Technology - Necrolicious

Samsung vs Apple: Apple Event Shows Samsung Has Been Ahead of the Curve for Years

A story by Necrolicious on 9月 12, 20259月 12, 2025.

At Apple’s highly anticipated “Awe Dropping” event on 9 September 2025, the tech giant unveiled a slew of new products & features, including the iPhone 17 series (with the all-new iPhone Air), Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3, & AirPods Pro 3. Held at its Cupertino headquarters, the event generated significant buzz around hardware refinements & incremental AI updates. However, several showcased features have been available on Samsung devices for some time. From live translation in earbuds to AI-powered functionalities, Samsung has been setting the pace in these areas, whilst Apple’s recent innovations, including its much-touted Apple Intelligence, appear to be playing catch-up. This article explores the key features Apple promoted at its latest event & how Samsung has long offered similar capabilities in its Galaxy ecosystem.

Live Translation: AirPods Pro 3 vs Galaxy Buds

One of the standout features Apple highlighted for the AirPods Pro 3 was Live Translation, a capability that allows users to hear real-time translations of in-person conversations directly through their earbuds. Powered by Apple Intelligence & iOS 26, this feature enables users to communicate across select languages (such as English, French, German, Portuguese, & Spanish) by translating speech into the user’s preferred language in their earbuds, whilst the iPhone displays or speaks the translated response for the other party. Apple positioned this as a transformative tool for travel, work, & cross-lingual communication, available in beta with the AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2, & AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

However, Samsung has offered a similar feature, called Live Translate, on its Galaxy Buds series since early 2024. Compatible with devices like the Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold6, & Galaxy Z Flip6, Samsung’s Live Translate works through the Galaxy Wearable app & Galaxy AI suite, enabling real-time translation during phone calls & in-person conversations. Users can hear translations through their Galaxy Buds, Buds Pro, or Buds FE, with the phone displaying or speaking the translated text for the other party. Unlike Apple’s implementation, which requires specific AirPods models with the H2 chip, Samsung’s feature supports a broader range of its earbuds & works offline with pre-downloaded language packs, offering greater versatility for users in areas with limited connectivity.

Samsung’s Interpreter Mode, another Galaxy AI feature, further enhances this capability by providing split-screen translations for in-person conversations, making it a robust tool for multilingual interactions. Whilst Apple’s Live Translation is a welcome addition, it’s not a novel concept, as Samsung has been refining this technology for over a year, with support for 13 languages & counting.

Apple Intelligence vs Galaxy AI: A Delayed Promise

Apple’s event also emphasised Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI platform, which powers features like Live Translation, Workout Buddy for fitness motivation, & visual intelligence for tasks like calendar integration. However, Apple Intelligence was notably understated during the event, with CEO Tim Cook focusing more on hardware improvements than AI as a consumer-facing feature. Reports suggest Apple is still catching up in the AI race, with some of its promised features from WWDC 2025, such as advanced Siri upgrades, delayed or scaled back—pushing key capabilities like enhanced Siri to 2026.

In contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy AI, introduced with the Galaxy S24 series in late 2023, has been a cornerstone of its ecosystem for nearly two years. Galaxy AI powers a wide range of features, including Live Translate, Interpreter Mode, Chat Assist for message tone-checking, Transcript Assist for multilingual summaries, & Circle to Search for translating on-screen content. These tools are deeply integrated across Samsung’s flagship devices, including the Galaxy S25, Z Fold7, & Z Flip7, & are available both on-device & via the cloud, with offline functionality for many features. Samsung’s head start in AI development has allowed it to offer a more mature & versatile suite compared to Apple Intelligence, which is still in beta & limited to select devices & languages. Features like Magic Cue—proactively surfacing information across apps—& advanced photo search via Google Gemini integration feel futuristic, leaving Apple’s current offerings, like basic Genmoji, several steps behind.

iPhone Air vs Galaxy S25 Edge: The Thin Phone Race

Apple’s introduction of the iPhone Air, a 5.5mm-thick model billed as the thinnest iPhone ever, was a headline-grabbing moment at the event. Marketed as a sleek addition to the iPhone 17 lineup at $999, it aims to compete in the ultrathin smartphone market with a 6.5-inch display & Ceramic Shield 2 protection.

However, Samsung beat Apple to the punch with the Galaxy S25 Edge, launched in May 2025, which measures just 5.4mm thick—0.2mm slimmer than the iPhone Air. Samsung’s device also integrates bold AI features &, in some configurations, foldable screen technology, offering a unique form factor that Apple’s iPhone Air does not match. Whilst Apple’s design is undeniably elegant, Samsung’s earlier entry into the thin-phone market & its incorporation of foldable displays in devices like the Galaxy Z Fold7 & Z Flip7 demonstrate a more ambitious approach to hardware innovation. Apple’s rumoured foldable iPhone, expected in 2026, suggests it’s still a year behind Samsung in this space.

