Category: #Reviews

Tech Review – Asus ROG 5s phone.

The Asus ROG 5s phone is a bit of a beast it must be said. Given it is aimed at gamers it also has great battery life and an excellent camera with great speakers too and a great display.

The phone is not light and not small by any means either which is fine with me however the back of the phone is slippy and can move on a table etc if it starts vibrating. I like phones like this aside the slippy part as you can feel the phone feel the quality and feel it in your pocket, having this alongside other devices I own it is the biggest and heaviest but again I am fine with this because it looks good and is a powerhouse too.

The camera hump is raised but nothing like some others out there which are starting to look stupid now and its angular design blends in well on the device too but it does rock on a table if typing so a case would be a good idea to eliminate this and also protect the device.

On the right you have your power on/off and volume keys on the left you have a docking point, on the bottom you have a headphone jack, yes you heard me right and you also have your USB-C port and a mic.Up to there is just a mic so it is a clean looking device overall and feels solid in the hands and you know you are not holding something cheap.Also as it is a gamer phone you have Air Triggers built in.

Check out the unboxing below and walkthrough and we look at the specs etc 

The gaming and user experience

If you are into mobile gaming this is what you could look into, not a huge mobile gamer myself but once was and this phone not only caters for that well it caters for everyday use too, the 6.78 inch screen is ideal for media consumption and more with a peak brightness of 1200 nits and that 144 hz screen refresh which seem to be the buzzword of late, in short here a superb display.

To top of the visual aspects you also get the audio goodness thrown in with dual speakers that are loud and as good as my iPhone 13 pro which are seen as one of the best speakers on a phone today, both the sound and picture just make it a really good experience for anyone to use as just a normal phone as well as gaming.

For my daily use it walked through anything with ease so that emails, social, browsing, and all the daily tasks I use my phone for but the thing is it doesn’t stop there it is also super when it comes to gaming, typical gaming phones I have seen from other manufacturers skimp out somewhere but not this phone.

 

Cameras

The camera set up here is also typical of a gaming phone a 64mp main camera 13mp wide and 5mp macro and a 24mp front facing camera, you can shoot up to 8k in video here but there is no point just yet in doing so as where can you watch it? This wont be mainstream for another 2 years at least and then think of those large files too if using 8k but the fact that it is there those fe who have 8K tv and has tech than 8K capabilities can enjoy now. The cameras are good in my eyes given it is not the main feature of the phone and who it is aimed at you can take great photos and videos but check them out for yourself below.

We shot in 4K on this phone as I felt it was the best thing to do to a wider audience but we can upload 8K video if requested.

We have done both night and daytime sample videos and photos here so you can get some context.

Full camera specs

8K UHD (7680 x 4320) video at 30 fps for main rear camera 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video at 30 / 60 fps for main rear camera, at 30 fps for second rear camera 1080p FHD video recording at 30 / 60 fps 720p HD video recording at 30 fps 3-axis electronic image stabilization for rear cameras Time Lapse (4K UHD video) Slow Motion video (4K at 120 fps; 1080p at 240 / 120 fps; 720p at 480 fps) Take still photo while recording video.

Overall this phone is ideal for those who want it all, which is gaming audio camera power and more it is a solid phone not lacking where others do.

Tech Review – Coolify 2 Neck Air Conditioner

With the Summer coming in fast and we have had a great few days lately which was great timing for testing this latest product from TORRAS which is the Coolify 2 which is the second model they have now created, you can check out the first model and other models on offer on their site, there is 3 versions of the latest model with a starting price of $179 and goes upwards to $229 with some extras, do not forget to include shipping costs and taxes if applicable to your region.The company offer free  shipping in the US.

What is the product about then

If you are into sports and fitness or just like being cooled down then this is for you, it might seem a bit cumbersome by its size but do not let that put you off, the headset is no bigger than an average pair of headphones only you let them rest on your neck, there is two controls on the device and that is is nothing complicated at all here.

a. Click the power button — turn on/gear 1 2 3/turn off the COOLIFY2.
b. Press the power button for 1.5S at any mode/gear — turn off the COOLIFY2.
c. Click the mode button– switch in between cooling mode and fan mode.
d. Press the mode button for 1.5S — switch in between cooling mode/ fan mode and heating mode.
We go through the motions in the review anyway so do check it out below in the hands on video
Coolify fans
Coolify fans
Bottom view
Top view

Build quality

The build is mainly plastic but robust it might feel a bit cumbersome for some folk but after using it you can forgive this as seen in video review below it has a glossy finish for the most part and has air outlets on both sides and breathing holes for the fans too.

