Oppo has officially confirmed that it will unveil the Find X7 series of smartphones at 2:30 pm (local time) on Jan. 8, 2024, in China. In addition, the Find X7 and Find X7 Ultra smartphones are now listed on Oppo China’s online store for reservations. The official listings have confirmed the configurations and color options of both smartphones well ahead of the official announcement.
Oppo Find X7 series launch date
Oppo Find X7
Reports have revealed that the Find X7 will come equipped with the Dimensity 9300 chipset. The official listing reveals that it will come in four configurations, such as 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 16 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage.
The Find X7 will be available in four shades, such as Starry Sky Black, Sea and Sky, Desert Moon Silver, and Smokey Purple.
Oppo Find X7 Ultra
The Find X7 Ultra is expected to come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. It will be available in three variants, such as 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 16 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, and 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage.
Find X7 Ultra: Pine Shadow InkFind X7 Ultra: Sea and SkyFind X7 Ultra: Desert Moon Silver.
When it comes to color options, the Find X7 Ultra will come in choices such as Pine Shadow Ink, Sea and Sky, and Desert Moon Silver.
The Find X7 and Find X7 Ultra have a similar design, with the front featuring a punch-hole display with curved edges and a dual-tone back panel with a massive camera module. The Find X7 has a triple-camera unit, whereas the Find X7 Ultra has a quad-camera system. The Ultra variant will be the world’s first smartphone to feature dual periscope telephoto cameras. In addition, it will also be the first-ever phone to feature the one-inch Sony LYT-900 50-megapixel camera sensor as the primary snapper.
It is said that there will be a third device called the Oppo Find X7 Ultra Satellite Communication Version, which will come with support for two-way satellite communication. The rest of its specs will be identical to the Find X7 Ultra.
After weeks of leaks and rumors, Samsung’s latest flagship tablets are finally here. The company today announced the Galaxy Tab S12+ and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra while skipping the base Galaxy Tab S12. Both tablets will go on sale globally on October 7.
Design and display
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra measures just 5.1mm thick, which is Samsung’s thinnest tablet yet. The Wi-Fi model weighs 692g, while the 5G version weighs 695g. It has a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 2960 x 1848 resolution.
The Galaxy Tab S12+ is slightly smaller, with a 12.6-inch display and a 2800 x 1752 resolution. It is 5.3mm thick and weighs 553g for the Wi-Fi model and 555g for the 5G version.
Both tablets have 120Hz refresh rates and can reach up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness. They also come with four speakers supporting spatial audio, along with IP68 dust and water resistance. Samsung also offers S Pen support on both models. However, the new S Pen does not have Bluetooth features.
Inside, both models are powered by the Dimensity 9500, which isn’t MediaTek’s best chip anymore — succeeded by the Dimensity 9600 Pro — but it should suffice for the heaviest of things you throw at it. Samsung has also added a new 3D vapor chamber to help manage heat during demanding workloads.
On the software side, both tablets run One UI 9 based on Android 17. Samsung is also offering a six-month trial of Google AI Pro with the tablets, which includes access to Gemini.
Here are the other main specifications:
Specification
Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra
Galaxy Tab S12+
Battery and charging
11,600mAh, 45W
10,600mAh, 45W
Top configuration
16GB + 1TB
12GB + 512GB
Wireless
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, 5G
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6.0, 5G
Rear cameras
13MP + 8MP ultrawide
13MP
Front camera
12MP ultrawide
12MP ultrawide
Both models support dual SIM with a physical SIM and eSIM. They also have in-display fingerprint sensors and microSD card support for cards up to 2TB.
The tablets are available in Gray and Silver. Samsung also offers accessories including the Pro Keyboard, Book Cover Keyboard Slim, and an anti-reflective screen protector.
Price and availability
The Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra starts at $1,399 (€1,569 / £1,399) for the 12GB + 256GB version. Samsung also offers 12GB + 512GB and 16GB + 1TB configurations.
The Galaxy Tab S12+ starts at $1,199 (€1,329 / £1,199) for the 12GB + 256GB model. A 12GB + 512GB version is also available.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Citizen has officially released the Promaster Air in the United States. The watch, which launched in Europe last week under the name Promaster Sky Navihawk, is an aviation-focused mechanical timepiece. It is now available to purchase directly through the Citizen US website for $895.
