Manh Hao's Podcast

In this episode of Manh Hao Podcast, we break down Apple’s latest powerhouse lineup featuring the MacBook Pro M5 Pro and MacBook Pro M5 Max. From massive leaps in AI performance to faster SSD speeds and next-gen connectivity like Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 5, this isn’t just a routine upgrade — it’s a major shift in what a professional laptop can do.

We explore who these machines are really for, how they handle demanding workflows like video editing and AI processing, and whether they’re worth the investment in 2026. If you're a creator, developer, or power user looking for a future-proof MacBook, this episode is for you.

Welcome back to the series.

In the last episode, we explored the A19 Pro chip inside the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Today, let’s zoom out a little and compare Apple’s two flagship models: the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

At first glance, the two devices look nearly identical. Both share the same design language, the same new rectangular camera plateau on the back, the same A19 Pro chip, and the same impressive camera setup. But as always, the devil is in the details — and those details could determine which one is right for you.

Let’s break it down:

First, design and size.The ⁠iPhone 17 Pro⁠ is compact at 6.3 inches, lighter at 204 grams, and easier to hold in one hand. The Pro Max, on the other hand, stretches to 6.9 inches and 231 grams. It’s big, bold, and built for people who don’t mind a little extra weight in exchange for a cinematic experience.

Second, the display.Both models come with Super Retina XDR OLED panels, 120Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness up to 3000 nits. But again, the Pro Max simply gives you more room — more space for editing videos, playing games, or just enjoying content.

Third, performance.Here’s where things level out. Both models run on the A19 Pro chip, with a 6-core CPU and 6-core GPU. Whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or shooting 4K Dolby Vision, the experience is practically identical.

Fourth, the cameras.No differences here either — both pack the same triple 48MP setup, including the new telephoto lens that supports up to 8x optical zoom. You also get the upgraded 18MP front camera with Dual Capture video.

Finally, battery and storage.This is where the Pro Max pulls ahead. With its larger frame, it houses a bigger 5,088 mAh battery, offering up to 37 hours of video playback. The Pro, meanwhile, tops out at around 31 hours. And when it comes to storage, the Pro Max goes all the way up to 2 terabytes — double the maximum of the Pro.

So, which should you choose?The iPhone 17 Pro is for people who value a more compact, one-hand-friendly design without sacrificing power. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, meanwhile, is for those who want it all: the biggest screen, the longest battery, and the most storage.

Either way, both are top-of-the-line flagships — and the choice comes down to size, lifestyle, and how much you want to carry in your pocket.That’s it for today’s episode. Next time, we’ll take a closer look at the standard iPhone 17 models — what they bring to the table, and how they stack up against the Pro lineup. If you can't wait, ⁠click here⁠ and check out the full information about this model!

Welcome back to the series about the newest iPhone model in Manh Hao Podcast.

We’ve already explored how the iPhone 17 is pushing prices higher, and how many of its “new” features have long existed on Android. But today, let’s talk about what truly sets the ⁠iPhone 17 Pro Max⁠ apart: its brain, the A19 Pro chip.

The chip is the heart of every iPhone — powering not just apps, but also photos, video, gaming, and battery life. And this year, Apple’s A19 Pro is more than just faster. It’s smarter, cooler, and designed for the future.

Built on a 3-nanometer process, the A19 Pro comes with a 6-core CPU, a 6-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. That means the iPhone 17 Pro Max isn’t just handling day-to-day tasks smoothly — it’s pushing into professional territory.

Let’s start with video and imaging. The A19 Pro lets you shoot 4K Dolby Vision at 120 frames per second, capture in ProRes RAW, and even record straight to external drives. Thanks to the new Neural Engine, color, exposure, and sharpness are optimized in real time, so creators can trust the iPhone for serious production work.

Then there’s gaming. Paired with Apple’s new vapor chamber cooling system, the GPU holds frame rates steady even in demanding titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile. No overheating, no sudden frame drops — just console-like performance on a phone.

Compared to last year’s A18 Pro, the gains aren’t only in raw power. The A19 Pro is built for sustained performance. Apple says it can stay stable over 40% longer under heavy workloads. That’s a big deal for both gamers and content creators.