Does it actually work

Yes in short it does you can heat up or cool down but the USP here is the cool factor with the pun intended you will not need ice a cold towel or a bucket of water with this on it works a treat and with the hot weather we had here I took advantage of this and brought it with me on a small break in the country and I often carry a small desk fan with me on my travels but did not this time around to give this a shot and it is a lifesaver if you are hot and not a huge fan of the heat which is me..Battery life is also good for 18 hours in fan mode 1, or 1.5 hours in cooling mode 3. The LED Screen shows the battery life and setting mode as you will see in the video review.

Can I recommend it.

That is an easy yes if you are into sports or a regular user of a fan and require cooling down, anyone can use it in fact, the ease of use factor is also important here with no app or connecting to your phone and so on, however perhaps the next variant might include a headphone option to sweeten the deal, some might think the price is a bit much but it is the convenience factor here of how the product is made and how simple it is to use yet alone the benefits of getting cool fast.

Features

  • – Chill, instantly. Cool Down 27°F in 1S.
  • – Immersive Wrap-around Cooling with KU 2.0 Chip. It improves the cooling performance up to 7 times. Turn it on, turn heat off.
  • – Colossal 3D Airflow Power for neck fan. Fully personalize your temperature, anytime, anywhere.
  • – Live it Up from Dusk ’til Dawn, 3H Charge for Up to 23H Use
  • – Flex-to-Fit 0-160°, Coolify2 makes one-size-fits-all possible.
  • – Smart, as it should be. NTC smart temperature control and LED hidden design keep your temperature more manageable.
  • – Portable and safe, cooling made easy. Wrap around and breeze your neck safely thanks to 13x safety protection.
  • – Heating, In the Air. It is also designed for keeping you warm in colder months. Go heated, go totally warm.

BUY : https://torraslife.com/neck-airconditioner/

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3EqrEPK

Video Review

 

Tech Review – Realme GT 2

The Realme GT2 is part of a duo of devices that has been recently released by the company and the GT2 pro is the top tier in the series costing slightly more but having said that this model does not skimp out really and after testing for a few weeks It has been one of daily drivers for that period and only one thing let it down which was the sound on video recording which has been notable on several videos I have used it to shoot reviews on and in the video review samples itself which will be seen below but other than that there is not much else to complain about if you want a new phone today.. We go through the phones features in the unboxing below so be sure to look at this and see what to expect.

Unboxing

Design and build

The design of this device might be borrowed from the predecessor however I am fine with that, the paper green model we have feels really nice on the back but it still looks clean and looks cool for me, the lens set up is fine with a hump that is not huge unlike other devices out there and kept simple and with the realme branding next to it gives it some balance, this is also slightly raised, after that the rear is clean with a textured back giving you additional grip.

The corners are rounded and not sharp so holding the phone in hand is fine, up top there is a mic on the bottom is your sim tray another mic the USB-C port and a speaker and finally on the left is the volume toggles and all the buttons are the same colour as the device which is nice.

Display

The display is fine for me and will be for most people thought the buzzword used today is the 120 hz refresh rate which being honest most would not know the difference if coming from a 90hz the panel is an amoled 1080p getting up to 1300 nits peak 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 398 ppi which makes for great viewing at night or out in the sun.

Under the hood and performance

OK so they have their own skin realme UI 3.0 running on top of Android 12 and i find this is good overall with a nice user experience and settings to mess around with to customize the phone to your liking and this is one thing I like about my phone and having the option to do that and this is the case here with it allowing you to do almost anything you want to get that look you desire, asides that we have the usual spec sheet that some seem to think is what is most important so for the spec nerds you get a 5000 mAh battery which last as day easily and that is being a power user and not letting it off easily, and using it all day long for browsing social media and much more.

Also it has the latest silicon inside with the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G, don’t let the 5G make you think it is a better phone because 5G for us here in Ireland is shite and the uptake has shown this but expect a push from the operators this year to get people on it but my advice is steer clear for another year with 5G. When it comes to performance overall it outdone my PIxel 6 with video crunching twice over when tested side by side using the same app I always do to stitch videos together so for a time element this is good if you are one to use your phone for such work.

Anyone using this device for day to day use on like most do today will have no issues on this phone multitasking.

Camera

The camera, I will not bore you with the specs but lay them out and you can watch the videos below which show night and day footage and more, the camera is decent and does well for the most but the only thing is the audio experience which can hopefully  You have a 50 MP rear camera f/1.8, 24mm, 1/1.56, OIS; Ultrawide 8 MP, f/2.2, 119 and a Macro 2 MP, f/2.4.