Design Details
The Promaster Air (model NK0040-58L) features a 40mm case made from Super Titanium, Citizen’s proprietary hardened titanium material. The main benefit of using titanium instead of standard stainless steel is the weight reduction, making the watch lighter on the wrist while providing a high level of scratch resistance. The watch comes on a matching silver-tone Super Titanium bracelet, which secures with a standard fold-over clasp and hidden push buttons.
Citizen has given the watch a sunray blue dial with applied hour markers and red accents that add some contrast to the overall design. As a flight watch, it also comes with an outer slide-rule bezel for performing calculations such as flight distance and fuel consumption without relying on a digital calculator. The dial sits beneath a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating to improve readability in bright outdoor conditions.
Internally, the watch is powered by Citizen’s Caliber 8310 automatic movement. Because it is a mechanical watch, it does not use a battery. Instead, it relies on an oscillating weight inside the case that winds the mainspring using the natural movement of your arm.
The Caliber 8310 has a 60-hour power reserve. This means if you take the watch off and put it in a drawer, it will keep ticking for about two and a half days before it stops and needs to be wound again.
While it is styled for aviation, the Promaster Air has a water resistance rating of 200 meters (20 Bar or 666 feet). This rating means the watch is safe to wear while swimming, showering, or snorkeling without risking damage to the internal movement.
In 2026, Motorola‘s smartphone lineup covers almost every segment, from budget-friendly Moto G models to capable Edge models, and even two very different types of foldables. The company is also making a bigger push into the flagship space with the Signature series.
The most expensive model is not necessarily the one that makes the most sense for everyone, especially when some of the company’s phones overlap in specifications while differing considerably in price. With that in mind, we have picked the Motorola phones that stand out in their respective categories, whether you want flagship performance, a capable all-rounder, good value for money, or a foldable experience. Here are the best Motorola phones to consider in 2026.
The Signature 27 is Motorola’s first true flagship in a long time. It is scheduled to go on sale in the US this November, with a wider rollout expected soon after. It pairs a cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 (2 nm) with up to 16 GB RAM and 1 TB UFS 4.1 storage, plus a long software commitment of seven major OS updates.
The camera system stands out with a large 50 MP main (1/1.28″ sensor, OIS), 200 MP periscope telephoto with 5× optical zoom. The unique camera layout and Bang & Olufsen-tuned audio round out a premium package.
Its more advanced chipset, new design, and custom-tuned audio differentiate it from the original Motorola Signature, justifying a place on the list even though it won’t go on sale until November 2026.
Among the Edge 70 family (Pro, Pro+, and Max), the Pro model seems to be the smartest buy. Specs are nearly identical to the more expensive Pro+, while the Max trades the telephoto for a slightly larger battery (7100 mAh vs 6500 mAh) and marginally bigger display (6.82″ vs 6.78″) at a higher price that doesn’t justify the differences.
The Pro’s display delivers up to 144 Hz refresh rate and 5200 nits peak brightness. It’s powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Extreme, 8/12 GB RAM options, and 256/512 GB UFS 4.1 storage on Android 16 with three major updates.
It packs a triple 50 MP camera setup (main, 3.5× periscope telephoto, and ultrawide) plus 50 MP selfie, 6500 mAh Si/C battery with 90 W wired charging.
3. Motorola Moto G87
Not everyone needs or wants a premium device, especially in 2026, and the G87 is the practical “does the job well for the money” choice. It features a 6.78″, 1.5K AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 5000 nits peak brightness.
It features MediaTek’s Dimensity 6400 (a 6-nm based 5G chipset), 8/12 GB RAM, and Android 16. The standout is the 200 MP main camera with OIS paired with an 8 MP ultrawide, plus a 32 MP selfie, capable of solid everyday photography and 1440p video.
4. Motorola Signature
The original Signature remains relevant alongside the upcoming Signature 27. It offers a large main sensor (1/1.28″, the same size as the Signature 27) and a capable 50MP telephoto (1/1.95″) that the Edge 70 series doesn’t match, and is expected to come in at a lower price than the Signature 27.
