ZELDA TEARS OF THE RTX 4060 RETAKES AND A SENSIBLE

KINGDOM: GOTY? THE 1080P CROWN BUDGET ELECTRIC CAR

AUGUST 2023
W W W. H A R DWA R E ZO N E .C O M . S G THE POWER TO DECIDE

THIS IS NOT
A REAL PERSON
AI ‘TALKBOTS’ CAN NOW
CONVERSE IN LOCAL ACCENTS WITH
HUMAN-LIKE PAUSES AND TICS.

P46 LOGITECH
PRO X 2
LIGHTSPEED
APPLE WIRELESS
MAC GAMING
AUDIO
STUDIO PERFECTED
2023
THE
DREAM MAC
DESKTOP P34
Ed’s Note
A U G U S T 2 0 2 3

The Chatbot
Conundrum
In case you didn’t catch on, last month’s Editor’s Note
about generative AI, was written entirely by generative AI.
I tasked ChatGPT to come up with a commentary about
what GAI means for a new generation of creatives and
that was its unedited answer. If you haven’t read it, check
out the last issue.
I promise this month’s Note is all me though, but we’ll
still be focusing on AI for a while more. Maybe I’ll make
this a series until the lustre of talking about AI goes the
way of all past buzzwords: the recycle bin.
In any case, GAI is a technological phenomenon that
allows the average person, you and I basically, to create
‘original’ works of art, graphics, music, video, or the
written word by simply instructing AI with text prompts.
And it is pretty clear that GAI is an impressively powerful
tool when harnessed correctly. This is what I deem as 1
personal AI. AI that’s used to enhance our personal
work or tasks. However, while the general populace is
HWM
enthralled by GAI, that doesn’t mean AI in other fields
AUGUST
haven’t advanced.
2023
Commercial AI is what I’d consider as AI that’s used
to help businesses operate more efficiently, and in
many cases, meant to be the invisible barrier between a
business or product, and its customer. One such AI we’re
actually all used to now is the chatbot. It’s common to
see them on many company websites and apps as the
first line of Support. But in many cases, they’re merely a
glorified menu with fixed answers. Even popular assistants
like Alexa or Siri are limited to a few ‘creative’ answers. In
most cases, we only want our lights turned on or off, set
timers, or to search the web for a particular thing.
However, in this issue, we discuss Talkbots, AI chatbots
that can converse with natural language, accents and
even mimic human verbal patterns, pauses, clarifications,
and follow ups. A part of me finds this development
fascinating, but another part of me wonders if chatbots
should remain identifiable as chatbots. Train them with all
the data to be more interactive, precise and useful, sure. I
do want to be amazed by what a bot can do, but I also still
want to be able to tell that I’m talking to an AI.
What about you?

ON THE COVER
Picture Generated by AI

Art Direction Jason Tan

Zachary Chan
ALL PRICES QUOTED IN THIS TABLET ARE IN SINGAPORE
DOLLARS (SGD), UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. Editor
 Contents
A U G U S T 2 0 2 3

2
HWM
AUGUST THINK
14
HANG-ON!
2023

I’M TALKING
TO A WHAT?

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TEST TEST TEST
AUDIO-TECHNICA FINAL FANTASY APPLE MAC
ATH-TWX9 XVI STUDIO 2023

AGE 22 AGE 40 AGE 46

3
TEST TEST TEST HWM
LOGITECH PRO X 2 SAMSUNG LEGEND OF ZELDA TEARS AUGUST
LIGHTSPEED GALAXY A54 5G OF THE KINGDOM 2023

AGE 34 AGE 66 AGE 58

07 THINK
WEEKEND DRIVE BYD ATTO 3
Q+A TALKING WITH AI BOTS

29 TEST
AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-TWX9 MSI VENTUS 2X BLACK
GEFORCE RTX 4060 LOGITECH PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED
66 TEST
SAMSUNG
FINAL FANTASY XVI APPLE MAC STUDIO 2023
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GALAXY
OF THE KINGDOM SAMSUNG GALAXY A54 5G A54 5G
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HEAD, LIFESTYLE MEDIA & CONTENT MARKETING

PHIN WONG phinwong@sph.com.sg

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, LIFESTYLE MEDIA

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 THINK
F R E E Y O U R M I N D

More
Inside
7
HWM
AUGUST
2023

Weekend
Drive BYD
Atto 3
Q+A Talking
with AI Bots
Picture
123rf

AI & DIGITAL

IMAGING HWZ
 THINK

Weekend
Drive

01
BYD ATTO 3
(100KW )
8
HWM
AUGUST Due to our unique COE structure, of approximately
2023
car prices in Singapore have always 11%. Despite the
been closely tied to their power power reduction,
output. Higher-powered cars the 100kW version
require a pricier Category B COE for retains the same visual
registration, resulting in increased appearance, colours,
costs. To overcome this challenge, head and tail lights,
manufacturers have introduced wheels, and interiors
lower-power versions of cars that as its more powerful
qualify for a less expensive Category counterpart. It does
A COE. BYD’s latest offering, the Atto not compromise on
3, follows this approach. safety features either,
The Atto 3 is a detuned version with adaptive cruise
designed to meet the requirements of control, blind spot
a Category A COE. It features a power detection, 360-degree
output of 100kW, down from 150kW cameras, and camera
in the previous model. This detuning warnings all intact. The
enables BYD to offer the Atto 3 at a only difference lies
significantly reduced price of about in the less powerful
$23,000, translating to savings electric motor.
BY KENNY YEO

•
I M AG E S BY D , Ke n ny Ye o ,
1 23R F, D i g i t a l I m a g i n g H W Z

9
HWM
AUGUST
2023
 THINK

BYD
Atto 3

10
HWM
AUGUST
2023

Although the 100kW higher speeds. respectively.

Atto 3 is slower than In terms of aesthetics, The instrument
its 150kW counterpart the Atto 3 has a cluster is
to reach 100km/h, it generic and somewhat exceptionally small,
performs well up to familiar appearance, measuring only 5
50-60km/h, which resembling the Hyundai inches, which may
makes it suitable for Kona and Tesla Model pose readability
city driving. Its low- Y. The interior design, challenges for those
end torque delivery is however, can be with poor eyesight.
more important than divisive. The sporty On the other hand,
horsepower in urban and snug seats seem the motorised
environments. With out of place for a infotainment display
310Nm of torque, the family crossover SUV, is nearly 13 inches
Atto 3 feels responsive and the door bins and in size and can
and lively when centre aircon vents rotate for portrait or
accelerating from traffic feature quirky designs landscape viewing.
lights. Its performance inspired by Chinese gu The infotainment
gradually tapers off at zheng and dumbbells, system is based on
Android and supports and sufficient headroom for most
Apple CarPlay, with
wireless Android Auto
In terms of adults. A large panoramic sunroof
enhances the sense of airiness.
support expected to
aesthetics, The rear luggage space offers a
be added in the future.
the Atto 3 usable capacity of 440L, expandable
The rotating display is has a gener-
not utilised by CarPlay, ic and some-
limiting its use to what familiar
landscape orientation. appearance,
The Atto 3 offers resembling
a sufficiently plush the Hyundai
ride, handling bumps Kona and Te-
and undulations sla Model Y. 11
well. Although there The interior
design, how-
HWM
is some roll during AUGUST

hard cornering, it
ever, can be 2023

maintains stability
under acceleration
divisive.
and braking, avoiding
excessive pitching
commonly seen in Quirky designs
on the interior
poorly designed SUVs. inspired by Chinese
gu zheng and
The interior provides dumbbells is a hit
or miss.
ample legroom for
rear passengers

