Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is winding down, and is set to end tomorrow, March 31. There are still plenty of notable discounts available before the sale ends, including low prices on AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, AirTag, iPad Air, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
In this article we’ve collected a list of the best Apple and Apple-related products still available in the Big Spring Sale. Besides Apple products, it also includes popular accessories from brands like Anker, Jackery, and Satechi.
If you’re on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
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While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are not expected to launch until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices.
Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models as of March 2025:
Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models have a titanium frame, and the iPhone …
With the second release candidate of iOS 18.4 that Apple seeded out today, the company finally provided us with release notes that give a full rundown on what to expect.
There’s an Apple Vision Pro app, new Apple Intelligence features for notifications and additional language support, plus an Apple News Food feature for Apple News+ subscribers, and several updates that should improve the…
Apple is reportedly working on a new Magic Mouse. Below, we recap what to expect.
The two key rumors for the Magic Mouse 3 so far include a relocated charging port, along with a more ergonomic design.
It was briefly rumored that the Magic Mouse 3 would also feature voice control, but that was misinterpreted information.
Relocated Charging Port
While the Magic Mouse switched from…
Apple’s big developer event is a little over two months away, and rumors about what we can expect to see in Apple’s next major operating system updates are becoming increasingly frequent.
A public release of iOS 18.4 is also imminent with a number of updates and improvements, although we won’t be getting the major Apple Intelligence Siri upgrades that had reportedly been planned for this…
We’ve been hearing rumors about a foldable iPhone for almost a decade now, but it looks like we might finally see the device come to fruition in 2026. We’re going to be waiting many more months for the foldable iPhone, but so far we’re hearing good things.
Apple wants to make it creaseless. It’s taken Apple multiple years to design a foldable iPhone that it’s satisfied with because Apple …
Multiple sources have claimed that iOS 19 will introduce a new design with more translucent buttons, menus, notification banners, and more, and there is now another clue that points towards this glass-like appearance.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman today said the new design project is codenamed “Solarium” internally. A solarium is a room with glass walls that allow in plenty of sunlight, so this…
In the mid-to-late 2000s, Facebook was all about staying connected with friends and family. However, as the social media platform added new features and grew over time, that core experience began to get drowned out.
That changes starting now, according to Meta, which today introduced a new feature that will “bring back the joy” of classic Facebook.
Specifically, Meta has redesigned the…
Apple’s upcoming “iPhone Fold” will feature a foldable screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio, according to a Chinese leaker who previously leaked the book-style device’s display dimensions.
The Weibo-based account Digital Chat Station claims that Apple will adopt a “roughly” 4:3 aspect ratio on the inner display in order to achieve consistency between the outer display, as well as to ensure parity…
Like many legacy government IT systems, SSA systems contain code written in COBOL, a programming language created in part in the 1950s by computing pioneer Grace Hopper. The Defense Department essentially pressured private industry to use COBOL soon after its creation, spurring widespread adoption and making it one of the most widely used languages for mainframes, or computer systems that process and store large amounts of data quickly, by the 1970s. (At least one DOD-related website praising Hopper’s accomplishments is no longer active, likely following the Trump administration’s DEI purge of military acknowledgements.)
As recently as 2016, SSA’s infrastructure contained more than 60 million lines of code written in COBOL, with millions more written in other legacy coding languages, the agency’s Office of the Inspector General found. In fact, SSA’s core programmatic systems and architecture haven’t been “substantially” updated since the 1980s when the agency developed its own database system called MADAM, or the Master Data Access Method, which was written in COBOL and Assembler, according to SSA’s 2017 modernization plan.
SSA’s core “logic” is also written largely in COBOL. This is the code that issues social security numbers, manages payments, and even calculates the total amount beneficiaries should receive for different services, a former senior SSA technologist who worked in the office of the chief information officer says. Even minor changes could result in cascading failures across programs.
“If you weren’t worried about a whole bunch of people not getting benefits or getting the wrong benefits, or getting the wrong entitlements, or having to wait ages, then sure go ahead,” says Dan Hon, principal of Very Little Gravitas, a technology strategy consultancy that helps government modernize services, about completing such a migration in a short timeframe.
It’s unclear when exactly the code migration would start. A recent document circulated amongst SSA staff laying out the agency’s priorities through May does not mention it, instead naming other priorities like terminating “non-essential contracts” and adopting artificial intelligence to “augment” administrative and technical writing.
Let’s set one thing straight: there isn’t any difference in the process and production of commercial and residential architectural services in the sense that both aim to create a photorealistic visualization of a building, including its interior, exterior, and the surrounding environment. The only distinction between the two is the object to be rendered. Commercial rendering deals with non-residential buildings like office centers, shopping malls, universities, restaurants, hotels, airports, sports stadiums, industrial facilities, etc.
