Postcards from Thailand #35: New Phone
I finally gave up on my old Xiaomi 9 Pro the other week and bought a new phone.
The old girl was regularly locking up under endless new updates and I was sick of Xiaomi downloading apps without permission and playing adverts at every opportunity. It was time to go back to Samsung.
But which model?
Well, long gone are the days when it was the most expensive contract for the top of the range. In Thailand, although I'm on a contract, the discounts are tiny, and most people just pay cash.
I looked closely at the A54 and A34 5g that had quite a difference in price but the same processor and memory, the difference coming in a slightly better screen and camera in favour of the A54. The A34 still had an AMOLED screen and I was sure that the camera was going to be better than what I had. The reviews were decent, so I did what any self-respecting Yorkshireman would do and get the cheaper phone, carefully counting how many extra beers I could buy with the saving!
After a couple of weeks, I'm not sure I made the right choice. The camera being my only concern. It's OK, but not particularly a very noticeable improvement although it does have a couple of nifty features where I can spot change the brightness when before I press the shutter and the zoom is much better, although I barely use it.
Another annoying thing is that this phone has a 2 out of 3 combination of sim/memory card positions. I'm used to running two sim cards (Thai and UK) and a memory card. Then there's the lack of an earphone jack. I know it's standard practise to leave it out but the gaining of IP67 standard at the expense of the jack isn't worth it for me. After using mobile phones since the 80s, I have yet to drop one down the toilet. Wireless buds will be easily lost and something else that need charging. I solved this issue by doing what any self respecting grumpy old bloke would do and bought a USB-C to 3.5mm jack adaptor. Old Skool rules!
No matter. It still takes a decent picture, especially when nature lays it out on a plate for you!
These were taken yesterday evening as we approached the mainland on the 5pm boat from Samui. I love this time as you can. Get the most amazing sunsets just before you dock and start the 12 hour drive North.
It just remains to wish everyone a happy and healthy weekend and huge thank you to everyone on Hive.
This has been another @nathen007 Thai street food free production.
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The camera of the A54 is better, especially with the level of detail and night time photography as well. I use the galaxy A72, and the only difference with the A52 is that little detail in the camera as well as the telephoto lens.
They'll release update and they'll improve the camera, give it time
Thanks, I remember reading your reviews which is why I was going to choose the A54 and now, I should have stuck to my guns! You are exactly right about the level of detail and night shots. Oh well, I will be reminded of this regret with every sip of beer I take lol ;-)
Hope you're doing better mate and have a great weekend:-)
It's alright, every purchase leaves a lesson for next time. Samsung makes it seem like there's no difference, but the difference is in the camera. You're still going to see improvement in this one, especially when updates comes out. All in all, it's a better experience to the Xiaomi 9 pro.
OK, I'll tap your brain one last time if I may. What donyoubthink about the 'FE' S phone and tablet? I am thinking of upgrading my S6 tablet which has been awesome for years. I use a tablet more than a phone, but they have an S7 FE which is a great price. I won't wait for the S9 as I never spend that much, but may buy the base S8...so S7 FE or S8 base? 250USD difference in price sobits a lot of money.
If you use a tablet more, then you should go for it. you should invest in what you use the more. The s9 will be almost the same as the S8, just a little different in specs, if the price difference isn't much between the 7 and 8, then you should go for an 8 because of the upgrades. Newer devices tends to give you more years of usage. Go for the newer device because of the upgrade and more life it will offer, but if money is an issue, then go for 7 instead.
Thanks again mate. Advice taken on board :-)
Stunning captures especially in the low light.
It is always a hassle when needing a new phone, what to buy.
Have a great weekend 👋🏻😊
I’m not very familiar with the Samsung A series. I’m more of an A series person because I used the Galaxy s4, s5 and s6 years back and I loved every upgrade.
It seems the A series is Samsung’s focus right now though. One thing I’ve heard many people commend about the A series is the better battery life it packs. And it would appear the camera doesn’t disappoint either. I’m impressed by the night shot.
I have just one question though. Was the beer worth it? :D
Beer is always worth it my friend lol...
I always used to have S2 to S4 but got tired and broke, trying to keep up. I'm also not a photographer nor heavy-duty gamer so most of the latest kit is wasted on me.
The battery is absolutely incredible. General medium use and it goes two full days without charge but another niggle is that it doesn't come with a charger!
I hope you're well mate. I'm going to stick you on my faves list as I miss so many people these days it's rude of me.
You take care and enjoy your weekend :-)
Yeah not coming with a charger is the new anthem in the smartphone industry so I don’t really find it odd. Two days is mind blowing! I get like 10 hours of use on a good day.
Hehe don’t worry about it, mate. Shit happens when you get busy. Just make sure to give us all the tea when you drop by again:)
yeah bin the xiamoi!!! I'm using the A42 and that's really good, especially for photos at the price
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