Ogabassey blog

Author: Bolakale

  • FOR HIM: FOUR GADGETS YOU CAN GET FOR THAT SPECIAL GUY IN YOUR LIFE FOR VALENTINE

    Valentine is the season of love; it’s a time to share love and gift with those that matter to you. A wise man once said, “you can gift without loving, but you can’t love without gifting. However, we are sometimes overwhelmed by the choices available to us and invariably make the wrong decision. The number one thing about men is that all men love gadgets, they love their shiny toys, and when those gadgets are gifts from their loved ones, they handle them with utmost care. So here are some of the devices you can get for your bobo this Valentine:

    A New Phone

    Upgrading his phone is one of the most profound ways to show that you care about him. Not only is it a thoughtful gesture but also one that he will not forget in a hurry. Chances are, he is either an android user or an iPhone owner. Upgrading his Samsung S21 Ultra to a Samsung S22 Ultra will make this his best ValentineDay ever! And if he uses an iPhone, then you are in luck. Ogabassey is currently running a promo where you get a storage update for the phone you order; if you pay for an iPhone 13 Pro 128GB, you will get the 256GB instead… Please DM us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for more information.

    The M1 MacBook

    Except he has something better; if you get your boyfriend this beast of a laptop, he might have no option than to put the ring on it cause it simply means you care about his wellbeing. Despite being released in 2020, the OG M1 MacBook remains one of the fastest and most competent laptops around; whether he is a tech-bro or has a 9-5, that bro adores the M1 MacBook. So make this year’s Valentine’s Day the best one ever!

    A Smartwatch

    Besides the fact that a smartwatch is stylish (it doesn’t matter if it’s an iWatch or a Galaxy Watch), it is incredibly functional. You will not only be helping him achieve those fitness goals, but you will also be helping him get the best out of the phone. We have an impressive array of smartwatches for android or iWatch. You can send us a DM on any of our social media platforms and let us help you pick one that suits your budget

    Earbuds

    If you are on a budget and still want to get him something classy and functional, you should consider getting him a pair of earbuds. But, please don’t get him any of those fake Airpods (super-copy, Dubai Version, the one sold by that girl that sells Turkey wears on your WhatsApp Contact List), Tinuke, what is worth doing at all is worth doing well; Femi is a King, Kings don’t wear fakes.

    BONUS POINT: For as low as 10,000 Naira, you can get him a fast charger to make his life easier!

    Chioma, Fatima and Bisola, you have no excuse. Head over here and pick some of the most affordable devices ever!

    You are welcome

  • A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Wireless Earbuds

    In 2017 following its release of the iPhone 7, Apple committed the cardinal sin of removing the 3.5mm headphone jack, and in less than 24 months, like sheep, the rest of the industry followed them. Sony remains the only major phone maker that keeps the iconic jack on its flagship devices. Outside of professional music production, wired headphones are slowly becoming antiquated and only fit for the museum. This move by Apple made it necessary for iPhone users to use wireless headphones and earbuds, leading to an increased demand for TWS earbuds. Additionally, Apple’s decision to release its AirPods further popularised the use of TWS earbuds and helped to drive the overall market growth. Other smartphone manufacturers soon followed Apple’s lead and started to remove the headphone jack from their devices, further boosting the growth of the TWS market.

    So that’s how we got here. Now, you have finally decided to get a pair of earbuds or upgrade what you currently have, and you have questions; well, you have come to the right place. These are some of the most important factors to consider when getting your next earbuds:

    Ecosystem Interconnectivity

    Pairing the Apple AirPods Pro with an Infinix phone is arguably one of the weirdest decisions anybody can ever make. Of course, it will work! But you will be missing out on a whole lot of features. Among other things, pairing a pair of AirPods with any other Apple product will give you seamless connectivity; you can connect your iPhone and MacBook simultaneously. The proprietary W1 chip in the Airpods only works with Apple devices, and that chip, the first of its kind, is the real deal as it offers instant pairing and much more… The same applies to Samsung devices too. A pair of Samsung Galaxy buds will play more nicely with a Samsung device than other android devices. The Android ecosystem is a little bit friendlier and more universal; a pair of Sony Earbuds will work with full functionality on all Android devices. Find out how the interconnectivity available between your device and the earbuds of your choice.

    PRO TIP: The iPhone works well with the AirPods, Galaxy Buds with Samsung Galaxy Devices, and Pixel Buds with Google Pixel. But you knew that!