Cad Crowd is an industry leader in providing outsourced 3D rendering services for architectural and engineering companies. This article will explore 3D rendering for commercial spaces and its associated costs.
🚀 Table of contents
Rates for commercial 3D rendering
The following rates apply to 3D rendering services for commercial buildings in various project scenarios and pricing structures.
Pricing per image
Rendering scenario
Provider
Freelancers
Small to mid-sized businesses
Large design firms
Exterior
$550 – $2500
$1100 – $3500
$2500 – $5500
Interior
$750 – $3000
$1500 – $5000
$3000 – $10000
Exterior and interior
$1500 – $5000
$3000 – $10000
$8000 – $30000
Note: there isn’t a clear-cut price range for every service because it all depends on the project’s specific details and the experience level of the render artist or firm handling the task. An experienced freelancer with a reputable portfolio may charge higher than a mid-sized design firm for the same rendering work.
3D rendering service rates per hour
Experience levels (in Years)
Provider
Freelancers
Small to mid-sized businesses
Large design firms
0 – 4
$30 – $60
$50 – $80
$70 – $110
5 – 10
$50 – $80
$60 – $120
$90 – $140
10 or more
$110 – $140
$130 – $180
$160 – $225
Note: to ensure good quality, an entry-level render artist should be tasked only with simple work such as exterior silo rendering where the building is placed against a plain background. Senior render artists can handle and manage complex projects that require advanced techniques, extensive details, and artistic touches.
3D Rendering Service Rates Per Square Foot
Rendering complexity
Provider
Freelancers
Small to mid-sized businesses
Large design firms
Basic
$1.50 – $3.50
$3.50 – $6.50
$7.00 – $10.00
Advanced
$2.50 – $6.50
$5.00 – $8.50
$9.00 – $12.50
Complex
$5.50 – $8.50
$7.50 – $13.00
$12.00 – $20.00
Note: the pricing structure is best when you only have to render a small area to save cost. Consider the number of details you expect as well because the final price might come as a surprise unless you know exactly the amount of work involved in getting the render done.
We’re talking only about static rendering here with Full HD (1920x1080p) resolution at a 16:9 ratio as the minimum viable option for online use. 2K is becoming the new standard, and anything higher than 4K can be an overkill for most purposes. Let’s not forget that a 4K visualization requires at least twice as much as Full HD rendering professionals.
For print purposes, 300 DPI should be more than acceptable for magazines, brochures, and newspaper pages. In the case of billboards, due to the sheer size of the canvas and long viewing distance, you can afford to go lower than 150 DPI without losing quality.
What affects the cost of commercial 3D rendering
While a universally agreed-upon formula to determine the cost of commercial 3D rendering services doesn’t exist, there are several factors that directly correlate with how companies calculate their prices.
Project scenarios
Architectural 3D rendering comes in three major types: exterior, interior, and both of them. The main differences among them mainly concern size, level of detail, and number of visible objects in the frame. As far as commercial buildings are concerned, exterior rendering is likely the most affordable and the most common of the three. An exterior rendering often features a variety of environmental elements in addition to the building’s exterior itself, but the process doesn’t actually take as much level of creativity as interior visualization does.
A render artist can only do so much to generate realistic colors for the clouds, unique shapes for the trees, imagery of the moon, hues of water, piles of snow, and so on. However, the artist can be playful with the composition. Some might say imagination is the limit, although this is actually counterproductive because architectural rendering aims to resemble reality as closely as possible.
On the other hand, expert interior rendering can be as complex as it can get thanks to the limitless options for furniture design, room layout, types of light sources (natural or artificial) and placement, wall colors, flooring, and tiny yet important details like crown molding, upholstery textures, and all sorts of decorative pieces. Most (if not all) of those objects, especially when built as custom products, require a lot more modeling work compared to natural objects.
Complexity
A 3D rendering page of a typical house living room is, of course, much less complex than that of a business center lobby. In fact, the former often only includes the interior part of the building, whereas the latter usually showcases the view of the outside area as well; this is to indicate that the building is open to public access, so it needs to show people walking on the sidewalks nearby, street signs, parked cars, and sometimes a glance at adjacent buildings too. The same thing applies to cooking stations at a restaurant, which are almost always more complex than a typical home kitchen.
Complexity refers not only to the number of objects visible in the frame but also to the camera positioning or viewing angle of the image. For aerial rendering services, an aerial shot (or a zoomed-out view) has more visible objects, albeit smaller, in the frame than an eye-level angle, so it’s more expensive. A close-up view doesn’t cover a lot of objects, but it might be used to highlight specific details to serve as focal points, such as a fountain, a statue, an entrance, or unique architectural styles. Sometimes, an eye-level exterior rendering omits the background objects entirely, so the image is presented on a blank page to avoid distraction. It’s not realistic, but it allows viewers to focus solely on the building.
