Gorilla® Glass 5 and offers double the scratch resistance, bolstering both the display's durability and scratch-resistant capabilities. To ensure a smooth and clear viewing experience, whether for high-definition videos or fast-paced games, BL9000 supports a 120Hz smart dynamic refresh rate. Additionally, its 600-nit brightness maintains clarity even in direct sunlight. To mitigate the impact of prolonged mobile use on the eyes, BL9000 incorporates TÜV SÜD certified low blue light, reducing eye strain. It also provides three reading modes—Reading Mode, Night Light, and Dark Mode—to protect users' vision and adapt to various reading environments and times. To enhance audio experience, BL9000 is fitted with dual Harman Kardon Smart-PA speakers, utilizing Harman AudioEFX® technology for immersive sound quality in any setting, ensuring users enjoy enveloping surround sound during movies, high-quality audio in music, and engaging sound effects while gaming.

2. Super-fast Speed & Mega Storage: Game, Stream, Explore – Does It All at 5G Lightning Speed!
To ensure a smooth and rapid user experience, whether for everyday apps, streaming videos, or demanding games, Blackview BL9000, the all-new 5G performance flagship, is powered by Octa-core 5G MediaTek Dimensity 8020 processor. This processor, made with the advanced 6nm TSMC technology, integrates four high-performance ARM Cortex-A78 cores (up to 2.6GHz) and four efficient ARM Cortex-A55 cores (up to 2.0GHz), achieving a perfect balance between high speed and energy efficiency. To further enhance the graphics experience, BL9000 boasts a flagship 9-core Mali-G77 GPU, ensuring smooth and stable performance in high-demand games and HD video processing. The built-in MediaTek HyperEngine Lite technology, coupled with WiFi 6, guarantees a seamless gaming experience for all popular mobile games. In terms of storage, BL9000 is equipped with the largest-ever 512GB ROM, utilizing Flash UFS 3.1 technology that increases read speed by 130% and write speed by 566%, significantly boosting file access and saving efficiency while providing ample space for storing a wealth of adventure photos and videos. Additionally, with up to 24GB RAM, allowing users to run up to 49 apps simultaneously. Achieving an AuTuTu score of 835,066 thanks to its potent hardware setup, BL9000 sets a new standard for Blackview rugged phone series, providing a flawless user experience in streaming, gaming, and multitasking.

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Catering to the needs of users often engaged in outdoor work or travel adventures, by offering a quick charging capability, BL9000 features a 120W super-fast charging, the fastest charging method ever by Blackview. Users can fully charge BL9000 to 20% in just 6 minutes, ensuring it's always ready to go in a snap. Equipped with an 8800mAh massive battery, BL9000 offers an extended standby of up to 576 hours, perfectly meeting the demands of prolonged outdoor use. Additionally, its 5W reverse charging capability allows charging of devices like TWS earbuds and smartwatches, proving especially handy during camping or hiking trips. To address the need for long-duration use or high-demand tasks such as gaming or 4K video recording in outdoor settings,BL9000 is also equipped with an 34370.4mm² 3D integrated cooling system. This system effectively keeps the device cool during high-load operations, maintaining the CPU temperature below 42°C. This not only ensures a smooth and stable experience during CPU-intensive tasks and multitasking but also extends the device's lifespan.

3. Revolutionary Dual-screen 50MP Selfie - Capture Every Detail in Every Memorable Moment
To ensure users enjoy the highest resolution and most authentic color, BL9000 is equipped with the advanced 50 MP Samsung® ISOCELL GN5 rear camera, further enhanced by True-Chroma Image 2.0 technology, which guarantees vivid and precise color capture in every scenario, from breathtaking landscapes to group pictures with friends. Even in scenarios with movement, such as riding in vehicles or engaging in high-speed activities, the OIS anti-shake technology keeps the images clear and sharp. Excitingly, BL9000's secondary screen pairs with a 50 MP Samsung® rear camera, offering a unique experience with visualized HD selfies and capturing memorable moments in stunning clarity. In addition, BL9000 breaks new ground with its 50 MP HD true-color selfie camera, a historic first for Blackview, redefining standards in image clarity and color truthfulness. Video enthusiasts and selfie lovers will appreciate the 4K recording capabilities of both the front and rear cameras, bringing every memory vividly to life. The 13MP ultra-wide-angle lens captures expansive natural and urban vistas, while the up to 2cm macro lens reveals intricate details up close. Enhanced by the latest ArcSoft® 8.0 algorithm, BL9000's camera performance has improved by up to 18%, including HDR 2.0 for perfect shots in backlit or nighttime conditions. The Super Night 2.0 feature bolsters low-light photography, and with Panorama Mode 2.0, capturing expansive scenes becomes effortless. Additionally, BL9000 supports a variety of shooting modes, such as beauty, portrait, and pro, along with a special underwater camera, satisfying the diverse photographic needs of users.

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4. Top-tier Durability & Ruggedness - Your Rugged Companion for Every Adventure!
To meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and professionals, BL9000 boasts top-tier MIL-STD-810H military certification, offering drop resistance up to 1.2 meters to protect your phone from falls during outdoor activities or work. To ensure reliable underwater usage, it also features advanced IP68 & IP69K waterproof ratings, allowing it to function normally in up to 1.5 meters of water, ideal for underwater photography or outdoor tasks in rainy conditions. For enhanced screen protection, BL9000 is equipped with the top-grade Corning® Gorilla® Glass 7 (Victus®), increasing drop resistance by 67% and doubling scratch resistance, ensuring the screen remains intact even in harsh environments. Designed to operate in extreme climates, BL9000 can function steadily in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C, making it suitable for environments from snow-covered terrains to scorching deserts. For a more flexible user experience, BL9000 includes glove mode 2.0, boosting touch sensitivity by 30%, ensuring smooth operation even when wearing gloves in cold winters. And to tackle various complex settings, its versatile toolkit is designed to meet the demands of any challenging environment.

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5. Seamless Operations with All-new DokeOS 4.0 Based on Android 13 - Empower Your Adventures with Unmatched Efficiency, Convenience, Privacy, and Personalization
To provide outdoor travelers and workers with a smoother, more convenient, more private, and more personalized experience, BL9000 is equipped with the latest DokeOS 4.0 based on Android 13. First off, the brand-new EasyShare App achieves transmission speeds up to 7.7MB/s, which is 60 times faster than traditional wireless BT and greatly simplifies file sharing without relying on network connectivity. Additionally, to enhance efficiency and organization, Workspace App effectively segregates work and personal spaces. Moreover, BL9000 offers a variety of Focus Mode, including No-play, Meditation, Work, Sport, and Reading modes, assisting users in maintaining concentration across different scenarios. The Real-time Subtitle and Screen Attention further enhance the multimedia experience. Concurrently, the thoughtfully designed timer, game mode, and larger folder options add more convenience to daily use. Finally, BL9000's outstanding performance in privacy control ensures the security of users' personal information, providing comprehensive protection.

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Price and Availability
Blackview BL9000 makes its global debut on AliExpress from today Jan. 17th to Jan. 19th, 2024 PT. Act fast to get your BL9000 at a special early bird price of $299.99 (limited to the first 500 orders). The first 100 buyers will also be gifted a set of Airbuds 8 earbuds. Click here to grab yours now! Do note this is an unaffiliated link. Other notable Blackview models include the 5G-enabled BL8800, the ultra-slim gaming rugged phone BV9200, collaborations with Teledyne FLIR for advanced thermal imaging in BV8900, and Active 8 Pro series with its 76-day standby 22000mAh battery.