Specs include a 6.8″ 1.5K LTPO AMOLED with up to 165 Hz refresh rate and 6200 nits of peak brightness. It’s not considered a “true flagship” because it uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 instead of the 8 Elite Gen 5, but it still packs enough performance for most use cases. It’s paired with up to 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB of UFS 4.1 storage, and the same seven-year software support as the upcoming Signature 27.
It still holds its own against the newer, more expensive Signature 27 for many buyers.
5. Motorola Razr Fold
Motorola’s first book-style foldable stands out as one of the brand’s strongest foldable offerings. It unfolds to an 8.1″ LTPO P-OLED (2232 × 2484, ~410 ppi, 120 Hz, up to 6200 nits) with a 6.6″ 165 Hz cover display, powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, and Android 16 with seven major updates.
The triple 50 MP camera system includes a 1/1.28″ main sensor, a 1/1.95″ 3× periscope telephoto, and a 1/2.76″ ultrawide. A 6000 mAh battery with 80 W wired + 50 W wireless charging, stylus support, Bose-tuned stereo speakers, and a relatively thin 4.7 mm unfolded profile make it a versatile productivity and media device.
6. Motorola Razr 70 Ultra
The clamshell Razr 70 Ultra rounds out the foldable picks as Motorola’s premium flip-phone option. It offers a 7.0″ LTPO AMOLED inner display with a 165Hz refresh rate and up to 5000 nits peak brightness. The outer display measures 4 inches and is also an LTPO panel with a matching 165Hz refresh rate.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, it comes with Android 16, and three years of major OS updates. The dual 50MP rear camera system pairs a 50MP 1/1.56″ main sensor with a 50MP ultrawide (1/2.93″), plus a 50MP selfie camera. Its 5000 mAh battery supports 68W wired and 30W wireless charging.
The Google Pixel 11a could arrive in spring 2027 with a higher price than the current model. A new report claims the phone may start at $599, up from the Pixel 10a’s $499 launch price.
The report also gives us the first look at the Pixel 11a’s design. It follows the same overall style as the Pixel 9a and Pixel 10a, with a camera module that sits flush with the rear panel. The module is slightly shorter than before, changing from a longer ellipse to a more compact shape, while the flash remains outside it.
Google Pixel 11a looks the same as its predecessor
The phone is said to measure around 153.46 × 72.35 × 9 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Pixel 10a. It could come in Obsidian, Fog, Olive, and Orchid colors.
In July,a leak revealed the Pixel 11a will be powered by the Tensor G6 chip and MediaTek M90 modem. The latest report backs up those details. Unlike the Pixel 10a, which launched with the Tensor G4, the Pixel 11a is expected to use the same Tensor G6 as the Pixel 11 series.
The phone is also expected to have a 6.3-inch 1080p display with a 60Hz-120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Peak brightness could reach 3,350 nits, while high-brightness mode may reach 2,250 nits.
Rounding out the specs is a 5,100mAh battery, along with the same 48MP main and 13MP ultrawide cameras. The front camera could get an upgrade to a 10.5MP sensor. The Pixel 11a will also ship with Android 17 and receive seven years of OS, feature, and security updates.
iQOO 16 is a flagship smartphone designed for users who want powerful performance, advanced gaming features, and a large, high-quality display. It combines the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor with a dedicated Vivo Q4 gaming chip, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. The phone also packs a large 8400mAh battery with 100W fast charging, making it a feature-rich option for gaming, entertainment, photography, and everyday use.
Display
The iQOO 16 features a 6.85-inch Samsung M16 LTPO LEAD display with a 3168 × 1440 resolution. The screen supports a 165Hz refresh rate and 500Hz touch sampling rate, providing smooth scrolling and responsive controls during gaming. It can reach up to 10,000 nits peak brightness and also supports 3300Hz PWM dimming. The combination of high resolution, fast refresh rate, and high brightness makes the display one of the phone’s key features.
Performance and Software
The smartphone is powered by the 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 platform with CPU speeds of up to 5.01GHz. It is paired with Vivo’s Q4 gaming chip, 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5X Ultra RAM, and up to 1TB UFS 4.1 storage. The iQOO 16 runs Android 17 with OriginOS 7.0, which adds full-screen gesture support and a refreshed user interface.