Vapour Chamber Cooling: iPhone 17 Pro vs Galaxy Devices

The iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max introduced a vapour chamber cooling system to manage heat dissipation during high-performance tasks like gaming & video capture. This marks a shift from Apple’s traditional graphite-based cooling, aligning with high-end Android competitors. The vapour chamber, combined with an aluminium frame, enhances thermal performance, preventing throttling & supporting demanding workloads.

Samsung, however, has implemented vapour chamber cooling in its flagship devices since the Galaxy S20 series (2020). Models like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Z Fold6, & S25 Edge use advanced vapour chambers to dissipate heat from high-performance chips, enabling sustained performance during gaming & multitasking. Samsung’s cooling systems have been optimised for foldable devices, which face unique thermal challenges due to their compact designs, giving Samsung a five-year head start over Apple’s adoption of this technology.

Camera Systems: 48MP Across the Board vs Samsung’s High-Resolution Sensors

The iPhone 17 series features a 48MP Fusion Main camera, a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera, & an 18MP Center Stage front camera across all models, with the Pro models adding a 48MP telephoto lens supporting 4x-8x optical zoom. These upgrades enable advanced computational photography & macro photography, powered by an updated image signal processor (ISP).

Samsung has offered high-resolution camera sensors for years, with the Galaxy S23 Ultra (2023) & S24 Ultra (2024) featuring a 200MP main camera using the ISOCELL HP2 sensor. This allows for greater detail & cropping flexibility compared to Apple’s 48MP sensors, which are only now catching up in resolution but lack the pixel density of Samsung’s offerings. The Galaxy S25 series continues this trend, with a 200MP main sensor & a 50MP ultra-wide lens, outpacing Apple’s ultra-wide camera in resolution. Additionally, Samsung’s periscope telephoto lenses, introduced in the Galaxy S20 Ultra (2020), have offered 5x-10x optical zoom, surpassing Apple’s 8x zoom cap until the iPhone 17 Pro’s recent upgrade.

Health & Fitness Features: Apple Watch & AirPods vs Galaxy Wearables

Apple showcased health-focused updates, including heart rate tracking on the AirPods Pro 3 & blood pressure monitoring on the Apple Watch Series 11. The AirPods Pro 3’s heart rate sensor, which uses infrared light to measure blood flow, syncs with the Fitness app to track over 50 workout types, whilst the Apple Watch Series 11 introduces hypertension detection & a sleep score feature (pending FDA clearance). The Apple Watch Ultra 3 adds satellite connectivity & faster charging, with pricing starting at $749.

Samsung, however, has offered similar health features for some time. Galaxy Buds, such as the Buds3 Pro, have included heart rate monitoring since their 2024 release, particularly when paired with compatible Galaxy devices like the S24 or Z Fold6. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series, including the Galaxy Watch7 (2025), has provided blood pressure monitoring & sleep tracking, including detailed sleep scores, for years, with some models receiving FDA clearance for these features well before Apple’s announced plans for FDA approval. Additionally, Samsung’s wearables integrate with the Samsung Health app, which offers broader ecosystem compatibility, including with non-Samsung Android devices, unlike Apple’s ecosystem-locked approach.

Active Noise Cancellation & Audio Quality

Apple touted the AirPods Pro 3’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), claiming it removes up to twice the noise of the AirPods Pro 2 & four times that of the original AirPods Pro. The earbuds also feature an updated design for better fit & enhanced spatial audio. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 Pro, however, have offered comparable ANC since their 2024 launch, with adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to environmental sounds like alarms or sirens. The Buds3 Pro also include two-way speakers & planar magnetic tweeters for high-quality audio, supporting up to 24-bit/96kHz over Bluetooth on compatible devices—features that rival or surpass Apple’s spatial audio capabilities.

Foldable Devices: Apple’s Tease vs Samsung’s Dominance

Whilst Apple didn’t unveil a foldable iPhone at the event, analysts suggest the iPhone Air’s ultrathin design sets the stage for a foldable iPhone in 2026, likely adopting a book-style design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.

Samsung has been a pioneer in foldable smartphones since the Galaxy Fold in 2019, with seven generations of refinement by 2025. The Galaxy Z Fold7 & Z Flip7, launched in mid-2025, feature durable hinges, 7.8-inch inner displays (Fold), & advanced multitasking capabilities powered by Galaxy AI. Samsung’s foldables have consistently offered larger, more versatile displays & productivity features that Apple’s rumoured foldable is only beginning to approach.

Apple’s Catch-Up Game

Whilst Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event showcased impressive hardware & promising AI-driven features, it’s clear that Samsung has been ahead in several key areas. Live Translate, a flagship feature for the AirPods Pro 3, has been a staple in Samsung’s Galaxy Buds since 2024, with broader language support & offline capabilities. Galaxy AI, now nearly two years old, offers a more mature & versatile suite of tools compared to the still-evolving Apple Intelligence. The iPhone Air, though sleek, follows in the footsteps of the Galaxy S25 Edge, & Samsung’s health & fitness features in its wearables have long matched or exceeded those introduced in Apple’s latest devices. Vapour chamber cooling, high-resolution 200MP cameras, & foldable devices have been staples of Samsung’s lineup since 2020 or earlier, whilst Apple is only now adopting these technologies.