Official Product Page

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Oscal Pad 18 Tablet

voncrane — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 03:23:46 +0800

Hey all, hope you’ve all been doing great. So Black Friday & Cyber Monday are gone, and you still didn’t get that Android powered Tablet you’ve been eyeing. It is now getting to that other time of the year (Covid hybrid 2024 loading….. )….Feliz Navidad in advance to all!. Some of you may have revised your budget and or decided to get something decent that doesn’t break the bank. I introduce to you the just launched 'Blackview' Oscal Pad 18.

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This is an 11-inch IPS display with a 1200*1920 resolution, “Smart” quad-box speakers, Widevine L1 support, a large 8800mAh battery, inbuilt PC-mode, among others. Please see detailed specs below. I’ll instead be focusing more on the general usability, battery life, and day to day performance. Yeah yeah, benchmarks also got for you number crunchers. Just a gentle reminder that this be a budget tablet. You’ll find no Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 numbers here. Alright, let’s get started.

Specifications
Model: Pad 18
Colors: Glacier Blue or Interstellar Grey (My Unit)
Dimension: 256.75*168.3*7.4mm
Weight:490g
Display: 11-inch 1200*1920 IPS (83% Screen-to-Body Ratio)
CPU: Octa-Core Unisoc Tiger T616; 2x A75 @2.0GHz + 6x A55 @1.8GHz
GPU: ARM Mali-G57 @750MHz
RAM: 8/12GB (Software expandable up to 8/12GB RAM Expansion) LPDDR4X
ROM: EMMC5.1, 256GB (Supports up to 1TB SD Card)
SIM Slot: Dual; 2* SIMs / 1* SIM + 1* TF Card
Max TF Card Capacity: 1TB
OS: DokeOS_P 3.0 Based on Android 13
Rear Camera: 13MP +2MP Depth Camera
Front Camera: 13MP (Samsung®)
Battery Capacity: 8800mAh; 18W Fast Charge
Speakers: 4 Pcs
WI-Fi: 2.4/5GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac)
Navigation: GPS + Glonass + Beidou + Galileo (No compass though, which I just found weird after including the others)
Connectivity
2G/GSM Bands: B2/B3/B5/B8
3G/WCDMA Bands: B1/B8
4G/LTE Bands: FDD: B1/B3/B7/B8/B19/B20 TDD: B40
Box Contents
*Oscal Pad 18
*Quick Start Guide
*2x Screen Protectors
*Magnetic Stylus Pen
*18W Charger & Cable
*Smart Magnetic Cover with Sleep/Wake Function

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Box & Hardware Images

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Build Quality
Unboxing was pretty straight forward, and I do like the fit and finish of this tablet. The front glass already came with a glossy plastic screen protector and the backside has a smooth matte finish to it. I’m still unsure if it’s some fancy plastic-aluminum hybrid. However, it feels like metal to me. It’s smooth and cool to the touch. Also try hard as you may, it is not a fingerprint magnet. It also feels like a solid unit in my hands. Definitely not like most really cheap tablets and I’ve handled a few in the past. On another plus note, the Oscal Pad 18 ships with a stylus, a pre-installed screen protector (just peel the top layer off), an additional screen protector, and a rubber back, pseudo-leather cover case. Basically, those common types you can get yourself. It is nice to have all these included, especially with tablets like these. Completely takes the guess work out of the equation. Everything just fits and with the tab in the case, your camera bump ceases to exist. Tablet lays flush on a flat surface, not that it was much of an issue before.

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Initial Setup, System Default, & Build Information

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Onto some Benchmarking numbers; SSD Information, & R/W Speeds. All throughout the review, the Oscal Tab 18 used auto-brightness ranging from 25 - 100%.

DRM Info

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Geekbench 6 CPU & GPU

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GFXBench

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SSD Speeds; Cross Platform Disk Test

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GPS Status & Test

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Internet Speedtest

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Dark Mode
Unlike on the majority of most Android devices. Here you can choose between 3 levels of Dark Mode…notbad.jpg. Yours truly prefers the “Enhance” mode.

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Cameras
You’ve got a 13MP Samsung supplied front camera that supports face unlocking. So you know it’s decent. I do like the placement. Perfectly centered when you have to use it as a tablet PC with keyboard & all taking video calls. Additionally, the rear camera also comes with built-in Google Lens functionality, which is convenient. As for taking actual photography? Fam….this is an 11” tablet. It’ll be too awkward trying to shoot with it. Please use your smartphone or DSLRs to shoot photos and videos. Nevertheless, let’s say you only had this on you and needed to take a photo or join a video call. I can confirm that this is just bare minimum good enough for this day & age. Again, I do not recommend taking IG selfies or Titkok vids using this. Here are some manufacturer supplied photos plus a few I took myself.

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Image 1
Image 2
Image 3

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Media Playback
Let’s begin with the “con”…Given the screen quality, Android 13 OS, and Widevine L1 status, I was looking forward to enjoying me some YouTube & Netflix app at minimum proper 1080p resolution if not 1440p. But alas, I could only get up to 1080p in the YouTube app and less with the Netflix app. Tried a few tricks and I couldn’t get the Netflix app to recognize the Widevine L1 status. It is also important to note that I had to sideload the latest Netflix apk onto the tablet, as the app refuses to be installed via Google Playstore. It works perfectly as is though. I can get up to 4KUHD res on YouTube BUT only through a web browser. All these lead me to believe there’s a bug or perhaps a limitation with DokeOS_P3? Don’t get me wrong, this ROM is hella stable. I’ve been using this for the better part of 3 weeks as my daily driver and I never experienced any freezes, random reboots or apps simply crashing. If it helps, Oscal doesn’t advertise Netflix on their website either. They showing Prime, Disney+ & Hulu. So I reckon these work splendidly. Will feedback as usual and will report when I get wind of a successful fix or workaround for the Netflix app. PIP works on the official YouTube app.

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Gaming
I’m not much of a Mobile gamer but I still enjoy the occasional Asphalt 9 and MC5. Both games play buttery smooth and there’s no lag with my Bluetooth headset either. Say you want to play a couple games with no distractions (Calls, SMSes & or other apps notifications), just enable Game Mode and you are set. Emulated a few games too and they worked okay. Sorry no ROM emulation specific screenshots (You can thank YouTube for that). But feel free to ask me to try out specific games. I’ll do and report back where I can.

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PC Mode
Ah yes, this mode. I prefer to call it a laptop PC-like experience with touchscreen support. It does have its uses and yes, I typed out this entire review in PC mode using the bundled WPS Office Suite. DokeOS_P3 allows you to effortlessly switch between ‘Normal’ and ‘PC’ mode. You can do this either from the conveniently located toggle switch in the top bar or automatically once the OS detects you connected Bluetooth keyboard and or mouse. I also like that I can set it to automatically switch back to Normal mode upon keyboard disconnection. The “downside” to this though is the OS doesn’t retain or share open app sessions between modes, apps are exited. Which means, you have to remember to properly save your work in either modes before switching.

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Battery Life
Two words “Just Beasty”. It packs an 8,800mAh battery and with clever OS optimization (it does be aggressive sometimes though)..Anyway, just see the attached image below. I could confidently use the tablet for almost 13 hours before it emptied itself. Beating the quoted up to 10 hours of daily use. That’s all-day battery life right there. During normal usage, I consistently found it’s able to standby for several days. Oscal claims 432 hours or 18 days of standby. I can see this is achievable. At first when I saw the specs about it only supporting 18W charging, not gonna lie, I was bummed. But given its ability to just last for days. I have no issues, it taking about 2 and a half hours to fill up from 0 – 100%.