SECONDS MIN KM

9.7
0-100KM
/H
30
CHARGING TIME
(30% TO 80% SOC ON DC)
565
RANGE UP TO
(WLTP CITY)
 THINK

BYD
Atto 3

cars, including blind spot detection,

front collision warning, lane keep
The Atto 3 comes with assist, and adaptive cruise control. It
18-inch wheels.
also features a 360-degree camera,
Average which proves useful in tight car
power con- parks. However, the Atto 3’s range
sumption is not particularly impressive. While
figure reads BYD claims a minimum range of

to 1,340L when the 15.5kWh 400km on a full charge, practical

usage suggests a range closer to
rear seats are folded. /100km, 350km. The long-term average
The boot floor can be so most power consumption figure reads
12 raised to create a flat drivers can 15.5kWh/100km, indicating that most
surface, facilitating the expect ap- drivers can expect approximately
proximately
HWM
AUGUST
transportation of larger 390km on a full charge. While
items. The Atto 3 is
390km on a this range is still decent, it may
2023

equipped with a range inconvenience drivers without easy

of features typically
full charge. access to chargers. The discrepancy
found in higher-priced between actual usage and BYD’s
claims may stem from the method
used to derive WLTP figures.
Thankfully, the Atto 3 supports up
to 80kW DC fast charging, allowing
for a 30-minute charge from 30%
to 80% at suitable fast charging
stations. Using a more common 50kW
charger, the charge time from 20% to
80% is around 42 minutes. The Atto
3 offers a sensible choice for those
seeking an affordable electric SUV.
While the interior design may not
appeal to everyone, it boasts a range
of features and practicality, despite
the limitations in range.
Considering the current
COE prices, the Atto 3
represents a logical and
responsible option for
those in search of an
entry-level electric car
in Singapore.
13
HWM
A U GJ UU SL Y
T
2023
 THINK

Q&A
Chatbot vs. Talkbot

BY KEN WONG

listen, understand, and speak

•
I MAG ES Wiz. AI , 123RF, in different ASEAN languages
Digital I maging HWZ
with localised accents. It can

02
14 even incorporate human-
like actions such as pauses,
HWM
AUGUST clarification, and chasing
2023
statements. Talkbots are
able to embed the client’s
information into their

HANG-ON! responses and this would

facilitate a more personalised

I’M TALKING TO and realistic experience.

A WHAT?
Powered by an enterprise
Large Language Model (LLM)
with Natural Language
01 Processing (NLP) and
Dialogue Management, and
CHATBOT VS. TALKBOT: coupled with a state-of-
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? the-art speech engine, Wiz.
Wiz.AI deploys what the company calls a AI Talkbots produce highly
Talkbot, as opposed to a chatbot. The key localised engagements. In
defining feature that differentiates the fact, over 95% of callers are
Talkbot from the chatbot is the ability to unable to distinguish between
build a stronger relationship between the a human agent and the AI-
customer and your business. Talkbots can powered Talkbot.
 15
HWM
AUGUST
2023
 THINK

Q&A
Chatbot vs.
Talkbot

JENNIFER
CEO and
Co-Founder,
Wiz.AI

16
02
HWM
AUGUST
2023
DOES IT COLLECT USERS’ not collect user’s personal data. into their resources
PERSONAL DATA? HOW DO During conversations, some tasks for development
YOU RECONCILE THAT WITH may require the user to input key and maintenance or
THE PDPA? information like birthdays, or the updating the LLM
We fully understand last 4 digits of IDs. The Wiz.AI and Talkbot.
the importance system ensures that the data is
of complying with encrypted and sent to our clients’ 03
data protection internal system for authentication
regulations, including purposes. Wiz.AI will never store WHEN SHOULD AN AI
the Personal Data or keep this info – all customer CHATBOT BE LAUNCHED?
Protection Act (PDPA). data stays with our clients. We There are several
We work closely take data security and privacy very factors to consider
with our clients to seriously. before launching an AI
ensure that they When clients engage us to Talkbot:
deploy our Talkbots develop an enterprise LLM, we
only for users who use their in-house proprietary a Clear objectives:
have provided the data to train the AI engine. That This can include
necessary consent. information remains the property providing customer
Wiz.AI Talkbots will of our clients and we only tap support, answering
frequently asked 04
questions, booking
appointments, or
The CAN AN AI BOT REPLACE
MY WEBSITE?
quality and
generating leads.
We view AI bots as
b Data readiness:
sophistication valuable additions

of these al-
Ensure sufficient data that complement and
and information for enhance our client’s
the Talkbot to operate
gorithms and customer engagement

models can
effectively. strategy, rather than
as replacements.
c Integration
significant- Websites are essential 17

ly impact the
capabilities: for establishing an
HWM
Ensure existing online presence,

bot’s ability to
AUGUST

systems, such as offering comprehensive 2023

understand
CRM platforms or information about
telephony solutions, their products,
can be seamlessly
and respond services, and company

to user input.
integrated with background, and
the AI Talkbot for a driving online traffic
smooth and efficient and lead generation.
customer experience. Talkbots, conversely,
are designed to
d Compliance with e Continuous improvement: deliver interactive,
regulations: Ensure Be prepared to invest time and personalised customer
that the Talkbot resources into training and refining experiences through
adheres to all relevant the AI Talkbot’s capabilities. real-time conversational
data protection interfaces, assisting
regulations, such f Internal readiness: with tasks, answering
as GDPR, CCPA, or Be prepared to support the questions, providing
PDPA, depending on Talkbot’s deployment, including recommendations,
our client’s region of addressing any technical or and even handling
operation. operational challenges. transactions.
 THINK

Q&A
Chatbot vs.
Talkbot

18
HWM
AUGUST
2023

05 the specific task it is designed helpful responses, and

to perform. The algorithms and
WHAT DETERMINES HOW models used to process the
SMART AN AI BOT IS? training data are also important.
The “smartness” or The quality and sophistication
intelligence of an AI of these algorithms and models
bot is determined can significantly impact the
by its ability to bot’s ability to understand and
understand and respond to user input.
respond to user input Finally, the quality of the user
in a way that is both interface and experience is
accurate and helpful. also important in determining
To perform well, an AI the intelligence of an AI bot. A
bot must be trained well-designed user interface
on large datasets of can make it easier for users
conversational data to interact with the bot,
that are relevant to provide more accurate and
generally enhance the
user experience.
06
CAN THERE BE MORE THAN
ONE ANSWER TO A QUESTION
IN THE CONVERSATIONAL AI
MODULE?
By understanding
the nuances of user
inquiries, our Talkbots
can generate different
answers tailored
to address specific
aspects of the question
or offer various a Escalate to a
suggestions human agent.
based on available
information. b Provide a general
The flexibility response, guiding
of our Talkbots in the user to relevant
providing multiple resources.
answers allows
them to deliver c Admit limitations

Talkbots
a more engaging that it doesn’t have the
and interactive answer and apologise
experience for
never have a for the inconvenience.

bad day and

users, ensuring that This honest approach 19
their questions are can help manage user

never take
HWM
comprehensively expectations and AUGUST

things the
and accurately maintain their trust. 2023

addressed. Unlike human agents,

07 customer says Talkbots never have a

personally.
bad day and never take
things the customer
WHAT HAPPENS IF AN AI
This ensures
says personally. This
BOT DOES NOT GIVE AN ensures consistent,
ANSWER OR GIVES AN consistent, professional, and
OFFENSIVE RESPONSE?
professional,
respectful interactions
If an AI Talkbot with customers at all
encounters a
and respectful times. In the unlikely

interactions
question it doesn’t event that an offensive
know the answer response does occur,
to or is unable to
with cus- we encourage clients to

tomers at
provide an accurate provide feedback so that
response, there are we can quickly address
a few strategies
it can employ to
all times. the issue and update the
Talkbot’s knowledge and
handle the situation: performance.
 TEST
W E R E V I E W I T

