Month: January 2025

Categories
Android Event Highlights Gadgets Review Samsung

What’s New with Galaxy? Meet The S25

The image shows a promotional banner for the Samsung Galaxy S25. It features a close-up of the phone’s rear camera setup, showcasing a sleek blue finish. The background includes curved white lines for a modern design and the text "Meet the Galaxy S25" in bold, emphasizing the phone's introduction. The words "Tino Talks Tech" appear subtly in the background.

A few days ago, Samsung released their newest flagship line-up for 2025, the Galaxy S25 series, mainly building upon the foundation laid by the S24 series as leaders when it comes to AI on smartphones. In this article, I’ll walk you through the main differences between the base model Galaxy S25 and its predecessor, the S24, let’s look at the two.

Design and Display

First and foremost, the S25 maintains a design language similar to the S24, with a 6.2-inch AMOLED display and 120Hz refresh rate. While it literally looks the same as it’s predecessor, Samsung has actually made subtle refinements: the S25 is slightly lighter and thinner (it’s the same thing every year ), but we might say that this enhances its ergonomics. The bezels have been slimmed down as well, and that’s just about it. Additionally, the S25 introduces what they called the “ProScaler” feature, which uses AI to upscale lower-resolution content, making images and videos appear sharper.

Performance

The S25 is powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor (8 Gen 4 that was rebranded), and it has a 37% faster CPU, a 30% faster GPU, and 40% improvement in AI performance compared to the S24’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but what do we know, they’re just numbers. This upgrade means smoother multitasking, enhanced gaming experience, and more efficient power consumption.

Camera

The camera is the same, nothing really changed, so it has a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens. Now, while the hardware is unchanged, Samsung has introduced the “ProVisual Engine” which enhances image processing for better dynamic range, reduced noise, and sharper details, especially under low-light conditions. They also added 10-bit HDR video recording which offers richer colours and more detailed footage.

Battery and Charging

Again, nothing changed, both models have a 4,000mAh battery. But thanks to the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, we can expect an improvement in battery life on the S25. Charging capabilities remain the same, with 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging.

Software and AI Features

Now, one of the standout features of the S25 is its enhanced AI integration which will probably come to the S24 at some point. Building upon the foundation laid by the S24, the S25 introduces new features like AI Select, which offers smarter interactions with content that’s on your screen, and Cross-App Actions, which allows users to complete multi step tasks across apps with a single command to the assistant. The last key ones are the Now Brief and Now Bar tools which provide daily summaries and live updates directly on the lock screen.

Pricing and Availability

The Galaxy S25 is priced starting at $799.99, maintaining the same entry point as the S24. Pre-orders are currently open, with the official release date being February 7th.

Comparison Table: Galaxy S25 vs. Galaxy S24

FeatureGalaxy S25Galaxy S24
ProcessorSnapdragon 8 EliteSnapdragon 8 Gen 3
Display6.2″ AMOLED, 120Hz6.2″ AMOLED, 120Hz
Camera50MP + 12MP + 10MP50MP + 12MP + 10MP
AI FeaturesProScaler, AI Select, Now BarBasic AI integration
Battery4,000mAh4,000mAh
Charging25W wired, 15W wireless25W wired, 15W wireless
Starting Price$799.99$799.99

Conclusion

So while the Galaxy S25 isn’t a huge jump from the S24, it offers meaningful upgrades in performance and AI capabilities. If you’re using an older device or prioritise the latest features and improvements, the S25 is a good choice. However, S24 owners might find the changes not really enticing and should probably wait for a more substantial upgrade in future models.

Stay tuned for upcoming articles on the new features of the Galaxy S25+ and S25 Ultra models.

Categories
Apps TikTok USA

Here’s Why TikTok Is Getting Banned in the US

Image featuring the logo of Xiaohongshu (RedNote) prominently displayed alongside a trash can with the TikTok logo inside, symbolizing the shift from TikTok to RedNote amidst the U.S. TikTok ban. The background has vibrant digital elements and the text 'Tino Talks Tech.'

As we all know, the U.S. government pushed forward with the mandate requiring TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, so it’s that or they face a nationwide ban. This decision originated from concerns about national security and the risks of data collection and influence from the Chinese government.

The Political Side

The TikTok controversy is centred on fears that ByteDance might be or is already being forced to share user data with the Chinese government. Lawmakers have expressed concerns that TikTok’s vast data collection capabilities could be exploited for the benefit of the Chinese government. While the app has consistently denied such claims, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act has paved the way for the ban.

What’s Happening to The Refugees Now?