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Other Flexing Screenshots

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Conclusion
In terms of functionality, the Oscal Pad 18 offers everything you’d primarily expect from a decent Android Tablet. It is slim, sleek, light, feels premium and DokeOS_P3 doesn’t feel like a heavily skinned Android OS. You’ve got apps split screen in Normal mode and It implements smart pre-loading so your Apps load up quickly on the beautiful screen. Stable WiFi, GPS, & Bluetooth connections. It even supports Android Auto and dual-hybrid SIM cards with 4G/LTE (2 SIMs or 1 SIM + 1 TF Card). You’ve got a Data Migration Assistant and a Cold Room app where you can have certain apps “frozen” or sandboxed away till further notice. Want to use the app again? Just unfreeze and it reappears in your app drawer.

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For the more security conscious amongst us. You’ve got a few embedded features such as the Notifications permissions manager, automatically clearing clipboard history, full app management control, DAC + MAC double protection (something about NSA developed tech), and Kernel-level security process to effectively protect programs from rooting and attacks.Basically, say you do like all you’ve read so far and would like to grab one. They are currently on sale from today, Dec 11th – Dec 22nd. The first 200 purchases will get a Bluetooth Keyboard thrown in for free too.

Official Oscal Website
Purchase Link: Current World Premiere Promo

For more information, please pay attention to this space. I'd like to thank Blackview & Oscal for providing this review unit. Typically, they are viewing my review at the same time as you are. Do feel free to comment below should you require further specific information, or a test done on the Oscal Pad 18 Android Tablet. Let me know, I'll be glad to assist.

2023 Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS Gaming Mini PC

voncrane — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 21:43:23 +0800

Welcome to my in-depth review of the 2023 Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS Gaming Mini PC. It's the successor to the 2022 Beelink SER6 Pro. Effectively replacing the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H and among other notable changes. Right off the bat, I'm super impressed with this Mini PC and I'm just going to call it...This is my favorite Mini PC of all I've tested thus far. While it's not perfect for everyone but it's more than perfect for me. How so you ask? I'm unsure where to begin as there's a far bit to cover and yet I'm aiming for this to be as concise as possible. Let's begin with its specifications;

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Specifications
*CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS; 8 Cores, 16 Threads, Guaranteed Base: 3.20Ghz, Max Turbo Frequency: 4.75GHz, TDP: 35W to 54W, Rembrandt-HS Refresh.
*GPU: iGPU AMD Radeon 680M, 12 Cores & clocked at up to 2400MHz. The 680M and 660M iGPUs are the first integrated graphics card with hardware raytracing support, although the performance is too slow to use it in current games. Nevertheless, you can run a triple monitor setup easily.
*RAM: 32GB Dual-Channel DDR5 4800MHz installed; Equipped with 2 DDR5 slots & supports up to 64GB.
*Sound: Senary Audio (Audio, Voice, Speech) with Windows Sonic for Headphones support.
*Storage: (Kingston/Intel options), Kingston 512GB PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD Preinstalled; Supports additional 2.5" 7mm HDD/SDD up to 2TB; Maximum read/write speed of 3500MB/s.
*Colors: Dark Green / Star River Grey. My review unit is the Dark Green option.
*Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit Pre-installed.
*Wireless Connections: Dual Band 2.4 + 5G WiFi 6 AX200 (160MHz); Bluetooth 5.2 & LE support
*Cooling: Patented Heat sink + Dual-Fan design.
*Dimensions (HxWxD): 42mm X 126mm X 113mm
*Weight: 506g
*Ports*
***3 USB Type-A 3.2 Gen2
***1 USB Type-A 2.0
***1x CLR CMOS or RTC Key
***1x 3.5mm Audio (HP & Mic)
***1x DC Power In
***1x 2.5GbE RJ45 LAN
***1x HDMI V2.1; Max Res: 4K@60Hz
***1x DP V1.4
***1x 40Gbps USB-C 4 which supports PD3.0 100W (Power + Data Transfer) Supports up to 8K@60Hz
*Box Contents*
***2x HDMI Cables (Average length and a short one for Monitor mounting)
***1X 19V 6.32A (120W) Power Adapter
***1x Multilingual User Manual
***1x Vesa Mounting Bracket & Screws

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Impressive specs no?... in such a small and silent form factor. My favorite hardware improvement is that 40Gbps USB4 port on the front. It allows me to completely ditch the Power Adapter & HDMI/DP cables...And simply use a single 100W cable connected to my monitor for power and data. Coupled with the wireless keyboard & mouse combo, it makes for a very clean desktop. Go cleaner by mounting this behind your monitor...Fuhhh.

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Build Quality
The Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS's exterior is made primarily from metal with a fabric cloth cover on the top, air intake vents on the side and vents on the back to expel hot air. In typical Beelink fashion, you still have 4 rubber stops, one at each edge to prevent sliding around on even the sleekest table surface. You'll also have the silicone puller tab that helps pull the bottom plate off, no prying tool leaving marks needed. On the front, the red power button houses a single status LED that glows white when powered on. Nitpicking here, I still wish the LED changes color to indicate sleep mode.

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Box & Hardware Images

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English Manual

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System Default, Updates, & Build Information
Before we move on to some benchmark scores, here are the System default information, some installed updates, and build information. The last image is where I'm fully updated. Basically, it shipped with Windows 11 Pro V21H2, Build 22000.1281 and I updated it to V22H2 Build 22621.1928. OOTB, we had 425GB of usable SSD storage which got reduced to under 200GB after all Windows updates, some productivity software, and 6 decent game titles. Making me wish for the 1TB M.2 SSD option now . However, increasing storage shouldn't be an issue as you can purchase the 1TB option directly from Beelink or install an additional 2.5" 7mm HDD/SDD up to 2TB.

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Some default BIOS Settings [Tweak with caution]

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Onto some Benchmarking numbers; SSD Information, & R/W Speeds. All this time the EQ12 is connected via HDMI (I switched to USB-C connection only after running all benchmarks..Figured it needed all the power it could get from that 120W power brick) to a single Lenovo L32p-30 4K Monitor and runs at 4K@60Hz resolution. Left BIOS settings as stock, no GPU or CPU overclocks either.

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HWiNFO

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CPU-Z

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Crystal Disk Info

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AIDA64

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Cinebench R23 Single & Multi-Core

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UNIGINE: Superposition

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Web Browser Performance (64-bit Google Chrome Version 114.0.5735.199; Official Build)

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SSD Speeds; Crystal Disk Mark Software
Image 1 is NVMe SSD Test Peak Performance; Image 2 tests NVMe Real World Performance; Image 3 tests Samsung Fit USB3.0 Flash Drive Peak Performance; Image 4 tests the same flash drive but as an NVMe drive; Image 5 tests the Beelink Expand M drive connected via the USB4 port.

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LAN & Internet Speedtest
Finally had me Internet speeds bumped up, but no 2.5Gbps ethernet equipped router here yet..Holding off till Black Friday to snatch up an Asus or TP-Link deal. However, the SER6 Pro 7735HS has a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port and according to CNX-Software performed as expected, averaging 2.37Gb/s download speeds.

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Media Playback
Naturally, the SER6 Pro 7735HS handled all my test files with ease, right up to the 1.4GB 4K UHD 400Mbps Level 6.1 Main10 HEVC Jellyfish video bitrate test file. It smoothly played this while I continued web browsing & simultaneously played a 4K video on YouTube. Switching fine between the windowed and fullscreen modes.