More
Inside

Audio-Technica
ATH-TWX9
Apple Mac
Studio 2023 21

Legend of Zelda
HWM
AUGUST
2023

Tears of the
Kingdom
Image
Square Enix

AI & DIGITAL
IMAGING HWZ

TEST TEST TEST

H O W W E R AT E :
BEST EDITOR’S BEST P r o d u c t s a r e ra t e d o n a s c a l e o f 1 t o 1 0 ; 1 b e i n g
PERFORMANCE CHOICE VALUE s o a bys m a l , i t s h o u l d b e a c r i m e t o s e l l i t , a n d
1 0 b e i n g a l m o s t p e r fe c t . C o m e n o w, n o t h i n g i s
p e r fe c t . A n E d i t o r ’s C h o i c e m ay a l s o b e awa r d e d
based on unique merits.
 TEST

Audio-Technica
ATH-TWX9

CLOSE
TO GREAT
BY I MAG ES AU D I O -TEC H N I CA , KEN NY
22 KENNY YEO YEO, 123RF, AI & D I G ITAL I MAG I N G HWZ

HWM
AUGUST
2023

True wireless earbuds

have become incredibly
popular in recent years,
with almost everyone
and premium charging
case, it falls short in
certain areas, such
as battery life
03
@ A GLANCE
owning a pair. Audio- and active noise DRIVERS
Technica, a reputable cancellation (ANC). 5.8mm dynamic

CONNECTIVITY
Japanese audio Bluetooth 5.2
company with over 60 CODEC
aptX Adaptive,
years of experience, has aptX, AAC, SBC

released their flagship WATER RESISTANCE

IPX4
model, the ATH-TWX9,
BATTERY
aiming to compete with 6 hours (earbuds) /
18 hours (with case)
industry giants such as
PRICE
Apple, Bose, and Sony. $398

While the ATH-TWX9

boasts a sleek design
 23
HWM
AUGUST
2023
 TEST

Audio-Technica
ATH-TWX9

24
HWM
AUGUST
2023

The ATH-TWX9’s
charging case is
covered in soft-touch
rubber, giving it a plush
feel compared to its The ATH-
TWX9 is
plastic counterparts. decent
and
However, the case’s can be
optimised
unusual shape for your
environ-
makes it bulky and ment, but
it’s no
less convenient match for
the likes
for pocket storage. of Apple,
Bose, and
Furthermore, despite Sony.

its size, it doesn’t hold

 25
HWM
AUGUST
2023
 TEST
Audio-Technica
ATH-TWX9
a significant amount of charge,
providing only around 18 hours of
total runtime, which is considerably
less than its competitors.
The earbuds themselves have a
classy appearance, resembling the
AirPods Pro with their stocky stems.
They feature buttons on the stems
and touch panels on the sides for
control. While this offers extensive
control options, including playback,
volume adjustment, and switching
26 between listening modes, it can be
initially confusing. However, with
HWM
AUGUST
time and the Audio-Technica A-T
2023 Connect app, users can customise
the controls and sound signature.
The accompanying app provides
straightforward usage and
customization options, allowing
users to tweak the earbuds’ sound
signature, adjust equaliser settings,
and switch between various ANC
modes. Additionally, the app
provides information on the codec
used for connection, supporting
Conclusion
Highly recommended for those
who prioritise exceptional
sound quality.
The
charging
case has
an unusual
shape and
is covered
in soft
touch rub-
ber. Though
nice to the
touch, it
does trap
dust easily.
popular options like SBC, AAC,
regular aptX, and aptX Adaptive.
Audio-Technica emphasises the
importance of a comfortable fit
by providing 12 sets of ear tips in
different sizes and lengths. This
ensures that users can find the
perfect fit for optimal comfort and
passive noise isolation. Turning on
the ANC feature effectively reduces
unwanted noise, making the earbuds
suitable for flights and other noisy
environments. However, compared
to competitors like Apple, Bose, and
Sony, the ATH-TWX9’s ANC is not as
effective. The hear-through feature,
while convincing, lacks the same
level of realism.
Impressively, despite having
small 5.8mm drivers, the ATH-TWX9
delivers exceptional sound quality.
It offers a lively and dynamic sound
 T EST E D & R AT E D

8.0 /10

SINGAPORE

with smooth mids,

The ATH-TWX9’s charging
controlled treble, and case is covered in soft-
touch rubber, giving it a
a wide soundstage. plush feel compared to its
plastic counterparts.
Vocals sound intimate 27
and natural, and the bass energy, which could benefit
HWM
clarity is achieved from a small boost. Fortunately, this AUGUST

without artificial treble can be adjusted using the app’s EQ 2023

enhancement. The only settings. The ATH-TWX9 also supports

slight drawback is the multipoint connection, allowing
simultaneous connection to two
devices with seamless switching.
While the ATH-TWX9 does excel
in sound quality, it falls short in its
extended feature-set which includes
battery life and ANC performance
compared to its competitors.
Considering its higher price of $398,
other models may offer better value
and a more well-rounded experience.
However, for those who prioritise
sound quality above all else, the
ATH-TWX9 is still a top choice. Its
refined audio experience sets it apart
from the AirPods Pro, QuietComfort
Earbuds II, and WF-1000XM4.
 TEST

MSI
Ventus 2X Black GeForce RTX 4060

DLSS 3.0
MAKES THIS
CARD
28
HWM
AUGUST
Fortunately, the
GeForce RTX 4060
stays true to the
cost bracket of
its predecessors,
04 @ A GLANCE
2023
sticking to the GPU
familiar US$299. Affordability seems to be PC Ada Lovelace (AD106)

CORES
gamers’ favoured attribute, as 3,072 CUDA, 96 Tensor, 24 RT
BY THE COUNT
suggested by the Steam Hardware MEMORY
8GB GDDR6
Survey, which indicates cards like
CLOCKS
NVIDIA’s entry-level GeForce RTX 1,830 MHz (Base),
2,475 (Boost)
2060 as the most popular. Yet, both TDP
NVIDIA and AMD are only gingerly 115W

acknowledging this vast majority PRICE

US$299
of gamers. A case in point is the
GeForce RTX 4060 Ti with its rather
lofty US$399 price tag. Fortunately,
the GeForce RTX 4060 stays true to
the cost bracket of its predecessors,
sticking to the familiar US$299. This
is certainly good news for potential