With TikTok almost being gone, millions of U.S. users have found solace in an extremely surprising alternative, and that’s Xiaohongshu, known as RedNote in English. This Chinese app, which was originally a lifestyle and e-commerce platform, has quickly become an app for short videos, photo sharing, and live streams. And now, the influx of American users has created a fascinating cultural exchange, with content creators looking at new ways to connect with audiences far beyond their original method.

But Why Not the U.S. Guys?

So here’s my question: Why not embrace US-based alternatives like Instagram or YouTube Shorts? For many TikTok content creators, these platforms lack the community-driven feel and engaging algorithms that TikTok perfected. Another factor is the mistrust of companies like Meta (Instagram’s parent company), given their role in lobbying against TikTok. So as a result, we can say that users have been drawn to platforms outside the US, searching for something that feels fresh and authentic.

There’s also a layer of irony in this “migration”. People have moved from one Chinese app, TikTok, to another, RedNote, as an attempt to make their frustration heard by the “political motivations” behind the ban.

My POV: TikTok and Huawei Bans

The situation with TikTok resembles the U.S. government’s actions against Huawei. In both cases, concerns about national security and foreign influence have led to extremely strict restrictions against Chinese tech companies. These cases highlight the ongoing geopolitical struggle and the balance between innovation, user choice, and safeguarding national interests.

Final Thoughts

So once again, politics and technology collide, however, the public continues to seek platforms that provide community and creativity, even if that means navigating new and unfamiliar apps, and that’s just the beauty of the online community. RedNote might have started as a niche lifestyle platform, but it’s quickly becoming a symbol of resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.

Categories
AI Event Highlights Gadgets Games Gaming Nvidia

What’s Blackwell Architecture: Let’s Look at The New RTX 5070

An image of the NVIDIA RTX Blackwell GPU presentation slide, showcasing specifications including 92 billion transistors, G7 memory, 1.8 TB/s memory bandwidth, 4,000 AI TOPS (3x Ada), 380 RT TFLOPS (2x Ada), 125 Shader TFLOPS (1.5x Ada), and an AI-Management Processor.
An image of the NVIDIA RTX Blackwell GPU presentation slide, showcasing specifications including 92 billion transistors, G7 memory, 1.8 TB/s memory bandwidth, 4,000 AI TOPS (3x Ada), 380 RT TFLOPS (2x Ada), 125 Shader TFLOPS (1.5x Ada), and an AI-Management Processor.

NVIDIA’s RTX 50 series has officially arrived and was announced by NVIDIA’s CEO, Jensen Huang, and what’s turning heads is the new RTX 5070 which is claimed to deliver identical performance levels comparable to the flagship RTX 4090, all at a fraction of the cost.

The RTX 5070’s Specifications

Built on NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture, the RTX 5070 features:

  • CUDA Cores: 6,144 cores that handle parallel processing tasks efficiently.
  • Memory: 12GB of GDDR7 memory, offering increased bandwidth and energy efficiency.
  • Tensor Cores: 5th-generation cores delivering significant AI performance gains, essential for AI-driven tasks.
  • Ray Tracing Cores: 4th-generation cores providing exceptional real-time ray tracing capabilities.
  • Clock Speeds: A base clock of 2.16 GHz, boosting up to 2.51 GHz for demanding applications.
  • Power Consumption: A TDP of 250W, significantly lower than the RTX 4090’s 450W, enhancing energy efficiency.

These specifications lay a solid foundation, but, like anything else made within the past few months, it’s the AI driven features that propel the RTX 5070 to compete with higher-tier GPUs.

DLSS 4: Revolutionizing Frame Generation

The main component of the RTX 5070’s performance is DLSS 4 (Deep Learning Super Sampling). This technology utilises AI to upscale lower-resolution images in real-time, producing high-resolution visuals without the corresponding performance hit, and the internet’s response to this part of it’s performance hasn’t been pleasant.

DLSS 4 introduces what is called Multi-Frame Generation, capable of generating up to three additional frames for each traditionally rendered frame. This results in significantly higher frame rates and smoother gameplay experiences. So, by relying on AI to predict and create these frames, the GPU reduces the workload on traditional rendering pipelines, allowing it to achieve performance levels “similar” to the RTX 4090 in supported games.

Neural Rendering: Enhancing Visual Fidelity

NVIDIA’s advancements in neural rendering further contribute to the RTX 5070’s prowess. By integrating AI at various stages of the graphics pipeline, the GPU can enhance textures, improve lighting effects, and render more realistic environments. This AI-driven approach allows for higher-quality visuals without necessitating increased computational resources, effectively optimizing performance.