Modern CGI technology also offers interactive 3D rendering, where you can rotate the image to see the building at eye level from various angles. Interactive rendering like this cannot be printed on paper and is only usable as a digital file or a webpage element.
Level of details
Let’s take the exterior renderings of a skyscraper and a football stadium as examples. A lot of skyscrapers use a combination of concrete and glass to build the external walls; there might be some variations in terms of geometric shape, main entrances on the floor level, several decorative touches (such as gargoyles), and unique structures at the top. Most skyscrapers are rectangular, although there are some notable oddly-shaped buildings as well. An exterior rendering from an architectural design firm of a skyscraper doesn’t usually offer detailed imagery due to the monumental size of the building – you need to position the viewing angle at quite a distance from the object to see it as a whole in one frame.
You can probably say the same thing about large stadiums, but they’re admittedly more playful when it comes to architectural style. Unlike the typical rendering of a skyscraper that barely shows anything about the interior, photorealistic imagery of a football stadium cannot afford to omit details like the pitch, the stands, the lighting, and the skyboxes. And if it’s an open-roof stadium, it’s just impossible to exclude those elements.
A skyscraper is most likely pictured as a vertically imposing structure with columns and rows of window glass in the walls, whereas a football stadium has a much larger variety of objects, each with its own tiny details to highlight. Due to the differences in the expected level of detail, you can expect to spend more on the latter.
Page count
Every page is for one rendering only. A commercial building is a massive undertaking, both in planning and the actual construction work. A single rendering page simply won’t be enough to capture all the details you want to showcase. Having only one exterior rendering might be enough, but you need page after page of rendering to visualize the interior. Even if the commercial building is a mostly empty warehouse, chances are you want to highlight the flooring, the roof structure, the massive industrial-grade door, etc.
Some render artists offer one revision free of charge as long as the revised portion doesn’t exceed a specific percentage of the original work. For instance, free revision is only available when the modification amounts to no more than 10% of the submitted document; anything more will count as a new page and an additional fee.
Timeframe
The actual rendering time of an architectural visualization service doesn’t take that long, thanks to modern cloud-based rendering farms. But the early steps of drafting, modeling, and lighting setups might take a few days for a commercial rendering – and that’s assuming the project is handled by a relatively large design firm with multiple artists working on the same visualization. A one-person operation will need more time to finish the same job. Let’s not forget that the image still needs a few post-processing touches after the rendering is complete. Like all services, companies usually offer standard pricing for non-expedited projects and premium rates for rush jobs.
Commercial 3D rendering with Cad Crowd
All sorts of rendering tasks fall under the CAD (computer-aided design) category. It doesn’t matter if you need exterior or interior renderings (or both of them) in a project, Cad Crowd is an industry-leading service that helps you get in touch with some of the world’s most qualified professionals for commercial 3D rendering jobs. Every single one of our render artists has been properly vetted to the highest standard to ensure quality and value for money.
Reach out to Cad Crowd any day of the week now for your free quote, and have your commercial 3D rendering projects done by the experts in the most efficient way possible.
MacKenzie Brown is the founder and CEO of Cad Crowd. With over 18 years of experience in launching and scaling platforms specializing in CAD services, product design, manufacturing, hardware, and software development, MacKenzie is a recognized authority in the engineering industry. Under his leadership, Cad Crowd serves esteemed clients like NASA, JPL, the U.S. Navy, and Fortune 500 companies, empowering innovators with access to high-quality design and engineering talent.
A new resident is moving into the cloud — KRAFTON’s inZOI joins the 2,000+ games in the GeForce NOW cloud gaming library.
Plus, members can get ready for an exclusive sneak peek as the Sunderfolk First Look Demo comes to the cloud. The demo is exclusively available for players on GeForce NOW until April 7, including Performance and Ultimate members as well as free users.
And explore the world of Atomfall — part of 12 games joining the cloud this week.
Cloud of Possibilities
Live the life of your dreams in the cloud.
In inZOI — a groundbreaking life simulation game by Krafton that pushes the genre’s boundaries — take on the role of an intern at AR COMPANY, managing virtual beings called “Zois” in a simulated city.
The game features over 400 mental elements influencing Zois’ behaviors. Experience the game’s dynamic weather system, open-world environments inspired by real locations and cinematic cut scenes for key life events — and even create in-game objects. inZOI lets players craft unique stories and live out their dreams in a meticulously designed virtual world.
Dive into the world of Zois without the need for high-end hardware. Members can manage their virtual homes, customize characters and explore the game’s dynamic environments from various devices, streaming its detailed graphics and complex simulations with ease.
A Magical Gateway
Sunderfolk’s First Look Demo has arrived on GeForce NOW, offering a tantalizing look into the magical realm of the Sunderlands. Designed as a TV-first experience, this shared-turn-based tactical role-playing game (RPG) enables using a mobile phone as the gameplay controller. Up to four players can gather around the big screen and embark on a journey filled with strategic battles.