    Comfort

    Because our ears are different, our experience with earbuds will never be the same. There are many earbuds styles, but the commonest ones are the standard earbuds (The Apple AirPods 1, 2, 3) and the in-ear earbuds (the Airpods Pro and some Samsung Galaxy Buds). In-ear earbuds usually come with silicone or foam tips that go inside your ears to create a seal and, in many cases, help with noise reduction. Some audiophiles find the in-ear earbuds more immersive, especially for those prioritising bass and a riveting listening experience. The standard-style earbuds are relatively more comfortable for some people but less immersive. Some earbuds are primarily designed for workout and outdoor activities (Powerbeats Pro, Sony WF-SP800N, Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro, etc.)

     If you are a gym enthusiast or a fitness guru and need earbuds to help you on your journey, you will be well served to get those.

    PRO TIP: Sony and Apple Earbuds are arguably some of the best for outdoor activities and every day listening.

    Sound Profile

    Every OEM has a sound profile; Beats Headphones and earbuds, Skullcandy earbuds are famous for their loud bass and hip-hop-friendly sound profile. If you are a rap or hip-hop enthusiast, you will enjoy your experience with these brands. Other brands take a different route to their sound profile tuning; it is important to read reviews before deciding.

    PRO TIP:  If you have an iPhone, the AirPods Pro and the AirPods Pro 2 are a no-brainer; they tick all the boxes. For Android phones, your budget determines what you get.

    The Bells and the Whistles

    Nothing is more annoying than making calls with your earbuds, and the person on the other end is complaining that they can’t hear you because it’s noisy where you are. My brother, to avoid this kerfuffle, get a pair of earbuds that support Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Some earbuds use Bluetooth multipoint that allows you to connect your earbuds to your laptop and smartphone simultaneously. Other features you should look out for include ambience/transparency mode, the auto pause feature (your music pauses automatically when you remove your earbuds from your ears), wireless charging, water resistance, etc. Identify the features that are important to you and go for the earbuds that have them.

    PRO TIP: Pay close attention to their call capabilities; there are great-sounding earbuds that don’t handle calls well and vice-versa.

    If you have made your choice, head over here to get them at affordable prices with the option to pay in instalments. And yes, you are welcome. Remember, Ogabassey Never Disappoints.

  • 5 Uncommon Features to Consider Before Purchasing Your Next Laptop: A Guide

    Well, you are about to get a new laptop. It’s time to start that course; it’s time to take content creation seriously. We are proud of you and are ready to support you as you make one of the biggest steps in that journey-getting a laptop! If the MacBook is your target, we have got you covered here. But this guide is for you if you are operating in a slightly different market-the PC market. Don’t forget that Oga Bassey has got you covered for all your devices, whether it’s a mobile phone, a laptop, or even a smart TV. Just head over here for some of the best prices out there. Without further ado, these are the less common things you should watch out for when buying your new laptop:

    Screen Type and Resolution

    Your screen type matters o… The laptop market’s three most popular screen technologies are TFT, IPS and OLED. TFT is the screen technology you have on most budget laptops; it’s based on LCD technology, but the colours are relatively duller. If you are using your laptop for gaming, video editing or photo editing, laptops with TFT screens will hamper your experience. IPS screens are also based on LCD technology but are better; they offer wider viewing angles and more accurate colour reproduction. OLED is their daddy! It’s the same technology on the screens of your favourite smartphones. OLED screens are waaaay better; the contrast is better, colour reproduction is superior, and the blacks are blacker. If you spend a lot of time using photoshop and other photo editing software, you will be better served by an OLED laptop. Resolution varies based on your screen size, but for 15.6 inches laptops, the commonest resolutions are 1366-by-768 (also known as HD or 720p) and 1920-by-1080 (Full HD or 1080p). There are 2k and 4k laptops, too sha, but those are pricey and are often found on high-end laptops.

    Processor’s Generation (For Intel laptops).

    Since 2010, Intel has marked its Core processors line (Core i3, i5 and i7) by generation. We are currently in its 13th generation. All core i5s or i3s are not the same. Am 11th gen core i3 will blow a mobile 1st generation corei7 out of the water. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s core i7; find out the generation. The newer the generation, the better your experience will be. As a rule of thumb, we recommend that you shouldn’t go lower than a 6th generation.

    Solid State Drive will give you the soft life (avoid Hard Disk Drive)

    Regarding your choice of primary storage device, we recommend you go with an SSD. SSDs are almost EIGHT times faster than HDDs. Yes, you heard that right. Your system will boot faster; your game will load faster; everywhere go soft, and you will avoid a PC-induced shege! We recommend NVME SSD, but a SATA SSD is a good option if you are on a budget. Whatever you do, please avoid HDD in 2025. You deserve better!

    Beware of False-gaming Laptops

    If there is one area where windows laptops truly shine, it’s gaming! For all its power and finesse, the MacBook cannot do gaming the way a Windows PC can. For starters, there are more games for Windows than macOS, and then, there is the question of compatibility. However, not all laptops with dedicated video ram are capable of “true” gaming… An Nvidia MX130 will not play Microsoft Flight Simulator or Cyberpunk 2077 (even a GTX 1050 will struggle). In 2025, if you are serious about gaming, you should be looking at laptops spotting graphics cards higher than Nvidia RTX 3050 or its AMD equivalent.

