19/05/2025

LYFE MONDAY | MAY 19, 2025

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Rise of Chinese phones R EMEMBER when tech giants Apple and Samsung used to dominate the smartphone market? For o Latest high-tech arrivals to Malaysia

awhile now, Chinese companies have been giving them a run for their money. The big two may still retain a stranglehold on the premium space, but they are being seriously outplayed in the budget to mid-range segments – especially in Asian and African markets. Few observers are surprised. Chinese firms have been able to deliver cutting-edge tech – artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cameras, fast charging, high-refresh-rate displays – at far more affordable price points. Features will vary from phone to phone, but here are a few recent arrivals in Malaysia that show why consumers are flocking to Chinese brands: Vivo V50 Lite 5G Far from being a lightweight, the Vivo V50 Lite 5G is a solid workhorse built for endurance and durability. It sports Vivo’s slimmest 6,500 mAh BlueVolt battery, delivering 27.41 hours of YouTube playback or more than 15 hours of TikTok browsing. It also supports reverse charging, allowing users to power other devices. This saves them the hassle of carrying a heavy power bank and allows for convenient multi-device charging. Aside from that, phone is equipped with an advanced imaging system featuring a 50MP main camera, an 8MP 120° ultra wide-angle camera, a 32MP selfie camera and Vivo’s Aura Light

The Vivo V50 Lite 5G is a solid workhorse built for endurance and durability.

Poco C71 The Poco C71 is aimed at price-conscious consumers who are still looking for serious hardware, elegant aesthetics and a great all-round user experience. It features a large 6.88-inch display with a 1640×720 resolution, impressive 90% screen-to-body ratio and a wide cinematic 20.5:9 aspect ratio. The entry-level contender has a newly upgraded 32MP AI dual camera system with a large sensor that receives up to 18% more light than previous generation devices. Its upgraded 8MP selfie front camera comes with a Fill light feature that illuminates portraits taken in darker environments to improve clarity. Endurance-wise, the phone packs a 5,200mAh (typ) battery and offers more than 20 hours of continuous video playback and over nine hours of mobile gaming on a single charge. Supporting 15W fast charging, it is equipped for long-term battery durability and tested to retain healthy capacity even after 1,000 charging cycles. The Poco C71 is available in two storage variants: 3GB+64GB priced at RM299 and 4GB+128GB priced at RM399.

from RM1,299.

Redmi A5 The Redmi A5 offers a substantial leap in camera capabilities through its 32MP AI dual camera. With a larger sensor that takes in 18% more light than the previous generation, night photography stands out with improved detail, delivering brighter, clearer shots in low-light settings. The camera keeps photos crisp and vivid even when confronted with challenging backlit settings. Turning to the front, the upgraded 8MP selfie camera delivers natural-looking portraits with fresh detail. The phone expands possibilities with an up to 120Hz 6.88-inch display, offering an immersive experience whether watching videos, browsing or reading. Even when hands are damp, wet touch technology helps to maintain responsiveness. Equipped with a 5200mAh battery, it supports over 20 hours of video playback and over nine hours of gaming on a single charge. The Redmi A5 is available in two storage variants: 3GB+64GB priced at RM299 and 4GB+128GB priced at RM349. Oppo Find X8 Ultra Oppo calls its Find X8 Ultra the “new ultimate camera phone” as it debuts the next-gen Penta Camera System co-developed with Hasselblad. The premium phone features five powerful rear cameras: a 50MP ultra-wide camera, a 50MP wide camera with a one-inch sensor, two 50MP periscope telephoto cameras with significantly enhanced light capture and an exclusive True Chroma Camera for more natural colour rendering. Tailored for professional creators, the phone features a 6.82-inch flat QHD display with visually symmetrical bezels. Enhanced durability, with IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance, coupled with SGS five-star drop resistance certification, ensures resilience in demanding environments. Leveraging the latest Oppo silicon-carbon battery technology, it comes with a hefty 6100mAh battery, engineered to power a full day of creative productivity. Furthermore, it supports 100W SuperVooc charging, enabling a complete recharge in under 40 minutes, and 50W AirVooc for effortless wireless power replenishment.

The Redmi A5’s 32MP AI dual camera.

system. The 50MP main camera uses a Sony IMX882 sensor to deliver clear shots day and night. Portrait mode offers 2× zoom for capturing memories at an ideal distance. Last but not least, it features a 120Hz Ultra Vision Amoled display and has SGS five-star drop resistance and military-grade certification. The Vivo V50 Lite 5G is priced

The Vivo Y04 is great for students.

Vivo Y04 Balancing style, performance and reliability, the Vivo Y04 is tailor-made for students, young professionals and families looking for a dependable smartphone at an affordable price. It is built to power through the busiest of days. A massive 5500mAh battery supports up to 19 hours of video playback and 28 hours of talk time, while maintaining over 80% battery health even after five years – great for users who need long-lasting performance on a budget. The 6.74-inch HD+ display delivers smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals, whether you are studying, streaming or staying social. The AI-powered camera system makes capturing everyday moments as easy as pie, while the AI Erase feature lets users seamlessly remove unwanted objects from photos. Built for the rough and tumble of real life, the phone features IP64 dust and water resistance, along with SGS five-star military grade anti-drop certification, ensuring added durability during work, play or on-the-go moments. The Vivo Y04 is available at RM399.

The Poco C71 is aimed at price-conscious consumers.

The Oppo Find X8 Ultra features five powerful rear cameras.