This second-screen approach keeps players engaged in real time, adding new layers of immersion. With all six unique character classes unlocked from the start, players can experience the early hours of the game, experimenting with different team compositions and tactics to overcome the challenges that await.
Let the magic begin.
Accessing the demo is a breeze — head to the GeForce NOW app, select Sunderfolk and jump right in. Explore the Sunderlands, engage in flexible turn-based combat and help rebuild the village of Arden to get a taste of the full game’s depth and camaraderie.
Gather the gaming squad, grab a phone and prepare to write a completely new legend in this RPG adventure. The First Look Demo is only available on GeForce NOW, where members can enjoy high-quality graphics and seamless gameplay on their phones and tablets, along with the innovative mobile-as-controller mechanic that makes Sunderfolk’s couch co-op experience so engaging.
Epic Adventures Await
Enter a world where danger lurks in every shadow.
Blending folk horror and intense combat, Atomfall is a survival-action game set in an alternate 1960s Britain, where the Windscale nuclear disaster has left Northern England a radioactive wasteland. Players explore eerie open zones filled with mutated creatures, cultists and Cold War mysteries while scavenging resources, crafting weapons and uncovering the truth behind the disaster. GeForce NOW members can stream it today across their devices of choice.
Look for the following games available to stream in the cloud this week:
Sunderfolk First Look Demo (New release, March 25)
Atomfall (New release on Steam and Xbox available on PC Game Pass, March 27)
The First Berserker: Khazan (New release on Steam, March 27)
I want to start working on a game engine using OpenGL and GLFW. Just so I am able to save my work as I add more and more features, I want to make a github repository. I watched a few tutorials (I am using visual studio 2022), but all of them use a ‘Add to Source Control’ option, but I don’t have it or don’t see it. I tried the ‘Create Git Repository’, but every time I try to create it I get a warning and the files created are 2 .gitsomething, no files that represent my visual studio project.
The warning seems out of place, since I don’t have any files in my project. What am I doing wrong? The warning
Time is running out! Less than 48 hours left to lock in your $300+ discount for TechCrunch All Stage founder and investor passes. More than just you? Save even more with bundle tickets. Rates increase on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
TC All Stage is where founders accelerate their growth and investors discover their next big opportunity. Get ready for actionable insights and new connections that will take your business to the next level. Join us on July 15 at SoWa Power Station in Boston — don’t miss out!
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Want to turn traction into explosive growth? Join us at TC All Stage, where founders gain insider knowledge from leading VCs and experts, participate in hands-on sessions, and network with key players — all while investors hunt for their next major startup investment.
Focused breakout sessions for founders at every stage of growth
Two stages. Multiple levels. Each is designed to provide actionable takeaways that guide you from early-stage to growth-stage to IPO.
Foundation Stage: Early-stage founders will learn the core principles of building a startup from the ground up. Topics covered will include:
What VCs seek in pre-seed startups
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Scaling sustainable companies
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Preparing for IPOs & hitting $10M ARR
Get to know the experts shaping our breakout sessions
Our lineup of scaling experts keeps growing! Visit the speaker page to check out the latest additions.
Charles E. Hudson from Precursor Ventures is one of the judges at Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco on October 19, 2022.Image Credits:Haje Kamps/TechCrunch
Discover solutions or amplify your brand’s impact in the Expo Hall
Explore the Expo Hall to discover solutions for streamlining your startup or connect with VCs ready to back your idea. Meet exhibitors and explore potential partnerships. Or, showcase your brand to 1,200 founders and investors by reserving your own table — limited spots available. Learn more and book your table here.
Fidelity Investments exhibiting at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 at SoWa Power Station in Boston.Image Credits:Halo Creative
Interactive, in-depth roundtables
Take part in focused, small-group roundtables guided by industry experts. Connect with fellow founders and investors, dive deep into your growth challenges, and leave with tailored strategies and actionable insights to help you scale smarter.
Roundtable session at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 at SoWa Power Station in Boston.Image Credits:Halo Creative
Connecting founders and investors for lasting impact
Make high-impact connections with founders and investors in focused 1:1 or small-group sessions. Collaborate on key challenges, exchange valuable insights, and form alliances that shape the future. Keep the momentum alive by attending exclusive Side Events throughout Boston during TC All Stage Week.
Founders and investors engaging in high-impact networking at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 in SoWa Power Station in Boston.Image Credits:Halo Creative
Startup pitches taking center stage
Founders, So You Think You Can Pitch gives you a front-row seat to live pitches and expert feedback from top VCs. Discover the secrets to a winning pitch, get immediate advice, and sharpen your approach for your upcoming funding round.
VCs, this is your chance to identify new investment opportunities while guiding founders to improve their pitches.
