Pocket-lint daily - Zenfone 9, Qualcomm x Samsung deal, Cupra Born reviewed

It's Friday! By Chris Hall | Friday July 29 2022 It's Friday! - If you're enjoying the email, why not get a friend to sign up too, so they can also be in the know? Get them to [sign up here.]( Asus Zenfone 9 sets the benchmark for compact flagship phones POCKET-LINT What's happened? Asus has followed up its 2021 flagship handset with the launch of [the Zenfone 9](. Why does it matter? Like the predecessor, this new Zenfone promises premium performance from a compact device What's my take? Asus is sticking to its guns and offering a compact phone with flagship power. And powerful it is. It has the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 hardware, 16GB RAM, 256GB storage and a 120Hz display. There's even space for a headphone socket. All this is packed into a phone that's smaller than many rivals, with a 5.9-inch display. This means it is easier to use one-handed. Not to mention the fact that Asus has a new design for it, which we really like. Top it off with a new camera supported by a gimbal and you've got a lot of phone. It's a little more expensive than the previous version at £699 / $699 / €799, but you're getting a lot for your money. I'm still working on the review, but you can see how it compares to the [previous phone right here](. Samsung and Qualcomm extend partnership, likely puts Snapdragon in the Galaxy S23 globally POCKET-LINT What's happened? Qualcomm and Samsung have announced an extension and expansion of a "broad strategic partnership". Why does it matter? This likely means that the Galaxy S23 - due to launch next year - will have Snapdragon hardware globally, leaving Exynos to one side. What's my take? For many years, Samsung has used a mixture of Qualcomm hardware and its own Exynos hardware. While there was parity on performance, optimisation on Exynos was often questioned. It has always been clear, therefore, that customers preferred Snapdragon. This announcement covers patents across 3G, 4G, 5G and future 6G technologies, but also includes expanded Snapdragon use across a wider range of Samsung mobile devices, including laptops and tablets, and VR headsets. It looks like a doubling down between two behemoths of the industry, in order to fend off competition and advance both companies into the future. It will likely mean that Exynos will take something of a back burner, and Samsung might be making more of a noise about Snapdragon technologies going forward. Cupra Born review: Hatchback hero POCKET-LINT What's happened? The Cupra Born is a very tempting proposition. Much like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, even a first glance at the overall design suggests you're in for some exciting times behind the wheel. Our quick verdict Overall, the Cupra Born is a real success story. It offers up a really zingy EV experience, which comes packed with zesty performance, great handling and more than adequate everyday range. It’s a lot of fun to drive, for sure, which is enhanced by a very handy 10.2m turning circle. [Read our review](. In Case You Missed it New PS5 beta [software explained]( What it adds, 1440p and more. --- [How to stream]( your Google Nest Cam or Doorbell on Chromecast with Google TV. --- The Crucial P5 Plus 1TB NVMe M2 has over a [$40 saving at $116.37]( (was $159.99). That's a 27% discount for the SSD with speeds of 6600MBps. From The Gear Loop MICHAEL HACKER/UNSPLASH Best beginner surfboards: Easy to master boards to get you up and riding waves. [Read m](. And finally... HANS HOLBEIN/FACEAPP Thirty-two famous artworks re-imagined with smiles and old age filters. [Check them out.]( Have you checked out our weekly podcast that comes out every Friday? It's packed with news, interviews, and top things to get. You can subscribe to the Pocket-lint Podcast via [iTunes]( and [Spotify]( or access it on the web via [Acast](. This week, we discuss the Mini Aceman concept, talk to Amazon about Fire TV, and review the Google PIxel 6a. [Listen to the new episode today.]( Thanks for reading , if you're enjoying the email, why not get a friend to sign up too, so they can also be in the know? Get them to [sign up here.]( [The Trust Project][Why you can trust Pocket-lint]( Copyright © 2022 Pocket-lint, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website Our mailing address is: Pocket-lint PO Box 4770Ascot, Berkshire SL5 5DP United Kingdom [Add us to your address book]( Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](. [Mailchimp Email Marketing](