I M A G E S M S I , T H E C O U N T, 1 2 3 R F, A . I A N D
D I G I TA L I M A G I N G H W Z
 29
HWM
AUGUST
2023
 TEST

MSI Ventus 2X
Black GeForce RTX 4060

upgraders from the MSI’s GeForce RTX case in most games,

RTX 2060 and even 4060 card aligns with hitting 60+ fps on
those hanging on to the rest of the RTX 40 average at 1080p
the GeForce GTX 1060. series, using the same with high settings.
As there’s no Founders Ada Lovelace graphics But it does stumble
Edition of the RTX architecture. Though in some games when
4060, NVIDIA sent the it has fewer third-gen going up a notch at
MSI Ventus 2X Black ray tracing cores and 1440p.
GeForce RTX 4060. fourth-gen Tensor For example, in
Here is the thing: Just Cores, its 24 Streaming Marvel’s Guardians
on rasterisation-based Multiprocessors of the Galaxy, the
performances alone, provide 96 Tensor GPU runs smoothly
30 the RTX 4060 might not Cores and 24 RT Cores, and easily hitting
be that enticing if you alongside 3,072 CUDA 150+ fps at 1080p.
HWM
AUGUST already have a last- Cores, a step down But in more complex
2023
generation graphics from the RTX 3060’s games, for example
card like the GeForce 3,584. real-time strategy
RTX 3060 or AMD’s Just like the RTX games like Total War:
Radeon RX 6600 XT. 4060 Ti FE that I Three Kingdoms, the
However, it leaps reviewed, the RTX 8GB of RAM becomes
forward when DLSS 3.0 4060 also packs 8GB a bottleneck, causing
and Frame Generation of GDDR6 VRAM, which frame rates to drop
are enabled, a falls short of the RTX to below 60fps at
capability that the RTX 3060’s 12GB offering at 1440p. The RTX
3060 Ti and Radeon RX its 2021 launch. NVIDIA 4060 also shined
6600 XT do not have. tries to counterbalance in some demanding
Frame Generation is this with a bigger titles, such as
an innovation NVIDIA L2 cache – up to an Cyberpunk 2077.
baked into its RTX 40 impressive 24MB –so I played the game
series cards, designed that the card relies less with ray tracing set
to boost frame rates on its VRAM storage. to “ultra” and DLSS
in a novel way, Touted as a 1080p turned on Quality
independently of the graphics card, the RTX mode at 1080p,
CPU. 4060 makes a strong and the game runs
on an average steady
60+ fps. Activate
1080 @
Frame Generation, and max
settings
this jumps up to 96 No ray
tracing,
fps, providing some no DLSS
pretty good value-
for-money 1080p
gaming experience.
It’s worth noting that
while DLSS 2.0 is well
supported, there’s
still not many games
31

1080P @ MAX SETTINGS ( NO RAY TRACING, NO DLSS) HWM

AUGUST
2023
176
ROG Strix GeForce 190
RTX 4070 Ti 232
184.5
180
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 193
4070 FE 216
147.5
138
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 181
4060 Ti FE 180
109.7
120
MSI Ventus 2x Black 154
GeForce RTX 4060 152
86.6
118
AMD RADEON 130
RX 7600 133
88.2
122
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 167
3060 Ti FE 153
96.5
103
ROG Strix GeForce 136
RTX 3060 125
73.5

Horizon Zero Dawn Guardians of the Galaxy Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Total War: Three Kingdoms (Battle) - Ultra settings
 TEST

MSI Ventus 2X
Black GeForce RTX 4060

that support DLSS 3.0

(which supports Frame
Generation) although
the list is growing.
The low power
requirement of the
GeForce RTX 4060 is
another noteworthy
feature, with just a
– surprise surprise
– single 8-pin
connector necessary
32 to fuel its peak power
consumption of 132W
HWM
AUGUST during my testing.
2023
Its petite size and
relatively low power
make it an excellent
choice for compact
PC builds, though
the tradeoff would
be settling for 1080p
gaming.
At a fair price point,
the MSI Ventus 2X
Black GeForce RTX
4060 is a solid option
for 1080p gaming, with
a small caveat: its 8GB
of VRAM might cause
occasional hiccups
in certain games.
However, this GPU
promises a consistent
 3DMARK (TimeSpy Extreme Stress Test - GPU-Z TESTED & R ATED

ROG Strix GeForce

RTX 4070 Ti

NVIDIA GeForce
RTX 4070 FE

NVIDIA GeForce
RTX 4060 Ti FE
69.6

71.7

67.9 155
204
274.5

8.0 /10

SINGAPORE
MSI Ventus 2x Black
GeForce RTX 4060 77.4 132.6

AMD Radeon
RX 7600 78 158

NVIDIA GeForce
RTX 3060 Ti FE 75 207

ROG Strix GeForce

59.5 173.5
RTX 3060 33
Temp In Degree C. (Peak) Board Power Draw in Watts (Peak)
HWM
AUGUST
2023

60 fps experience in 8GB of VRAM may

most PC games, and 3DMARK present a hurdle in
TimeSpy
with DLSS 3.0 in the Extreme certain games, I do
Stress Test
mix, those frame rates GPU-Z not think it is a
could get a nice boost. dealbreaker as much
It’s not without its as it did for the RTX
flaws, but for the price, 4060 Ti, particularly
I do think the RTX 4060 for gamers focusing
is a sound choice for on 1080p titles.
many PC gamers on a
tight budget. As with Conclusion

all RTX 40 series cards,

DLSS 3.0 and Frame A consistent 60fps in
Generation stand as most PC games, and with
key selling points over DLSS 3.0, the RTX 4060
AMD’s own budget- is a sound choice for the
centric Radeon RX budget.
7600. While the limited
 TEST

Logitech
G Pro X 2 Lightspeed

REFINED
introducing several enhancements
that take gaming audio to new

WIRELESS
heights.
Starting with the design, Logitech
has meticulously crafted a sleek

GAMING
and sophisticated headset that
blends form and functionality. The
Pro X 2 Lightspeed’s aesthetics
The Logitech Pro X 2 Lightspeed are visually pleasing, making it a
34 is a prime example, building upon treat for any gaming enthusiast.
the success of its predecessor and Additionally, Logitech has reduced
HWM introducing several enhancements that the headset’s weight by 40g,
AUGUST
take gaming audio to new heights.
2023
making it lighter and more travel-
friendly. The compact design

05
ensures it takes up minimal space
without compromising style or
Logitech has performance.
consistently delivered A standout design feature
top-notch gaming is the rotating hinge on each
@ A GLANCE
headsets that excel yoke, allowing the ear cups to
DRIVERS
in style, comfort, 50mm graphene be rotated and flattened for
and sound quality. MIC convenient storage and transport.
6mm cardioid
The Logitech Pro X 2 This enhances portability and
CONNECTIVITY
Lightspeed is a prime 2.4GHz Lightspeed, accommodates different head
Bluetooth, 3.5mm
example, building BATTERY
shapes and sizes, providing both
upon the success of 50 hours style and comfort. Logitech has
WEIGHT
its predecessor and 345g prioritised versatility with the Pro
PRICE
$389

BY I M A G E S T H E C O U N T, LO G I T E C H , 123 R F ,
THE COUNT A . I & D I G I TA L I M A G I N G H W Z
 35
HWM
AUGUST
2023
 TEST