    I/O, Ports and Connectivity                                                                                         

    This is arguably one of the most important but often overlooked features. If you are a video editor, you will do well to get a laptop that supports Thunderbolt connectivity (you probably know that already). USB-C has become the international standard for USB connectivity; your system in 2025 ought to have one. A dual-band wireless connection solution will also make your life easier.

    If you want to know if the MacBook is the better option, click here. If you would like to get any laptop of your choice for shikini money with the opportunity to pay in instalments, click here

    If you have any questions, drop them in the comment section.

  • TOP 5 RELEASES WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT IN 2023

    Happy New Year! 

    2022 was a remarkable year for the smartphone industry. Apple released an iPhone that has more than 12MP main camera! Samsung shattered the glass ceiling with the hugely successful S22 Ultra and the other midranges in the A series. The foldables continue their descent into public consciousness (them men dem have started using it as some status conferrer, iPhone step aside). While we will continue to remember the smartphone Class of 2022 with fondness, we are giddy with excitement at what 2023 offers!

    Here are the top 4 devices we can’t wait to behold in 2023:

    The iPhone 15 Series

    Well, the iPhone is one of the best-selling brands of all time. Apple has perfected the satisfying blend of excellent software with class-leading hardware. Every year, the iPhone continues to obliterate the competition, whether in the performance or camera department. The iPhone 15 will build on the legacy of the 14 series, and early rumours reveal that all phones in the 15 series will have the Dynamic Island and share the same processor. If it turns out to be true, the iPhone will rule the streets again.

    The 13th Gen Intel Processor Laptops

    The battle between AMD and Intel is one of the most interesting tech rivalries in the last half a decade. Team Red and Blue have been competing with their Ryzen and Core processors lines for the best of 10 years. Initially, it appeared that Intel was in the lead, but AMD got their sh*t together, revamped the Ryzen line, and had Intel momentarily stunned. Well, Intel is back… the 12th generation gave us a little bit of what is coming, but benchmarks and news around the 13th gen processors suggest that Intel is not playing. Power and efficiency are about to reach stratospheric levels. We also await AMD’s response. In this battle of Red and Blue, the consumer is the biggest winner and may continue.

    Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

    Android is Google’s property but brethren,  make no mistake, the poster child of the android smartphone market is Samsung, and following the cancellation of the Note series, the Samsung Galaxy S series is the undisputable king! The S23 series will come as a trio but let nobody fool you; the S23 Ultra is the crème de la crème, and consequently, that is the one we look forward to seeing. Luckily we don’t have to wait too long. The S23 series is dropping in a matter of weeks. Leakers have argued that the series is merely an incremental upgrade. Still, knowing Samsung, there are bound to be one or two remarkable surprises, and we can’t wait.

    The Foldable Phones

    Let’s be honest, foldables are the cool kids on the block. Those beauties are head-turners. While Samsung remains the king of the foldables, many other smartphone makers now have teeth in the game, too, from Xiaomi, Huawei, and even Oppo. Multiple reports claimed that Apple is also working in-house on a foldable. It’s unlikely that we will see that this year. Similarly, Samsung recently teased a foldable device that can fold in multiple ways at CES 2023. We can’t wait to unfold the 2023 foldable devices (all puns intended).

    Pixel Tablet

    Last year, Google announced it was ready to throw its hat into the smartphone and tablet market alongside the Pixel phones. We saw the first ever Pixel Smartwatch and now our fingers are crossed for the first Pixel Tablet. If Google’s record in the smartphone market is anything to go by, the Pixel Tablet will break records.  

    Honourable Mentions

    VR headphones, Xiaomi’s 13s Ultra, and Apple’s iWatch Series 9 or 10(?).

     Did we leave out any device? Tell us in the comment section

  • TOP 8 PHONES OF 2022

    As we usher in a brand-new year and await new phones for 2023 from OEMs, Ogabassey looks at the TOP 8 PHONES OF 2022, the phones that have made the best impressions on our customers and us.

    2022 was a big year for the smartphone industry. Smartphone photography was taken to a new level, efficiency (battery life) received a major boost, and processors received incremental upgrades. If you are on a budget and are looking to get a new phone in the new year, there is no better place to begin your search than here. The phones on this list are now cheaper than they were a few months ago and will also serve you considerably.

