In a world where innovation never sleeps, the latest tech releases are setting new standards in performance and design. From power-packed tablets to feature-rich smartphones, this curated compendium has the optimisations and improvements that redefine everyday connectivity and productivity.
This lineup is filled with updated, upgraded, and upleveled devices that flirt with the cutting-edge or push the envelope of reality and expectation. Here are the useful, unique, and unstoppable phones and tablets for work and play:
1. Apple iPad Air M3
So you need a beautiful display with powerful brains? One of the fastest and most efficient SoCs just got transplanted into the iPad Air. This version of the M3 chip is binned to an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU, fed by 8GB of RAM. With the current focus being AI, a better neural engine would make AI tasks faster. Better yet, Apple took a little off the starting price compared to the previous M2 model, a welcome change.
- Pricing: 11″ from RM2,569, 13″ from RM3,469
- Availability: TBA
2. Apple iPad with A16
Yes, the normal iPad also gets some love, too. The base model now comes with twice the storage memory at 128GB. Daily tasks and productivity will be snappier and quicker, up to a claimed 30% compared to the previous iteration. The updated iPad will come with iPadOS 18, which includes many smart features, although it lacks Apple Intelligence. It still offers impressive capabilities, such as a handwriting-recognizing calculator and a Notes app. Additionally, don’t overlook the Voice Recorder with Transcription, which syncs text with audio.
- Pricing: From RM1,509
- Availability: TBA
3. Xiaomi 15 Ultra
This one’s for the mobile photographers and videographers, Xiaomi’s 15 Ultra has the mother of all camera bumps. Nothing screams flagship phone like 3.200 nit screen, Snapdragon 8 Elite, 16GB RAM, and that’s not even touching the cameras. One would not be surprised to find the camera bump is absolutely pregnant with a 50MP f/1.63 main and 50MP f/2.2ultra-wide camera which manufacturers skimp on, but also a 4.3x optical zoom 200MP ultra telephoto. The perfect thing to wrap this phone around would be the Photography Kit Legend Edition case, transforming the phone into a faux DSLR with a girthy grip to boot.
- Pricing: 512GB RM5,199, 1TB RM5,699
- Availability: Pre-order on Shopee, Lazada, Official Website
4. Nothing Phone (3a) & (3a) Pro
Nothing is a bit of a cheeky company; they really teased and hyped everyone up for their newest releases. These are two mid-range budget phones that punch way above their own weight and probably have the most characterful and unique designs on the market. Nothing has their own unique Android skin with their thoughtful design touches throughout. Both variants are 6.77″ Full HD+ 120Hz AMOLED with 3000 nits peak, powered by Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 paired with 12GB RAM and 256GB. The Pro variant enjoys better camera genetics with the 50MP main shooter, 8MP ultra-wide, and 50MP periscope telephoto. The non-pro version just has a conventional 50 pancake telephoto.
- Pricing: From estimated RM1,690 & From estimated RM2050 respectively
- Availability: TBA. Official details page for 3(a) & 3(a) Pro
Honourable Mention: New Spring Colours for iPhone & Apple Watch
Variety is the spice of life, and what better way to slip into, slip onto, and install such practical novelties onto your phone or smartwatch than with these spring colour drops from Apple? For the lucky owners of non-e, regular iPhone 16 series, the vibrant pastel silicon cases are here. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 10 wielders can consider the variety of bands, from Hermès Kilim SIngle Tour Sun to the Periwinkle Sports Loop.
Gan contributed to this article.
