Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S

Xiaomi unveiled their latest addition to the Redmi family on 23rd March 2020, and was officially for sale in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand & China on the 7th April 2020.

Here i have, is the latest Redmi Note 9S!!

So Xiaomi actually sent me their latest Redmi Note 9S for review, but the one i'm holding is not the standard Redmi Note 9S variant. What i have on hand, is the Redmi Note 9S Mi Fan Festival(MFF) Version.

According to Xiaomi, there are only 2020 limited edition Redmi Note 9S worldwide and it comes in grey colour with a unique 2020 MFF logo at the back. This marks the 10th anniversary of Xiaomi which was founded on 6th April 2010.

All variants of the Note 9S comes with 6.67-inch Full HD+ (2,040 x 1,080 pixels resolution) DotDisplay coupled with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G. The MFF version only comes with 6GB RAM and 128GB of storage, while the standard version has the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage and 6GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. Talking about functionality. something new for Xiaomi's phone is that the Redmi Note 9S comes with a side mounted fingerprint sensor that acts as your power button as well!

The Redmi Note 9S comes with a whopping 5020 mAh battery capacity supported by 18W fast charging. you're sure to last a day with playing games without charging it!

And as quad cameras are rather standardised thing now for phones, this Redmi Note 9S is of no exception as it comes with the 48MP quad camera setup, and while the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G's wideangle lens is 117º, the Redmi Note 9S's wideangle is 119º, which helps alot when trying to capture a wider angle.

0.6x Wide angle

1x Zoom

2x Zoom

10x Zoom

I actually love playing games on the Redmi Note 9S. the Snapdragon 720G actually runs on par with the Snapdragon 835 and loading games like Call of Duty and Mobile legends are buttery smooth! Big screen, fast gaming focused processor and big battery capacity. What's there to hate?

Without reading the spec sheet, I would not and did not expect that the Note 9S has a bigger screen compared to my Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G. Honestly for the price tag of this phone, there's nothing to complain about, truly giving the buyer of the phone a bang for the buck experience.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9S's pricelist is as of below, and you can get it on lazada!
Redmi Note 9S (4+64GB): $299
Redmi Note 9S (6+128GB): $349

Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G

Having the same outlook as the Xiaomi Mi 9, but what you're seeing is not a regular Xiaomi Mi 9, in fact this is the upgraded version that was released during late 2019 and it is the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G!

Mi 9 Pro 5G

Only available in China at the date of release in either Dream White or Titanium Black and there is yet no news for global release for the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G.

The outlook of the Dream White Mi 9 Pro 5G in matte finish actually changes at different angle as you can see from the picture below.

The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ processor and is said to be 15% faster in graphics rendering compared to the standard Snapdragon 855. The CPU speed of the Snapdragon 855+ received a boost at the same time to 2.96GHz compared to the standard Snapdragon 855 which runs at 2.84GHz only. The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G also got an upgrade to a maximum of 12GB RAM and 512GB Storage with UFS 3.0! 

The chipset's cooling solution used in the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G is known to be the industry's most efficient cooling system and it is called the vapor chamber (VC) cooling system. According to Xiaomi, the core temperature of the phone can go down by as much as 10.2°C, Thanks to custom L shaped vapor chamber cooling solution.

The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G as expected, will support 5G networks as well, provided your country has them already. the phone sports a 7 antenna design in the phone, which means you'll be able to receive the best reception regardless of the way you hold your phone! 

The Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G's battery got an upgrade from 3300 mAh to 4000 mAh, you probably might think bigger battery capacity means it takes a longer time to charge, but thanks to the QC4+ 40W fast charging capability, it is able to charge the phone from flat in 48 minutes! Wireless charging was boosted to 30W and can charge up the phone to full in 69 minutes! A new feature like 10W reverse charging is also added into the Mi9 Pro 5G.

Sad to say that the camera hardware was not upgraded on the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G, so it retains the 48MP triple camera setup. No qualms though, it still performs as I would expect. Even at 10x zoom, picture is still clear enough.

Wide Angle

1x Zoom

2x Zoom

10x Zoom

The Mi 9 Pro 5G also received a newly developed linear motor, which offers better haptic feedback compared to the Mi 9.

Although this phone only came out for a brief moment before the Xiaomi Mi 10 and Xiaomi Mi 10 pro was announced, taking into consideration of the specs, price point and support from the brand, the Xiaomi Mi 9 Pro 5G is rather decent when compared any other 855+ phones.

P.S. If you're living outside of China and needs Google Apps to work, fret not as there are ways to get the google apps running on the china rom! You can view it HERE (https://mvtreviews.blogspot.com/2020/03/installing-google-play-store-in-china.html)

Lenovo Tab M10 HD

So, What I’m reviewing is probably the cheapest 10.1” entry level android tablet from Lenovo. There are 2 models of this Tablet and this variant is known as the Lenovo Tab M10 HD, or also known as Code name TB-X505. The Lenovo Tab M10 HD comes with Android 9.0 Pie right out of the box and while the Lenovo Tab M10 FHD comes with Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, the Lenovo Tab M10 HD comes with the cheaper and weaker Snapdragon 429.