Apple’s ecosystem integration & polish remain strong selling points, but Samsung’s earlier adoption of these technologies highlights its leadership in innovation. As Apple continues to roll out Apple Intelligence & refine its offerings, it will need to bring more unique features to the table to close the gap with Samsung’s established advancements. For now, Samsung’s Galaxy devices & wearables continue to set a high bar that Apple is striving to meet.

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Real or AI? DJI Pocket 4 Images Reportedly Leak

A story by Necrolicious on 9月 6, 20259月 6, 2025.

In a recent post on X, leaker Igor Bogdanov of Quadro News claims to have released exclusive photos of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4.

Purportedly, it sports 2 cameras. However, I am not convinced these images are real at all.

A closer look at his main post shows the kind of text rendering commonly found on AI generated images. Specifically, if you look at the word “OSMO” on the handle, you can tell that it is entirely inorganic as is the text found around the lens of the camera, which appears to be a random combination of the DJI logo as well as non existent letters & numbers in no particular sequence.

In the comments of his original post, he added an additional photo, which he claims was unedited.

Still, the question remains–was the photo he originally posted just an AI enhancement of his later image or was this story entirely fabricated?

Look closely at the images & comment your thoughts.

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Samsung’s Upcoming Galaxy Events: Insights into the September 4th & 29th Unveilings

A story by Necrolicious on 9月 3, 2025.

Samsung has two major events lined up for September 2025! The first kicks off at 2:30 AM PDT on Thursday, 4th September (that’s 18:30 JST), just hours from now, following the official teaser from Samsung Japan on 27th August. A second event, rumoured for 29th September, promises even more innovation.

The Initial Unveiling: 4th September 2025

Samsung Japan’s recent post uses the term “新製品” (shin-seihin), meaning “new products,” paired with a cool image of a glowing hexagonal box releasing starry lights. The character “品” (hin), which specifically points to tangible goods, hints that this event will likely showcase new hardware rather than just AI software tweaks. This ties into recent upgrades like the Galaxy Z Fold7 & Flip7 with Google’s Gemini AI from the July 2025 Unpacked event, but the focus on “products” suggests devices like the Galaxy S25 FE or regional exclusives might steal the show. Timed just before Apple’s expected fall launch, it looks like Samsung’s making a smart move to drop accessible hardware with a side of AI goodness. Don’t miss the livestream on Samsung’s official channels! You might see new devices with enhanced cameras, better multitasking, or other hardware perks, setting the stage for what’s next.

The Anticipated Major Event: 29th September 2025

Rumours from ZDNet & GSMArena point to a big Unpacked event on 29th September, where Samsung could unveil a tri-fold phone, an XR headset, & AI smart glasses. This lineup puts Samsung in the ring with Apple’s Vision Pro & Huawei’s Mate XT from September 2024. The tri-fold, with its dual-hinge design & Micro OLED panels powered by a Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, plus an XR headset, could redefine foldables & mixed reality. Add in AI glasses, & you’ve got a wearable tech feast! GSMArena’s scoop about a limited tri-fold run suggests Samsung’s playing it safe to not overshadow the Z Fold7. A global livestream is on the cards, packed with demos to get you excited about these cutting-edge gadgets.

Strategic Rationale for Dual Events

Why two events? The 4th September launch seems to spotlight new hardware products, possibly with AI boosts, echoing Samsung’s “AI for All” tagline & its CES 2024 AI appliance showcase. The 29th September event, though, looks set for flagship hardware reveals, fitting the classic fall tech season. This dual approach lets Samsung cater to different crowds—mid-range or regional gear now, top-tier innovation later—keeping the competition on its toes.

Expected Product Launches

Here’s a handy table to sum up what might drop at each event, factoring in the “新製品” clue that leans towards hardware over just AI updates:

Event Date	Expected Products	Likelihood of Hardware vs. AI Updates	Details
4th September 2025	– Galaxy S25 FE – Possible Regional Exclusives	High likelihood of hardware (70-80%), with AI enhancements as a secondary focus	The term “新製品” points to new devices, likely mid-range like the S25 FE, with AI perks (e.g., camera, multitasking).
29th September 2025	– Tri-Fold Phone – XR Headset – AI Smart Glasses	Very high likelihood of hardware (90%), with AI integration	Flagship hits including a dual-hinge tri-fold, XR device with Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, & AI glasses, packed with advanced AI.

What’s Next for You?

4th September: Set your alarm for 2:30 AM PDT & catch the livestream on Samsung’s official platforms. Expect new hardware with some AI flair!
29th September: Keep an eye on pre-event buzz & Samsung’s teasers for the tri-fold, XR, & AI glasses reveals.