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Gaming
The AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS CPU coupled with its iGPU AMD Radeon 680M, and DDR5 dual-channel RAM does try to make short work of popular esports titles. You can play LOL in 4K and high settings and still getting around 50 - 60FPS. Drop the setting down to 1080p and you'd easily notice over 120FPS++...That's pretty wild in this form factor whilst running cool. I had no issues playing Fortnite, Prey (low FPS in 4K..better stick to 1080p), Asphalt 9, and even Destiny 2 in 4K res...Although, I must confess smoother gameplay when switched to 1080p and it might be my monitor's upscaling engine, cuz I didn't miss the 4K res and just banged away with smooth 1080P. See some screengrabs below...Unfortunately, had to dumb down the images before uploading cuz the forum edit page kept crashing causing me to lose the edits and much time. Gameplay graphics looks so much better than the screengrabs below. Happy to test out other games. Request away..

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AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition

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Power Consumption & Noise
This is definitely a strong selling point about this mini pc. For the majority of the time I had it running, it was just silent. Sure, the fans spin when maxing out benchmarks, but that's only because its limits are being pushed. Matter of fact I just finished an hour session of Fortnite & Asphalt gaming where I occassionally took my headphones off to listen hard for the fans.. Nope.. none.. zilch. The idle power consumtion is decent too, I was able to notice 10W while in idle mode (not sleeping) and I reckon it could go even lower. Max I recorded is 73. Even when its stress-tested to its limits the fans handled it all like a champ, ramping up & back down within a few minutes of the stress test's completion.

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Conclusion
All roads lead back to the beginning. This computer is overkill for browsing, multimedia playback with VLC or KODI, and your typical office applications. Where it truly shines is with say media editing software and 3D-heavy games. Sure you might just have to drop down to 1080p High settings to get significantly faster FPS. That cooling solution is a hit as it doesn't allow the DDR5 RAM to overheat. I've used this over several days, purposely left it running for a few nights, etc and honestly everything just works. If there's anything i need to comment on at this time....Is if you plan to grab this and game a fair bit? Try to spring for that 1TB M.2 SSD option or maybe even more. A cold boot takes 7 seconds, reboot takes 28 seconds, and you've got complete shutdown in just under 6 seconds. Wrote and formatted this entire review on this machine.

Purchase Link
Official Beelink Website; Current Promo ($30 Off) expires August 31st.
Currently priced at $539 or $569 before discount.

SocMed URLs
Twitter
Facebook

For more information, please pay attention to this space. I'd like to thank Beelink for providing this review unit. They are viewing the results at the same time as you are. As usual, fellow forummers, do feel free to comment below should you require further specific information, or a test done on the Beelink SER6 Pro 7735HS Gaming Mini PC. Let me know, I'll be glad to assist.

Ugreen 65W Nexode GaN Travel Charger

voncrane — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 21:34:50 +0800

Hey everyone, thanks for taking the time to check out yet another GaN charger review. However, I think some of you might actually like this one. Especially those of you who have yet to jump on the GaN charging train but have resumed and or much eager to begin traveling overseas again. Sure, some might say "haiya just buy a cheap adapter off Shopee/Lazada la! and keep using your pre-existing adapter(s).. And while that might work and work well, one can never be too certain about the production quality of the numerous no-name brand travel adapters out there.." SIRIM certified" or not... Imagine you've bought a shiny Windows Ultrabook/Macbook Air and end up short-circuiting the power brick because you used some uncertified travel adapter. Last I checked, those things can cost north of RM200.

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We are all aware that Malaysia operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. Many countries also tend to officially go with 220V or 230V, alternating between 50/60Hz too. So yeah, it's all hunky dory with your typical 240V-only charger, but say you decide to fly or swim over to big ol the US of A, and those fellas like to....How do I say it politely...feel different...Imperial vs metric system bla bla...USA's standard voltage is 120V and the frequency is 60Hz. Because manufacturers take small deviations (plus or minus 5%) into account. You can use your electric appliances in the USA if the device's standard voltage is between 110 - 127V (as is in the US, Canada, and most South American countries IIRC). However for the rest of us UK, Europe, most of Asia (Japan's standard voltage is 100V ), Africa, & Australia. Most likely, you'll need a voltage converter in the USA or Japan. Some say you can carefully try to use your appliances there without a converter. Most likely they won't be damaged, BUT they may not function optimally. So that's where this Ugreen 65W Nexode GaN USB C 3-Port Charger With US/UK/EU Plug for Travel comes in. The EU, US, and UK switchable plugs make it very helpful and suited for worldwide travel. You'll be able to "adapter-free" simultaneously charge up to 3 devices while being protected against;
*Over-Current
*Short-Circuit
*Over-Voltage & Charging
*Over-Temperature (Yes, for the most part, it runs cool, but it will get warm to the touch sometimes. Honestly, I'm not worried either as I've been using Ugreen's All-in-One 65W GaN PD Fast Charger for almost 3 Years, and can vouch for Ugreen's excellent build quality, safety, and reliability). Hai...enough shop talk, let's have some specs..

Specifications
SKU: 90409
Input: 100-240V～50/60Hz 1.8A Max
USB-C1/C2: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3.25A 65W; Max PPS：3.3-21V/3A
USB-A: 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A, 4.5V/5A, 5V/4.5A; 22.5W Max
Fast Charging Protocol: PD 3.0/2.0; QC 4.0+/4.0/3.0/2.0; 5V/1A; 5V/2.4A; AFC; SCP; PPS
Plug Included: US, UK, & EU (Yes sharp eyes, there's one famous one missing...Read on..)
Product Dimensions: 2.56 x 2.56 x 1.28 inches
Item Weight: 12 oz or 340g

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Box & Hardware Images

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Manual

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The images below show some teething issues I encountered but that was before reading the manual or the box even. Gotta be careful what device you plug in and which port used. Because the ports output power differently. The good thing is the charger will still intelligently distribute power based on what's connected, and redistribution occurs when you plug or unplug a device. For example, connecting a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to the USB Type-A port will only yield Fast Charging (cuz port maxes out at 22.5W). However, switch it to either of the USB-C ports and Sammy's Super Fast Charging 45W immediately kicks in. So now, you've got about 20W left to charge another device, say you plug another device like the Lenovo K5 Pro requiring Fast Charging into the USB Type-A port...The Ugreen charger check how much the new device needs and distributes the power across devices accordingly.. In my case, it lowered the S23 Ultra's charging speed to "Fast Charging" (which is still plenty fast) to accommodate Lenovo's Rapid charging technology.

[attachmentid=11470933] [attachmentid=11470934]

Above in the specs area, I mentioned something missing....Yes, there isn't an AU plug.. Normally, I'd just shrug and move on. But this hit me directly as I'm currently reviewing this in AU and had to either use ...yes ..another travel adapter or plugged it into my MY friendly Belkin power strip using the included UK plug. Found that weird, can't yet brain why they'd miss out on that given what this is. I've posed the question to Ugreen and will update this post in the future. As a GaN charger, this charger will charge multiple devices easily up to its max 65W output. No issues...End of story. Where one will encounter "issues" is trying to charge something that requires way more power... Something along the lines of say the 2023 Macbook Pro which requires a USB4 PD cable capable of carrying the full 140W, and the latest V3.1 PD standard. Word on the net is this Ugreen 65W travel Charger will still charge the 2023 MBP, just at an obviously slower rate. Folks needing that, I recommend springing for Ugreen's 140W USB C Charger paired with their 240W cable. It's one of the very few non-Apple chargers and cables that can handle such speeds SAFELY. Build quality in the typical Ugreen performance remains top-notch. I found the adapters easy to slide in and out (there's a button to disengage the lock).. And once locked in, the interchangeable plugs stayed in...No wobbles or anything. But of course still new la.. So we'll see how it holds up after a while. Although, if my almost 3-year-old UGREEN All-in-One 65W GaN PD Fast Charger is to be believed. This too will function without issue for years to come.