The Lenovo Tab M10 HD comes in either a black or white plastic body, a 3.5mm headphone jack, docking slot with pogo pin and weirdly enough, the tablet also has a SIM card tray together with the microSD slot, that means this tablet supports 4G network. The total weight of the tablet is 480g.

The Lenovo Tab M10 HD comes with a 10.1” IPS screen with 1920 x 800 pixels. The tablet features a HD resolution instead of a full HD screen which is used in the Lenovo Tab M10 FHD.  While watching videos on it is perfectly fine, it isn’t going to be as sharp as it is when it comes to reading texts off websites compared to when you're using your phone due to its low pixel density.

Taken by the 5MP Autofocus camera

The Lenovo Tab M10 HD uses a 2MP fixed focus camera for its front camera while the rear uses a 5MP autofocus camera and you can actually unlock the tablet with face recognition using the front camera if you prefer to do so. The face recognition is good enough, but don’t expect the best from the cameras. The tablet comes with 2 front facing speakers with Dolby Audio™ as well. The tablet comes with 4850 mAh battery and uses the micro USB charging port which I’m quite disappointed with as I would expect it to come with at least a type C 2.0 port.

I am actually pleased to know that the Lenovo Tab M10 HD comes with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi channels, which means faster Wi-Fi speed to stream YouTube or Netflix videos or to load websites. This is a plus point for me as I actually use the tablet solely to watch videos shows and to look at the stock market.

If you have kids in the household, you can turn on the ‘Kids Mode’ to keep your child safe and entertained with custom contents such as parental control features and eye protection technology to help reduce eyestrain.

Kids Mode

The Lenovo Tab M10 HD is a very nice tablet to have in the family at its price point in the tablet market if you don’t play high intensity games on it. But on an individual level, if you’re able to stretch your budget a little, I would suggest that you go for the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019).

If you have any questions regarding the tablet, feel free to comment below or send in an email!

Latest 2020 Huawei Google installation Method

Tested and working on the latest Huawei P40 that was released few days ago.
Note: Please follow the steps carefully written below and make sure you're connected to the internet at all time.

1. download the files here and extract file.
2. Copy folder 'huawei' to root of either your memory card or external OTG USB drive and plug it into your phone.
3. Go to settings > System & Updates > Backup & Restore > Data Backup > External Storage
4. Under 'Restore from Backup', select the backup which have the LZPlay (谷歌服务助手) and restore Apps and Data for 谷歌服务助手 only. Do not restore the GO谷歌安装器！
5. Install all 6 APKs in the 'Google Pack' folder (please follow number sequence).
6. Launch '谷歌服务助手' app and press the '重新安装谷歌服务' button.
7. Restart phone even if the 谷歌服务助手 app completes with error or did not complete at all.
8. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps > Type Google under 'Search' and Show System Processes by pressing the 3 dots icon on top right. Swipe right to close pop ups from Google Play Services.
9. Clear Cache, Data and Force Stop Google Services Framework. Uninstall Google Services Framework after that.
10. Browse to the 'Fix' folder and install 'Google Account Manager' app
11. Once done, Go to Settings > Users & Accounts > Add an account > Select Google > Click Existing > Sign in
12. Disable the option to backup to Google when prompted.
13. Browse to the 'Fix' folder and install 'Google Services Framework' app.
14. Restart your phone.
15. Launch Google Play Store.

If the pop ups from Google Play Services annoys you, disable the notification for it.
If you get 'device is not play protect certified' pop up while launching Google Maps or Google Play store, Just click 'ok' and it should still function as per normal.

If you face 'DF-DFERH-01' error, click here.

How to Fix DF-DFERH-01 Google Play Store Error

Error DF-DFERH-01 has become one of the most common errors occurring in the Google Play Store. This error DF-DFERH-01 usually occurs while downloading or updating android application from google play store. The Error message that displays on the screen states “Error retrieving information from server. [DF-DFERH-01]”. If you are also one who is facing this Error then you have come to the right place. Here, I will let you know some of the methods which have successfully solved the Error. Before heading to the main method. Try the steps below, it may solve your issue. • Unlock the screen of the devices. • Press and hold the “Power” button until a menu appears. • Select “Power off“. • Wait for the device to power off. • Wait 10 seconds, then press and hold the “Power” button to power the device back ON. • After that, try to download the app again. It may solve your error problem. How To Fix: DF-DFERH-01 Google Play Store Error? Method 1: Clear Cache and Data Go to Setting > Go to Application Setting (In some devices application setting is named as apps). Go to, All the apps > Find the Google Play Store > Clear Cache and Data Once you have clear everything, Next you need to Force Stop the application. Similarly, Find the Google Play Service > Clear Cache and Data Also, Find Google Services Framework > Clear Cache and data Next, find Download Manager > Clear Cache and data Now, Restart your device and try to download the app. Clearing Cache and data should fix your issue. If you are still receiving the Error message, continue to the next step. Method 2: Remove and Add Google Account Go to Setting > Accounts > Google Remove all your Google accounts Now, Restart your device Then go back to Google play store and Sign–in with your account information Accept all the Google terms and setup Google settings then Run Google Play Store and download the app If you are able to fix the error then the job is done otherwise head to the next method.
Method 3: Uninstall the Updates of Google Play Store There are possibilities that the updated Google Play Store is causing the error. There are chances that the updated Version of Google play store may have Compatibility Issues. So in this case, you need to Uninstall Google Play Store updates. Just follow the step to Uninstall Google Play Store update. Go to Setting > Go to Application Setting (In some devices application setting is named as apps). Go to, All the apps > Find the Google Play Store > Uninstall Updates Now Restart your device and try to download the app