Drop your predictions in the comments—rooting for new hardware or excited about AI upgrades? Let’s chat about it!

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DJI Mic 3: The Most Cutting Edge Wireless Microphone for Creators in 2025 – Full Specifications Revealed!

A story by Necrolicious on 8月 28, 20258月 29, 2025.

Are you a content creator, filmmaker, or podcaster tired of dealing with audio dropouts, limited channels, & cumbersome gear? Enter the DJI Mic 3, the latest evolution in wireless microphone technology from DJI, launched on August 28, 2025. This compact powerhouse builds on the success of the DJI Mic 2, introducing groundbreaking features like 4TX + 8RX capability, integrated timecode, & dual-band anti-interference for flawless audio in any environment. In this in-depth DJI Mic 3 review, we’ll explore its new features, how it stacks up against the DJI Mic 2, & why it’s a must-have upgrade for professional audio recording in 2025. Whether you’re searching for “DJI Mic 3 specs,” “DJI Mic 3 vs Mic 2,” or “best wireless microphone for video,” you’ve come to the right place.

Why the DJI Mic 3 is a Must-Have for Modern Creators

The DJI Mic 3 isn’t just an incremental update—it’s a leap forward designed for the demands of today’s multi-camera shoots, live streams, & on-the-go content creation. Weighing in at just 16g per transmitter (with magnet), it’s incredibly lightweight & intuitive, fitting seamlessly into your workflow without adding bulk. The compact storage case ensures everything stays organised, while fast charging keeps you powered up for extended sessions.

Key highlights include:

4TX + 8RX Capability with Four-Channel Output: Sync up to four transmitters with eight receivers simultaneously, perfect for complex productions like interviews, events, or multi-angle filming. This is a massive step up from previous models, enabling lossless audio transmission across devices.
Adaptive Gain Control & Dual-Level Noise Cancelling: Automatically balances volume levels & reduces background noise with two intensity levels, ensuring crystal-clear audio even in noisy environments. Paired with three voice tone presets, it tailors sound to your style—natural, bright, or warm.
Dual-Band Anti-Interference Technology: Switches between 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz bands for reliable 400m transmission range, minimising dropouts in RF-crowded areas.
32-Bit Float Internal Recording with Dual-File Backup: Capture high-dynamic-range audio without clipping, with up to 57.3 hours of 24-bit single-file recording per transmitter. The dual-file system provides a safety net for post-production.
Integrated Timecode: Simplifies editing by syncing audio with video timelines, saving hours in the workflow.
Extended Battery Life: Up to 8 hours per transmitter & 28 hours total with the charging case, plus quick charging for minimal downtime.

These features make the DJI Mic 3 ideal for YouTubers, TikTok creators, wedding videographers, & anyone needing professional-grade audio on a budget. Early leaks & hands-on previews highlight its omnidirectional polar pattern, 126 dB max SPL, & 72 dB SNR for superior sound quality. If you’re upgrading from the DJI Mic 2, you’ll notice immediate improvements in scalability & reliability.

DJI Mic 3 vs DJI Mic 2 Comparison

To help you decide if the DJI Mic 3 is worth the upgrade, here’s a detailed specs comparison table based on official data. This side-by-side view highlights the advancements in the new model.

Feature	DJI Mic 3	DJI Mic 2
Transmitters Supported	Up to 4 TX	Up to 2 TX
Receivers Supported	Up to 8 RX	1 RX (standard)
Transmission Range	400 m (dual-band 2.4/5 GHz)	250 m (FCC) / 160 m (CE) (2.4 GHz only)
Battery Life (TX)	8 hours (per TX); up to 28 hours with case	6 hours (per TX); up to 18 hours with case
Onboard Recording	Up to 57.3 hours (24-bit single file); 21.5 hours (32-bit float dual file) per TX	Up to 14 hours (24-bit) or 11 hours (32-bit) per TX
Bit Depth	32-bit float / 24-bit (switchable)	32-bit float / 24-bit
Noise Reduction	Dual-level + adaptive gain control	Intelligent noise cancelling
Timecode Sync	Yes	No
Polar Pattern	Omnidirectional	Omnidirectional
Frequency Response	20 Hz-20 kHz (low cut off, encoded); 100 Hz-20 kHz (low cut on)	50 Hz-20 kHz (low cut off); 100 Hz-20 kHz (low cut on)
Max SPL	126 dB SPL @1% THD; 130 dB @10% THD	120 dB SPL
SNR	72 dB	Not specified (equivalent noise 21 dBA)
Equivalent Noise	22 dBA	21 dBA
Transmitter Dimensions	28.77 × 28.34 × 16.35 mm (with magnet)	46.06 × 30.96 × 21.83 mm
Transmitter Weight	16 g (with magnet)	28 g
Receiver Display	1.1-inch AMOLED touchscreen + rotary controls	OLED touchscreen
Operating Temperature	-10° to 45° C	-10° to 45° C
Charging Time (TX)	Approx. 50 minutes	70 minutes
Wireless Modes	Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), SDR customisable	GFSK 1/2 Mbps

This table shows the DJI Mic 3’s superiority in multi-device support, range, battery life, & audio processing—making it a pro-level tool while remaining compact.