[attachmentid=11470932] [attachmentid=11470931]

Purchase Links
Official Lazada Malaysia Product Page
Official Shopee Malaysia Product Page

UGREEN Specific URLs
Official Product Page
UGREEN Malaysia Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

Beelink EQ12 Mini PC

voncrane — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 21:36:16 +0800

Welcome first and old-timers, perhaps you checked out my previous review of the Beelink Mini S12 Pro Mini PC and liked how Intel's 12th Gen Alder Lake-N100 (6MB Smart Cache, up to 3.40 GHz) processor, with 10nm lithography technology, combined with Intel UHD Graphics performed. However, feeling like you require a bit more ports and or functionality in a closely similar form factor, BUT without breaking the bank much? I introduce to you Beelink's answer, the EQ12! The EQ12 is the first in a series of 2 variants, boasting similar cold booting, reboot, and really fast shutdown times just like the Mini S12 Pro sibling, no surprises there. But let's delve into the specifications and spot what's different this time.

[attachmentid=11469380]

Specifications
*CPU: Intel® Alder Lake-N100 Processor (12th Gen); 4 Cores, 4 Threads, Base: 0.8GHz, Max Turbo Frequency: 3.4Ghz, 6MB Intel® Smart Cache; Turbo Power: 25W.
*GPU: Intel® Arc & Iris® Xe Graphics Supported; Max Dynamic Frequency: 750MHz, Triple 4KUHD@60Hz Monitors via 2x HDMI & USB-C; HDR Supported too.
*RAM: Optional 8/16GB 'Crucial' Single Channel DDR5 4800MHz; Supports up to 16GB.
*Sound: Senary Audio (Audio, Voice, Speech) with Windows Sonic for Headphones support.
*Storage: 512GB PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD Preinstalled; Supports additional 2.5" 7mm HDD/SDD up to 2TB; Maximum read/write speed of 3500MB/s.
*Colors: Navy Blue / Pearl White / Millennial Grey / Senior Grey. My review unit is the Navy Blue option.
*Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit Pre-installed
*Wireless Connections: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX101; Bluetooth 5.2
*Cooling: Patented Heat sink + Dual-Fans design
*Dimensions (HxWxD): 39mm X 124mm X 113mm
*Weight: 321g
*Ports*
***3 USB Type-A 3.2
***1x CLR CMOS or RTC Key
***1x 3.5mm Audio (HP & Mic)
***1x Power (Output 12V 3A [36W])
***2x 2.5Gbps Ethernet (Intel i225-v)
***2x HDMI V2.0; Max Res: 4K@60Hz per port.
***1x 10Gbps USB Type-C which supports DisplayPort Alt Mode
*Box Contents*
***2x HDMI Cables (Average length and a short one for Monitor mounting)
***1X 36W Power Adapter (EU/US/UK/JP)
***1x Multilingual User Manual
***1x Vesa Mounting Bracket & Screws

From the above specs, we see that the EQ12 has 1 less USB Type-A port but gains an arguably more versatile USB Type-C port. It's also slightly wider and longer than the Mini S12 Pro. Lastly, Beelink's infographics below suggests an 87% performance increase between the DDR4 3200MHz stick present in the Mini S12 Pro and the DDR5 4800MHz stick in this S12. One might wonder why this wasn't labeled the "Pro" model and the other just the EQ12? you know for simplicity sakes.... Well, that is because there's an EQ12 Pro variant where an Intel Core i3-N305 processor is used instead. This review is based on the EQ12.

[attachmentid=11469381] [attachmentid=11469431]

Build Quality
The EQ12's exterior is made primarily from differently textured lightweight ABS plastic. And similarly like the Mini S12 Pro, we've got high gloss, acrylic lenses, and even a laser faceted bit on the top giving it a "more expensive" look. In typical Beelink fashion, you still have 4 rubber stops, one at each edge to prevent sliding around on even the sleekest table surface. You'll also have the silicone puller tab that helps pull the bottom plate off, no prying tool leaving marks needed. On the front, the red power button houses a single status LED that glows white when powered on.

Box & Hardware Images

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

Before we move on to some benchmark scores, here are the System default information, some installed updates, and build information. The last image is where I'm fully updated.

System Default, Updates, & Build Information
Basically, it shipped with Windows 11 Pro V21H2, Build 22000.918 and I updated it to V21H2 Build 22000.2003. I kept checking up till tonight and Windows update still refuses to provide the more recent V22H2 Build 22621.1702. Unsure why but reckon given time, it'll get pushed to it eventually or a future version installed. OOTB, we had 437GB of usable SSD storage which got reduced to 424GB after all Windows updates and some key software are installed. No games. Increasing storage shouldn't be an issue as you can install an additional 2.5" 7mm HDD/SDD up to 2TB.

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Edit V22H2 got pushed so all's good.

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Some default BIOS Settings [Tweak with caution]

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Onto some Benchmarking numbers; SSD Information, & R/W Speeds. All this time the EQ12 is connected via HDMI (USB-C works too) to a single Lenovo L32p-30 4K Monitor and runs at 4K@60Hz resolution. Left BIOS settings as stock, no GPU or CPU overclocks either.

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HWiNFO

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Crystal Disk Info

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Cinebench R23 Single & Multi-Core

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UNIGINE: Superposition

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RealBench

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Web Browser Performance (Microsoft Edge)

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SSD Speeds; Crystal Disk Mark Software
Image 1 is NVMe SSD Test Peak Performance; Image 2 tests NVMe Real World Performance; Image 3 tests Samsung Fit USB3.0 Flash Drive Peak Performance.

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LAN & Internet Speedtest
Unfortunately, at this time I'm still in the middle of upgrading my home broadband speeds and no 2.5Gbps ethernet equipped router here. However, the EQ12 has 2x 2.5Gbps Ethernet (Intel i225-v) ports and according to CNX-Software, both Ethernet ports performed as expected with downloads averaging 2.37Gb/s and upload averaging 2.34 Gb/s.

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Media Playback
The EQ12 with its hardware accelerated AV1 decoding support (important for transcoding too..Plex Server users rejoice!) handled all my test files with ease, right up to the 1.4GB 4K UHD 400Mbps Level 6.1 Main10 HEVC Jellyfish video bitrate test file. It smoothly played this while I continued web browsing & simultaneously played a 4K video on YouTube. Switching fine between the windowed and fullscreen modes.

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Power Consumption
Intel's 12th Gen Alder Lake-N100 low power figures hold true here. I was able to notice under 7Wwhile in idle mode (not sleeping) and about 34W while running RealBench's 15 minutes Stress Test. Max temperature recorded hovered around 55 - 65C, topping out at 81C. Fans handled it all like a champ, very silent and temp cooled down within a few minutes of the stress test's completion. Speaking about sleeping mode, something to note is the rear USB ports support always on feature, while the front ones do not.

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[attachmentid=11469430]

Conclusion
Just like the Beelink Mini S12 Pro, the Beelink EQ12 does not disappoint. With its processor offering a base TDP of just 6W, you get a silent, low power consuming device that can easily handle the majority of your home & office needs and can be left to run 24/7 as a DIY NAS or Plex server. Especially if you map those 2GbE ethernet ports properly. Else, you can fall back on 600Mbps Wi-Fi 6 support. This computer is suitable for browsing, multimedia playback with VLC or KODI, office applications, editing applications and very light 3D games. I've used this over several days, left it running idle overnight, etc and honestly everything just works. Wrote and formatted this entire review on this machine.

Purchase Links
Official Beelink Website (Ships Worldwide); Current Promo ($20 or $60 Off) expires June 30th.