Logitech G
Pro X 2 Lightspeed

X 2 Lightspeed, offering options for

wireless connectivity. You can choose
between Logitech’s Lightspeed
wireless technology, Bluetooth THE
compact design
for seamless pairing, or a 3.5mm ensures it takes up
wired connection for a traditional minimal space without
compromising style or
setup. This flexibility allows for easy performance.
switching between devices and
gaming platforms, ensuring readiness
for any gaming session.
Comfort is crucial in gaming
headsets, and Logitech delivers
36 exceptional comfort with soft-
to-touch leatherette earcups and
HWM
AUGUST
2023

headband. The plush materials

ensure a comfortable fit, even during
extended gaming sessions. For those
who experience heat build-up and
excessive sweating, Logitech provides
velour earpads as an alternative. This
Comfort
is crucial customization option adds to the
in gaming
head- overall comfort.
sets, and
Logitech Moving on to audio performance,
delivers
exceptional Logitech introduces proprietary Pro-G
comfort
with soft- Graphene audio drivers in the Pro X
to-touch
leatherette 2 Lightspeed. These drivers feature a
earcups and
headband. diaphragm that is 90% graphene by
weight, surpassing traditional mylar soundstage. Even the subtlest sounds
diaphragms. The result is superior are delivered with precision. The
rigidity, lightweight properties, and wide soundstage provides excellent
more accurate sound reproduction. sound imaging and precise audio
Whether playing fast-paced shooters localization, adding depth and
or immersive narrative-driven games, immersion to gaming sessions.
the Pro X 2 Lightspeed captures every Enabling the DTS X Spatial Sound
detail. enhances the immersion, creating a
As a Pro
The Pro X 2 Lightspeed’s sound series three-dimensional effect that brings
gaming
quality is exceptional. The graphene headset, the action to life. Environmental
you have
diaphragms deliver an audio fidelity access to sounds and music are rendered
Blue Voice
that is among the best in gaming technology with fidelity and depth. The built-
within
headsets. The headset offers detailed Logitech’s in microphone ensures clear voice 37
G Hub
highs, clear mids, and a balanced software. communication with minimal
HWM
AUGUST
2023
 TEST

Logitech G
Pro X 2 Lightspeed

38
HWM
AUGUST
2023
 Overall, the Logitech
Conclusion
Pro X 2 Lightspeed

Excellent audio pushes the boundaries

of gaming audio.
performance, great build Its refined design,
quality and comfort levels, comfort, and graphene
long battery life. drivers set it apart
from the competition.
Logitech
background noise, further enhanced bundles The headset delivers
enough
by Logitech’s Blue Voice technology for acces- an immersive gaming
sories to
customization. Battery life is impressive, make use experience with detailed
of all the
with up to 50 hours of usage on a features sound reproduction
of the
single charge. While other headsets headset, and a wide soundstage. 39
includ-
may offer longer battery life, the Pro X ing two Although there are
ear cup HWM
2 Lightspeed’s endurance is more than material minor drawbacks, such AUGUST
choices.
sufficient for most gamers. as weight and potential 2023

fatigue with extended

surround sound usage,
the performance is
exceptional. For gamers
in search of a top-tier
headset, the Logitech
Pro X 2 Lightspeed
should be at the top
of the list.

T ESTED & RAT ED

9.0 /10

SINGAPORE
 TEST

Final
Fantasy XVI

BY I M AG E S
THE COUNT SQ UAR E EN IX

As
40
Compelling
As Ever
HWM
AUGUST
2023

06 @ A GLANCE
The Final Fantasy franchise has long
been a puzzle box of shifting themes
and stylistic transformations, with each
DEVELOPER
iteration revealing a different aspect of
Square Enix
its character. With a prominent Game
PUBLISHER
Square Enix of Thrones influence and a mature
GENRE rating in the latest entry, you might
Action, RPG
question, “What truly forms the core
PLATFORM
PS5 of a Final Fantasy game?” The answer,
PLAYERS
Single
while complex, remains rooted in the
franchise’s ability to captivate audiences
beyond its signature chocobos and
moogles. In my perspective, Final Fantasy
 41
HWM
AUGUST
2023

transcends the simple concept of a game;

it exudes an all-encompassing ambiance.
One of the most striking qualities of Final
Fantasy XVI is its deliberate display of
meticulous care in its thematic choices
and character relationships. Borrowing
from Final Fantasy VII’s conservationist
undertones, it resounds a clear message
about our collective responsibility to
our planet, urging players to imbue their
interactions with kindness. Swear words
and instances of violence are present,
but they serve as genuine reactions to
the chaos and desperation that ensue
when gargantuan monsters threaten to
demolish all in their path.
 TEST

Final
Fantasy XVI

t
The game masterfully
intertwines elements
from the franchise’s
rich history to serve up
a sense of nostalgia –
the reappearance of Eikons are
powerful
the victory fanfare is a beings and
Clive can
prime example. From gain some
of their

42 treating players to power,

though
exhilarating battles with you can
only equip
HWM
AUGUST
fan-favourite monsters 3 Eikonic
Abilities
2023 as in Final Fantasy VII at any one
time.
Remake, to introducing
a version of Cid who
could arguably be the
most captivating since
Final Fantasy VII, Final
Fantasy XVI respects CHARACTERS
its roots while charting
new territories. OF FINAL
Final Fantasy XVI
thrusts you into the
life of 15-year-old
FANTASY XVI
SOME ARE
KINGS, SOME
Clive Rosfield, who knights, some
holds the unique naught but
pawns—but all shall
position of guardian play their part in a Clive Rosfield
The firstborn son of the Archduke
to his younger brother, game guided by the of Rosaria. Though all expected him
unforgiving hand to inherit the Phoenix’s flames and
Joshua. Clive finds of fate. awaken as its Dominant.

himself overshadowed
by his younger sibling
 who is a Dominant, a being capable of
harnessing and morphing into powerful
Eikons. When a tragic turn of events puts
Joshua’s life in peril, Clive’s existence is
thrown into turmoil, catapulting him onto
a vengeful trajectory. This game adds to
the tradition of the
series’ exploration of
geopolitical conflict
over territories and
resources. Crystals,
the sources of magic,
engender discussions 43
about ecological
HWM
sustainability and free AUGUST

will – central pillars of 2023

the franchise since its

Jill Warrick Joshua Rosfield Benedikta Harman

Born in the fallen Northern The second son of the Archduke of Rosaria Having emerged from the storm of
Territories, Jill was taken from and Clive’s younger brother by five years. youth coldhearted and ruthless,
her homeland at a tender age Joshua awoke as the Dominant of the Benedikta Harman—Dominant of the
to become a ward of Rosaria. Phoenix soon after his birth. Eikon Garuda, Warden of the Wind.
 TEST

Final
Fantasy XVI

your disposal, you are

Conclusion
offered the chance to

Long time fan or new delve deep into the

lore during cutscenes.
player, Final Fantasy XVI However, this treasure
has something for you in trove of information
its sprawling, fantastical occasionally disrupts
universe. the pacing of the
game, and extended
inception. Still, Final XV, which required cutscenes can hamper
Fantasy XVI repackages numerous expansions the overall rhythm of
this familiar narrative and spin-offs to the gameplay.
44 within a façade of build its world, Final These lingering
realistic high fantasy, Fantasy XVI embeds scenes, while
HWM
AUGUST
creating an experience world-building within immersive, imbue
2023 that, while fresh to the narrative through the narrative with a
the franchise, mirrors dialogue, anecdotes, Great heightened sense of
story and
storylines commonly and character reactions. battles, but urgency, subsequently
exploration
found in many western With a historian, and level deepening the
design
games. strategist, and an Active could be complexity of Clive’s
more
Unlike Final Fantasy Time Lore feature at engaging. character. He emerges
as a layered and
emotionally resonant
protagonist, akin
to Final Fantasy X’s

TESTED & R ATED

9.0 /10

SINGAPORE
Tidus. Clive’s likeable into sensory overload, leading to dialogue. In the end,
personality and a somewhat disjointed experience Final Fantasy XVI
engaging relationships when juxtaposed with the grounded proves to be an exciting
form the heart of the character narratives. The level design blend of tradition and
narrative, adding a could certainly use some refinement. innovation, reminiscent
captivating layer to the The grandeur of castles quickly of the past, but not
overall experience of transforms into monotonous linear afraid to stride into
the game. paths, with expansive, open areas the future. Despite
Square Enix’s serving as mere connecting threads. some shortcomings, it
continued exploration The outdoor world lacks vitality, and succeeds in upholding
of real-time hack-and- the bustling towns offer little more the essence of the
slash battles since than a backdrop, featuring only franchise while
Final Fantasy XIII seems a handful of NPCs with repetitive introducing fresh 45
to have culminated in elements, ensuring
HWM
the combat system of an immersive gaming AUGUST

