How to Downgrade Samsung Galaxy S8 SM-G950F (Exynos) from Android 9.0 on OneUI 1.0 to Android 8.0 with Samsung Experience 9.0

 How to Downgrade Samsung Galaxy S8  SM-G950F (Exynos)  from Android 9.0 on OneUI 1.0 to Android 8.0 with Samsung Experience 9.0

WARNING!!! THIS PROCESS DELETES DATA. IF YOU HAVE IMPORTANT DATA, MAKE A BACKUP WITH GOOGLE. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES TO YOUR DEVICE. DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Step 1 - Unlocking the Bootloader/Enabling OEM Unlock and Downloading the Necessary Files

On your phone, open Settings, scroll down to the bottom, and find Phone - About, then Software Information. There, you'll find the version number. Click it repeatedly until you become a developer. Now, go back to the main settings and enter Developer Options, where you'll find OEM Unlock. If you have a PIN or screen unlock pattern, enter it, and your phone's bootloader will be unlocked. Now download the necessary files: Odin3, the TWRP file, and the downgrade zip file. Below are the download links for TWRP, Odin3, and the zip file:

TWRP SM-G950F

Odin3

SM-G950F downgrade file

Step 2 - Flash TWRP Recovery in Odin3

Unzip and open Odin3. Once it opens, a message should appear. Click OK. You'll now see the program's UI. To flash TWRP, click AP and select the twrp-3.7.0_9-0-dreamlte.img.tar file. Then, go to Options and disable Auto Reboot. Now turn off your phone. After the vibration, press the Power, Vol-, and Bixby buttons simultaneously. A message should appear. Confirm with the Vol+ button. Now, connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable. Odin should detect your phone. Once it detects it, click Start. Flashing TWRP will take a few seconds. Once the process is complete, exit Download mode by pressing Power and Vol-.

Step 3 - Entering TWRP Recovery and Installing the File

Enter TWRP by pressing the Power, Vol, and Bixby buttons. Once you've entered TWRP, you should see a message that says "Don't show again" and slide the slider. Now go to "Wipe and Advanced Wipe" and select:

Dalvik / ART Cache

Cache

System

Date

Internal Memory

Preload

Then, move the slider to clear. Now, the most important thing is to upload the file, but first, move the zip file to the SD card on your phone. Now, in TWRP, go to the Install tab, then select Storage, select Micro SD Card, and confirm with the OK button. Now, find the Samsung Experience 9.0 Galaxy S8 Dreamline Oreo 8.0.zip file. Click it and move the slider to install. This may take a few minutes. The next step will tell you what to do after installation.

Step 4 - What to do after installation

After installation, click Clear Cash in the lower left corner, then click Start System. The first startup may take 15 minutes, so be patient. Also, remember not to disable the OEM Unlock option. 

File Information 

I created the file in  ClassyKitchen Free  from Samsung files and debloated it, i.e. removed unnecessary programs.

Now I'll explain why you need to tinker with it, because it's probably interesting, and that's why you need to tinker. There's a bit in the bootloader (SW REV / bootloader revision + eFuse / rollback policy) that blocks this for security reasons. However, for enthusiasts, this is more of a drawback than an advantage because you have to flash TWRP, which translates to raising the Knox flag to 0x1. Flashing via Odin would result in an  SW REV CHECK FAIL (BOOTLOADER) error , so you need to look for workarounds like ClassyKitchen Free, which builds a TWRP-ready ROM from official Samsung files.

Samsung Galaxy S8 in 2026 – is it still usable ?

 Samsung Galaxy S8 in 2026 – is it still usable ?

 

The Samsung Galaxy S8 debuted in 2017. At the time, it was one of the most impressive smartphones on the market: a curved Infinity Display, a great camera, water resistance, and performance that easily lasted for several years. But it's already 2026. Does a nine-year-old phone still make sense?

The short answer is yes, but with major limitations .

What still works well?