The front camera is a 16 MP, f/2.5, 26mm (wide) and i found the front camera quite good but they have been improving greatly on most phones these days anyway so for the selfie fans you are in luck.

Daytime samples

Nighttime samples

Conclusion

The phone is good for the price and that is what people want these days you also get a very good fingerprint sensor which is under the screen and I have had no issues with this at all during the test period, between this and the GT 2 pro this one makes a bit more sense I think and the better buy as there is not much difference between the two but that said nothing is to stop you getting the more expensive model.

The realme GT2 was sent to us to review with no compensation,input or preview, as with all our reviews we are transparent and don’t use stock images you see the tech in hand for context.

BUY

 

Tech Review – Poetic Guardian and Revolution cases for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

The Poetic brand offers a really full suite of cases for your smartphone and no stranger to us here as we have done many case reviews before and more to come soon here on techbuzzireland, today we check out two cases for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra which might interest some especially those with a busy lifestyle and builders as these are the top tier cases that come with screen protection on offer too, not only that these cases come with the choice to either use the screen protector or leave it out and is one of very few that even offer this option when buying a case for your phone.

Check out the video below for all the details and what to expect and see the full protection your device gets here with these two cases they are well worth the spend are ideal for those who have a habit of being clumsy with their phone.

REVOLUTION

  • MILITARY GRADE DROP TESTED SAMSUNG GALAXY S22 ULTRA 5G 6.8″ RUGGED CASE – Protects your Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G 6.8 Inch from all angles. Shockproof/Drop-proof/Impact resistant/Scratch-proof.
  • PREMIUM LEATHER TEXTURE – Elegant, high-end leather texture shows your refined taste
  • WIRELESS CHARGING COMPATIBLE – The thickness of this case does not affect the wireless charging ability of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G.
  • BUILT-IN KICKSTAND – Pull out kickstand for hands free usage.
  • BUILT-IN-SCREEN PROTECTOR with Fingerprint stamp – Front polycarbonate casing with a built-in screen protector adds a layer of protection without affecting screen responsiveness.

BUY

 

GUARDIAN

  • MILITARY GRADE DROP TESTED SAMSUNG GALAXY S22 ULTRA 5G 6.8″ RUGGED CLEAR CASE – Protects your Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G 6.8 inch from all angles. Shockproof/Drop-proof/Impact resistant/Scratch-proof.
  • SAFE SCREEN PROTECTION – Extra raised lips and corners of the front hard frame provide super protection from drops, keep your screen safe.
  • WIRELESS CHARGING COMPATIBLE – The thickness of this case does not affect the wireless charging ability of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G.
  • ANTI-SCRATCH CLEAR BACK – Premium clear polycarbonate prevents scratches on the device. The full clarity and gloss showcases the best that your device has to offer.
  • BUILT-IN-SCREEN PROTECTOR with Fingerprint stamp – Front polycarbonate casing with a built-in screen protector adds a layer of protection without affecting screen responsiveness.

BUY

Check the video below for a more up close look and images.

See Poetic cases website for much more and what they have to offer.

Video Link

Tech Review – Burga Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra cases

BURGA is a trendsetting European fashion and lifestyle brand. Their goal is to inspire and empower people to express their personal style with our premium quality tech accessories and some really top class phone cases for your mobile phone and have kindly sent us over two cases to check out for the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra also they do have a huge range of cases for other devices.

We have covered some cases that belong to this brand before and they still stand the test of time and with a huge range of cases with fantastic design there is something for everyone with the wide range of patterns and style on offer. Today we check 2 cases for our new Samsung device and let you see how they look, colour is an important thing to think of here to match the colour of your device but they have you covered…

Check out some of the cases below and then the video review after that.

 

BUY
Website

Video Link

Tech Review – Quntis 2 in 1 Multi Charger Cable with USB-C and lightning.

Cables are a plenty out there and easy to find, different lengths sizes colors you name it you have it all and price is another thing, brand is another thing people like to stick too and we have tested out Quntis cables before and they are still in use today, their latest offering is a dual pack with a nice long 2 meter cable but this time around it offers two options, one for iOS and one for USB-C so if you sport devices like this you can not only save money you can save cables as well as clutter around your desk or workspace.

If you are multi device owner like me and which most people are this makes live easy no matter and as mentioned above less clutter, also you get two cables in the box which is great should you misplace one or need a spare for a family member or friend for example it is convenient and cheaper than what you might find in local stores and also supports fast charging too.