Should You Upgrade to the DJI Mic 3?

If you’re still using the DJI Mic 2, the Mic 3 offers compelling reasons to switch: longer range, better noise handling, & timecode for faster editing. However, if your needs are basic (e.g., solo vlogging), the Mic 2 remains a solid, more affordable option. Priced around $309 for the kit (based on leaks), the Mic 3 delivers excellent value. Early adopters praise its dual-file recording for peace of mind during critical shoots.In a market flooded with wireless mics like Rode Wireless GO II or Sennheiser XS, the DJI Mic 3 stands out for its integration with DJI ecosystems (like Osmo Pocket or drones) & user-friendly app controls.

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Audio Game with DJI Mic 3

The DJI Mic 3 redefines wireless audio with its innovative features, making it one of the best microphones for video in 2025. Whether you’re capturing weddings, podcasts, or YouTube content, its reliability & ease of use will transform your productions. Ready to upgrade? Check it out on the official DJI store today.What do you think of the DJI Mic 3? Share your thoughts in the comments below, & subscribe for more tech reviews & comparisons!

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It Looks Like the DJI Pocket 3/Mimo × Samsung Audio Bug Was Fixed

A story by Necrolicious on 8月 10, 20258月 10, 2025.

@necroliciousjp
@dji_japan は‎⁨@Samsung Japan デバイスに影響するPocket 3/Mimoオーディオバグを修正しましたか? #dji #djipocket3 #djimimo #サムスン #samsung #flip6 #samsungflip6 #バグ #技術 #creatorsearchinsights
♬ オリジナル楽曲 – Necrolicious JP – Necrolicious JP

I previously wrote an article detailing how the DJI Pocket 3 has a severe bug when using the DJI Mimo app on Samsung devices that causes the audio to lag. This issue becomes even more extreme when the audio was recorded with the DJI Mic 2, with audio delay becoming a full second after the video play, leading to very poor content quality.

I didn’t just write an article to complain. I also spent several days corresponding with DJI support, who ultimately did nothing but tell me that they would take this bug into account for future updates.

With the recent release of the DJI 360, a new Mimo update came out, so I tested it with the Samsung Flip 6, both with and without the DJI Mic 2, to see if DJI actually fixed the audio delay bug.

The results of both tests shows that the issue is now patched, for now at least. It may depend on your device, but everything was working fine on my Samsung Flip6. If you experienced a similar issue as above, I recommend downloading the latest DJI Mimo update from the Galaxy Store.

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Nintendo Switch Price Hikes in America: A Gaming Sector Symptom with Wider Tech Implications

A story by Necrolicious on 8月 5, 20258月 5, 2025.

In a groundbreaking move, Nintendo has raised prices for its original Switch consoles in the United States, defying the industry norm of reducing last-generation console prices until they’re phased out. This unprecedented shift, currently limited to America, signals broader economic pressures that could soon impact Japan & the entire tech sector, from computers to smartphones. With potential price hikes looming for both older & next-generation tech, buyers in Japan should act swiftly to secure their purchases.

Nintendo Switch Price Hikes: Old vs. New Prices in the US

Product                 Old Price (USD)  New Price (USD)  Price Increase (USD)
Original Nintendo Switch  $299.99          $339.99          $40.00
Nintendo Switch OLED      $349.99          $399.99          $50.00
Nintendo Switch Lite      $199.99          $229.99          $30.00
Alarmo                    $99.99           $109.99          $10.00
Switch 1 Joy-Cons (Pair)  $79.99           $89.99           $10.00

Notes:
- Prices for the Nintendo Switch 2 console and all Switch games (physical and digital) remain unchanged.
- The price hikes reflect “market conditions” and new tariffs, including a 20% levy on goods from Vietnam.
- While Japan is currently unaffected, global economic trends suggest potential future increases for both legacy and next-generation tech.

A Historic Price Increase in Gaming

The original Nintendo Switch, priced at $299.99 since 2017, now retails for $339.99 on Nintendo’s US online store. The Switch OLED has climbed from $349.99 to $399.99, & the Switch Lite has risen from $199.99 to $229.99. Accessories like the Alarmo ($109.99, up $10) & first-generation Switch Joy-Cons ($89.99, up $10) are also affected. However, the Switch 2 console & all Switch games—physical or digital—remain unchanged. This marks an industry first. Typically older console prices get marked down as new models launch, so Nintendo’s decision to increase them instead is a bold departure. With the Switch OLED now just $50 less than the $449.99 Switch 2 (which lacks an OLED display), the newer console may draw more buyers. The Switch 2 has sold over 6 million units despite supply challenges.