The screen is still impressive

The Galaxy S8 features a 1440p Super AMOLED screen, which looks very good even today. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the resolution is higher than many modern mid-range phones.

It still works great for watching YouTube, Netflix, or browsing the internet.

Solid build quality

With a metal frame, glass on both sides, and IP68 certification, the S8 still looks like a premium phone. Many new budget models even feel cheaper.

Basic applications are working

Messenger, WhatsApp, Spotify, the web browser, maps, and banking apps can still work, although limitations related to older Android are increasingly emerging.

For simple use the phone is still fine.

Biggest problem: no updates

This is where the Galaxy S8 shows its age the most.

Samsung ended support for this model several years ago. This means:

• no security updates,
• old Android,
• more and more applications may stop working,
• greater risk of compatibility problems.

In 2026, security becomes a real concern, especially if you use:

• mobile banking,
• payments by phone,
• storing important data.

Efficiency – enough, but without reserve

The Exynos 8895 or Snapdragon 835 processor was great in 2017. Today, it handles mostly basic tasks.

The phone can:

• act slower,
• lose fluidity,
• heat up faster,
• have problems with modern games and heavy applications.

If you primarily use your phone for communication and the internet, it will still be acceptable. If you expect the speed of modern devices, you'll feel the difference immediately.

Battery after years

This is another big problem.

Even a well-treated battery is significantly worn out after 8-9 years. In many cases:

• working hours are short,
• the phone may turn off when the battery level is low,
• Charging is not as stable as it used to be.

Replacing the battery can help, but you need to consider whether investing in such an old phone makes sense.

Camera – still decent during the day

The Galaxy S8's 12MP camera can still take good photos in good light. Samsung already had very powerful cameras back then.

But:

• night photos are far from modern phones,
• lacks modern AI features,
• video and stabilization are clearly weaker than today.

For occasional photos, it's sufficient. For mobile photography in 2026, probably not.

Is the Galaxy S8 worth using in 2026?

Yes, if:

• you need a spare phone,
• you use your smartphone mainly for basic things,
• you don't want to spend money,
• you like compact phones,
• you have sentiment for this model.

No, if:

• you care about safety,
• you use the application intensively,
• you play games,
• you need a good battery,
• you want to have peace of mind for the next few years.

Summary

The Samsung Galaxy S8 in 2026 is a bit like an old, well-maintained car. It can still run and do its job, but its age is increasingly showing.

It's still a stylish and pleasant phone for basic use, but the lack of updates and aging components make it difficult to recommend as a primary device for everyday use.

If you already have one, you can still use it. If you're planning to buy a used S8 in 2026, it's better to look for something newer, even at a lower price point.

You can find the link to the full review  HERE

Why you shouldn't buy the Redmi Watch 5 Active

 Why you shouldn't buy the Redmi Watch 5 Active

At first glance, the Redmi Watch 5 Active looks like an attractive, budget smartwatch. Unfortunately, after extended use, issues surface that can effectively ruin the entire experience.

1. Limited functionality – more of a wristband than a smartwatch.
Despite the "watch" name, the device functions more like an advanced fitness tracker. It lacks app support, message response is very limited, and phone integration is rather superficial.

2. Lack of GPS – a big drawback for active people.
The lack of built-in GPS means you have to carry your phone during workouts. At this price point, this is becoming increasingly difficult to accept.

3. Measurement accuracy leaves much to be desired.
Heart rate and sleep measurements can be inconsistent and unreliable. These are estimates rather than reliable data.

4. Performance and stability issues (biggest drawback)
In my experience, this is where the biggest issues begin. The watch would freeze while simply browsing the menu – touch response was delayed, animations were choppy, and sometimes the screen would stop responding entirely.

There were also occasional random restarts, for no apparent reason – during use, or even when the watch was simply resting on the wrist. After a restart, everything returned to normal… until it froze again. In practice, this meant the device was completely unreliable – especially irritating during physical activity.