    The iPhone 14 Pro (and 14 Pro Max)

    We are tempted to say this list is in no particular order, but there can only be one number one, the iPhone 14 Pros were the phone to beat this year. The iPhone 13 Pros were already good phones. They were arguably the top dogs last year, and to top that, Apple needed something from the top shelf, and we strongly believe that the iPhone 14 Pros delivered. We particularly enjoyed the 48MP high-resolution camera (a first on any iPhone); the Dynamic Island has grown on us. While the battery was slightly less efficient than the iPhone 13 Pro Max, the iPhone 14 Pro Max was still one of the phones with the best battery this year.

    Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

    The choice between the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra boils down to which OS you prefer, as both phones can lay claim to the “Phone of the Year” title. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is arguably the Android King, while the 14 Pro Max is the latest and greatest iPhone. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is a true successor of one of our favourite phones from 2021, the S21 Ultra. The S22 Ultra picked some of the best things about the S21 Ultra and improved on them. The fact that it is the first S series with “full” support for the S-pen and its boxy design brings back the nostalgia of the now-discontinued Note series.

    Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro

    Google Pixels are not exactly popular in Nigeria for many reasons. It’s not officially sold here (Shey Google dey whine us ni?), and breaking the iPhone, and Samsung duopoly among the 1% is difficult. In Nigeria, the default option for most people who wish to buy a flagship device is usually a Samsung device or an iPhone. But for the true tech heads, the Google Pixel 7 and its more accomplished sibling, the 7 Pro, are Google’s finest devices in the smartphone world. The 6 and 6 Pro from last year were revolutionary devices, but like every first-gen device, they were plagued by bugs and shortcomings. But Google took the lessons from last year and built two devices that show what a well-refined and optimised software can do for user experience.

    Samsung A53

    For over half a decade now, Samsung has remained the brand to beat in the midrange market, and its success can be traced to how well-received its A series is. The Samsung A23 is incredible, the A73 5G with its upper midrange Snapdragon 778G 5G was delightful, but the middle child, A53, was the one that tickled our fancy. The A53 was built on the gains of the A52 and delivered with a great design, beautiful cameras, an okayish processor, and a lasting battery. The A53 was a favourite among those that shop in the midrange market.

    Redmi Note 11

    Xiaomi and its subsidiary, Redmi, continue to expand into the Nigerian smartphone market. They are becoming popular in the segments where Tecno and Infinix used to be kings. The Redmi Note 11 is a solid lower midrange phone that captured the imagination. MIUI is refined, the camera is great, and the design is one of the best we saw last year.

    Samsung Galaxy Fold 4

    At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 appear like an incremental upgrade of its predecessor, the Fold 3, but make no mistake; this is a well-designed and well-optimised device. Samsung went all out on the Fold 4; better cameras, great battery, better build, and software experience. The Fold 4 and the Fold 3 are our recommendations for users who want a tablet and a conventional smartphone in the same package.

    Samsung S21 Ultra

    A fan favourite and arguably the best Android phone of 2021, the Samsung S21 Ultra is an all-rounder that ticks all the boxes, and while the S22 Ultra has succeeded it, the S21 Ultra is far from obsolesce. And in 2023, especially for those on a budget, the Samsung S21 Ultra is one of the best options on the market; only a few devices can best its 108MP main shooter, and with Samsung’s generous update policies, the S21 Ultra will receive additional two major Android updates.

    iPhone 13 series

    The iPhone 13 series might have lost its crown as the greatest and latest iPhone to the 14 Pros, brethren, make no mistake, those phones are still capable even in 2023 and beyond. They are cheaper now, and depending on your budget, any of iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, or the mini will serve you going into the new year and beyond.

    Is there any phone you think deserves to be here that we haven’t added? Tell us in the comment section.

    All the devices listed here and more can be ordered from us. Click here to place an order; the good news is that you can also pay in instalments. Feel free to send us a DM on any of our social media pages for more information. 

  • Chip Unlocked: What They Won’t Tell You

    The Dilemma

    When shopping for a new iPhone, you may notice different tags on the advertisements, such as “Factory Unlocked,” “Worldwide Unlocked,” or “Chip Unlocked.” However, the price difference between a Chip Unlocked iPhone and a Factory Unlocked one can be as much as ₦‎250,000 ?. This begs the question. Is it worth buying a Chip Unlocked iPhone to save money? In this blog post, we will explain what Chip Unlocked means, how it works, and whether it’s a good option for you.

    What is a Chip Unlocked iPhone?

    A Chip Unlocked iPhone is an iPhone that is locked to a particular network provider. When purchasing a smartphone, network providers will sometimes sell devices locked to their network as part of a contractual agreement. Only a sim card from that network will work on the phone, which can be frustrating if you want to use it with another network or abroad.

    Network providers may allow customers to pay a fee to fully unlock the device, while others will never allow it to be unlocked.