For some user, just by clearing cache and data of Google Play Store, Google Play service, Google Services Framework and Download Manager has fixed DF-DFERH-01 Google Play Store Error. While many fixed issues by removing and adding Google accounts as well and others had to Uninstall Google Play Store updates.

Installing Google Play Store on Huawei Devices

Huawei phone models that are released after the US trade ban such as the Huawei Mate 30 series will no longer have Google Mobile Services installed on them. This issue is affecting future huawei users and deterring them from purchasing Huawei devices due to not being able to have Google Play Store or other google apps.

Even though Huawei's camera capabilities and Kirin processor are top-notch, and at the same time releasing their official 'AppGallery' app, many are still deterred by the fact that they are not able to use the standard google apps in their everyday life.

Fret not though, there are actually multiple ways to install Google Play into your Huawei devices, if it doesnt come with it!

Note: This method has been tested on 1 Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro each, both managed to install with no issues. It may or may not work for you.

1st Method Using Chat Partner
1. Find the 'Chat Partner' APK online, Download, install & start the app.
2. You'll be prompted to log in, look below and there is a button that says 'Detect Device'. The app will then scan your device and prompt you that there are no google apps installed. Select 'Repair Now' and select 'Activate' after that, and the app will install Google Play Store for you.
3. Restart your phone(Important Step!)
4. Log in to the installed Google Play Store with a Google account and install the needed Google apps via the Play Store!
5. Uninstall Chat Partner as it does not have any use anymore, but do keep the APK just in case.

Congratulations, your Huawei device now have Google Play Store installed!

2nd Method Using Google Installer
1. Find the 'Google Installer 3.0' APK online, Download, install & start the app.
2. Enable installation of apps from Unknown Sources (Setting > Security & Privacy > More Settings > Enable "Download apps from external sources".
3. Tap "OK" on your phone when prompted with a notification that says "Using apps from unknown sources will leave your device and personal data more vulnerable to security threats".
4. Tap "Install" on the app and it will start installing Google apps including Google Play Store. Do have patience while it installs.
5. Launch Google Play Store when shortcut is created on your home screen.

Congratulations, your Huawei device now have Google Framework installed!


Note: If your Google Play Store prompts you with a "Device is not Play Protect certified" error, please try the procedure below.

1. Make sure your phone is confirmed not certified by opening Google Play Store, press on the hamburger menu, tap on 'Settings' and scroll all the way down till you see 'Play Protect Certification' and it should say 'Device is not certified'.
2. If you are still able to access the Google Play Store, install the 'Device ID' app, if not you can download the APK and sideload it to your device.
3. Run 'Device ID' app and look for 'Google Service Framework(GSF)' and copy the 16 digit ID.
4. Go to Google’s Device Registration page and register using the 16 digit ID that you copied in step 3.
5. Restart phone and wait a few minutes.
6. This should register your device with google and will no longer prompt "Device is not Play Protect certified" error.

The above methods may or may not work for some, but it is better than not trying!

All the best to installing Google onto your Huawei Devices! 

Installing Google Play Store in China MIUI ROMs

In this post, I am going to share the best method to install Google Play Store on your Xiaomi devices with China MIUI ROM!

1. Find the 'GetApps' Mi App store and search 'google' on the search bar at the top. Scroll to the bottom and click on the last icon circled in red. Next, press the 'Get' icon next to the google installer circled in red.

Now that you got the Google installer app in your Xiaomi device, time to install it!

2. Open the app and press on the big blue round button below, the app will start downloading the Google Service Framework (GSF). 

 3. The app will prompt you that you need to enable unknown sources, please enable it if not this process will not run smoothly. This is a very important step.

4. It will start downloading Google Account Manager, Google Play Services, Google Calendar Sync, Google Contact Sync apps.
Note: You will have to click install manually for every app in the Google installer when prompted.

5. Once Google Play Store is installed, log in to the Play Store using your Google Account and Enjoy Google Play Store!


If your Google Contact Sync and Google Calendar Sync don't work?
There is a simple fix to it by setting the apps with the correct permission.
you'll need to go to Settings -> Installed Apps, search 'Google' in the search bar. 
You'll see 'Google Contact Sync', 'Google Calendar Sync' and 'Google Play Services' in the list.

Follow the pictures below and you're all good to go!

I hope this tutorial helped you! Do feel free to comment below if you met with any errors or if you have any questions!

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