Such situations mean that instead of a convenient gadget, we get a device that requires patience.

5. Build quality and screen:
The materials are average, and the screen—though large—doesn't impress with its brightness or sharpness. It can be difficult to read in direct sunlight.

6. Software and Support:
The system is simple, but sometimes lacks polish – as evidenced by stability issues. There's also no guarantee that updates will fix these bugs.

Summary
The Redmi Watch 5 Active may seem like a bargain, but in practice it's disappointing. The biggest problem isn't even the functionality, but rather the stability of the device – freezes and random restarts effectively ruin the user experience.

If you're looking for equipment that simply needs to work without any hassle, it's better to look for something more refined – even at a higher price.

The realme Watch 5 will be a better choice, it is slightly more expensive but has a better screen and other functions.

realme Watch 5 Review

 realme Watch 5 Review

The realme Watch 5 is another entry-level smartwatch offering that combines functionality with an attractive price. The device is aimed primarily at active individuals who want to monitor their health and activity without breaking the bank.

At first glance, the watch has a modern look. It has a large, easy-to-read display (mostly AMOLED in this series) that performs well both indoors and outdoors. The colors are vibrant, and the interface is clear, though not as fluid as those found in more expensive models. The casing is lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear, but the build quality still betrays a budget-friendly character, with plastics dominating.

In terms of features, the realme Watch 5 offers everything you'd expect in this class: heart rate monitoring, sleep monitoring, SpO2, step counting, and various sports modes. The data is accurate enough for casual use, though more advanced users may notice some discrepancies. Another plus is the intuitive mobile app integration, which provides access to statistics and settings.

The battery is one of its strongest points – the watch can last several days on a single charge, which in practice means no need to plug it into a charger every day. This is a significant advantage compared to more advanced smartwatches.

It also includes basic smart features, such as phone notifications, music control, and simple watch faces for personalization. However, it's important to remember that this isn't a full-fledged smartwatch with apps – it's more of a feature-packed fitness tracker in the form of a watch.

In summary, the realme Watch 5 is a solid choice in its price range. It doesn't offer anything groundbreaking, but it delivers exactly what most users expect – a good battery, a clear display, and basic health features. If you're looking for an affordable and simple watch for everyday use, this is a worthwhile option.

Review: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA506NC-R5165W (2021)

 Review: ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA506NC-R5165W (2021)

The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 from the FA506 series is one of the most popular mid-range gaming laptops of 2021. The FA506NC-R5165W combines solid Full HD gaming performance with the durable design of the TUF series. Is it still worth considering after a few years?

Specifications (typical for this configuration)

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600H (6 cores / 12 threads)

• Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (4GB GDDR6)

• RAM: 16 GB DDR4 (expandable)

• Disk: SSD NVMe 512 GB

• Screen: 15.6" IPS, Full HD (1920×1080), 144 Hz

• System: Windows 11

• Weight: approx. 2.3 kg

Design and execution

The TUF series is renowned for its military-inspired styling and enhanced durability. The chassis features a subdued, matte finish, with a subtle TUF logo on the lid. The laptop meets selected durability standards (including vibration and temperature resistance), making it a solid device for everyday use.

It is not an ultra-thin design – it weighs over 2 kg and is quite thick – but in return it offers good cooling and casing stability.

Efficiency

The combination of Ryzen 5 5600H and RTX 3050 provides very good performance in Full HD resolution.

In practice:

• CS2 / Valorant / Fortnite – 120–200 FPS (high settings)

• GTA V / The Witcher 3 (non-RT) – 60–90 FPS (high)

• Cyberpunk 2077 – Playable 40–60 FPS (average, no ray tracing)

The RTX 3050 also allows you to use DLSS technology , which improves smoothness in newer titles.

The laptop also works very well for work – the 6-core Ryzen can handle video editing, programming and graphics processing.

Screen

The 144Hz display is a big plus for gamers – animation is noticeably smoother than with the standard 60Hz display.
Colors and viewing angles (IPS) are accurate, although color gamut coverage isn't professional – it may be insufficient for advanced color work.