    How to Know if your iPhone is Chip Unlocked

    There are 3 ways to know if your iPhone is Chip Unlocked

    1. Activate the device with a SIM inside the iPhone: If a SIM is inside the phone the error message below will pop up. Note that removing the SIM would allow the iPhone to be activated.
    2. Navigate to Settings >> General >> About >> Network Provider Lock. If the device is already activated you would need to navigate to settings. You will see one of these messages below
    3. Use an IMEI Checker. This is used when the device is New and you are unable to activate the device
    Chip Unlocked Error Message
    1. Error Message
    Chip Unlocked identification in settings
    2. Network Message
    Chip Unlocked identification in settings
    2. Network Message

    How to Unlock Your iPhone with a Chip

    The chip officially called an R-Sim is like a sticker with a microchip that is attached to the SIM that removes the network restriction temporarily from the iPhone. This chip tricks the iPhone into thinking it’s natively working with the SIM card, temporarily unlocking the device to use any SIM outside the network provider. Different brands and types of chips include GPP, GEVEY, HEISIM, HEICARD, SUPREME SIM, and SMART SIM.

    Advantages of Chip Unlocked iPhones

    There are several advantages to purchasing a chip-unlocked iPhone:

    1. It is cheaper than an officially unlocked phone, with potential savings of up to ₦250,000.
    2. It is the cheapest unlock method, costing only ₦10,000 or less.
    3. It is a safe unlocking method that does not void the phone’s warranty.
    4. It is an easy installation process that involves placing the chip on your sim card and entering an ICCID unlock code or using Auto TMSI mode.
    5. It is compatible with all iOS versions and does not interfere with OTA Software updates.

    1. It is Cheaper to Buy

    Honestly, a chip-unlocked iPhone will save you a lot of money. For instance, you can save up to  ₦50,000 on the iPhone XR and up to a frankly ridiculous ₦250,000 on the iPhone 13 Pro Max… So, like a Nigerian philosopher, we ask, rhetorically, “Who no like better thing?” A chip-unlocked iPhone is one of the best options if you are on a budget. 

    iPhoneFactory Unlocked PriceChip Unlocked PriceCost Savings
    iPhone XR 64gb (Premium Used)₦250,000 ($257)₦140,000 ($186)₦30,000 ($40)
    iPhone 13 128gb (Premium Used)₦475,000 ($633)₦350,000 ($467)₦125,000 ($167)
    iPhone 13 Pro Max 128gb (New)₦850,000 ($850)₦500,000 ($667)₦250,000 ($333)
    © Ogabassey 2024

    2. It’s the Cheapest Unlock Method 

    Performing a factory Unlock is very expensive. The chip that unlocks your phone costs ₦10,000 ($22) or less… In these Buhari Times, we can’t say it isn’t appealing! 

    3. It’s Safe

    Some unlocking techniques can void your phone’s warranty, but using the chip to unlock your phone isn’t one of those. It is safe and doesn’t trip any OEM-installed failsafe. 

    4. It’s Easy to Install

    Arguably the easiest way to unlock a device, chip unlocking is as simple as placing the sticker (the chip) on your SIM card and using Auto TMSI mode, and you’re good to go. 

    5. Updates

    Chip unlocking is compatible with all iOS versions, and you don’t have to worry about OTA updates; you are covered. 

    Disadvantages of Chip Unlocked iPhones

    Although a Chip Unlocked iPhone has its benefits, there are also some cons to consider:

    1. Chips Work Exclusively with iPhones

    Sorry Android boys, unlocking your devices is a different proposition, or you can use wifi exclusively. Chips aren’t designed for you. 

    2. Chips Can Be Unstable 

    Depending on the brand of chip purchased, You may experience a loss of network; this is rare but can be easily rectified by going to the sim applications option on the iPhone and clicking reactivate. This is why you might see vendors advertise “Stable Chips” because there are unstable ones.

    Where can you get a Chip unlocked iPhone?

    You can place an order for it on our website . The chip is sold separately and currently sells for an average of ₦5000 to ₦10,000 Maximum. So don’t get scammed. We wrote this article because we care about you and do not want you getting scammed.

    Can eSim Work on a Chip Unlocked iPhone?

    An eSIM will not work on a chip-unlocked iPhone because it is locked to a specific network. Only an eSIM from that network provider will work on the iPhone.

    In Conclusion

    Unlocking your iPhone can be an excellent investment. It’s cheaper. However, ensure you get your chip from a trusted source like us and do your research before making any purchases. If you found this helpful, please share it with your friends. Remember you can pay Small Small for gadgets with Ogabassey. Catch you in the next one ✌️

  • WHY THE MACBOOK IS THE CHOICE OF TECH BROS

    Apart from badly-kept dreads, joggers, turtlenecks, and laptop bags, nothing screams tech-bro louder than a MacBook these days. The overriding opinion in the Nigerian tech space is that until you get a MacBook, you are not ready to take your tech journey seriously. The same assertion holds, even among content creators. Content creators have found a worthy machine in the MacBook. Check the scenes involving laptops in your favourite skits, na MacBook you go see. More Nigerians are now embracing the MacBook despite its ***coughs**** ***coughs again*** slightly steep price.

