It’s time to announce our Snapdragon Insider of the Month. Last month, you loved getting to know Alia. Now we’re thrilled to introduce you to another incredible member of our Snapdragon Insiders community. Meet Paul Smith (@Geeekystuff on Instagram and Twitter), a Snapdragon Insider from England. Let’s check out what Paul has to say about being a Snapdragon Insider.
What sparked your interest in technology?
I got into tech after discovering the Chinese smartphone market and seeing how many smartphone manufacturers were making really good phones for a fraction of the cost [of smartphones in the UK]. I remember buying a smartphone from China back in 2016 that was around £150. It was really good for the price, and I got quite excited about it and wanted to show everyone that there are affordable smartphone options. I made a YouTube video about my experience and that really marked the start of my passion for technology.
Why are you a fan of Snapdragon?
When I started my tech journey in 2016, I noticed that the affordable, mid-range phones that really stood apart were the ones with Snapdragon. I could tell the phones [with Snapdragon] were more polished and had better performance. They were just a bit snappier — no pun intended.
So the performance initially drew me to Snapdragon, and then last year I noticed the Snapdragon Insiders and the positive community that is building up around the brand. It’s just fantastic. It’s a really nice community, where loads of people have all of these opportunities and Snapdragon is making people’s dreams come true. My dream came true in March when Snapdragon Insiders sent me and other lucky members of the community to a Manchester United match at Old Trafford. The community, in addition to the great performance, just makes you love the brand all the more.
What’s your go-to Snapdragon powered device?
I’m a recent convert to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, which I was gifted by Snapdragon Insiders. I had been loyal to Google Pixel up until trying the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra; I’m actually in the process of making a video about my experience and why I’m switching. The S23 Ultra has great battery, great video quality, and a great camera system. It includes a 10X optical zoom, which is amazing, especially at football matches so you can get those close-up shots. It’s just an all-around great device.
How did you first get involved with the Snapdragon Insiders community?
I got involved last year by following Ryan Cleary (@spintheweedawg on Twitter and @ryan.cleary.photography on Instagram). I saw that he went to Old Trafford for a game and posted something about Snapdragon Insiders. I signed up to be a Snapdragon Insider, but I didn’t do much initially. Some time passed and I wanted to get more involved with the community — that’s when I saw the #ShotOnSnapdragon pictures on Twitter. I started using a device with Snapdragon to take pictures and share them with the hashtag, tagging Snapdragon. I got a bit obsessed. That’s how I got my start as a Snapdragon Insider.
Speaking of #ShotOnSnapdragon: What’s the best photo you’ve taken with a Snapdragon powered smartphone camera?
It’s probably the one I took in Manchester. It was Greg Crockart (Snapdragon Insiders Program Lead, Qualcomm Technologies) who noticed the shot. We were walking in Manchester at night and there was a lamppost with a tree in front of it and the light was shining through the tree. It gave it a cool effect, like a spider web. Using the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, I snapped a photo, adjusted the color and brightness, and it’s probably the best photo I’ve ever taken. It’s amazing.
What future tech are you most excited for?
Honestly, I’m excited for the technology in cars that’s already happening. With electric cars, self-driving cars, what [Qualcomm Technologies] is doing with the Snapdragon® Digital Chassis™, all that kind of stuff — it’s advanced beyond what I could have dreamed.
Who is your favorite Snapdragon Insider to follow?
It’s got to be Ryan. He’s an ace at photography, both with a normal camera and a smartphone camera. I think he’s an exceptional talent, especially in terms of mobile photography. He’s got a really good eye for shots. He’s a great guy as well, he’s very funny.
What’s your favorite part of being a Snapdragon Insider?
It’s the overall community. When I’m on Twitter and post some of my pictures, you can see all the Snapdragon Insiders commenting, liking, and just encouraging me. This community is absolutely brilliant — they make you feel appreciated.
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