A Symptom of Broader Tech Trends

Nintendo attributes the hikes to “market conditions,” announced after similar increases in Canada on 1 August 2025. This follows President Donald Trump’s new “reciprocal” tariffs, including a 20% levy on goods from Vietnam, where Nintendo manufactures most products. These economic pressures aren’t unique to gaming—computers, smartphones, & other tech could soon see price increases, whether for last-generation models or cutting-edge releases.

Japan & the Global Outlook

While Japan is currently unaffected, global supply chain issues & tariffs could drive up costs for Japanese consumers, impacting not just legacy devices like the Switch but also upcoming tech like next-gen consoles, laptops, & phones. Waiting may mean paying more.

Buy Now to Stay Ahead

This gaming sector price hike is a warning sign for the broader tech industry. Whether you’re after a Switch Lite, an OLED model, or accessories, purchasing now could save you from future increases.

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I Was Invited to Samsung Japan’s New Product Experience

A story by Necrolicious on 7月 26, 20257月 26, 2025.

@necrolicious
抽選に当選し、Samsungの新製品体験会にご招待いただきました。とても楽しかった！今週は各製品のレビューを投稿する予定ですが、これは簡単に概要をお伝えします。ご招待いただいたSamsungに改めて感謝申し上げます。#samsung #サムスン #samsunggalaxy #fold7 #flip7 #samsungfold7 #samsungflip7 #samsungwatch8 #samsungwatch8classic #技術 #スマホ #新製品体験会 #creatorsearchinsights @Samsung Japan @Samsung
♬ Technology – Marie Vaunt

I won a lottery & was one of only 70 people invited to check out the Samsung lineup announced at their US Unpacked event before they hit shelves here in Japan. Here are my initial impressions as a veteran Samsung fan.

Samsung Watch8 Lineup

I’m starting here because this was the main attraction, for me at least. It’s been a good 3 years since I bought my Apple Watch Series 8. While it’s still going strong, since I do not use/carry an iPhone with me daily, most of the watch’s features simply cannot be used. Basically, it’s just a normal watch with Suica. I’m getting a little tired of not being able to use most of the features, so I think it’s finally time to upgrade. Since the standard Samsung Galaxy Watch8 comes in 40mm & 44mm variants, coupled with the fact that the new dynamic lug system seems to be able to accommodate the silver band that I bought for my Apple Watch 8 (which was the same price as a smartwatch by itself–it’s made of silver, after all!), I came to the new product experience simply expecting so be sold on the 40mm version, but seeing the Classic, I was completely blown away with the rotating bezel design! The Classic is just all around a more attractive watch. It’s a pity the size is so large, since I will likely have to go to a professional jeweler to cut some links from my silver band, but I’ve been convinced that this is the watch I want to upgrade to, even if there isn’t a 40mm variant. I was hoping to buy it in time for my birthday on the 29th of July, but unfortunately none of these devices will be available for sale until the 1st of August at soonest. That gives me more time to try to sell my old Apple Watch 8, I suppose. A quick note on the Ultra 2: it was not present at the event, so there’s not too much I can say about it. Not being interested in extreme sports or wilderness exploration, I don’t really think it was a product meant for me. Even if there was one at the event, I’m sure I still would have preferred the Classic.

Samsung Z Flip7

Back on July 7th, 2025, I wrote a post on my wishlist of features for the Z Flip7 ahead of the Unpacked event–
5: A Full Cover Screen
4: Internal Magsafe Ring
3: More Colour Variants
2: More Memory Options (in Japan)
1: A Good Trade-In/Upgrade Deal
Actually, nearly everything on that list made it to the final product. Samsung added Mint to the colour lineup & you can get a 512GB memory upgrade for EVERY colour option (unlike last year, in which only Silver Shadow had a 512GB variant available in Japan). Still, the feature that absolutely steals the show is the full cover screen. I wanted this from before I bought my first Flip series phone. For my fellow content creators, I should also mention that I have confirmed that the Flip7 can also record in LOG like the S25 lineup. While I am very tempted by the new features, the trade-in offer isn’t quite as good as I had hoped. I upgraded from the Flip4 to the Flip6 just around last Halloween. It’s not even a year old yet, so I will likely wait to upgrade until the Flip8 comes out in 2026, but if you are still using a Flip5 or older, I think the Flip7 is a great device to level up to! Small note on the FE: I’m not sure Samsung Japan is getting this one. Like the Watch Ultra 2, there wasn’t an FE at the event. However, unlike the Watch Ultra 2, even Samsung Japan’s website makes no mention of this device. Japan may get it at a later date, as has been the case for S Series FE devices, but nothing seems confirmed for now.