    But why do tech bros and other tech enthusiasts prefer the Macbook? We have the answers:

    They use iPhones 

    8 out of 10 tech bros have an iPhone; the other two are Samsung fanboys who haven’t finished their backend programming courses. Each OEM (Apple, Samsung, Google, etc.) invests heavily in its ecosystem integration to make users’ tech experience richer and more seamless. To compete with Apple’s class-leading ecosystem integration, Samsung has partnered with Microsoft to offer some nifty integration with windows. And nobody needs cross-device integration more than a tech bro that is always debugging, testing, improving, and rewriting codes.

     You can copy something on your Samsung phone and paste it on your laptop and vice versa. This is a useful feature if you are always constantly using your PC for productive tasks. But the integration between the iPhone and the MacBook is on a different level. From Universal Clipboard, which allows you to do the Samsung and Windows copy & paste thing, to using Handoff to complete tasks that you started on one device on another device, Airdrop, using your Mac’s keyboard as an input device on your iPhone. Omo! The list of things you can do is exhaustive… Since most tech bros already have an iPhone, a MacBook is the only logical choice… Trust the ecosystem!

    They Place a Premium on a Powerful yet Portable Laptop. 

    When it comes to CPU and GPU-intensive tasks like video-editing, VM, etc., only a few Windows laptops can touch the garment of the most powerful MacBooks. When Apple released the M1 MacBook Air in 2020, they shook the industry; the M1 models were smoking consumer-grade Intel and AMD laptops while using little power to perform performance-centric tasks. A powerful laptop in such a small chassis (a fanless design!) was considered a tall order by many tech observers at that point. But Apple has always been at the forefront of technological innovations. Apple built on the gains of the M1 with the M2 last year and packed the laptop with top-shelf power. The designs of the MacBooks haven’t changed much; they got powerful yet maintained their sleek, premium look. The battery life of the M1 and M2 MacBooks makes them the best option for those who value power, portability, and performance.

     The average Tech Bro wants a powerful laptop they can take to Devfest or a brainstorming session at one lounge in Yaba. The MacBook is a no-brainer; it’s a healthy dose of power, portability and efficiency.

    They Have Other Apple Products. 

    A tech bro without an iWatch? Stop Playing! Committing to an ecosystem offers a lot of gains. The idea that your smartwatch, phone and laptop can function harmoniously is a tech enthusiast’s wet dream. If it’s a tech bro making heavy bag, chances are he probably has a Homepod, Apple TV etc.

    They Value Durability 

    Have you ever seen a MacBook with broken hinges or frames? No? We neither! MacBooks are relatively durable. Apple charges a premium (more on that later), but the build quality alone is a strong defence for the prices of the MacBooks. MacBooks are high-quality, reliable machines that are less likely to experience technical issues or slowdowns. The last thing a tech bro want is a laptop that will disappoint him

    They Can Afford it, or They Have a Plug Like Oga Bassey. 

    Let’s be honest; MacBooks are relatively expensive. For around 150 000 Naira, you will probably get an entry-level Windows laptop. A premium-used M1 MacBook will set you back by around 500,000 Naira. Quality doesn’t come cheap, but we bring good tidings. With Oga Bassey, you can get the MacBook of your choice and spread the payment across months. Bro! It doesn’t get better than that. If you click here, you can learn how to get a MacBook while spreading the payment between 3 to 12 months… We have got you.

    We spoke about how we do this with the Vanguard Newspaper here.

  • 5 DIY Upgrades that will Speed Up your PC

    We can’t think of anything more infuriating than a slow computer. You have opened ONLY 15 tabs in Chrome, and your PC is hyperventilating as if it had just concluded 200m senior boys’ sprint… God abeg o! The easiest fix is probably to get a newer system. We can help you do that and even offer you a payment plan to offset the cost in instalments; you can visit here.

    However, life happens, and you probably can’t upgrade now, but you still want to experience a fast PC that doesn’t make you feel like a low-budget angry Hulk; we have got you!

    Swap your Hard Disk Drive for a Solid-State Drive

    Hard Disk is old school. Yes, they are cheap, but they are very slow. The SSD is EIGHT TIMES faster than the HDD. Swapping your old HDD for an SSD will do your system a lot of good. The first difference you will probably realise is the boost in the boot-up time; your system will start booting up in under 8 seconds. Your apps will also load more quickly. It is a no-brainer if you are a gamer; get an SSD and enjoy bliss.