And what about battery life? Surprisingly, it’s better, not worse. Apple combines a larger 5,088 mAh battery with the A19 Pro’s energy efficiency, giving you up to 37 hours of video playback. Plus, faster 40W USB-C charging and support for MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging keep downtime short.

So, is the A19 Pro the biggest leap forward in Apple’s chip history? Not exactly. But it’s a careful step — one that balances power, efficiency, and heat management. It’s Apple telling us that the iPhone is no longer just a phone. It’s a camera, a gaming console, a workstation — and it needs a chip that can do it all.

The question is: do you need all that power, or is it Apple over-engineering for bragging rights?

That’s it for today’s episode. In the next one, we’ll look ahead — at what Apple’s 20-year anniversary iPhone might bring, and whether it could rival the game-changing iPhone X moment from 2017. ⁠Click here⁠ if you want to check out more information about how to get early order for this iPhone!

Hello everyone, and welcome back to ManhHao PC. I’m your host, Manh Hào. In our last episode, we explored the design choices and compromises behind the iPhone 17 lineup — with the ultra-thin iPhone Air on one side and the powerful but bulky iPhone 17 Pro on the other.

Today, we’re continuing that conversation by looking at something just as important as design and features: the price. Because for the first time, Apple is pushing the iPhone closer to the two-thousand-dollar mark.

Let’s rewind a bit. Back in 2017, Apple introduced the iPhone X. Not only did it change the look of smartphones with edge-to-edge displays and Face ID, but it also set a new benchmark: the one-thousand-dollar phone. At the time, that number shocked the industry. But over the past eight years, Apple held prices relatively steady, even as inflation and technology moved forward.

Fast forward to 2025, and the iPhone 17 Pro starts at just $1,100 — only a hundred dollars more than the iPhone X. The standard iPhone 17 sits at $800, again about a hundred higher than its counterpart eight years ago. Even the new iPhone Air, replacing the Plus model, costs $900. Modest increases, all things considered.

But here’s where things change. The iPhone 17 Pro Max now comes with a massive 2-terabyte storage option. And with it, Apple has crossed a line: the $2,000 smartphone. This is the first time an iPhone has reached that level, and it may signal a new era for premium devices.

Analysts believe Apple wouldn’t set such a price unless they were confident enough people would pay it. After all, the iPhone is no longer just a phone — it’s a wallet, a health tracker, a smart home controller, and for many, the single device they rely on every day. CEO Tim Cook himself has said customers are willing to spend as much as possible to get the best iPhone available.

Now, this shift doesn’t just affect the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Rumors suggest Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone could also land in the two-thousand-dollar range, lining up with rivals from Samsung and Google that already hover between $1,800 and $2,500. If the Air serves as a design testbed, it’s possible the foldable will borrow heavily from it — and carry a price tag at least double.

Looking even further, insiders talk about a 20th anniversary iPhone that could mirror the leap of the iPhone X back in 2017. If the iPhone X created the $1,000 category, this future model might cement the $2,000 tier.

So while Apple may have raised prices modestly this year, the message is clear: the days of the thousand-dollar flagship as the ceiling are fading. The iPhone 17 Pro Max 2TB might just be the start of a whole new pricing era.

And that’s where I’ll leave it for today’s episode of ManhHao PC. Last time, we asked whether Apple compromised too much on design and AI. This time, the question is different: are we ready for the age of the two-thousand-dollar iPhone?

Thanks again for tuning in. I’m Manh Hào, and I hope you enjoyed this follow-up look at the iPhone 17 story. Be sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss our next discussion. Until then, stay curious, and I’ll see you in another episode.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to ManhHao PC. I’m your host, Manh Hào, and today we’re talking about one of the most anticipated launches of the year: the iPhone 17 series. Apple has unveiled four new models — the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and a brand-new name in the lineup, the iPhone Air.

This event, called “Awe Dropping,” once again drew the world’s attention to Cupertino. But when the lights dimmed and the dust settled, many users and critics were left with one big question: where exactly is Apple trying to take us with these new devices?

Let’s start with the star of curiosity — the iPhone Air. Just 5.6 mm thin, it’s Apple’s thinnest phone ever and truly an engineering marvel. It almost disappears in your pocket. But here’s the trade-off: to achieve this slim profile, Apple cut back on features.