The rear camera system includes a 50MP 1/1.3-inch f/1.68 main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP Sony IMX882 3x periscope telephoto camera. This setup provides dedicated options for standard, wide-angle, and zoom photography.
Battery and Gaming
The phone packs an 8400mAh battery with 100W FlashCharge, which is claimed to charge the phone from empty to full in 19 minutes. Gaming features include dual X-axis motors, upgraded 4D vibration, and dual pressure-sensitive buttons under the display for four-finger control.
Connectivity
The iQOO 16 supports 5G and Wi-Fi 7, along with NFC, dual-frequency GPS, an IR blaster, HPUE, and 4×4 MIMO. It also features an ultrasonic 3D wide-area fingerprint sensor with a claimed unlocking time of 0.2 seconds.
Price and Availability
Vivo iQOO 16 starts at $999 and is available to purchase through Giztop. Express and global shipping options are also available, making the phone accessible to buyers in different regions.
OnePlus has shared its own AnTuTu score for the OnePlus 16, and it is higher than the number from an earlier leak. The company says the phone scored more than 5.63 million points, but of course, the numbers are achieved in controlled testing.
Nonetheless, it’s higher than the 5.38 million score on AnTuTu last week, and OnePlus also claims this is the highest AnTuTu score among phones using the same chip.
The OnePlus 16 will be among the first phones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, which is made using TSMC’s 2nm process. The chip uses an all-big-core CPU with clock speeds above 5.0GHz. Compared with the previous generation, OnePlus says CPU performance is up by 13%, while GPU performance has increased by 44%.
OnePlus has worked with Qualcomm on a gaming kernel called Wind Chaser. It sits at the lower software layer and allows supported games to run at a native 185FPS while maintaining that frame rate during longer sessions. PUBG Mobile is one of the games mentioned by the company.
The phone also includes three OnePlus-developed chips for gaming. The P4 Super Display Chip handles image rendering, while the T3 Touch Chip manages touch response. The G3 e-sports network chip handles network latency. Together, these chips cover everything from a touch input to the image appearing on the display.
The OnePlus 16 is expected to feature a 6.78-inch 1.5K OLED display from BOE. The panel is flat with large rounded corners and supports a 185Hz refresh rate. It also has 1.15mm bezels on all four sides.
The phone will pack a 9,000mAh battery, matching the capacity reported in earlier leaks. On the back, it will reportedly have a 200MP main camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. More details about the main sensor and new shooting modes are available in the earlier camera confirmation.
OnePlus has not revealed the phone’s price or charging specifications yet. Both details are expected to be announced at the October 12 event.
We’ve spent the past couple of days comparing some of 2026’s biggest new flagships, from Honor’s latest phone against the iPhone to other camera-heavy models from the Chinese market. One thing that keeps coming up with these newer phones is the same combination of bigger camera sensors, larger batteries, and AI features that can do more than answer questions.
Samsung is the odd one out here. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is still the company’s current flagship, while the next major Galaxy S-series refresh isn’t expected until 2027.
The timeline makes the Galaxy S26 Ultra an interesting phone to compare with newer Chinese flagships like the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max. Both phones have high-end cameras, big batteries, and plenty of AI, but they have a very different philosophy of what a flagship should feel like.
For instance, Xiaomi is still experimenting with a second display on the back of the 18 Pro Max, while Samsung is keen to keep the familiar Galaxy experience while adding minor features such as Privacy Display.
The different launch markets make the comparison even more interesting, too. If you’re considering Samsung’s current flagship while newer hardware from Xiaomi is already arriving, here’s how the two phones compare.
As you might have known by now, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is the more unusual phone of the two. Its rear panel has a 2.9-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 4,000 nits of brightness. It can show custom AI avatars, run more than 100 app cards, and work with NFC-enabled plush toys that change what appears on the screen.
There’s also a voice assistant built around the rear display that can hold conversations and control compatible smart-home devices. On the front, Xiaomi has reduced the bezels to 0.99mm. Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0 protects the phone, while an IP68 rating provides water and dust resistance.