Final Fantasy XVI. While experience that keeps 2023

this new approach players captivated.

may feel invigorating
to some, those
unenthusiastic about
mastering combos or
varying attack styles
may find the novelty
wear thin. The intense
battles can spiral
 TEST

Apple
Mac Studio 2023
(M2 Ultra)

THE DREAM
of the new Mac Studio lies in its
processors. The M2 Ultra chip, a

MAC
part of the M2 family, takes centre
stage. With an astounding 134
billion transistors, 24 CPU cores, 76

DESKTOP
GPU cores, up to 192GB of unified
memory with 800GBps of bandwidth,
and a 32-core neural engine, the
Apple’s WWDC M2 Ultra surpasses the M1 Ultra,
2023 saw the
its predecessor, in several key
release of a new
46 Mac Studio, a low- areas. Notably, it can handle up to
key upgrade that 22 streams of 8K ProRes playback
brings significant
HWM
AUGUST simultaneously, an increase from the
2023 improvements M1 Ultra’s 18 streams.
under the hood

07
while maintaining
a familiar
appearance.

@ A GLANCE

However, one CHIPSET

Apple M2 Ultra
question arises:
CPU
is this the go- 24-core

to machine for GPU

76-core
professionals, or
MEMORY
should they consider 128GB

the Mac Pro instead? STORAGE

2TB SSD
The standout feature
PRICE
$9,299
(Starts from $2,999)

BY I M AG E S A PPLE, K EN NY YEO,
KENNY YEO 123 R F , A . I . & D I G I TA L I M A G I N G H W Z
 47
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2023
 TEST
Apple Mac Studio
2023 (M2 Ultra)
The M2 Ultra also
delivers on Apple’s
bold claims of up
to 20% more CPU
performance and
30% more GPU
performance than the
M1 Ultra. In real-
world tests, the new
Mac Studio with the
M2 Ultra chip proved
to be exceptionally
48 fast and powerful. For
users transitioning
HWM
AUGUST from less powerful
2023
VIDEO TRANSCODING TIME
(IN SECONDS, SHORTER IS BETTER)
M1 Ultra, the upgrade
- as powerful as the
M2 Ultra is - might
not be substantial
enough to justify the
cost. Apart from the
processor upgrade,
the new Mac Studio
brings better external
M1 chips or older Intel display connectivity,
Connec- Macs, the performance supporting up to eight
tivity is
excellent upgrade is significant. external displays
and having
front-facing However, for those when equipped
ports and
an SD card who already own a with the M2 Ultra
slot helps a
ton. Mac Studio with an model. This feature is
particularly beneficial
for users working
with multiple external
monitors, enhancing
their productivity and
workflow.
The Mac Studio
retains its sleek and
stylish design, taking
up the same desk
space as a Mac mini
but with slightly more
thickness. It boasts
excellent build quality,
sporting a matte silver
finish, and exudes
a modern aesthetic
reminiscent of the
legendary G4 Cube.
 Connectivity remains
unchanged, offering
two USB-C ports on GEEKBENCH 6
the front, along with
an SD card reader. The
M2 Max models come
with USB 3.1 Gen 2
ports, while the M2
Ultra models support
Thunderbolt 4. At the
back, both models
feature four USB-C
Thunderbolt 4 ports, 49
two USB-A USB 3.1
HWM
Gen 1 ports, a 10Gb AUGUST

Ethernet port, and an Single Multi 2023

HDMI 2.1 port.

The Mac Studio’s
appeal extends beyond
professionals; power The Mac Studio starts Mac Studio with
Geekbench
users can find plenty 6 Test at $2,999 (with M2 the same M2 Ultra
and
to appreciate as well. compari- Max), which may chip, 64GB memory,
sons
While the computing seem expensive, but and 1TB storage
performance may be comparing it to the configuration
overkill for most users, most powerful Mac costs half the
the system’s overall mini equipped with price ($5,999 vs
usability, aided by the the M2 Pro chip and $9,999), proving
additional ports and 32GB of memory itself to be an
SD card at the front, at $2,899, the Mac incredibly attractive
provides a superior Studio becomes a proposition.
experience. Price and compelling option. Moreover, its
value are essential For professionals compact form factor
considerations for any seeking an alternative further adds to its
potential purchase. to the Mac Pro, a allure. However, the
 TEST

Apple Mac Studio

2023 (M2 Ultra)

50
HWM
AUGUST
2023
 users with the M1
Conclusion
Ultra model might
not see a compelling
An excellent machine for reason to upgrade,
professionals or anyone who You can
get a Mac
unless they absolutely
simply wants the best Mac Studio with
the same
require the substantial
desktop experience available.
specs as
a Mac Pro,
at half the boost in performance.
price.
Apple’s new Mac Studio
offers an impressive
Mac Studio does have its package with powerful
drawbacks. Its high price performance and
remains a significant hurdle enhanced features.
for the average enthusiast, Whether it’s the 51
and the inability to upgrade ideal choice for
HWM
memory or storage could professionals or power AUGUST

be a concern for those users depends on 2023

looking for a long-term individual needs and

investment. Ultimately, budget considerations.
the Mac Studio delivers For those seeking a
an exceptional desktop premium computing
computing experience for experience, the Mac
both professionals and Studio is a top-
power users. Its improved tier option that can
performance, sleek design, undoubtedly meet
and better external display these demands.
support make it a worthy
contender even to the Mac
TESTED & R ATED

8.5
Pro. Nonetheless, existing

/10

SINGAPORE
 TEST

Oppo
Reno10 Pro+ 5G

FLAGSHIP-LITE
PHOTOGRAPHY The Oppo Reno10 Pro+ 5G has

08
52 arrived and it’s unlike any other
Reno released before, departing
HWM
significantly from previous iPhone-
imitation design language.
AUGUST
2023

@ A GLANCE
OS
ColorOS 13
(Android 13)
Unlike the straight edges and rounded corners
DISPLAY
6.74-inch, LTPS AMOLED 3D of the Reno7/8/9 series phones, this model takes
Curved, 2,772 x 1,240-pixels,
120Hz dynamic, HDR10+, inspiration from Huawei’s P60 Pro. It features a
1,400-nits (HDR)
display that curves down on its sides, coupled
PROCESSOR
Qualcomm with narrow bezels, providing an immersive
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

RAM/STORAGE
viewing experience. The rounded corners, curved
12GB/256GB
plastic back protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5,
CAMERA
Triple rear (50MP main, and oblong-shaped camera housing contribute to
8MP ultrawide,
64MP Telephoto Portrait), its high-end appearance.
32MP selfie

BATTERY
4,700mAh, 100W SuperVOOC

PRICE
$1,149

BY I M AG E S O PPO,
LI U H O N GZU O L I U H O N G Z U O , 123 R F
 Despite the overall great
The display is limited to toggling

itself is a
design, its AGC Dragontrail between forced 60Hz

6.74
D I S P L AY A N D A M O L E D S C R E E N

Star 2 cover glass and built- or forced 120Hz.