See the video below for more and get a 10% discount

  • 2-in-1 Design Multi-function Charging Cable- Quntis exclusive design USB-C to Lightning port and USB-C port cable, suitable for all devices with Type C and Lightning ports. Now you can use just one cable to charge devices with Type C ports and Lightning ports—ending the annoyance of frequently changing the charging cable: improving your daily charging experience. (Note: Charging two devices at the same time is not supported.)
  • 30W Fast Charging USB C to Lightning Port- Lightning port supports rapid charging: up to 30W (max). You’ll be able to charge an iPhone 13, 12, 11, 11 Pro, 12 Pro, 11 Pro max, 12 Pro max, XR, XS, XS Max8 8Plus X XR XS Max from 0% to 50% in 30 minutes (with a USB-C PD Charger), almost 3x faster than the regular 5W charger.
  • USB C Port Supports PD 60W Fast Charge- The output power is up to 20V/3A, 15V/3A, 12V/3A, 9V/3A, 5V/3A when paired with 90W, 87W, 65W, 45W, 18W or other USB C power delivery adapters. It takes only 1.5h to fully recharge MacBook Air 13″. USB C Power Cable is compatible with Samsung Galaxy S21/ S21+/ S21 Ultra/ S20/ S20+/ S20 Ultra/ Note 20/ Note 20 Ultra/Note 10/ Note 10 Plus/ A80, Google Pixel 2/2XL/3/3XL/3a/3aXL/4/4 XL/ 5, Macbook Air/ 13”, iPad Pro 2018/2020, iPad Air 2020 10.9″(Gen 4).

  • Certified Fast Charging Cable- Each Quntis 2 in 1 Cable contains an authorization chip to ensure 100% compatibility with any of your lightning and USB C devices. Our CE certified cable ensures safety and stability. The smart chip detects all connected devices, determines their optimal charging input, and adjusts the output accordingly for a faster and more stable charge. Besides supporting fast charging, the Quntis Type-C to Lightning cable supports fast data transfer of up to 480 Mbps.
  • 2 Pack 2m USB-C to Lightning & USB C Cable- This two-piece pack meets your charging needs in the office and at home. Unlike the standard 1m or 1.2m iPhone USB cables currently available on the market, our unique 2M cable is designed to meet a variety of connection needs; offering the ultimate charging convenience for your bed, couch, balcony, or even the back seat of your car- without the restrictions created by shorter cables.

BUY ON AMAZON AND GET A DISCOUNT use the code – 68XBTLQW

Video Link

Tech Review – HiFiMan TWS 800 true wireless earbuds

HiFiMan is a brand that delivers high quality audio headphones and more and we can stand by that having tested some of their products, recently we checked out their Deva Pro headphones, having said that matching earbuds to headphones is not really fair and it is not yet possible to deliver the same experience just yet but we are heading that direction and the TWS 800 are not cheap either so how do they stand up to the competition? Missed the unboxing experience see HERE

Build and design

These are probably one of the best built pair of earbuds so far this year and even in recent times I have tested these will last they look cool and are robust and this is where several asked how can I change tracks and so on with the build on the earbuds, turns outs they are a bit on the sensitive side even for the materials used here. they are solid and will last, enough said.

Controls

The controls as mentioned area bit on the sensitive side here but you do get the hang of them and consider the material it is a wonder how they work at all you have your usual tap 1,2 or 3 times to execute a command which we show you in the video review below, on putting them in the ears you might also be prone to doing something, mostly pausing the tracks but still they work well albeit sensitive you have got your pause/play skip/reverse tracks and volume control, you also have access to your voice assistant too which gives you all the basics.

Sound

There is no app here which lets them down and at this price point they should really have one as the sound is flat overall now this might suit some but for me at this price it does not, they are loud enough and punchy with some bass thrown in, highs lows and mids are present with some direction I found them very centred and they are actually good listening to audio books and the likes, ie voices, it is crisp and clear and true to life like if you will,but the sound could have been better with an amp built in and I am sure an app will fix that but that is just my ears and everyone else is different.

HiFiMan TWS 800 techbuzzireland

Overall though I still come back to these, like I said everyone’s ears are different but you tend to find quirks with certain music, I did try the usual test loop I do which is all genres and so on and they just have something about them be it their looks and that charging case which is really cool they still have a decent sound in general but certainly not for the audiophile this time around.