The 18 Pro Max comes in Black, White, Iced Peach Pink, and Galaxy Blue. Xiaomi also sells a transparent Special Edition, but that version is limited to the 16GB/1TB configuration.
Samsung takes a much more familiar route with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. It looks like a refined version of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, with a flat display, an S Pen built into the frame, and a slightly more rounded pill-shaped camera housing. The titanium frame is gone this time, replaced by Armor Aluminum, which Samsung says handles heat better.
The S26 Ultra is also IP68-rated and comes in Black, White, Sky Blue, Cobalt Violet, Silver Shadow, and Pink Gold. At 214 grams and 7.9mm thick, it is lighter and thinner than Xiaomi’s phone, even though it carries a much smaller battery.
2. Xiaomi brings the brightness, Samsung adds Privacy Display
Both phones have 6.9-inch displays, but Xiaomi’s panel has the bigger numbers. The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max uses a 2624 x 1208 LTPO AMOLED SuperPixel 2.0 display with a real RGB sub-pixel array, a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and up to 4,000 nits of peak brightness.
The RGB setup plays a role in the phone’s privacy feature. Xiaomi can control the direction of light from individual pixels, narrowing the viewing angle with a single tap at the hardware level. You can also set certain apps to trigger the privacy mode automatically, which is useful for things like banking and messaging apps.
Samsung’s 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display reaches 2,600 nits, so it falls short of Xiaomi’s peak brightness figure. It uses Corning’s third-generation Gorilla Armor with an anti-reflective coating, which helps with outdoor visibility.
Where to buyXiaomi 18 Pro MaxBrowse the range on AmazonShop now →
The Galaxy S26 Ultra also has a Privacy Display mode that narrows the viewing angle. Samsung lets you use it for specific apps or situations, such as entering a PIN. Both phones can keep people nearby from easily seeing what’s on the screen, but they handle the feature differently.
3. Dual 200MP sensors vs. Samsung’s four-camera setup
Xiaomi has two 200MP sensors at the center of its rear camera system. The main camera uses a 1/1.28-inch Light Hunter 960L sensor with an f/1.67 aperture and a 23mm equivalent focal length. It uses 16-in-1 pixel binning to produce 2.44µm pixels and comes with a Leica Summilux lens designed to reduce internal reflections.
The 200MP periscope telephoto uses a 1/1.56-inch sensor with an f/2.4 aperture. It offers 3.2x optical zoom and up to 12.8x lossless zoom, along with a 75mm portrait mode. Rounding out the setup is a 50MP ultrawide camera with autofocus as close as 5cm.
Where to buySamsung Galaxy S26 UltraLatest price on AmazonCheck price →
Samsung has a more conventional route with four rear cameras. The main camera is 200MP with an f/1.4 aperture and OIS, joined by a 50MP ultrawide with an f/1.9 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. There’s also a new 50MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom and a 10MP telephoto with an f/2.4 aperture for shorter-range zoom.
Samsung has also opened up the main and telephoto lenses compared with the S25 Ultra. The wider apertures allow more light to reach the sensors, which should help with low-light photos and HDR scenes.
4. Two different Snapdragon chips
Both phones use Qualcomm silicon, but the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max gets the newer chip. It runs the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, built on a 2nm process with a 2+6 all-big-core design and clock speeds of up to 5GHz. Xiaomi pairs it with a ring-shaped vapor-cooling system covering 5,513 mm² on the Pro Max.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. Samsung’s version is built on 3nm and uses two cores reaching 4.74GHz and six cores reaching 3.62GHz. Samsung also redesigned the phone’s vapor chamber for better cooling.
According to Samsung, the S26 Ultra delivers 19% faster CPU performance, 24% faster GPU performance, and 39% better NPU performance than the S25 Ultra.
Xiaomi’s chip has the newer architecture and smaller manufacturing process, while Samsung has its own chip tuning and cooling system. How that translates into sustained performance and battery life will depend on real-world testing.
5. Xiaomi has a huge capacity advantage
The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max comes with an 8,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, along with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. The Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery, the same capacity it has used on several recent Ultra models. The charging has improved to 60W wired and 25W wireless, but Xiaomi still has the clear lead in both battery size and charging speed.