Samsung Z Fold7

@necrolicious
Samsung新製品体験会2025でFold7リビュー #samsung #samsunggalaxy #サムスン #fold7 #zfold7 #samsunggalaxyfold7 #技術 #スマホ @Samsung Japan @Samsung #creatorsearchinsights
♬ Technology – Marie Vaunt

This was actually my first time experiencing ANY of the Fold series, but I was very impressed with the Fold7! Simply put, I don’t think I was ever in the target audience for the Fold line. I just never felt any use for a screen the size of the unfolded device. If I were an artist or otherwise attached to using a tablet, I would be telling a different story, but anything I can’t do from my phone, I do from my dual-screen Lenovo i9 laptop. Additionally, I always felt that the Folds looked too large & awkward, especially when folded, because they were as thick as 2 phones stacked. That said, having held this iteration of the device, I can confidently say that it no longer the case! It was no larger than a standard smartphone. I still don’t really see myself buying one since I still can’t think of any use case that I can’t already achieve with my Flip 6, but if you’re an artist or just tired of having to carry both a tablet AND a phone, this would be a great step up for you, especially if you’re leaving the Apple ecosystem.

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Technology Review: UGREEN 10,000mAh 7.5W Magnetic Wireless Power Bank

A story by Necrolicious on 7月 17, 20257月 17, 2025.

Disappointing Performance from Ugreen Uno Magnetic Power Bank (7.5W, 10,000mAh) – 1/5 Stars. Do NOT buy for Samsung Z Flip 6!

I had high hopes for the Ugreen Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank (10,000mAh, 7.5W) with my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, but they were sadly misplaced.

After fully charging the power bank post-unboxing, I used it to charge my Flip 6 (4,000mAh battery) which was at 20%. The display estimated a 2-hour-40-minute charge to 100%, but after 5 hours, my phone reached only 70% (2,000mAh added) whilst the power bank dropped to 26% (7,400mAh consumed)!

This suggests an efficiency of ~27%, far below the expected 70–80% for wireless charging, meaning it couldn’t even provide one full charge (3,200mAh needed from 20% to 100%).

Frustrated, I tested pass-through charging by plugging the power bank into a wall socket whilst keeping my phone magnetically attached. Overnight, the power bank charged to 100%, but my phone’s battery dropped to 45%, indicating a serious issue.

Suspecting my phone case might be interfering, I removed it & charged directly, but the results were equally poor, ruling out the case as a factor.

I then tried the power bank’s USB-C wired charging (20W), which performed slightly better but was still slower than expected for a 10,000mAh unit.

Later, trying a top-up charge after daily errands, I found that the magnetic wireless charging failed entirely.

Despite the power bank indicating it was outputting power, my Flip 6 showed no charge reception.

This power bank’s performance was abysmal—slow, inefficient, & ultimately non-functional.

It might work better with iPhones due to native MagSafe support (for iPhones, there are tons of GOOD reviews!), but for my Flip 6, it was a complete failure.

Initially, I considered keeping it despite the issues, rating it two stars for partial functionality. However, after it stopped charging altogether, I can only give it one star.

The concept & design (e.g., foldable stand, TFT display) are appealing, but the execution is severely lacking. I plan to return it & cannot recommend it to Flip 6 users.

**Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6**
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The Top 5 Features I Want on the Samsung Flip 7

A story by Necrolicious on 7月 7, 20257月 7, 2025.

With Samsung’s Unpacked event happening this week, here’s my wishlist for new/better features on the Flip’s 7th installment (as a series enthusiast).

5: A Full Cover Screen

This one is basically a freebie to Samsung since every leak that we have seen so far of the Flip 7 as well as its cases shows this feature.
Nonetheless, I am so glad it’s here because I was never a fan of the ugly manila folder cutout design. In fact, that folder shape was the reason why I skipped over the Flip 5. I would not have even bought the Flip 6 were it not for my Flip 4 breaking & not being able to fix it in Japan due to having bought it in America.

4: Internal Magsafe Ring

I’m by no means an Apple fan but, credit where credit is due, magsafe is great. While Samsung has made the back of the Flip phones somewhat magnetic, they are not fully compatible with magsafe accessories. While this can be somewhat alleviated by buying a magsafe case, this is not a full solution. Unfortunately, cases have always been a weak point for the Flip series. With the hinge being considered the most vulnerable part of these somewhat delicate phones, & many cases not covering the hinge or only partially covering it, it has always been a pain point to find a case with both a magsafe ring AND hinge protection. Even among those that can be found for the Flip 6, a good deal of them have hinges which swing upward when the phone is fully opened, thereby covering part of the cover screen. This is not ideal when using the cover screen for filming with the back camera. With this being an issue on the Flip 6, I can’t imagine it would get much better with the Flip 7 having a much larger outer display. Samsung should take the initiative to put in a proper magsafe magnet ring, even if it nneeds to be a vaguely squirqle shape like the Watch 8 in order to avoid copyright/trademark infringement allegations from Apple. I’m sure Samsung would make up for any cost by having fewer phones to repair or replace since a lot of people seem to struggle with the current weak magnets falling off of actual magsafe accessories such as tripods or mounts.