RTX 5070 vs. RTX 4090

Now, in practical scenarios, the RTX 5070’s AI capabilities enable it to deliver performance comparable to the RTX 4090 in games that support DLSS 4. For example, in some graphically demanding games, the RTX 5070 achieves frame rates similar to the RTX 4090, all because of its advanced AI-driven frame generation. However, in applications relying solely on raw computational power, so without the AI optimisation, the RTX 4090 maintains a performance advantage due to its superior hardware, duh.

Conclusion

To finish, NVIDIA’s RTX 5070 is more than just a new GPU; it’s a testament to the transformative power of AI in terms of graphics processing. So by harnessing advanced AI features like their DLSS 4 and neural rendering, the RTX 5070 delivers performance that challenges the higher-end models, all while maintaining energy efficiency and affordability.

Categories
Android Gadgets Samsung

Galaxy S25 Series: Closer Than Ever, What to Expect

The image illustrates the evolution of Samsung's Ultra models, starting with the Galaxy S22 Ultra and progressing to the S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra, with the black model featuring a question mark symbolizing the unreleased Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Welcome to 2025, and what’s a new year without a new device announcement, so as we all know, the first high end smartphone range of each year is the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. With the official unveiling scheduled for January 22nd at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, the whole tech community is abuzz with expectations for the Galaxy S25, S25+, and the flagship S25 Ultra, my favourite.

Design and Build

Samsung is reported to refine its design language with the S25 series, and I can’t say I’m happy or not about it. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumoured to feature more rounded corners, so take that you brick phone haters, and on a serious note, this will offer a more comfortable grip. This design shift will also align with the aesthetic of the standard S25 and S25+, creating a unified look across the line up. The Ultra model is also expected to retain its robust titanium frame, and there’s a possibility that the standard models will continue with aluminium frames, probably to balance strength and weight, or just because they’re cheaper.

Display Enhancements

Display quality has always been a cornerstone of Samsung’s flagship line-up, and the S25 series is set to uphold this tradition. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to have a 6.86-inch LTPO Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1440p resolution. It’s also anticipated to have a peak brightness of 3,000, ensuring exceptional visibility even under direct sunlight, and since it’s a Galaxy Ultra, it will have anti-reflective properties that will reduce glare on their own. The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Armor Glass will also enhance durability and reduce glare as well.

Performance and Hardware

Now onto my favourite part, the Galaxy S25 series is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor across all the models, shifting from the previous Exynos variants. This chipset promises significant performance improvements, narrowing the gap between these devices and their competitors. Accompanying this is a standard 12GB RAM across the line-up, enhancing multitasking capabilities. Storage options are probably going to start at 128GB for the base model, with higher minimum configurations available for the Plus and Ultra variants.

Camera

Photography enthusiasts can look forward to notable camera upgrades. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumoured to retain its 200MP main sensor but will have a new 50MP ultra-wide lens, enhancing the versatility and quality of wide-angle shots. It’s telephoto capabilities are also expected to be improved, with a 50MP sensor offering 5x optical zoom for high-quality zoom photography. The standard S25 and S25+ models are also anticipated to feature a 50MP primary sensor, maintaining high imaging standards across the series.

Battery and Charging

Battery capacities are expected to be consistent with the previous generation, with the S25 Ultra housing a 5,000mAh battery, the S25+ a 4,900mAh, and the base S25 a 4,000mAh unit. Charging speeds are probably going to be 45W for the Ultra and Plus models and 25W for the standard model. Another significant addition is the support for Qi2 wireless charging across this line-up, utilizing magnetic cases to ensure optimal alignment and efficient charging.

Software and AI Integration

The Galaxy S25 series will come with One UI 7, based on Android 15, introducing a new UI with improved system animations and redesigned app icons, and from what I’ve seen, One UI 7 is lit. Samsung is also expected to enhance its AI capabilities, potentially offering features like crash detection, similar to those found in “competitor” devices. Additionally, there are rumours of a complimentary trial of Google Gemini Advanced AI services for Galaxy S25 users, with the duration varying by model, and if that’s true, that’s a big move by Google, considering they’re also doing the same with their Pixel Devices.

Additional Leaks

Samsung is also reported to be exploring the introduction of a “Galaxy S25 Slim” model, which will focus on a thinner design without compromising essential features. However, this model is speculated to launch later in the year, catering to users seeking a more streamlined device.

Conclusion

As usual, Samsung did not disappoint, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is shaping up to be a compelling line-up, having a refined design, enhanced performance, and innovative features. With the launch just around the corner, we have much to look forward to.