6. Price and availability
The Galaxy S26 Ultra starts at $1,299 for 256GB in the US. The 512GB model costs $1,499, while the 1TB version reaches $1,799. It has been available worldwide since March.
The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max starts at 6,999 yuan (about $1,045) in China for the 12GB/256GB model. The 16GB/1TB version costs 9,999 yuan (about $1,492), while the transparent Special Edition adds another 1,000 yuan.
Xiaomi has confirmed that the 18 Pro series will launch globally later this year, which is different from the China-only Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. However, the 18 Pro Max is not yet available outside China, and there is still no indication of a US launch.
Keychron is giving its K8 HE a much more unusual exterior. The new All-Wood Special Edition replaces most of the keyboard’s outer shell with walnut, while keeping the magnetic-switch hardware underneath. It is priced at $199.99 and is available to order from Keychron’s website.
A walnut K8 HE from top to bottom
Unlike the earlier K8 HE Special Edition, which only added wooden sections at the sides, this version uses walnut for both the frame and the bottom case. Brown CNC-machined aluminum forms the side panels, while an aluminum plate provides the internal structure.
The natural material also means there will be some variation between keyboards. Keychron says the grain pattern is different from one unit to another, giving each one its own appearance.
The matching keycaps come in a dark brown finish and use an OSA profile with double-shot PBT construction. They are not shine-through, so the RGB lighting stays underneath the keycaps instead of passing through the letters. Keychron also includes Mac and Windows replacement keycaps and a switch for changing between the two layouts. The keyboard weighs 1,009g.
The magnetic hardware remains the same
Under the walnut case are pre-lubed Gateron double-rail magnetic Nebula switches. They are hot-swappable, but this doesn’t mean you can freely use any magnetic switch. The K8 HE is designed around Keychron’s own double-rail magnetic switches, while its sensor arrangement prevents compatibility with many third-party alternatives.
There is plenty of adjustment available through the magnetic system. The actuation point can be set separately for each key from 0.2mm to 3.8mm, with 0.1mm increments between settings.
Where to buyKeychron K8 HE All-Wood Special EditionLatest price on AmazonCheck price →
The K8 HE uses a tenkeyless layout, so there is no number pad on the right. The magnetic switch system is also the same family used by the Keychron K2 HE.
Keychron gives the keyboard three connection options. You can use its 2.4GHz wireless connection, Bluetooth 5.2, or USB-C.
Software configuration is handled through Keychron’s Launcher web app. The keyboard uses open-source QMK firmware, and the Launcher now includes an AI assistant that can convert plain-language instructions into keyboard settings.
Keychron has also added several layers inside the case to change how the keyboard sounds. A 3.5mm combination of EVA foam, EPDM foam, and PET film sits inside to help reduce typing noise.
The K8 HE measures 365.94 × 133.13mm and has a fixed 4-degree typing angle. Keychron already offers All-Wood versions of the K2 HE and K3 Max as well. According to the company, the wood receives a coating that helps protect it from sweat and moisture, while the surface will gradually develop its own patina with use.
September was a pretty exciting month, but it was mostly geared towards premium phones. We saw Apple’s first foldable phones, the iPhone 18 series, and top-end smartphones from Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo. For October, more than half a dozen phones are already lined up for launch, with more to be announced in the coming days.
October is set to bring some excellent phones across price segments. For mid-range lookers, there will be Vivo V80, Oppo F35, Vivo S2 FE, and more. We’re also expecting to see some premium phones, such as the OnePlus 16, the global launch of the Find X10 series, and the Vivo X Fold 6. Here are our top 5 picks to watch out for in October.
The Vivo V80 is confirmed to launch in India in the first week of October. The focus will continue to be on design and camera, similar to its predecessors, while bringing upgraded hardware.
Vivo has revealed that the V80 will have a 6.59-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 5000nits peak brightness. It will bring a Zeiss co-engineered triple-camera setup with a 50MP Sony LYTIA 700V main sensor, a 50MP Sony IMX882 telephoto camera, and an ultrawide lens, along with a 50MP selfie camera.
The Vivo V80 will pack a 7200mAh battery with 90W charging support. On the software side, it will boot the latest OriginOS 7 skin, based on Android 17, out of the box.