Accelerate your startup growth before prices increase
After the sudden yet mysterious collapse of the artificial ecosystem, natural disasters and wars ensued, the civilization was wiped out. And in the centuries that followed, a strange substance known as the Mud spread everywhere, and monsters emerged. You will step into the last city of mankind – Havenswell, exploring cold and damp sewers, layers of slums, sky city above the lake, etc., seeking the truth about the destruction of civilization in monster-infested ruins. Travel through wonders, face mysterious and deadly enemies, and put an end to an eerie and desperate history. Blader has the appearance of human, but it is actually a new life form created by mysterious technology. With their own missions, they embark on a lonely and dangerous journey, and with the power of the Branches, they respawn after fatal death. MYRIAD DEATH
Now that the Branches have been destroyed, you, as one of the Bladers, will have to search for and repair the Branches all over the city. You will meet humans and fellow Bladers who are also in dire straits, feel their joys and sorrows, as well as their faith in despair, and together uncover the truth behind the plagues and disasters. Warriors who lose themselves and degenerate into crazy beasts; A killing machine who walks the skies covered in razor-sharp blades; The colossal beasts trampling on the earth, ravaging cities with collisions and explosions You will need to challenge the powerful beasts from multiple forces in death and rebirth over and over again, catching the breaks from the fierce attacks and going all out to win and continue the journey to the end of the world.
Features and System Requirements:
This mechanic encourages strategic combat by increasing damage output as players land melee attacks, while using weapon arts or spells decreases the Sync Rate.
Players can unlock and switch between four special powers during combat, such as transforming an arm into a shield or enabling quick dashes.
This flexibility adds depth to combat strategies and allows for varied gameplay experiences.
Screenshots
System Requirements
Recommended
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core i7-9700 / AMD Ryzen 5 5500
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
DirectX: Version 12
Storage: 30 GB available space
Sound Card: Windows Compatible Audio Device
Support the game developers by purchasing the game on Steam
Installation Guide
Turn Off Your Antivirus Before Installing Any Game
1 :: Download Game 2 :: Extract Game 3 :: Launch The Game 4 :: Have Fun 🙂
My housemates played The Sims over our local network back in the day, which became an issue when one of them decided to become a homewrecker. She’d wander around our shared neighborhood, flirt with everyone, start some fights, and move on. Marriages didn’t last long with her around, and pretty soon everyone’s relationship history started to look like what you get when you scroll down a celebrity’s Wikipedia page and notice how many ex-spouses they’ve got.
Do the same thing in Inzoi, and there might be even bigger problems. As Krafton’s list of known issues points out, “When a single Zoi remarries multiple times, some family members may disappear.” That’s it, straight into the void with at least some of your family. Which maybe isn’t the worst outcome in the world.
Krafton goes on to say, “We recommend avoiding repeated remarriage and, if necessary, proceeding only when there are no children involved.” Which is just good life advice, really.
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The TECNO Camon 40 Premier is one of the latest phones from a company you may not have heard of. It’s the result of the company’s relentless pursuit to bring high-end experiences to lower price points and markets, and it seems to hit the mark.
The phone uses a newer MediaTek chip primed for AI performance, which is smart because the Camon 40 Premier comes with a host of AI features to take advantage of. Beyond the software, the phone has a very capable camera system that incorporates the company’s latest imaging advancements, and the battery life and charging specs far surpass those of many flagship phones in North America.
The TECNO Camon 40 Premier 5G feels like a full package despite some shortcomings and questionable (yet understandable) decisions.
TECNO Camon 40 Premier: Price, availability, and specs
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
The TECNO Camon 40 Premier was announced alongside the rest of the Camon 40 series during MWC 2025 on March 4, 2025.
The phone features a single configuration with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It also comes in black and green colorways.
As for pricing and availability, TECNO hasn’t revealed too much at the moment, but the phone is not sold in North America. However, it will be available in other regions, including Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
The Camon 30 Premier started at a price of around ₹29,499, which is just under $350, so it stands to reason the Camon 40 Premier could cost somewhere in the same ballpark and maybe a bit more.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Specs
Category
TECNO Camon 40 Premier
OS
HiOS 15 (Android 15)
Software updates
5 years, 3 OS versions
Chipset
MediaTek Dimensity 8520 Ultimate
RAM
12GB
Storage
256GB (non expandable)
Display
6.67-inches, OLED, 1.5K (1260 x 2800), 144Hz
Rear Camera 1
50MP wide, Sony LYT-701, OIS
Rear Camera 2
50MP ultrawide
Rear Camera 3
50MP periscope, 3X
Front Camera
50MP wide
Battery
5,100mAh
Charging
70W wired
Protection
Gorilla Glass 7i, IP68/69
Dimensions
161 x 75 x 7.7mm
Weight
193g
Colors
Galaxy Black, Emerald Lake Green
TECNO Camon 40 Premier: What I like
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
For a phone that costs less than $600, the TECNO Camon 40 Premier has a lot going for it. It sits in a weird but compelling space of phones that come with flagship features and performance but sub-flagship prices. This is a space occupied by phones like the Pixel 9 and OnePlus 13R, and the Camon 40 Premier emulates this fairly well.
