Samsung Galaxy S8 Excels in Low Light Video Recording

As a tech blogger who's now starting to create more content for Youtube, having a reliable cameraphone that can record clear and crisp videos regardless of the lighting condition is important to me.

Sure, I already own an amazing Canon G7x Mark II but it's not really a device that I'd want to always keep in my pocket when I'm out and about, jumping from one tech event to the next after corporate meetings. It's still a tad too bulky and heavy.

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There's a saying that goes 'The best camera is the one that you have with you'. Considering how slim and light great cameraphones have become, I believe many mobile warriors who are always on the road - just like me - now see their smartphones as their trusty companion when recording moments for future consumption, business use, or plain nostalgia.

Since April 2016, my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has been one of my trusted partners at gadget launches in and outside the country. Not only is its still camera one of the best out there but its 4K video recorder is also top-notch. Yes, until today, I'm keeping my SGS7Edge - that I had purchased from argomall - as one of my daily drivers. Though, I know that it's probably already time for an upgrade.

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A little more than a week ago, our friends from Samsung Philippines and their PR agency - GreenBulb - sent me a Samsung Galaxy S8 unit to play with and review.

Slated for local release come May 2017, the SGS8 is the 2017 follow-up to the S7 Edge, having better technical specifications and flaunting a sleek, near bezel-less Infinity Display.

Of course, one of the features that I immediately tried out was the handset's main camera.

On paper, the technical specifications of S8's rear shooter are almost exactly the same as that of Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. For stills, it's a 12 MegaPixel Dual Pixel PDAF camera with f/1.7 aperture and optical image stabilization. And for videos, it's a 4K UHD 30fps recorder with Slo-Mo support.

Upon reading the specs, I must admit that I felt a tad disappointed as I was expecting a boost - if a bit - in the MegaPixel count or the size of the aperture.

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Last Thursday, however, after attending the DuterteNomics forum held at the Conrad Hotel Manila, I discovered something special about the video recorder of the Samsung Galaxy S8!

You see, in one of the restaurant's viewing decks, I recorded a video of the famous Manila Bay sunset using both my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and Galaxy S8 - side by side each other. While I was at it, I honestly thought that the two videos would look identical considering that the cameras of both phones share the same technical specifications.

I was wrong.

Upon reviewing the clips, it was clear that - compared to the one that I recorded using my Galaxy S7 Edge - the low light 4K video which I took using the new Galaxy S8 had more vibrant colors, 'whiter' whites, and more pronounced details even when there was little ambient light!

Watch the comparison video here:


I'm not shy to admit that I judged the Samsung Galaxy S8's rear camera way too soon. I should have known better than to pass judgment on its main shooter based on specs alone. I mean, the sample video speaks for itself.

Off hand, I'm thoroughly impressed with the low light video recording performance of the Samsung Galaxy S8; For me, it's certainly one of the main highlights of this release. And I believe that in this regard, this model could very well end up being the flagship level smartphone to beat this year.

Samsung Service Center Experience and Review : Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Screen Replacement

Apart from the 2017 flagship release, Samsung Galaxy S8, there's currently another thing about the Korean Giant that I find particularly impressive: Their after-sales support here in the Philippines.

Last Friday - April 7, 2017, I visited the Samsung Service Center in SM North EDSA Annex to have my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge fixed.

Frankly, before I headed there, I had expected the experience to be terrible; Long lines, hours of waiting, and grumpy support staff. I mean, like what most of use are used to when having our devices repaired in centers like this.

Thankfully, everything turned out better than what I thought it would be. A lot better.

In fact, the whole experience panned out as the complete opposite of my initial expectations.

I want to give a shout out to Joana of Samsung Service Center SM North EDSA for being so helpful.

My Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge unit had a relatively 'simple' issue that I found quite annoying.

As soon as I returned home from my trip in Europe last month, I noticed a horizontal thread-thin line of dead pixels right smack in the middle of the screen.

The black line seemingly appeared randomly or out of nowhere as I never mishandled my phone while I was abroad; Never dropped it nor hit the screen with something that could have damaged it.

Apart from that problem, my unit was working perfectly.

I arrived at the Service Center at around 5:45PM and I immediately got a number to have my phone's problem addressed.

Apparently, Samsung Philippines has different lines or queues depending on the product or the phone model that you have.

Thankfully, they have a special line for their current flagship-level handsets, Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, which I own. So I was but one customer away from talking to a representative at the counter when I entered the waiting area; It was really fast.

When it was my turn, I handed Joana my SGS7Edge and pointed out the issue. She looked at the screen and confirmed it.

After which, she asked if I still have my official receipt. I answered, "Sadly, Joana, I no longer have it. Honestly, I think I've lost it in my pile of documents at home."

She answered, "No problem, Sir. I will just check in our system when the unit was made to see if it's still covered by warranty. As per checking, the screen's issue is not caused by physical damage." She was very courteous and straight-forward.

Thankfully, Joana was able to confirm that my device was good for 100% service and parts warranty.