According to a recent leak, the Vivo V80 could be priced at INR 63,000 for the 8GB + 128GB model, while the top-end 8GB + 512GB variant may cost up to INR 80,000.
The Oppo Find X10 and Find X10 Pro Max offer a powerful rear camera setup developed in collaboration with Hasselblad. Both phones offer a 200MP main sensor and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens, but their ultrawide sensors differ. The Find X10 Pro Max model has a 200MP ultrawide sensor, while the standard Find X10 has a 50MP snapper. Both phones have the same 50MP selfie cameras.
The Find X10 gets the Dimensity 9600M chipset, while the Find X10 Pro Max uses a much more powerful Dimensity 9600 Pro chip. Both handsets offer 144Hz LTPO AMOLED screens, 8000mAh batteries with 80W wired and 50W wired charging support, and robust connectivity features, such as Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.2, and USB Type-C 3.2.
The Oppo F35 series is set for an India launch next week. The lineup is confirmed to include two models: Oppo F35 and F35 Pro. The standard F35 is said to offer a Dimensity 6360 chipset, while the Pro model will likely get a Dimensity 7360 Max.
Both F35 series phones will feature a dual rear camera setup, led by the same 50MP sensor. It will be joined by an 8MP ultrawide camera on the Pro model, while the standard model will sport a 2MP depth camera. The selfie camera also gets a 50MP resolution on both phones. The phones are expected to carry an 8000mAh battery with 80W fast charging support.
As for pricing, the standard Oppo F35 with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is expected to cost around INR 37,999, while the Oppo F35 Pro may cost 44-50K for the 8GB + 128GB variant.
Vivo is expected to introduce the Vivo X Fold 6 in the global markets in the first week of October. The global launch might be carried out on October 1, followed by an India launch on October 6. The foldable phone was launched in China back in June, and is likely to carry the same set of specs to other markets.
In China, the Vivo X Fold 6 comes with an 8.02″ LTPO AMOLED primary display and a 6.51″ LTPO AMOLED cover display. It’s powered by a 3nm Dimensity 9500 Super chipset, paired with up to 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. However, the Indian model is tipped to be offered in two configurations: 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB.
The Vivo foldable phone features a Zeiss co-developed triple-camera setup with a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultrawide camera, along with a single 20MP camera on the main and cover screens. The device houses a 7000mAh battery and supports 80W wired and 40W wireless charging.
The OnePlus 16 is also coming in October, but it will take some time before it launches in the international markets. The phone is positioned around gaming performance while also targeting users looking for a well-rounded premium smartphone experience.
The OnePlus 16 is confirmed to support a 185Hz refresh rate. It will introduce a next-generation Fengchi Gaming Kernel, enabling a broad range of games to run natively at 185fps. The device is said to be powered by a 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage.
OnePlus has also revealed that the triple rear camera setup has a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The selfie camera will also have a 50MP sensor. Leaks suggest the OnePlus 16 may offer a BOE X4 flat OLED panel and a 9,000mAh battery with 100W wired and 90W wireless charging support.
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Honor has just finished rolling out the new Magic 9 series phones, but a new leak claims it has several new phones lined up for the end of the year. The list includes the Honor 700 Pro series, a new X model in the mid-range line, and two wide-format phones that are still in development.
Start with the Honor 700 Pro series. According to the tipster Digital Chat Station, it will have a native rear screen built into the back panel, a 200MP main camera, and Xiao Zhan as its endorser. To add to the context, an earlier leak tips a 1.72-inch rear display on the Honor 700 Pro, paired with a 6.57-inch 1.5K front screen.
Honor 600 Pro
The Honor 600 series, meanwhile, has a magnetic mini display that attaches to the back, so the Honor 700 Pro would move that idea into the phone itself. Honor’s release pattern suggests a China launch around November or December, which matches the timing DCS gives.
The mid-range line gets a new X model as well. DCS says the phone will have a 7-inch screen and a very large battery. He didn’t name a capacity, but Honor has already started trial production of a cell that typically measures around 12,000mAh. Honor hasn’t said which phone will use it, so treat any link to the X model as a guess for now.