The brightness is average – it is perfectly sufficient for home use, but in full sunlight it can be too weak.

Cooling and work culture

The cooling system is efficient, but the laptop is noisy under load —typical for this class of computer. However, CPU and GPU temperatures remain within safe ranges.

In office mode, noise is moderate.

Keyboard and ports

The keyboard is comfortable, with RGB (zoned) backlighting. The keystroke is crisp, making it ideal for both typing and gaming.

The port set includes:

• USB-A

• USB-C

• HDMI

• RJ-45 (LAN)

• audio jack

An advantage is the presence of a LAN port, which will be appreciated by online players.

Battery

Battery life is approximately:

• 5–7 hours of office work

• 1–2 hours while playing

This is a standard result for a 2021 gaming laptop.

Advantages

✔ Good price-to-performance ratio
✔ Ryzen 5 5600H processor – still very solid
✔ 144 Hz screen
✔ Expandable RAM and disk
✔ Durable construction

Defects

✖ Loud operation under load
✖ RTX 3050 with 4 GB VRAM – limited in newer games
✖ Average brightness and color reproduction

Is it worth it in 2026?

If you buy it used at a good price – yes, it still makes sense to:

• e-sports,

• older AAA games,

• science, technical studies,

• everyday work.

The latest games at high graphics settings may lack power (mainly due to 4 GB of VRAM).

Installing Windows on a Virtual Machine (VM)

 Installing Windows on a Virtual Machine (VM)

More and more people are using virtual machines to test software, learn system administration, or run applications that require a different operating system. In this article, I'll show you how to install Windows in a virtual machine (VM) easily and securely.

Why install Windows on a VM?

A virtual machine allows you to run a secondary operating system without interfering with the main computer system. Here are some of the advantages:

•  Security – you test files and applications in an isolated environment

• No need to partition the disk

• Ability to create snapshots (restore points)

• The perfect environment for learning and testing

What do you need?

1. Computer with at least 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)

2. Minimum 50-60 GB of free disk space

3. Windows ISO file (e.g. Windows 10 or 11)

4. Virtualization software, e.g.:

   • VirtualBox (free)

   • VMware Workstation Player

   • Hyper-V (built into Windows Pro)

Installing Windows on a VM – step by step (using VirtualBox as an example)

1. Download and install VirtualBox

Visit the official VirtualBox website and download the latest version. After installation, run the program.

2. Create a new virtual machine

Click "New" and then:

• Give it a name (e.g., "Windows 11 VM")

• Select type: Microsoft Windows

• Version: Windows 10 / Windows 11 (depending on ISO)

3. Allocate resources

RAM:

• Minimum: 4 GB (4096 MB)

• Recommended: 8 GB (if your computer allows it)

Hard drive:

• Select "Create Virtual Disk Now"

• Type: VDI

• Dynamically assigned

• Size: minimum 128.0 GB

4. Mount the ISO file

Go to Machine Settings → Media →
Select Optical Drive → select the downloaded ISO file from Windows.

5. Run the installation

Click "Start ." The machine will boot from the ISO image and the standard Windows installer will begin.

Then proceed as with normal installation:

• Select language

• Enter product key (or skip)

• Select your system version

• Install the system on the created virtual disk

Once the installation is complete, Windows will start in the virtual machine.

Installing Guest Additions

After the first run, it's a good idea to install Guest Additions (VirtualBox) or VMware Tools (VMware). This will:

• screen scaling works more smoothly

• shared storage is available

• graphics performance improves

• it is possible to share folders

Most common problems

Unable to start VM

Check if virtualization (Intel VT-x / AMD-V) is enabled in BIOS/UEFI.

Windows 11 won't install

TPM 2.0 may be required – in VirtualBox and VMware it can be enabled in the machine settings.

If you want to bypass this, please go  here .