in screen protector could However, the display
be more scratch-resistant. provides vibrant and
Minor scuffs accumulated accurate colors and is
after about a week of active
-inch LTPS pleasant to look at. 53
AMOLED
daily use, though they are Interestingly, the
HWM
not visible with the display Reno10 Pro+ 5G’s
screen with
AUGUST

powered off. This might display resolution 2023

prompt the need for an HDR10+ and straddles between

additional screen protector. multiple re- Full HD and QHD, at
The display itself is a 6.74-
inch LTPS AMOLED screen
fresh rate op- 2,772 × 1,240 pixels.
While 1080p content
with HDR10+ and multiple tions (45Hz, may appear a little
refresh rate options (45Hz, 60Hz, 90Hz, lower-res than it
60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz). and 120Hz). actually is, 1440p
Unfortunately, customisation content looks sharp.
 TEST

Oppo
Reno10 Pro+ 5G

The phone’s software

runs on ColorOS 13 on
Android 13, the same
as Oppo’s Find N2 Flip
foldable handset. It
comes with some pre-
installed bloatware,
but fortunately,
they can be easily
removed during setup.
The Oppo Reno10
Pro+ 5G offers fast
54 fingerprint and facial
recognition unlocking,
HWM
AUGUST both of which were
2023
flawless during the
review. This seamless
user experience
is undoubtedly a
highlight.
The phone’s cameras
are a major selling
point, and the Reno
series has always been
known for providing
excellent imaging
capabilities without the
exorbitant price tags of
the Find X series.
The rear camera
system, known as the
Ultra-Clear Portrait
Camera System,
promises excellent
 portraiture shooting regardless of
which rear shooter you use. Oppo
employs AI denoising, demosaicing,
and deep pixel fusion processing in
RAW format before saving images as
JPG, ensuring impressive results.
The main camera sports a 50MP
Sony IMX890 sensor with OIS and
pixel-binning, making it functionally
equivalent to flagship-grade
shooters. Additionally, it offers a
2x in-sensor ‘crop zoom’ shooting
capability, producing clearer photos 55
with fewer megapixels.However,
HWM
the headlining feature is the 64MP AUGUST

Telephoto Portrait Camera, touted 2023

as the “highest spec periscope

telephoto camera available on any
With round- smartphone, ever.” This large 1/2-
ed corners,
curved inch sensor (Omnivision OV64B)
back and
aluminium with f/2.5 aperture boasts 4-in-1
rims, the
Reno10 pixel-binning and both CDAF+PDAF
Pro+ has
a design for optimal performance. Though
language
that is more lacking OIS, Oppo claims to have
similar to
Huawei than improved image stabilization using
Apple this
time round. larger cylinder lenses with wider
anti-shake angles. The phone offers
3x optical zoom, 6x in-sensor
‘crop zoom,’ and 120x digital zoom,
catering to various photography
needs. The front camera is equally
impressive, featuring a 32MP
Sony IMX709 sensor with Oppo-
customized RGBW pixel array and
 TEST

Oppo
Reno10 Pro+ 5G

improved AutoFocus deter some potential

with a 15cm focusing buyers, especially
distance. This camera considering its price
was co-developed with point. Competing with
Sony and was also true flagships like the
used in the Reno 7 Samsung Galaxy S23+
series. A major upgrade and Google Pixel 7
for the Reno10 Pro+ 5G Pro, the Reno10 Pro+
is the flagship-grade 5G faces strong rivals
Qualcomm Snapdragon that offer coveted
8+ Gen 1 processor, features like IP-rated
Shot on the
elevating the phone to new 64MP waterproofing and
Telephoto
56 compete with the likes while still maintaining Portrait rear wireless charging.
camera,
of the Poco F5 Pro and a great battery life, 3x optical Still, at $1,149, the
HWM zoom.
AUGUST Google Pixel 7a. thanks to its 4,700mAh Oppo Reno10 Pro+ 5G
2023
The phone also battery. does bring something
incorporates an Ultra- The included 100W fresh for people who
Conductive Graphite SuperVOOC fast- really want a powerful
for better thermal charging brick further phone, good cameras
conductivity, along with adds convenience, and not wanting to
a 3,500 mm2 VC liquid enabling the Reno10 go with the usual
cooling surface that is Pro+ 5G to reach a Samsung route for
92% larger than that full charge in just a top-end Android
of the Reno8 Pro. This 45 minutes. Despite phone.
combination allows the its performance, the
phone to handle a full Reno10 Pro+ 5G’s lack
day of photography of water resistance and
TESTED & R ATED

8.0
wireless charging might

Conclusion
/10
A powerful phone with
strong photography features. SINGAPORE
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 TEST

The Legend of Zelda

Tears of the Kingdom

TEST

EDITOR’S
CHOICE BY I M AG E S
C A P TA I N G R O V E R NINTENDO

58
A Glorious
Masterpiece
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2023
years after Breath
of the Wild, Zelda
and Link explore the
underground passages

09
beneath Hyrule Castle,
searching for a way
The Legend of Zelda franchise to stop a mysterious
has always been renowned for blight known as
@ A GLANCE its incredible games. After the “Gloom”. Their
DEVELOPER
phenomenal success of Breath of exploration leads them
Nintendo
the Wild on the Nintendo Switch, to an ancient ruin,
PUBLISHER
Nintendo it seemed unlikely that Nintendo and awakening the
GENRE could surpass it with an even mummified Ganondorf
Action, Adventure
better sequel. And then Tears of the who had been lying
PLATFORM
Nintendo Switch Kingdom happened. dormant. Amidst
PLAYERS Tears of the Kingdom continues the the chaos, Zelda
Single
tradition of Zelda games, where the disappears, leaving
hero, Link, battles the evil Ganondorf Link to once again
to rescue Princess Zelda. Set several save the day.
 59
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 TEST

The Legend of Zelda:

Tears of the Kingdom

w
While Tears of the
Kingdom offers an
exciting and engaging
storyline, the main
focus of a Zelda title
has always been
the adventure and
exploration. This
60 delightful game delivers
on that front, providing
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players with countless
2023 opportunities to embark
on thrilling quests and
discover new territories.
Players who were
awestruck by the Ultrahand
is a skill
vastness of the game that allows
you to cre-
world in Breath of the ate almost
anything
Wild will be even more you want,
even mod-
impressed with Tears of ern-looking
vehicles to
the Kingdom. Nintendo traverse
the open
has crafted a vibrant world envi-
ronment.
and immersive world
that is larger than its
predecessor, offering a
multitude of places to
freely explore.
The game world in
Tears of the Kingdom
maintains the same
 61
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2023

art style as its experience that makes exploring the

predecessor but map and embarking on adventures
feels more dynamic, irresistibly addictive.
populated, and Although Link begins his epic quest
alive. Players will armed with a humble tree branch,
traverse diverse players will swiftly find themselves
environments ranging wielding swords and mastering
from floating islands various weapons. Thanks to a well-
to lush forests. The designed tutorial system, players can
land is brimming with easily grasp the basics of combat.
valuable resources The combat system strikes a balance,
and ingredients for maintaining a moderate level of
cooking and crafting, difficulty while allowing room for
such as flora and creative problem-solving.
fauna. This creates Tears of the Kingdom introduces
an atmospheric several new skills for Link to employ,
 TEST

The Legend of Zelda:

Tears of the Kingdom

adds an element of
fun, as some of the
more unconventional
combinations may prove
surprisingly effective in
combat.
Executing these new
features is a breeze
thanks to the game’s
intuitive control system.
This is especially
appreciated when
62 tackling the challenging
including Ultrahand players to combine puzzles found in the
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and Fuse skills. The weapons with other in- The second
skill, Fuse,
numerous sacred
2023 Ultrahand skill enables game items, resulting in lets you
combine
shrines scattered
players to pick up, new combinations with weapons
with other
across the map. Many
move, and rotate unique powers, effects, in-game
objects,
of these puzzles are
objects, as well as or enhanced stats. resulting in
everything
intricate and lack a
connect them together. Experimenting with from actual
useful ef-
fixed solution, allowing
This versatile ability different combinations fects to the
hilarious.
players to approach
empowers players
to create an array
of structures, from
bridges to vehicles,
using the various items
scattered throughout
the map. This sandbox-
style play encourages
players to unleash their
creativity and interact
with the game world in
innovative ways.
The Fuse skill allows
 63
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 TEST

The Legend of Zelda:

Tears of the Kingdom

Conclusion

Tears of the Kingdom is

an exhilarating journey,
presenting players with
endless opportunities
for adventure.

them with creativity.

