Motorola unveiled two new devices today – a member of the premium X-series and what will probably be the cheapest 5G phone from the company for the foreseeable future. These are launching in China for now, but should make their way to the rest of the world in some form later on.
At a glance: Moto X40 • Moto G53
Motorola Moto X40
The old X30 Pro was an interesting combination of powerful hardware and a reasonable price tag. This new model, the Motorola Moto X40, doesn’t call itself a “pro”, but it nevertheless dials up the power with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and a 165Hz display – Motorola sure loves its high refresh rate displays.
The display has a 6.7” diagonal and 1,080 x 2,400px resolution. It is a 10-bit panel with HDR10+ support and DC dimming. The fingerprint reader is under the display now rather than being mounted on the side. This is Motorola’s first 165Hz display and with the powerful Adreno 740 GPU it might draw people away from pricey gaming phones.
Pro or not, the X40 boasts 125W wired charging and it features wireless charging too – only at 15W, thought, down from 50W on the X30 Pro. Still, non-Pro Motos usually skip it altogether. If you need to charge the phone as fast as possible, the wired charger will get you from a dead battery to 50% in just 7 minutes. The battery capacity is 4,600mAh, by the way, basically the same as the old Pro.
Similar reasoning applies to the camera – instead of a 200MP main sensor, the X40 is equipped with a 50MP sensor (1/1.56”). It has OIS, 1.0µm native pixels with 4-in-1 binning support. That leaves the door open for a flagship model in the X40 series.
Next to the main cam is a ultra wide-angle lens (117°) with a 50MP sensor (1.3µm pixels). This one has autofocus, so it can shoot macro images from 2.5cm/1”. Also on board is 2x portrait camera with a 12MP sensor (IMX663, 1.22µm pixels). For selfies there is a 60MP selfie camera with a centered punch hole. Main sensor aside, this setup is quite similar to the X30 Pro.
Going back to the chipset, it is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and it is cooled by an 11-layer setup that includes a vapor chamber (3,002mm² in size). The chipset is paired with 8/12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 128, 256 or even 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. This is a dual SIM phone, there is no room for a microSD slot. No 3.5mm jack either, but that was the case for the 2021 model as well. The new one launches with Android 13/My UI 5.0 out of the box.
Motorola Moto X40 colorways
The X40 makes its resilience against water official with an IP68 rating (it can survive 1.5m/5ft under water for 30 minutes). The mid-frame is made out of 7000-series aluminum, the rear is covered with Gorilla Glass Victus with a soft-touch finish (available in Blue and Black). We’re not sure if that applies to the front as well, the details provided by Motorola are vague. Anyway, the phone measures 8.6mm thick and weighs 199g, roughly the same as its predecessor.
The Motorola Moto X40 has an official IP68 rating • Gorilla Glass Victus with a soft touch finish on the back
The Motorola Moto X40 is on pre-order in China right now, shipping is set to begin on December 22. The base 8/128GB model starts at CNY 3,400 ($490/€460/₹40,500). For comparison, the Moto X30 Pro (which served as the basis for the global Edge 30 Ultra) started at CNY 3,700 for an 8/128GB model. There are other configurations on offer too: 8/256GB for CNY 3,700, 12/256GB for CNY 4,000 and 12/512GB for CNY 4,300.
Motorola Moto G53
The Motorola Moto G53 has 5G connectivity as its claim to fame. Even so, as a follow-up to the 4G-only Moto G52 it is disappointing in some respects. Even the 5G-equipped Moto G51 has some better specs (Motorola’s line-up can be quite confusing).
Starting with the screen, gone is the 6.6” 90Hz AMOLED with FHD+ resolution of the G52, replaced by a 6.5” 120Hz LCD with only HD+ resolution. The G51 5G had a 6.8” 120Hz LCD with FHD+ resolution. The selfie camera has been demoted to an 8MP sensor (down from 16MP).
There are downgrades on the back as well. The main camera still has a 50MP sensor with 0.64µm native pixels (1.3µm after binning), but the ultra wide module is gone. Don’t worry, the 2MP macro camera is still here.
Then there is the battery. At 5,000mAh it is the same capacity as the old phone, though the charging speed is now down to 18W (down from 30W) and you only get a 10W charger included in the box. Some corners have been cut to pay for the 5G modem.
Motorola Moto G53 5G colorways
Thankfully, the cutbacks didn’t affect the microSD card slot or the 3.5mm headphone jack. The G53 has two versions, one with 4GB of RAM and one with 8GB , both with 128GB storage. You also get a choice between a Black and a White colorway.
The Motorola Moto G53 is now on pre-order in China at a price of just CNY 900 ($130/€120/₹11,000) for the 4/128GB model and CNY 1,100 for the 8/128GB one. Again, this could be the cheapest 5G phone from the company – that G51 we mentioned earlier is CNY 1,500. Still, the G5x model number feels like it belongs on a mid-ranger and this is an entry level phone, but that is just a nitpick.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