Poor performance

Increase the amount of RAM or the number of CPU cores in the VM settings.

Summary

Installing Windows in a virtual machine is a great solution for developers, administrators, testers, and IT learners. The process is relatively simple, and the benefits are enormous—especially if security and flexibility are important to you.

If you are just starting your adventure with virtualization, VirtualBox will be a good and free choice to start with.

Logitech MX Anywhere 3S Review

 Logitech MX Anywhere 3S Review

The computer accessories market isn't changing as dynamically as smartphones or laptops, but there are products that, despite the passage of time, remain a safe choice. One of them is the Logitech MX Anywhere 3S. In 2026, it's still one of the most recommended compact mice for work. Is that right?

I checked whether it was still worth buying several years after its release.

First impressions and build quality

The MX Anywhere 3S is a premium mouse—and you can feel it from the first touch. The casing is solid, well-fitted, and the materials feel durable. This is a device that can easily withstand the daily rigors of being thrown into a backpack or bag.

Its biggest advantage is its compact size. This mouse was designed with mobility in mind—it takes up little space, is lightweight, and is easy to transport. At the same time, it doesn't feel like a "miniature toy" like cheaper travel models.

8K DPI sensor – works even on glass

Logitech has implemented a sensor with sensitivity up to 8000 DPI, which works on virtually any surface—even glass (min. 4 mm thick). This means you don't need a mouse pad.

Accuracy is excellent, both for office work and for more precise tasks (e.g., 2D graphics, video editing, working in Excel). This isn't a gaming mouse, but it's excellent for everyday use.

Silent clicks – a big plus

One of the biggest changes compared to older models is the Silent Click switches. The clicks are noticeably quieter, but still clearly noticeable.

In practice:

• less noise in the office,
• comfortable work in the evening,
• no annoying "clicking" during video conferencing.

It's a small thing, but you quickly start to appreciate it.

MagSpeed ​​– the best skate in its class

The metal MagSpeed ​​scroll wheel is one of this mouse's strongest points. It can operate in two modes:

• precise, gradual scrolling,
• ultra-fast scrolling without resistance.

It makes a huge difference when working with long documents, spreadsheets, or code review. The mechanism is quiet, smooth, and very satisfying to use.

Work on multiple devices

The MX Anywhere 3S allows you to pair up to three devices and switch between them with a single button.

This is a great solution if:

• you work on a laptop and a desktop computer,
• you use a computer and a tablet at the same time,
• you have a work and a private computer.

Works via Bluetooth or Logi Bolt receiver (depending on the version of the kit).

Battery and charging

The claimed operating time is approximately 70 days on a single charge. In practice, with heavy use, this usually lasts several weeks, which is still a very good result.

Charging is via USB-C. A few minutes of charging will provide hours of use, so it's hard to say there's any problem with the battery.

Comfort – is it suitable for all day wear?

This is the biggest compromise of this design.

The MX Anywhere 3S is small—ideal for travel, but not necessarily the best for those with large hands who work 8-10 hours a day. For extended periods of use, the MX Master 3S is more ergonomic.

If you have medium or smaller hands and prefer a fingertip or claw grip, the comfort will be very good.

Defects

This is not a product without drawbacks:

• high price (premium segment),
• the small size may not suit everyone,
• no Logi Bolt receiver in some versions of the set,
• no additional buttons known from the MX Master series.

Is it worth buying in 2026?

Yes – if you're looking for a compact, portable mouse for work.

The MX Anywhere 3S remains one of the best small office mice on the market. Its excellent sensor, quiet clicks, excellent scroll wheel, and multi-device support make it difficult to find a truly better alternative in this size.

However, if you work mainly at a desk and care about maximum ergonomics, a better choice would be the larger model from the MX Master series.

Final grade (2026)

Build quality: 9/10

Mobility: 10/10

Comfort: 7.5/10

Functionality: 9/10

Profitability: 8/10

Verdict: One of the best premium compact mice that still holds up despite the passage of time.