Features

  • ★ With Built-in Amp and Audiophile-grade Drivers for true Hi-Fi output; Hi-tech Magnet providing outstanding performance and sound quality; 150Ohms High Impedance Alloy Voice Coil for unmatched clarity and full range sonic clarity
  • ★ Great-sounding Bluetooth with HIFIMAN Topology Diaphragm The “Topology Diaphragm” refers to a diaphragm with a special Nano particle coating applied to its surface. The distribution of the coating has distinct geometric patterns. By varying the surface pattern and the compound used, the thickness or geometric pattern sound wave formation can be manipulated to achieve the desired audio effect and control. Detailed and natural high-frequency reproduction
  • ★ Metal casing brings better frequency response and lower THD. Long Communication Distance – keeps the Antenna design of TWS800. IPX4 Water and Dust resistant; 23dB passive noise-cancelling technology; Touch Control
  • ★ 4.5 Hours on a single charge. 31.5 Hours with charging case. The charging case supplies up to six complete charges.
  • ★ Ergonomic design, 6.9g – light and comfortable; Best fit for maximum comfort over hours of listening. HIFIMAN’s experience in custom-fit earphones is evident in the TWS800. Charging case easily holds the largest ear tips by increasing the inner space. Eight pairs of ear tips in the package.

BUY

Video Link

 

 

Tech Review – Growcube, A must have for plant lovers.

GrowCube is the world’s first smart watering product based on four independent soil moisture sensors and water outlets, combined with exclusive APP, aiming to provide professional and easy watering methods for gardeners. It would water plants automatically once it sensors its lacking water in soil. It would be best choice for those who have no time for watering plants because of business, travel or busy work, it is also a smart plant guider for those who are new to grow plants.

I am no plant expert and stated so in the unboxing but can see the logic behind this product and have been testing it out for a while, the whole setup in itself is simple and can be used in many ways but it is only for indoor use which is fine, so for me I  had to go get some plants and get going laying out all the pipes and fittings then install the fittings and get the app up and running.

It will take some time due to the work involved but I enjoyed it as it was something new for me and any plant lover will be the same. The end result is what is great and not having to worry about your flowers which is the point of this product and with an app that allows you to control your plants needs while you are away it is for those most flourished of plant lovers especially during the Summer months when you are away this allows you to forget about your plants and at the touch of a button you can give them the water they need, time it and so on. Check out the video below for a tour and setup and see what it is all about.

How It Works

GrowCube Obtains soil moisture data for plant growth in real-time by reliable soil moisture sensors, combined with the APP which contains over 3000 kinds of plants growth humidity guidance data, keeping a comfortable growth moisture environment for variety of plants. This is the fun part, learning about plants even for beginners like me and for the more established green fingers, you can also take a photo of your plant with google lens for example and see the name of it or let it assist you in getting the right plants.

 

With the aid of sensor magnetic plug-and-play interface design, GrowCube is easy to use. Simple and stylish appearance matches the watering scenarios in office, home and many other places. In addition to personal use, GrowCube is also a good gift for parents, wife, or friends. We’re proud to announce that the world’s super smart plant watering product is ready, GrowCube will be your best plant care assistant!

See the video below for more.

For more information about GrowCube, please visit the official website of Elecrow https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/elecrow/growcube-a-smart-watering-kit-grows-your-plants-like-a-pro

Video Link

Tech Review – TORRAS Snapiel screen protector for iPhone 13 Pro

Screen protectors are a must have for most these days to save you a small fortune on screen replacement especially when you are dealing with Apple and their insane repair costs which also applies to the back panel, most of us case up too which is good and some go naked I like all but with my iPhone full protection is what is required and we have covered multiple case and screen protectors here before for that and other devices.

TORRAS is a new brand and we have checked out some of their goods on site already and now they have launched a screen protector which is claimed to be a world first replaceable option which means you can remove it and reinstall it which I would never buy into until now due to dirt attaching itself to it and of course you know what happens there, it simply will not stick and it is near impossible to remove the dirt.

This screen protector however did go back on after talking it off but no dirt was applied to it but left on the review desk and kitchen table and I did manage to reapply it, and one thing noted is the bubble free hassle it remains responsive and is still on my phone today a month later.

Features

Check out their video here and our install and review below.

· The world’s first reusable screen protector
· 10 Sec Bubble-free and Dust-absorb Installation
· Full Coverage Stronger Protection
· Fingerprints-proof & Clean and clear as always
· Delicate Craftsmanship for Smooth Touch
· Anti-scratch and Wear-resistant

BUY 

Website

Video review