The hardware is a big part of what makes this a great phone. The display is a 6.67-inch AMOLED that looks great, although it doesn’t blow me away. It’s plenty bright, the color profile is nicely tuned so that it’s not oversaturated, and the 144Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smooth as butter.
Part of this has to do with the MediaTek Dimensity 8530 chip powering the phone. While it’s an upper-midrange chipset, I have no complaints about performance. Nearly everything you do on this phone is executed quickly and effortlessly, which should come as no surprise for a chip that falls just under the flagship 9000-series chips.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
This extends to gaming as well. One of my favorite games to play Honkai: Star Rail, which can be pretty taxing on a phone when played at the higher settings. Usually a phone will default to the settings it thinks it can handle, and the Camon 40 Premier was already set to “High” when I started up the game.
I decided that wasn’t enough, so I turned things up to the highest graphics settings and at 60fps instead of the default 30fps. Surprisingly (or not), the phone is able to keep up just fine, and I did not notice much in the way of stuttering or massive frame rate drops.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
The software experience overall is pretty solid, even if HiOS isn’t my favorite Android skin. It runs Android 15 out of the box, and you’ll get some of the more common Android flourishes that we see in phones these days, such as the separated notification shade and quick panel.
The smart panel is great for multitasking, while the Dynamic Port gives you a Dynamic Island-like (albeit fairly limited) experience.
However, I can’t really talk about a new phone in 2025 without mentioning AI, especially as it’s a big focus for this phone. TECNO recently announced its grand plans for TECNO AI, its suite of features that it’s bringing to its smartphone portfolio to help bridge the gap between the $1000 phones of the world and the more affordable and accessible phones. What’s great is that TECNO makes its AI very present for people who want to use it.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
When you first turn on the Camon 40 Premier, you’re taken through the setup process via TECNO’s AI assistant, Ella. It’s an early introduction to the phone’s relationship with AI and gets you prepared for what’s to come.
Once set up, swiping to the left of the home screen will unveil an AI hub of sorts called Zero Screen, where you can access a suite of TECNO AI features. Up top is Ella Briefing. Not to be confused with Samsung’s Now Brief (although at least part of the idea is similar), it’s a helpful “brief” up top to summarize and remind you of calendar events, notifications, and more.
TECNO fit a ton of AI tools into the Camon 40 Premier, which are pretty useful.
There’s also quite an abundance of AI tools you have access to, and while you’ll easily find a lot of them throughout the UI, like AI Studio in the Gallery app, the Zero Screen puts them all pretty much at your fingertips and makes it easy for you to find use cases for them.
This includes creating AI-generated art using texts or drawings, translating from images or while in a conversation, summarizing documents or creating them from photos, and more.
For the most part, these features are pretty well-baked, and TECNO’s AI feels like a pretty mature offering. Accessing the settings for TECNO AI feels very comparable to Galaxy AI on a Samsung phone, and many features are quite similar.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Going back to the idea of easy access, TECNO has implemented an Action Button of sorts called the One-Tap Button. Interestingly, tapping it once doesn’t actually do anything, but you can customize the double-tap to open any app or perform certain functions like muting the ringer.
A long press of the button will evoke the Ella assistant, which is a nice alternative to using the power button, something that other Android OEMs (looking at you, Samsung) have defaulted to. I love the added functionality of the button, and I hope to see something more like this on other Android phones.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
AI also makes its way into the camera, and the 50MP triple camera system is surprisingly good. TECNO has tuned the camera so that it can take better images in low-light conditions and also better reproduce more skin tones. In my experience, I’ve been able to take plenty of respectable photos. It’s not the best, but it’s quite good for this price range, and I doubt anyone would be disappointed in the camera.
I love that the Camon 40 Premier has a telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, something I feel is still pretty uncommon at this price point. It does well during the day, with photos taken at 6x coming out pretty crisp, although the sensor struggles a bit at night.
You can also take images at a moment’s notice with FlashSnap, which can capture photos with a very high shutter speed while keeping the image crisp with reduced noise. So not only can it keep you from missing a moment, but it can also capture moments automatically based on the scene, which is pretty useful.
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(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Finally, you’ll be happy to know that battery life is superb. The 5,100mAh battery keeps the phone going all day, and I’ve been able to average about 7 hours or more of screen-on time. The 70W charging can also top up the phone in no time at all, with the phone going from 1-100% in just over 30 minutes. Take that, Samsung!
TECNO Camon 40 Premier: What I don’t like
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
The TECNO Camon 40 Premier is a pretty solid phone, thanks to its IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance ratings. Unfortunately, it doesn’t feel as solid as it is. The back panel, which has a fairly uninspired design despite the brightly colored green, feels pretty cheap in hand. I often just stick to the included case, which is much grippier and still features the same color.