3: More Colour Variants

According to leaks, the Flip 7 is only coming in three main colors – black, red & blue. This is very disappointing. Given that previous installments of the Flip series offered much more colour variety. I guess it was already dwindling last year since there was not even a purple as part of the lineup, but I was happy to pick up the mint. There’s a small possibility that the mint this year will be an online exclusive for Samsung’s own website. However, due to my bad experience using the Samsung.com website to order my phone last year, I hope this is not the case since I would much rather buy it in the Harajuku store.

2: More Memory Options (Japan)

This might be confusing to some overseas readers, but that is because they are blissfully unaware of the limitations Samsung users face in Japan. Despite being much closer to Samsung’s Korean headquarters, we often do not get Samsung devices until months later than the west. Here we are, about to see the new Unpacked event, but Samsung Japan has yet to even launch sales of the S25 Edge. Getting back to the Flip series, last year, we only had the 256GB option for all Flip colours except silver which had a 512GB option. Seeing how, in America, every colour option had both a 256GB & 512GB variant, this was very disappointing as a content creator who would have upgraded for the extra space if it was possible for mint. You might be thinking, “Why not just import an American one?” However, overseas Samsung devices do not have what is called a Felica Chip, making them incompatible with Japan’s IC payment systems, including Suica. With the latest advancements to Japan’s transit system slowly allowing it to accept regular credit cards in addition to its proprietary transit cards, the necessity for Felica Chips may eventually become outdated but, as of now, it is hard to sell secondhand Samsung devices from overseas in Japan due to there being no Felica support.

1: A Good Trade-In/Upgrade Deal

The thing I want the very most with the Flip 7 is a good trade-in deal. Looking on Samsung’s website now, trying to trade in the Flip 6 For the S25 only provides about ¥60,000 in credit. With a brand new Flip 6 retailing for roughly 160,000 yen, this is only slightly more than 1/3 of the retail price. That’s not very accommodating or promising. Looking for such a trade-in deal in Japan for the first time, I am not sure if I can expect there to be a better trade in deal for a direct upgrade from the Flip 6 to the Flip 7, but I am hoping that will be the case because, if not, I will likely hold on to this Flip 6 until the Flip 8 is released.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6

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Buy from Amazon JP
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Can the Samsung Watch 8 Use Apple Watch Bands?

A story by Necrolicious on 6月 20, 20256月 20, 2025.

I’m not sure, but judging by leaked images of its supposedly new design, it certainly seems possible. If true, I may finally be able to switch from my Apple Watch 8 to a Samsung wearable.

Unconfirmed Samsung Watch 8 standard edition design leaked by Android Headlines

The reason I haven’t switched yet isn’t that I particularly like the Apple Watch 8. It’s because when I bought it in 2022, I also bought a silver band for it from famous Japanese silver jeweller, Artemis Classic, & this band isn’t compatible with Samsung devices. At 55,000 yen, this silver band costs about as much as a smartwatch itself. Switching to a device that cannot accommodate this band therefore isn’t appealing, as I don’t want this beautiful, ornate piece to go unworn.

Artemis Classic 925 Silver Apple Watch Band (Rose)
Buy on Rakuten JP
Buy on Amazon JP

While adapters exist that could conceivably work with this band, since the band itself is not even slightly adjustable it was custom-resized for me already. So, unless a smartwatch is 41mm like my Apple Watch 8 or below, the band won’t fit & would need further resizing. To this point, I was somewhat dismayed by leaked images of the Samsung Watch 8 Classic, which, at 46mm, would be much too large for this silver band to work. Moreover, its attachment points didn’t appear compatible with the band, even with an adapter. However, subsequent leaks of the standard Samsung Watch 8 suggest it may be the most compatible Samsung device for Apple Watch bands yet, featuring a squarish design similar to the Apple Watch, & a track record of 40mm & 44mm size variations. However, it is hard to tell without a rear image of the band connection points like this one like this one here.

Though I strongly prefer the rotating bezel design of the Watch 8 Classic, if my assumptions prove correct & my silver band fits, I will likely make the switch with the standard Watch 8 model. While nothing is wrong with my Apple Watch 8, & it’s still going strong after 3 years, it’s inconvenient to have it connected to an old iPhone I don’t carry. I can’t track health stats beyond a daily period, & advanced features like emergency crash detection are useless as are any other web-enabled features since the watch isn’t linked to my daily carry device. It’s also difficult to reload Suica on the go, as connecting the Apple Watch 8 to my Samsung Flip 6 via a Wi-Fi hotspot is not only a slow hassle, it’s unreliable since the watch sometimes refuses to connect. It’s not that I’m missing basic smartwatch features, which seem to have plateaued across the industry; it’s about being able to them when I need to.

Still, I’m somewhat worried we may have reached this point too late. Recent rumours suggest Samsung plans to charge subscription-based fees for their Watch devices. One of the attractive points about Samsung is its lack of such subscriptions. I don’t want them to lose that & become more like Apple. I despise subscription-based services &, band compatibility or not, will likely not switch if this rumour proves true.

With the Samsung Unpacked event expected within the next three weeks, we can only wait & see.

**SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra**

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Buy on Amazon JP

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