    Increase your RAM

    First and foremost, not all system’s RAMs are upgradable; some PCs and newer MACs have their RAMs soldered directly to the motherboard (that’s something to watch out for when buying your new system). However, increasing your RAM will allow your PC to handle multitasking better if your system supports it. In 2022, please, bro, abeg, the recommended minimum RAM size is 8GB; anything lower than this is just sufferhead. In our opinion, 16GB is the sweet spot between productivity (opening enough tabs in Chrome and running multiple word documents) or gaming (whether it’s FIFA or COD)

    Run Disk Cleanup

    Freeing your system of junk files can speed up your system significantly. Disk Cleanup is a utility app on Windows that clears junk files on your PC. We recommend you run Disk Cleanup at least once in 60 days for optimal results.

    Clean your System

    Your system has fans working “tirelessly” to keep the temperature down to acceptable levels (except you have a fan-less Ultrabook or the M1 & M2 MacBook Air from Apple). With time, these fans gather dust, cobwebs, and other “debris,” limiting their ability to work well. If your fans aren’t running optimally, your system will throttle for thermal reasons (reduce performance for safety reasons). At least twice a year, open up your laptop and clean the internals; you only need a screwdriver and a YouTube video. Please note that opening your laptop can void your warranty.

    Get a Newer Model

    Sometimes, the best way to upgrade your system is to get a newer one. Every year, Intel and AMD, the two biggest processor makers in the world, release upgrades for their processors. Each new processor comes with efficiency and performance boost. Getting a newer model will also help you with future-proofing. For example, Windows 11 is only natively (officially) supported by systems running 8th generation (2017/2018) processors and newer.

    In most cases, the newer your PC is, the more powerful it is. Fortunately, we have got you covered. You can get some of the most powerful PCs and MacBooks on the market at ridiculously affordable prices with the option to even pay in instalments. Click here to learn more.

    Is your system not performing optimally? Tell us in the comment section, and let’s help out.

  • HOW FAST CAN YOUR PHONE CHARGE: A-Z OF THE CHARGING TECHNOLOGIES OF YOUR FAVOURITE SMARTPHONES BRANDS

    One thing you will do for the rest of your phone’s lifespan is to charge it. And while processors, cameras, screen size, updates availability, and after-sales services are important considerations when buying a phone, the charging capability of the phone is also very important. In the last decade, the smartphone industry has experienced remarkable technology advancements as far as charging is concerned that we now have a phone that can charge from 0-100 in less than 20 minutes. That is truly astonishing! There are different charging standards in the smartphone world, and the most popular is arguably the USB Power Delivery (also known as USB-PD); USB-PD relies on the capability of USB 3.1. in fact, many OEMs use USB-PD to execute their proprietary charging standards. Qualcomm’s Quick Charge (the charging standard for all phones that have Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Socs), Samsung’s proprietary Fast Charging and  Adaptive Fast Charging (for Samsung phones), and Xaiomi’s Hypercharge are some of the more popular  charging standards in the Android world

    However, what constitutes fast charging differs from one phone to another. The iPhone’s approach to fast charging differs from Samsung’s, Xiaomi’s, or Huawei’s. Here is each major phone maker’s approach to fast charging:

    Apple (iPhone)

    Errrrm… Apple fans, look away! Among the major smartphone OEMs, Apple’s fast charging is one of the least impressive. But like we said here, Apple doesn’t jump on technology trends until they are ready. It took the arrival of the iPhone 8 before Apple implemented any form of fast charging. Even for their recent phones, the numbers are relatively not impressive, but it’s apple; incremental but optimised upgrading is their bread and butter, so when Apple eventually joins the race, rest assured we will have something worthwhile… Here is a list of iPhones and their charging speed:

    • iPhone 8 12W
    • iPhone 8 Plus 18W
    • iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max 18W
    • iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max 22W
    • iPhone SE 2020 12W
    • iPhone SE 2 18W
    • iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max 20W
    • iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 mini 20W
    • iPhone 14 Pro Max 27W

    For proper context, Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 8, released in August 2019, does 18W, while the Redmi Note 12 Discovery Edition uses Xiaomi’s proprietary Hypercharge fast charging technology to deliver 210W meaning the 4300mAh will be completely charged in under 10 minutes… That is insane! Come on, Apple, Keep up.

    Samsung

    In many circles, Samsung is considered the king of the Android smartphone market. It isn’t easy to disagree. Samsung has consistently set the tone for all Android OEMs, and they are universally regarded as the Android OS’s answer to Apple’s iPhones. But surprisingly, Samsung has refused to be caught in the fast-charging race. Since the Samsung S10 5G in 2019, for its flagship phones, Samsung has used either 25W charging or 45W charging. The S10 was 25W; the Note 10 plus had 45W. Since then, only the Note 20 Ultra, Samsung S21 Ultra, and the S22 Ultra support 45W. Every other flagship and upper midranger has support for only 25W.