You can try various
64 methods of object
manipulation or even
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craft new objects,
2023 adding a newfound
depth to puzzle-solving
and making each visit
to a shrine a truly the opening scenes. If rewards ingenuity, an
rewarding experience. Breath of the Wild felt expansive map begging
Tears of the Kingdom akin to Ocarina of Time, to be explored, and an
exhibits a darker mood Tears of the Kingdom immersive atmosphere
compared to Breath of leans more towards that fully captivates
the Wild, as indicated the eerie ambiance of players in a visually
by the introduction of Majora’s Mask. stunning realm.
the “Gloom” blight in For those who
enjoyed playing Breath
TESTED & R ATED
of the Wild, Tears of the
Kingdom is an absolute
must-have. It is
impossible to overstate
the sheer brilliance of
10 / 10

this game, which offers SINGAPORE

a combat system that
 65
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 TEST

Samsung
Galaxy A54 5G

ALMOST A
BUDGET ACE
The Samsung Galaxy A54 priced
66 at just $588, offers several flagship-
worthy features.

10
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2023
BY I M A G E S S A M S U N G , C H E R Y L TA N ,
C H E R Y L TA N 123 R F , D I G I TA L I M A G I N G H W Z

offers several flagship-

@ A GLANCE
worthy features,
OS
One UI 5.1 (Android 13) Singapore boasts a including a 6.4-inch
DISPLAY plethora of midrange FHD+ Super AMOLED
6.4-inch, Super AMOLED,
2,340 x 1,080 pixels phone options, and display with a 120Hz
(501ppi), 120Hz
among them are the refresh rate, a 50MP
PROCESSOR
Samsung Exynos 1380 noteworthy Google primary camera, IP67-
RAM/STORAGE Pixel 7a, Poco F5 rated protection, and
6GB/256GB, 8GB/256GB,
microSD Pro, and Redmi Note a large 5,000mAh
CAMERA
Triple rear (50MP main,
12 Pro+ 5G. Now battery. First and
12MP ultrawide, 5MP maco), joining the lineup foremost, the Galaxy
32MP selfi
is Samsung’s latest A54 finally resembles
BATTERY
5,000mAh addition to the Galaxy a Samsung flagship
PRICE A series, the Samsung device. With consistent
From $588
Galaxy A54. Priced at design language across
just $588, this phone the Galaxy series,
 67
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 TEST
Samsung
Galaxy A54 5G
the differences between
the Galaxy A54 and the
Galaxy S23 or S23+ are
now minimal. The Galaxy
A54 features a glossy
Gorilla Glass 5 back,
while the S23 series
employs frosted Gorilla
Glass Victus 2, giving
the flagship series a
more premium look and
feel. This is an upgrade
68 from its predecessor,
the Galaxy A53, which
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had a plastic back.
2023 The A54 also utilises a
plastic frame, while the
S23 and S23+ employ
aluminium. Additionally,
it comes in vibrant
PCMARK FOR ANDRIOD BATTERY LIFE TEST
Score ( In Minutes )
colours like Awesome phones in this category
Lime and Awesome come with lightweight
Violet, in addition to plastic frames. By
the standard black and keeping the A54 slightly
white options. heavier, Samsung has
Weighing in at 202g, successfully overcome
the Galaxy A54 is this perception problem.
slightly heavier than Another standout
both the Galaxy A53 feature of the Galaxy
and the Galaxy S23+. A54 is its SIM card tray,
Maintaining a weight which offers dual SIM
of around 200g for capabilities and doubles
midrange smartphones as a microSD card slot.
is advantageous. This is a rare feature
Studies have shown in midrange phones
that heavier objects these days, making
tend to be perceived expandable storage of
as more important or up to 1TB a significant
PCMARK
for andriod premium, which can be advantage.
battery life
test an issue when most The Galaxy A54’s
display, though slightly
smaller than its
predecessor, is excellent
for media consumption.
It supports HDR10+ and
can reach up to 1,000
nits of brightness. The
Vivid colour profile
delivers punchy,
contrasty colours,
and there’s a colour
temperature adjustment
slider available. The
Natural colour profile
 69
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 TEST

Samsung
Galaxy A54 5G

offers improved colour many new software

accuracy and a more features to highlight, it’s TESTED & R ATED

7.5
natural appearance. worth mentioning that
Watching HDR videos Samsung promises four
on the Galaxy A54 is a years of OS updates and /10
pleasurable experience, five years of security
and gaming performance patches, which sets it SINGAPORE
is commendable, apart from many of the
although the phone competition.
may heat up slightly In the camera produces impressive
under load. In terms of department, the Galaxy images under ideal
software, the Galaxy A54 A54 sports a triple lighting conditions,
70 runs on Samsung’s One camera setup similar showcasing Samsung’s
Geekbench
UI 5.1 skin of Android to the S23 and S23+. 6.0 test signature punchy and
HWM and com-
AUGUST
13. While there aren’t The main 50MP camera parisons contrasty style. There’s
2023

GEEKBENCH 6.0

SCORE ( HIGHER = BETTER )

also a 2x digital crop The wired charging
zoom, but it’s advisable speed is decent at
to use the 50MP 25W, matching the S23
photo for better detail and S23+, but wireless
retention. The ultra-wide charging is absent here.
camera does a decent In a highly competitive
job of minimising fisheye midrange segment, the
distortion, and the Galaxy A54 faces tough
macro camera performs competition. Ultimately,
surprisingly well, the decision to choose
capturing detailed close- the Galaxy A54
up shots. Nightography, depends on weighing
Samsung’s night mode, its strengths, such as 71
is also available on the Samsung’s ecosystem,
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Galaxy A54, although it to its predecessor. extended software AUGUST

works best for stationary Good The inclusion of the support, and expandable 2023

amount
subjects and introduces of detail Mali-G68 GPU ensures storage, against its
retained
some noise into the and colours decent gaming weaker processing
were
images. Powering the accurate, performance as well. power compared to
although
Galaxy A54 is Samsung’s you do The 5,000mAh some competitors.
get some
own Exynos 1380 noise. battery of the Galaxy While it may not reign
processor, providing A54 offers a full day supreme, the Galaxy
5G compatibility and of moderate usage, A54 remains a worthy
8GB of RAM. While it with around 40% consideration if it aligns
may not match the charge remaining at with your budget and
performance of some the end of the day. requirements.
midrange phones
equipped with powerful
Conclusion
Qualcomm Snapdragon
processors, the Exynos
1380 offers improved
A good choice for a budget midrange
execution speed, game
phone with flagship features, decent
loading, and multi-core
camera, and long-lasting battery life.
performance compared
T H E P O W E R T O D E C I D E