Last year, Samsung managed to put out some amazing flagship smartphones. But something that often goes unmentioned is that they also doubled down in the midrange and low-end spectrum of the market. Samsung’s midrange strategy, which included different smartphone lines such as the Galaxy J and Galaxy A-lines of smartphones, just wasn’t cutting it anymore. That changed with the revamped Galaxy A51 and Galaxy A71.
At CES 2020 in Las Vegas, we managed to get a close look at the Galaxy A51 and the Galaxy A71, the newer-generation successors to the mid-rangers Galaxy A50 and Galaxy A70. Both the A51 and the A71 were announced a month back, yet an international release is now imminent. For everything that their low price point may imply, including lower specs and build quality, they exude Samsung’s DNA by all means, featuring hole-punch AMOLED displays, multiple-camera setups, and a design language that’s pretty similar, all-in-all, to what we expect to see on the upcoming Galaxy S20 flagships.
Samsung Galaxy A51
Specification
Samsung Galaxy A51
Dimensions and Weight
158.5 x 73.6 x 7.9 mm; 172g
Display
6.5″ FHD+ (1080 x 2400) Super AMOLED; Infinity-O display
The Galaxy A51 is, evidently, the lower-end one out of the two, yet in the hand, it feels just as premium as the Galaxy A71 does. Just like its predecessor, the Galaxy A50 and the Galaxy A50s, the Galaxy A51 comes in a plastic body, with a plastic frame as well as a shiny plastic back. And talking about the back, it is probably the most noteworthy design feature of the device. It has a gradient finish (with the white variant in particular, which is the one we handled, being pretty reminiscent of the Galaxy Note 10’s Aura Glow color option with rainbow-ish reflections and shades), and the back has a polygonal effect with an X-shape, which really helps highlight this rainbow effect even further. Samsung calls this effect “Prism Crush”, a tagline which is also present in all color options the device is going on sale with.
The Galaxy A50s, which served as a revision to the Galaxy A50, also featured a similar polygonal effect, and it’s really eye-grabbing—even more so in person. The phone feels fairly light in the hand, which is probably helped by the device’s plastic build, and despite its 6.5-inch display, it doesn’t feel very big either.
Right by the top-left corner, there’s the rear quad camera setup which, in tandem with Samsung’s new design language for 2020, is housed in a square-shaped module, reminiscent of other smartphones such as the Google Pixel 4 and the iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max. Recently launched Samsung devices such as the Galaxy S10 Lite and the Galaxy Note 10 Lite also feature such a square-shaped module, and the Galaxy S20 lineup is also expected to feature something like this. This camera setup, in particular, features a 48MP main sensor coupled with a 5MP depth sensor, a 5MP macro sensor, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera, so it’s set to be a very versatile camera module.
The phone also features a headphone jack by the bottom, which is a feature Samsung started to do away with, unfortunately, with the Galaxy Note 10. We’re glad to see them keeping it, even if it’s just in their midrange phones. The left side of the phone houses the SIM card/SD card tray while the right side features the power button and the volume rocker.
Going to the front, it’s dominated by a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a hole-punch camera, seemingly smaller than what the Note 10 lineup had, and featuring a 2400×1080 resolution with a 20:9 aspect ratio. The hole punch camera, which is centered, just like the one in the Galaxy Note 10, instead of in the corner, is a 32MP camera sensor that should be able to provide you very decent selfies, and the display itself is definitely the quality that you would expect from a Samsung panel in recent times. The fingerprint sensor, just like its predecessor, is embedded into the display.
As for other features, there is also a 4,000 mAh battery which should provide you usable battery life to get through your day. There’s also up to 6 GB of RAM and up to 128 GB of storage—expandable, in case that’s not enough for you. The device is running Android 10 out of the box with One UI 2.0 on top, showing, again, Samsung’s renewed commitment to software.
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Samsung Galaxy A71
Specification
Samsung Galaxy A71
Dimensions and Weight
163.6 x 76.0 x 7.7 mm; 179g
Display
6.7″ FHD+ (1080 x 2400) Super AMOLED; Infinity-O display
The Galaxy A71 is, for the most part, very similar to the Galaxy A51. Obviously, it’s supposed to be higher-end, although, at least in my opinion, there are more similarities than differences. It’s bigger, yes—it features a 6.7-inch panel instead of a 6.5-inch one like the Galaxy A51, and because of this, it has a bigger footprint, although not that much bigger despite what it may initially look like. What’s bigger, too, is the hole punch at the top of the display. Just like the A51, it’s centered, yet it’s slightly bigger. It has the same 32MP front-facing camera, so there’s no reason why it should be bigger, yet it is. It definitely does not look bad, though.
Going to the back, the same “Prism Crush” multicolor effect is present in this unit, although the polygonal effect is definitely not as pronounced. The camera hump in the top left corner looks the exact same as the one in the Galaxy A51 and the camera setup itself is pretty similar as well—almost identical, in fact. The only difference between the two is that the Galaxy A71 carries a 64MP main sensor—just like the Galaxy A70s—instead of the Galaxy A51’s 48MP main sensor. Both devices look as outstanding in person as they look in renders.
Again, going to the front, it is almost entirely dominated by the display with very, very small bezels to be seen. The punch-hole, again, is more prominent than what we saw in the lower-end variant, yet it’s a similar size to the Note 10, so again, far from something to worry about. The fingerprint sensor is embedded under the display, and unlike the higher-end Samsung Galaxy S10/Note 10 phones, they feature an optical fingerprint scanner instead of an ultrasonic one. Both optical and ultrasonic sensors have their pros and cons and I wouldn’t call one superior to the other, so this really comes down to a matter of taste. Optical sensors usually come with cheaper phones, though.
Internally, the phone features a 4,500 mAh battery (up from the 4,000 mAh one in the Galaxy A51) and carries a Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 processor, up to 8 GB of RAM and up to 128 GB of internal storage which, yes, you can expand with a microSD card to fit your needs. The device is running Android 10 out of the box with One UI 2.0 on top, just like the A51, which is great to see as it means that both devices will get updates to, at least, Android 11 and Android 12 down the road.
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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.