    Others

    Xiaomi, Oppo, One Plus, Huawei are some of the biggest proponents of higher fast charging. In fact, if fast charging means a lot to you, these brands are some of the first places to begin your search. Xiaomi and Oppo have phones that support 200W. Remember that their charging technology is proprietary, and some of your regular chargers will not deliver the high charging speed of their follow-come chargers.

    What does this mean for you?

    We have mentioned here that your battery is an important component of your phone, and charging it without care can mess up your experience with your phone. If you use any OEM-certified chargers, especially those available here, it is very unlikely that your phone will be adversely affected. However, that a charger charges your friend’s phone for a ridiculously short period does not mean you will enjoy the same speed. Fast charging technologies are not the same for all phones. Temper your expectations with reality and knowledge…

    Welcome to the 1%…

  • 4 Common Smartphone Myths You Should Not Believe

    Mobile phones have more outrageous myths than India 99 vs Nigeria 1. Like that legendary football match that never happened, many of the myths here have no basis, and we are in utter disbelief at how long these have been perpetuated. But not to worry, we are here on a myth-busting mission:

    More Megapixels mean a better Camera.

    98.2% of phone users are guilty of this. Until recently, many of us have held the opinion that a higher megapixel count will automatically translate into a better photo. This is one of the few myths that have endured for far too long. On paper, a 200MP camera should be better than a 48MP one. Still, as the comparison between the Samsung S22 Ultra and the iPhone 14 Pro Max shows, more numbers don’t necessarily translate into better images. Phone camera technology has gone beyond the number game. From the iPhone 6 in 2014 down to the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple has stuck with 12MP shooters for their smartphones, yet year-on-year, iPhones were among the best camera phones in the world. The quality of photos is not determined by the number of megapixels but rather by the quality of the lens, the sensor size, the ISO capabilities, and the image processing Unit of the SOC. As Google Pixels have shown us, computational photography (a.k.a AI processing) has much to say. So, despite what the marketing material might say, a 500MP Tecno is not outperforming a 12MP iPhone in 2022

    Charging Your Phone Overnight is Bad for Your Phone.

    Careful here… There are a lot of caveats here. Charging your phone under unfavourable conditions (like charging your phone and putting it on your bed overnight) is dangerous and even hazardous; you can read more about that here. But if you charge your phone correctly, charging it overnight is not bad at all. Except your phone is defective, you cannot overcharge your phone. Modern smartphones come with chips that handle power. Once your smartphone reaches 100%, it will stop charging.

    The Only Charger You Should Use is the One That Comes With Your Phone.

    This is laughable now! Since its launch of the iPhone 12 series, Apple has stopped bundling chargers with their phones, its closest rival, Samsung followed suit in 2021; since its launch of the Samsung Galaxy S21 series, Samsung has stopped putting chargers in its FLAGSHIP phones. So, if you have to charge only with the chargers that came with your phone, what will iPhone 12, S21, and S22 users do? The truth is each phone has a charging specification, the charging technology it supports. For instance, the iPhone X and later will work perfectly with any USB-PD compatible charger. Samsung flagship phones are compatible with chargers that support USB-PD 3.0 or its proprietary technology, Quick Charge 2.0. If you don’t have a follow-come charger for your device, a high-quality third-party charger or wireless charger will do just fine and here is a good place to begin your search.

    More Battery Capacity Means More Battery Life

    Leeeemaoooooo! Now having a 5000MAH+ battery is good. Theoretically, more mAh means more juice for your phone, but having more juice to access is not as important as having a well-optimised device that ensures that juice doesn’t get quickly depleted. The iPhone 13 Pro Max from last year has 4,352mAh, while its 2021 counterpart, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, is fitted with a 5000mAh battery. Guess who has a better battery, ladies and gentlemen? The iPhone. An optimised device that balances performance with high power efficiency will always do better than a poorly optimised device with a high-capacity battery. The S21 Ultra is no slouch, but the iPhone is slightly better tuned.

    4K Will Look Better on a Phone Screen

    No, it won’t. We haven’t seen a jump from 1440p to 4k from the majority of phone manufacturers because our eyes are incapable of benefitting from the resolution bump, especially on a screen that small. 4k might look good on your TV, but on a mobile phone, you will have difficulty discerning the difference between a 2K screen and a 4K screen. Sony has tried unsuccessfully. Their phones equipped with 4K screens aren’t doing well…

    Tell us in the comment section which myth you find the most interesting and which myth do you think we missed out.