She then asked me to back-up all the files in my phone first as the unit will be factory reset to complete the repair process.

Good thing I had my laptop with me. It took me around 15 minutes to transfer content - photos, videos, and other files - from my handset to my computer.

After I handed her the phone, Joana went inside the 'repair booth' and asked the technicians if they have the parts needed for the repair, among other things.

Joana returned to the counter and told me, "Sir Mark, I think we can repair your unit in 2 to 3 hours! Just leave it us and we'll text you once it's been fixed."

I was pleasantly surprised as I was expecting that I would have to leave my beloved phone for 2-3 days to be repaired.

The Service Center is located in one of the largest malls in world so I knew I could easily make the most of the 2-3 hours of waiting time.

After buying shirts at H&M with my good friend, Lucky, I received a messaged from Samsung Service Center. It was at 8:23PM or a little more than two hours since I handed Joana my phone.

"Hi good day! This is from Samsung Service.Your unit is ready for pick up. Thank you."

Again, I was impressed.

When I returned to the Service Center, Joana had already left but she had endorsed my case to her colleagues.

One of them handed me my repaired unit - with a brand new Edge screen - and asked me to sign the 'release' papers.

I didn't have to pay a cent for the service and the new screen. I believe I was able to save more than Php 12,000, which is amazing.

While I was checking if my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is working properly after the display replacement, I asked the staff, "Do you offer the same speedy repair service to owners of other Galaxy models? Even those in the entry-level category?"

One of them answered, "[Sir Mark, we always try to fix units the fastest way we can regardless of the model. Your phone's problem was less complicated compared to other issues so we were able to do fix it in less than three hours. It really depends on the problem of the unit.]"

Fair enough.

Anyway, I decided to share this story for those who are now planning to have their Samsung devices fixed at any official Service Center of the company and also to give praise where it is due. And with that, let me say, "Thumbs up, Samsung Philippines! Your after-sales support is top-notch! Keep up the good work!"

TechPinas and OPPO Philippines Go to Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona, Spain

I've been a technology blogger for more than eight years now -- and in that span of time, humbly, I had been able to cover historic tech events and memorable gadget launches in other parts of the world, from Singapore to Abu Dhabi, from Indonesia to India.

I must admit, though, that I'd never had the chance to cover Mobile World Congress - dubbed as the biggest smartphone event of all - that happens annually in Barcelona, Spain. It was a bit sad and frustrating considering my sheer passion for and interest in mobile devices.

That's why I was so delighted when my good friend, Stephen Cheng from OPPO Philippines informed me around middle of 2016 that they were planning to invite me to be a part of their media delegation in this year's MWC.

And after months of preparation - which included the arduous and meticulous Schengen visa application process, we're finally here! I have to thank the entire Team OPPO Philippines -- especially Sir James, Stephen, Jane, Sir Ananda, Maggie, and Ester for giving me the chance to experience this conference first hand for me to able to share it better with my readers.

I won't be shy to say that this is a dream come true for me. I've heard to many amazing stories about MWC in the past and I can't wait to experience it for myself.

Trusted Chinese handset maker OPPO is slated to unveil a new powerhouse smartphone at MWC 2017, which the entire Philippine media delegation will be covering, of course.

With Stephen Cheng of OPPO Philippines, Jamie Inocian of Unbox, and Abe Olandres of Yugatech (Photo Credit: Ms. Jane Wan)

As yet, the company has merely hinted that the upcoming handset will come with OPPO's new 5X imaging technology, which I believe is all about 5X optical zooming -- but that's just my hunch (and I hope it's correct). We'll know for sure what it's all about within the next two days so stay tuned for updates!

By the way, for those who are following me on Facebook, you may have noticed that the OPPO PH delegation went to Prague, Czech Republic first before flying to Barcelona, Spain. Yes, it was so because Team OPPO PH - headed by Sir James Ma - wanted their media delegation to meet the company's partners from Home Credit, which is based in that downright gorgeous country.

Sir Adam of Home Credit and Sir James Ma of OPPO PH. The other day, I told Sir James while we were going down the Prague Palace that Sir Adam is already like his brother because they have the same sense of humor. He laughed.

In Prague with (L-R) Sir Ananda Pan of OPPO, Sir Adam of Home Credit, Sir James Ma of OPPO PH, Maggie Qin, Jane Wan, Stephen Cheng, Jamie Inocian, and Abe Olandres.

A great host, Mr. Adam Bernasek of Home Credit took time off to tour us around the main travel destinations in Prague. Here are some photos, all taken using OPPO F1s Selfie Expert and with no edit whatsover.


Alright! That's it for now! Keep checking our blog and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; Just look for 'TechPinas'. I also intend to update this blog regularly during the entire conference so make sure you're watching. Oh, and I might also upload some videos on Youtube so if you haven't, kindly subscribe to our channel there.

We've just landed in Barcelona after a two-hour flight from Prague, I'm now super excited to go around the MWC venue to experience the devices at their own booths, take photos, and shoot videos. So many things to do but it's all worth it. I'm grateful. Thanks, OPPO!