SocMed URLs
Twitter
Facebook

For more information, please pay attention to this space. I'd like to thank Beelink for providing this review unit. They are viewing the results at the same time as you are. As usual, fellow forummers, do feel free to comment below should you require further specific information, or a test done on the Beelink EQ12 Mini PC. Let me know, I'll be glad to assist.

Beelink Mini S12 Pro Mini PC

voncrane — Sun, 14 May 2023 20:12:16 +0800

Hey everyone, welcome to another in-depth Mini PC review. This time I review the cheaper yet capable Beelink Mini S12 Pro Mini PC. A palm-sized full-fledged PC packing Intel's 12th Gen Alder Lake-N100 (6MB Smart Cache, up to 3.40 GHz) processor, with 10nm lithography technology, combined with Intel UHD Graphics. A cold boot takes 20 seconds to a fully loaded desktop ("loading circle-free" mouse icon). Rebooting takes 35 seconds and a full shutdown takes a mere 4 seconds or less. I ran the stopwatch only after installing various benchmarking software, VLC media player, and Microsoft Office. See detailed specifications below.

[attachmentid=11467672]

Specifications
*CPU: Intel® Alder Lake-N100 Processor (12th Gen); 4 Cores, 4 Threads, Base: 0.8GHz, Max Turbo Frequency: 3.4Ghz, 6MB Intel® Smart Cache; Turbo Power: 25W.
*GPU: Intel® Arc & Iris® Xe Graphics Supported; Max Dynamic Frequency: 750MHz, Dual 4KUHD@60Hz Monitors. HDR Supported too.
*RAM: Crucial Single Channel 16GB DDR4 3200MHz; Supports up to 16GB.
*Sound: Senary Audio (Audio, Voice, Speech) with Windows Sonic for Headphones support.
*Storage: 512GB PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD Preinstalled; Supports additional 2.5" 7mm HDD/SDD up to 2TB; Maximum read/write speed of 3500MB/s.
*Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit; Version: 22H2; Build: 22621.1702
*Wireless Connections: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX101; Bluetooth 5.2
*Cooling: Heat Sink & Fan
*Dimensions (HxWxD): 39mm X 115mm X 102mm
*Weight: 280g
*Ports
***4x USB Type-A 3.2
***1x CLR CMOS or RTC Key
***1x 3.5mm Audio (HP & Mic)
***1x Power (Output 12V 3A)
***1x 1Gbps Ethernet
***2x HDMI V2.0; Max Res: 4K@60Hz per port.
*Box Contents
***2x HDMI Cables (Average length and a short one for Monitor mounting)
***1X 36W Power Adapter (EU/US/UK/JP)
***1x Multilingual User Manual
***1x Vesa Mounting Bracket & Screws

[attachmentid=11467673]

Build Quality
The Mini S12 Pro's exterior is made primarily from differently textured lightweight ABS plastic. We've got high gloss, acrylic lenses, and even a laser faceted bit on the top giving it a "more expensive" look. In typical Beelink fashion, you still have 4 rubber stops, one at each edge to prevent sliding around on even the sleekest table surface. You'll also have the silicone puller tab that helps pull the bottom plate off, no prying tool leaving marks needed.

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

Box & Hardware Images

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English Manual

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Basically, it shipped with Windows 11 Pro V21H2, Build 22000.918 and I updated it to V22H2 Build 22621.1702. OOTB, we had 437GB of usable SSD storage which got reduced to 424GB after all Windows updates and some key software are installed. No games. Did a bit of spring cleaning and got bumped up to 441GB. But then increasing storage shouldn't be an issue as you can install an additional 2.5" 7mm HDD/SDD up to 2TB.

Some default BIOS Settings [Tweak with caution]

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Now some Benchmarking numbers; SSD Information, R/W Speeds. All this time the SEi12 Pro is connected via HDMI to a single Lenovo L32p-30 4K Monitor and runs at 4K@60Hz resolution. I'm all about real-world experience and so left the Power Mode set to "Balanced" which is the typical setting most users would run it on as opposed to the benchmark-loving "Best Performance" mode. So if you like what you see, expect it to fare even better unshackled.

Crystal Disk Info

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Cinebench R23 Single & Multi-Core

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UNIGINE: Superposition

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Web Browser Performance (Microsoft Edge)

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SSD Speeds
Crystal Disk Mark Software; Image 1 is NVMe SSD Test Peak Performance while the second image tests NVMe Real World Performance.

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File Transfer Speeds (Samsung Fit USB3.0 Flash Drive Connected)

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LAN & Internet Speedtest
The Beelink Mini S12 Pro is rated for up to 1Gbps via Ethernet and is Wi-Fi 6 capable. My internet connection is even worse at a paltry 100/20 Mbps.

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Media Playback
The Mini S12 Pro with its hardware accelerated AV1 decoding support (important for transcoding too..Plex Server users rejoice!) handled all my test files with ease, right up to the 1.4GB 4K UHD 400Mbps Level 6.1 Main10 HEVC Jellyfish video bitrate test file. It smoothly played this while I continued web browsing & simultaneously played a 4K video on YouTube. Switching fine between the windowed and fullscreen modes.

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Conclusion
I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of this "lightweight" 12th gen Intel Alder Lake-N processor. The MINI S12 Pro could effortlessly handle mainstream computing duties like web browsing, social networking, Microsoft Office tasks, and media playback. I could open dozens of image-heavy webpages in Microsoft Edge, play an 8K video clip, and open a few other applications at the same time without experiencing any hiccups or delays. With improved GPU performance, it’s now possible to play more graphics-intensive games on these low-power mini PCs, but you still need to turn down the resolution and settings to ensure a smooth ride. This time around I purposefully omitted gameplay performance due to that expectation. Lastly, this is what it looks like placed beside my Logitech M720 Triathlon mouse. Very compact yet capable ...Definitely a step up from some earlier Mini PCs I've reviewed that struggled with multiple high-bitrate files playback.

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Official Product Page

Purchase Links
Official Beelink Website (Ships Worldwide)

SocMed URLs
Twitter
Facebook

For more information, please pay attention to this space. I'd like to thank Beelink for providing this review unit. They are viewing the results at the same time as you are. As usual, fellow forummers, do feel free to comment below should you require further specific information or a test done on the Beelink SE12 Pro Mini PC. I'll be glad to assist.

Beelink Expand M Full Review

voncrane — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 21:16:01 +0800

Happy Holidays all! Today I'm reviewing the Beelink Expand M. An SSD Storage and USB-C Docking Station. Basically a multi-purpose (4-in-1) device built ideally for those with multiple portable computing devices. I'm talking Microsoft Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, iPadOS, Linux, good ol' Android, and even gaming consoles PlayStation & Xbox. Some of you might remember my Beelink Expand X USB-C Dock or reviewing another similar device back in 2020.. Wow, been doing this this long eh. :smile.. The major differences between them is that this Expand M has a built-in easily replaceable SSD slot with a 2TB maximum capacity, a pretty nifty button to toggle the SSD drive on and off when not in use, all enclosed in a slim solid metal enclosure that'll easily fit in your pocket. The benefit of using an inbuilt SSD is SPEED. Yep, sure you can get a non-SSD type hub and just connect your current flash disks or external HDDs. However, and as you'll see later on, there's a significant difference in transfer speeds. Beelink sells this is either DIY or bring your own SSD (cheapest option) or with either a 128GB/256GB or as in with my review unit... a 512GB m2. SATA3 2280 SSD. I've been using this for awhile...this is my extended review. Enjoy!