I also found myself a bit put off by the amount of bloatware on the phone after setting it up. You’ll likely spend quite a bit of time uninstalling various apps you may or may not have heard of or just don’t want on your phone.
And speaking of things you may not want on your phone, TECNO’s AI is mostly pretty well-rounded, but Ella feels like a lesser version of Gemini. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s commendable that Ella even exists, as one of the biggest benefits of using Ella over other assistants is that it uses more local languages for better accessibility among developing and developed regions.
That said, despite Ella being integrated with Gemini, it just feels slower and doesn’t display information in the same coherent way I would get with Gemini. For example, I asked Ella and Gemini about measles symptoms and if I should be concerned about contracting it due to the recent outbreak. Ella slowly spat out the information at me while Gemini relayed the information in a very clean manner, even creating clear lists within the app.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Also, TECNO has decided to integrate DeepSeek R1 into Ella, which is a curious decision. As a Chinese-based company, it makes sense to use the newest AI model, especially after it recently went pretty viral. However, given the privacy concerns, anyone outside of China may want to refrain from using it.
Fortunately, TECNO lets you choose when to use DeepSeek R1. When opening Ella, there’s a very prominent DeepSeek R1 button that you can press to toggle the model on or off. It’s nice that the option is there, even if I don’t plan to use it.
Even better, you still have the option to use Gemini instead of Ella if you prefer. Unfortunately, that doesn’t apply to the Ella One-Tap Button shortcut, but you can still set Gemini as the double-tap option to open the app (although it doesn’t automatically enable voice input).
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
A more minor issue I have with the TECNO Camon 40 Premier is the lack of wireless charging. It’s not a particularly big deal, as wireless charging is still not commonly found on midrange phones. Plus, the 70W charging more than makes up for its absence, but it is always nice to have the option.
Lastly, the in-display fingerprint sensor works quickly, but like the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 and Honor 200 Pro it’s just way too low on the display, making it a bit awkward to use unless you’re holding the phone in a specific way. Not a deal breaker, but definitely an annoyance.
TECNO Camon 40 Premier: Competition
(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)
For a phone at this price point, there are a number of similarly-priced cheap Android phones. The Pixel 9a is still very much new and only $499 despite its flagship-level Tensor G4 chipset. It is capable of many of the same AI features as the flagship Pixel 9 series, just at a fraction of the cost. That said, its hardware specs aren’t nearly as robust, with slower charging, less RAM, and a lower refresh rate display. Plus, as of writing, the phone isn’t on store shelves yet after it was delayed.
The Moto G Power 2025 is another contender in a similar price bracket as the Camon 40 Premier. It offers great value for the price and is a beautifully designed phone that features a vegan leather finish, great battery life, wireless charging, and an IP68/69 rating for protection. However, it has a less impressive MediaTek chip and is lacking int he AI department, making this a much less exciting phone than the Camon.
TECNO Camon 40 Premier: Should you buy it?
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
You should buy this if…
You’re looking for an affordable phone.
You want a phone with fast charging.
You want a good camera that can quickly capture moments.
You shouldn’t buy this if…
You live in North America.
You need wireless charging.
You don’t want to deal with bloatware.
The Camon 40 Premier 5G is feels like it’s TECNO’s version of a Pixel. It’s a fantastic midrange phone that has all the makings of a good flagship. The MediaTek chip is more than enough for what the phone is trying to accomplish, and the AI suite feels very comprehensive, even if some of its implementation could be improved.
Despite the lack of wireless charging and questionable choices with fingerprint sensor placement and selection of AI models, battery life and great camera quality make up for any shortcomings the phone may have, of which there are few. And while it’s not sold in North America, the TECNO Camon 40 Premier 5G is a phone you should consider buying if it’s in your market.
TECNO Camon 40 Premier 5G
A premier experience
The Camon 40 Premier 5G is a great phone that has a lot of flagship potential but at a fraction of the cost. Impressive specs and a ton of AI features make this a great phone for anyone looking to save some money.
Looking for the ultimate freelance writing for beginners guide? You’ve come to the right place. Keep reading.
The writing industry is vast and many people will have, at some point, wondered if they should bother to pursue a career within it.
With writing being an essential part of everyday life, the opportunity to translate that experience and knowledge into an income has greater potential than many other industries, but it also means it is more competitive.
But what does it actually take to become a freelance writer? And how exactly does one go about it? Is there a freelance writing for beginners guide?
In this article we’ll answer these questions and more. We’ll break down the ins and outs of freelance writing as a career path, examining the skill set required, the steps to take and the knowledge you need.
By the end, you’ll be in a position to ascertain whether or not a freelance writing career is for you as well as how to break into the industry.