The Air has only one rear camera — the same number as the budget iPhone SE — while the standard iPhone 17 packs two. For everyday users, that means less flexibility and no ultra-wide lens. Battery life also takes a hit, with just 3,149 mAh. Apple introduced a new MagSafe battery pack, but it costs an extra $99. It feels ironic: a phone designed to be light now depends on a chunky accessory for real-world use.

Charging is slower too — 20W wireless instead of 25W, and wired charging takes longer than the rest of the lineup. Even 5G mmWave support is missing. So yes, the iPhone Air looks stunning, but it risks being more of a fashion accessory than a full-fledged flagship.

On the other end, we have the iPhone 17 Pro. Packed with the A19 Pro chip, improved cooling, three 48 MP cameras, and great battery life, it sounds like the dream phone for power users. But the design has raised eyebrows. The rear camera bump is larger than ever, and the new MagSafe area has a strange look — some compare it to a credit card slot. Functionally, the Pro is a beast. Aesthetically, it’s more divisive than ever.

The deeper issue, though, is Apple’s overall strategy. With the iPhone Air and iPhone Pro, Apple seems to be splitting its audience into two extremes: those who want ultra-thin style and those who demand raw power. But what about the middle ground — users who want both elegance and performance? That balance, once Apple’s hallmark, seems harder to find.

And then there’s AI. While competitors like Google and Samsung are weaving AI into every part of the experience, Apple barely touched on it this year. Siri’s long-awaited upgrade is delayed until 2026, leaving Apple’s AI story weak compared to rivals. Hardware like the A19 Pro chip feels underutilized without smarter software to match.

The iPhone 17 series will surely sell — Apple’s brand power is unmatched. But beneath the shine, many feel this generation is one of compromise: thin but limited with the Air, powerful but bulky with the Pro, and overall, still waiting for Apple’s true AI leap.

So what do you think — is the iPhone 17 series a bold step forward, or just a transitional year for Apple? Personally, I see it as a mix of brilliance and hesitation.

That’s it for today’s episode of ManhHao PC. Thanks for tuning in, and if you enjoyed this discussion, don’t forget to follow the podcast so you don’t miss the next one. I’m Manh Hào, and I hope to see you in another episode soon. Until then, stay curious and keep exploring.

Welcome back to Manh Hao PC! Today, we're shining a spotlight on the Samsung Galaxy A36, a mid-range marvel that's making waves. Released in March 2025, it packs a punch with its stylish design, powerful performance, and impressive features.

First impressions matter, and the A36 nails it with a modern and refined design. Samsung has revamped its design language, introducing a fresh camera module that looks sleek and sophisticated. It's thin, light, and boasts a flat frame with a Gorilla Glass Victus+ back for durability and a premium feel. Plus, the eye-catching color options, like Lavender and Lime with unique color-shifting effects, add a touch of personality.

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, built on Qualcomm's 4nm process, delivers an 8% CPU boost over the previous generation. Combined with the Adreno 710 GPU, it handles popular games like PUBG Mobile and even Genshin Impact at medium settings. The impressive 12GB RAM option ensures smooth multitasking, and while expandable storage is absent, the 128GB and 256GB options are sufficient for most users.

The 45W fast charging is a huge step up, surpassing even the standard S25. A 30-minute charge gets you from 0% to 66% on the 5,000mAh battery.

One of the A36's biggest selling points is Samsung's long-term software support. Launched with Android 15 and One UI 7, it's promised six major OS updates, meaning it'll eventually run Android 21! Six years of security updates further sweeten the deal. Awesome Intelligence adds smart features like Circle to Search and Object Eraser.

The A36 is also an entertainment powerhouse. The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits brightness (up to 1900 nits peak) provides a stunning visual experience. Upgraded stereo speakers deliver rich, immersive audio.

The camera system is impressive too. A 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro lens offer versatility. The standout feature? A 12MP selfie camera capable of 4K 30fps video recording with HDR10+, rivaling flagship quality. Both front and rear cameras support HDR10+ video recording, a first for a Samsung mid-ranger.

The Samsung Galaxy A36 is a compelling blend of style, performance, long-term support, and entertainment features. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

Check out more info about the newest smartphone at: https://www.erablue.id/blog