[attachmentid=11460784] [attachmentid=11460785]

Specifications
*Category: SSD Docking Station
*Material: Aluminum Alloy & FPC cable allowing you to bend and fold the cable at will without damaging the cable.
*Storage: 512GB m2. SATA3 2280 SSD; Supports SATA3 SDDs up to 2TB; Theoretical Maximum read speed of 440MB/s and 407MB/s Write speed.
*Officially supported Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, iPadOS, Linux, Android, PlayStation & Xbox
*Dimensions (LxWxD): 115.3mm*39.3mm*11mm. The length with the USB-C cable fully extended is 121.4mm
*M Button; Button to switch the SSD's status between sleep & working mode.
*Warranty & Service: 1-Year Limited Warranty
*Color Options: Dark Blue/Space Gray. Mine is Space Gray.
*Ports
***2x USB Type-A 3.0; Theoretical Maximum read/write speed of 107MB/s.
***1x 100W PD USB-C Input (Outputs 10W - 100W)
***1x HDMI V1.4; Max Res: 4K (4096 x 2160) @30Hz. 60Hz is achievable if you scale down to 1080p resolution. DP ALT Mode only devices.
*Box Contents
***1x Expand M
***1x Flannel Bag to use as a carry pouch
***1x Multilingual User Manual

[attachmentid=11460786] [attachmentid=11460787]

Build Quality
The main body of the Expand M is made out of metal providing high drops shock resistance, anti-corrosion properties, and very good heat dissipation. There's a heat dissipation panel underneath the main metal shell. See image below. As a con, it does get very hot to touch after using it quite heavily for long periods of time. As in the case of my in-depth review where I subjected it to a battery of high load tests for about an hour. Tried picking it up after that and must confess i had to drop it back on the table. Crystal Disk Info reported 40 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, and because of the same material PLUS the well placed ventilation holes on the top, it got cool to touch very quickly keeping the SSD safe. The entire device only weighs about 76g and I like that the attached USB-C cable is made of durable & bendy FPC cable. An FPC is a Flexible Printed Circuit. FPCs are flexible and foldable printed circuits that consist of a layer or multiple layers of copper traces with a polyester base layer.

[attachmentid=11460783]

Box & Hardware Images

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English Manual

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Drive Default Information
Before we move on to some benchmark scores, here are the Drive default information. OOTB you get 475GB of useable storage space. Remember, you can install a single SSD up to 2TB. The Expand M Drive comes formatted as exFAT by default. Better OSes compatibility I guess. However, you can format it as NTFS too if needed. exFAT has its drawbacks, but because it offers the most diverse OS compatibility I chose to leave it as is. I did rename it though, not a fan of the sus default drive name .

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Now some Benchmarking numbers; SSD Information, R/W Speeds. All this time the Expand M is connected via USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 Port) to the Beelink SEi12 Pro 1240P Mini PC and in turn via HDMI to a Lenovo L32p-30 4K Monitor, running at 4K@30Hz resolution. And in case you missed that review, here you go. Summarily, it's is one sleekly built Windows 11 Pro Mini Desktop PC equipped with the 2022 Intel® Core™ i5-1240P Processor (12th Gen) and Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics. I fully intend to review my Lenovo Monitor in the coming weeks. I also connected a 128GB Samsung USB 3.0 Flash Drive FIT and for DeX, used my trusty Logitech MK850 Performance Wireless Keyboard & Mouse combo.

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Crystal Disk Info

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Crystal Disk Mark

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DiskBench

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AS SSD

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File Transfer Speeds (Copying from SEi12 Pro SSD to Expand M SSD; Highest spotted transfer speed is 310MB/s.

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File Transfer Speeds (Copying from Expand M SSD to SEi12 Pro SSD; Took 46 seconds with the highest transfer rate of 374MB/s.

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File Transfer Speeds (Copying from SEi12 Pro SSD to Samsung USB 3.0 Flash Drive FIT; Took 8 minutes with the highest transfer rate of 86MB/s.

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[attachmentid=11460758]

Conclusion
Did I hear you asking, this is all well and good, but what are the cons? Glad you asked ... It's 2023 and It would be nice to see Beelink upgrade this to one supporting 4K@60Hz resolution as standard. Definitely NVME SSDs support is welcome. But perhaps USB4 V2? You know just to overkill and serious future-proofing too. Nevertheless, this Beelink Expand M does allow us to get more mileage out of our current devices. And yes it works using a USB-C to Type-A adapter, allowing support for older laptops without USB-C ports. It's ideal for transfers between PCs, Laptops, Mobile phones, Tablets, etc without breaking the bank...much. A device like this makes me not to scream so much at phone manufacturers taking away the microSD card slot (looking at you Sammy Z Fold 4 & S23 Ultra) and forcing us to pay higher amounts just to get larger inbuilt storage. I found myself mainly using it with DeX mode. This is it running off my Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and because it supports PD fast charging protocol, it simultaneously charges the phone as well. Similarly with say a compatible USB-C connected laptop. However, its charging speed depends on the connected power source. Here you can see the Expand M slow charging when connected to a USB port on the Beelink SEi12 Pro 1240P Mini PC and fast charging when connected to a Ugreen 65W GaN charger.

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So as long as you pair it with a decent charger (up to 100W), you'll be good. I quite like that "M" key/button that switches the SSD between sleeping and working mode, effectively reducing power consumption as well as saving you the extra clicks to unmount the drive when connected. The LED turns Green in working mode and blue in sleep mode. The Beelink Expand M flawlessly integrates the function of a fast SSD mobile hard drive, with a 4-in-1 expansion dock. Its slim sophisticated design and metal-based design offers a professional, streamlined solution to store, conveniently share, and protect your important data.

Official Beelink Website (Product information page)

Purchase Links
You can still purchase the Expand M off the Official Beelink Website (Free Shipping Worldwide)...Full disclosure, links are not affliated-backed and I gain RM0 from you purchasing off em. You can also grab em off Aliexpress

SocMed URLs
Twitter
Facebook

For more information, please pay attention to this space. I'd like to thank Beelink for providing this review unit. They are viewing the results at the same time as you are. As usual, fellow forummers, do feel free to comment below should you require further specific information or test done on the Beelink Expand M. I'll be glad to assist.

Beelink SEi12 i5-1240P Pro Mini PC Full Review

voncrane — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:07:00 +0800

Hi all, It's good to be back on here. Apologies for the extended leave of absence as I had to take some time off to work on myself, life etc. But hey the good news is that I've got a backlog of devices to review to aid your purchasing decisions, with more new devices scheduled. I would also like to thank all of you who reached out via PM to check up on me

[attachmentid=11416116]

Today I'm reviewing the recently launched Beelink SEi12 i5-1240P Pro Mini PC. This is one sleekly built Windows 11 Pro Mini Desktop PC equipped with the 2022 Intel® Core™ i5-1240P Processor (12th Gen) and Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics. This should not be confused with the i5-1235U version yeah (has 10 cores) or the more powerful and equally pricier i7-1260P equipped SEi12 variant. The Beelink SEi12 i5-1240P Pro Mini PC packs Dual Channel 16GB DDR5 4800MHz RAM, while it's i7 variant packs a whopping Dual Channel 32GB DDR5 4800MHz RAM. Depending on your needs, I can confirm that this 16GB RAM, 500GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD is plenty power enough. A cold boot takes 8 seconds to a fully loaded desktop ("loading circle-free" mouse icon) and a clean beautiful desktop experience this Windows 11 Pro is. Rebooting takes 25 seconds and a full shutdown takes a mere 7 seconds or less. See detailed specifications below.