As independent contractors, freelance writers cater to diverse clients, producing content across various genres and platforms. This flexible career allows writers to choose their projects, set their schedules, and work from virtually anywhere.
From creating engaging articles and blog posts to crafting marketing copy and technical documents, freelance writers navigate a vast landscape of opportunities.
Success in freelance writing often hinges on a blend of writing proficiency, business acumen, and adaptability, empowering writers to pursue their passion while meeting the unique needs of clients in a constantly evolving digital landscape.
What skills do you need to become a freelance writer?
Becoming a successful freelance writer requires a diverse skill set to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital content creation.
Here’s a guide to key skills essential for freelance writers:
Writing proficiency—Strong writing skills are the foundation. A freelance writer must convey ideas clearly, concisely, and creatively
Research skills—The ability to gather accurate information efficiently is crucial for creating well-informed, credible content
Adaptability—Freelance writers often work on varied topics and formats, demanding adaptability to different styles, tones, and industries
Time management—Meeting deadlines is paramount. Effective time management ensures timely delivery of quality work
SEO knowledge—Understanding search engine optimization helps writers create content that performs well in online searches
Communication—Clear communication with clients is vital. Freelancers must interpret client needs and convey progress and challenges effectively
Editing and proofreading—A keen eye for detail ensures the delivery of polished, error-free content
Creativity—Creativity adds flair to writing, making content engaging and memorable
Self-motivation—Freelancers must stay motivated to meet goals and navigate the uncertainties of freelancing
Attention to detail—Precision in details, from grammar to formatting, contributes to professional, high-quality work
Develop a professional website or blog showcasing a portfolio of your best work. This serves as a centralized platform for potential clients to assess your writing style and expertise.
Join freelance platforms
If you are brand new and have no idea where to start, register on freelance job platforms like Upwork, Freelancer or Fiverr to find a variety of writing opportunities. Complete your profile with relevant details and samples.
Many websites, especially in the writing niche, post job opportunities. Regularly check job boards like ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Jobs and BloggingPro for new listings.
Actively participate in writing communities on platforms like Threads, Facebook and Reddit. Share your expertise, engage in discussions and make connections that may lead to job opportunities.
Cold pitching
Identify potential clients or publications and send personalized pitches. Clearly articulate how your skills align with their needs.
Attend local or virtual events related to writing, publishing or freelancing. Networking with professionals in these spaces can open doors to opportunities.
Offer free workshops or webinars
Showcase your expertise by hosting free workshops or webinars. This not only positions you as an authority but may attract clients seeking your services.
Remember, persistence and consistency are key when establishing a freelance writing career. Building a strong online presence and actively seeking opportunities will contribute to a steady flow of work.
Entry routes for new freelance writers
Freelance writers just starting out can explore various creative ways to pitch and acquire work, especially in the initial stages of their career.
Here are some entry-level examples:
Social media management proposal
Pitch small businesses or startups on improving their social media presence
Offer to create engaging content, manage posting schedules, and respond to audience engagement
Website content rewrite
Approach local businesses with outdated or poorly written websites
Propose a website content overhaul to enhance clarity, SEO, and overall user experience
Blog post packages
Create a package of blog post writing services
Offer businesses a set number of monthly blog posts to improve their online visibility and showcase their expertise
Newsletter creation
Target businesses without an active newsletter
Propose a newsletter creation service to help them connect with their audience through regular updates and promotions
Email marketing campaigns
Pitch e-commerce businesses on crafting compelling email campaigns
Highlight the potential for increased customer engagement and sales through effective email marketing
Resume and LinkedIn profile writing
Offer resume and LinkedIn profile writing services
Target individuals looking to enhance their professional profiles for job applications
Product descriptions for small e-commerce stores
Reach out to small online shops without optimized product descriptions
Offer to revamp their product descriptions to boost sales and customer understanding
Local event coverage
Propose event coverage for local businesses or community events
Offer to write event summaries or promotional content
Guest blogging for startups
Approach startups in your niche and offer guest blogging services
Provide them with valuable content to showcase their expertise and attract a wider audience
Editing and proofreading services
Advertise editing and proofreading services on platforms like Craigslist or local community boards
Offer assistance with resumes, essays, or any written content
Remember to tailor your pitches to the specific needs of your target clients and showcase the value you can bring to their business or personal brand. As you gain experience, you can expand your services and reach a broader clientele.
Freelance writing for beginners
Breaking into the freelance writing industry then can open up a world of opportunities for creative expression and financial independence. As you navigate the marketplace of freelance writing, remember that persistence, continuous learning and adaptability are your greatest allies.
The diverse entry points discussed, from social media proposals to blog post packages, showcase the varied paths to success. Every pitch, rejection and acceptance contributes to your growth.
Building a freelance writing career requires patience and resilience, but the satisfaction of seeing your words make an impact is unparalleled.
Take the lessons learned, refine your skills, and embrace the journey of becoming a freelance writer.
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