[attachmentid=11416117]

Specifications
*CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-1240P Processor (12th Gen); 12Cores, 16Threads, Base: 3.3GHz, Max Turbo Frequency: 4.4Ghz, 12MB Intel® Smart Cache; Base Power: 28W, Turbo Power: 64W.
*GPU: Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics; Max Dynamic Frequency: 1.30GHz, Quadruple 4K UHD Monitors & Intel® Quick Sync Video support.
*RAM: Crucial Dual Channel 16GB DDR5 4800MHz (2*8GB); Supports up to 64GB.
*Sound: Senary Audio (Audio, Voice, Speech) with Windows Sonic for Headphones support.
*Storage: 500GB "Kingston SNV2S500G" PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD; Supports additional 2.5" 7mm HDD/SDD up to 4TB; Maximum read/write speed of 3500MB/s.
*Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit; Version: 22H2; Build: 22621.1105
*Wireless Connections: Dual-band Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHz; Bluetooth 5.2
*Cooling: Heat Sinks; 2 Fans
*Dimensions (HxWxD): 42mm X 126mm X 113mm
*Ports
***2x USB Type-A 3.2; 2x USB Type-A 3.1
***1x CLR CMOS or RTC Key
***1x 3.5mm Audio (HP & Mic)
***1x Power (DC 19V 6.32A)
***1x 2.5Gbps Ethernet
***2x HDMI V2.1; Max Res: 4K@60Hz per port.
***1x Thunderbolt 4 (Type-C Port); Maximum throughput: 40Gbps; Supports 2 additional monitors at 4K (4096 x 2304) 60Hz; Possibly a single monitor at 8K resolution.
*Box Contents
***2x HDMI Cables (Average length and a short one for Monitor mounting)
***1x SATA Cable (Inside the Mini PC)
***1X 120W Power Adapter (EU/US/UK/JP)
***1x Multilingual User Manual
***1x Vesa Mounting Bracket & Screws

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For the uninitiated, the above specs are most impressive and while it's no "gaming" PC, it does a decent job handling popular titles like PUBG, Fortnite, CS:GO, GTA-V, DOTA2. Naturally, you would have to lower the game's resolution to get higher FPS. Something like DOTA2 nets about 120 - 135 FPS. Here are some other numbers with screengrabs** below;

Game : Set Resolution : Average FPS : Highest FPS Spotted (Despite 4K UHD Monitor)
Apex Legend : 720p Very Low Textures : 63 : 75
Fallout 4 : 720p Medium Preset : 65 : 76
Forza Horizon 5 : 720p Low Preset : 45 : 47
GTA V : 1080p : 60 : 65
Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered : 720p Lowest Settings : 33 : 46
Red Dead Redemption 2 : 720p Ultra Textures : 41 : 45
CS:GO : 1080p Lowest Settings : 103 : 127

In-Game Screengrabs

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So you don't care about its gaming capabilities.. How does it fare as a workhorse? Splendidly!....Read on to find out...

Build Quality
This device is solid, I mean at 465g, it is very much a lightweight PC that you can bring around with you on trips or mount behind most monitors. The unit looks like its made from one ABS plastic (initially mistook it for metal) piece bent quite smoothly around the edges if I may add, and has silicone strips on the bottom to prevent sliding around atop even the slickest table tops. There's also the rubber flap on the bottom that helps lifting up the bottom plate. The top has a fabric mesh design I like (not fingerprint magnet) that Beelink says makes this the first waterproof fabric design mini PC. However, I did not test that out as the top is a breathable material and doubles as an air intake. Perhaps if enough people request, I'll splash some water on it and report back..gg...

Box & Hardware Images

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English Manual

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Everything here on is mostly positive. The heat dissipation technology on the SEi12 Pro 1240P is very effective. It includes heat sinks, two separate fans; one for the CPU and another for the rest of the system (basically the SSD, RAM, & Motherboard) that facilitate airflow throughout the chassis and preserve the PC's steady cooling performance while ensuring quick processing and responsiveness. This allows reported lower temperatures and decibels when running key software such as Brave Browser, Adobe Photoshop & Microsoft Office. Honestly it remained as quiet as if still on standby. Ofcourse, I could hear the fans spin up when I pushed the PC running multiple games and benchmarks. Still manageable, bet your aircon late at night makes a louder noise and don't get me started on how loud some standing fans get.

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Before we move on to some benchmark scores, here are the System default information, some installed updates and build information. The last image is where I'm at fully updated.

System Default, Updates, & Build Information

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Basically it shipped with Windows 11 Pro V21H2, Build 22000.918 and I updated it to V22H2 Build 22621.1105. OOTB, we had 434GB of usable SSD storage which got reduced to 430GB after all windows updates and some key software are installed. No games yet..Increasing storage shouldn't be an issue as you can install an additional 2.5" 7mm HDD/SDD up to 4TB.

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Now some Benchmarking numbers; SSD Information, R/W Speeds. All this time the SEi12 Pro is connected via HDMI to a single Lenovo L32p-30 4K Monitor and run at 4K@60Hz resolution. I'm all about the real world experience and so left the Power Mode set to "Balanced" which is the typical setting most users would run it on as opposed to the benchmark loving "Best Performance" mode. So if you like what you see, expect it to fare even better unshackled.

Cinebench R23 Single & Multi-Core

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UNIGINE:Superposition

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Novabench Report

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Web Browser Performance

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SSD Speeds
Crystal Disk Mark Software; Image 1 is NVMe SSD Test Peak Performance while the second image tests NVMe Real World Performance.

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File Transfer Speeds (Copying from USB3.0 Flash Drive

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LAN & Internet Speedtest
The SEi12 Pro 1240P is rated for up to 2.5Gbps but unfortunately my current router like most of us is limited to max 1Gbps. My internet connection is even worse at a paltry 100/20 Mbps. Missing my 500/500Mbps TIME connection since day one. Should be on 1Gbps internet plan by now... Well I can, but over here it costs a bomb in comparison to bolehland..Hai...Anyways, I'm fairly certain the SEi12 Pro 1240P can handle proper wired gigabit and Wi-Fi 6 internet connections just fine.

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Media Playback
The SEi12 Pro 1240P handled all my test files with ease, right up to the 1.4GB 4K UHD 400Mbps Level 6.1 Main10 HEVC Jellyfish video bitrate test file. It smoothly played this while I continued web browsing & simultaneously played a 4K video on YouTube. Effortlessly switching between the windowed and fullscreen mode. No issues with audio playback over the Bluetooth 5.2 connection.

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Conclusion
Let's get the facts out of the way. The SEi12 Pro 1240P outperforms rival Intel NUC 11. The Intel Core i5-1240P is a mid-range Alder Lake-P family SoC designed for use in ultra-light, ultra-thin (yet actively cooled) laptops. Means it's powerful enough to require active cooling and Beelink rose to the challenge with this mini PC. The Intel Iris Xe is not great by any careful standard. But this does not mean you have to flee and run the moment you see a device that has it. You can definitely play older AAA titles and newer, less-intensive games using it. Running in 4K though is an impossibility, but as shown above you'll be able to play new titles with reduced settings and this is also due to the presence of them fast RAM. So game away! Otherwise with its compact size, above average performance and a wide array or ports...That Thunderbolt 4 port on the front allows you to connect a dock and expand your connections even further. As a home, media or office PC, you will undoubtedly get a quiet stable Mini PC capable of meeting all your daily working and entertainment needs.

Purchase Links
Official Beelink Website (Free Shipping Worldwide)

SocMed URLs
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For more information, please pay attention to this space. I'd like to thank Beelink for providing this review unit. They are viewing the results at the same time as you are. As usual, fellow forummers, do feel free to comment below should you require further specific information or test done on the Beelink SEi12 i5-1240P Pro Mini PC. I'll be glad to assist.
**Screengrabs courtesy RandomGaming HD on YouTube