The second is a wide, straight phone, meaning a regular non-folding body, that supports roll-up. DCS didn’t explain how the roll-up part would work or what it would mean for the display. Until more details surface, you shouldn’t read much into it.
None of this is official yet. Honor hasn’t confirmed any of these phones, and the specs and timing come from tipsters. The Honor 700 Pro series is the nearest of the group, so it’s likely to be the first to show up with official details.
Recently, Oppo held a major event to unveil the Find X10 lineup in China. Now, the brand has silently unveiled two new K-series phones called the K15s and K15x. These new models join existing models, such as the K15, K15 Pro, and K15 Pro+. Here’s a closer look at the new K15s and K15x offerings.
Oppo K15s and K15x specifications and features
Oppo K15s and K15x
The Oppo K15s is the more feature-packed model, with an 8000mAh battery that supports 45W SuperVOOC and UFCS fast charging. The battery is rated for more than 2,000 charge cycles, with Oppo claiming at least 80% capacity retention after around seven years of simulated use. It also gets IP69K, IP69, IP68 and IP66 protection, along with 15 military-grade environmental tests under the GJB150A-2009 standard.
Its 6.57-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display offers a 2372×1080 resolution, up to 1,400 nits of peak brightness and a 1000Hz instantaneous touch sampling rate. The panel supports 1.07 billion colours and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. Underneath, the phone runs on the Dimensity 6360 Max with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, supported by a 4,300mm² VC cooling system.
Oppo K15s
For photography, the K15s features a 50-megapixel main rear camera with autofocus and up to 10x digital zoom, alongside an 8-megapixel front camera. It can record 1080p video at up to 60fps and supports 720p slow-motion recording at 120fps. NFC, an infrared remote, dual-SIM support, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX HD, and an in-display optical fingerprint sensor are also included.
The Oppo K15x has a 6500mAh battery, rated at 6335mAh, with 45W SuperVOOC and UFCS charging. Its 6.75-inch HD+ LCD panel runs at 120Hz, reaches up to 1,125 nits peak brightness and supports up to 240Hz touch sampling. The Dimensity 6300, LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage handle performance, while IP64 protection and the diamond anti-drop architecture focus on durability.
Oppo K15x
The K15x carries a 13-megapixel autofocus rear camera with up to 10x digital zoom and a 5-megapixel front camera. Rear video recording supports 1080p at 60fps, while 720p slow-motion video can reach 120fps. Unlike the K15s, the K15x does not support NFC, but it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, expandable storage, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth audio support, dual-SIM connectivity and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Oppo K15s and K15x price and availability
The Oppo K15s is available in 6GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB configurations. They are priced at 1,699 Yuan (~$250) and 1,999 Yuan (~$294), respectively. The phone comes in Wind Trail Purple and Shadow Gray.
The Oppo K15x is offered in 6GB+128GB and 6GB+256GB versions, priced at 1,399 Yuan (~$206) and 1,699 Yuan (~$250), respectively. It is available in Glacier White and Prism Purple. At present, there is no information about the global availability of these devices.
Casio has released the FB100W in the US, a digital watch that combines the company’s familiar 1980s design language with basic Bluetooth connectivity and step tracking. Following its initial release in Japan last month, the watch is now available stateside for $64.95.
Casio FB100W Specifications
The FB100W is essentially a traditional digital watch updated for users who want basic health tracking without committing to a full-fledged smartwatch. On the outside, it closely resembles older Casio models like the F-91W.
It has a simple, angular resin case that measures just 8.8mm thick and weighs 26 grams. The band is made from a bio-based resin and features small slits on the inside to help with airflow and sweat management during workouts, while the outside maintains a standard ribbed look.
The main hardware addition is a built-in accelerometer. The watch tracks your steps automatically and displays your daily count directly on the standard LCD screen. There is also a small six-level graph that shows your hourly step activity over the past seven hours.
You can set a daily step goal anywhere between 1,000 and 50,000 steps, and the watch can be configured to beep and display a prompt if you are falling behind on your target.
For the connected features, the FB100W uses Bluetooth to link with the Casio Watches smartphone app. This connection handles automatic time syncing, which is useful for travel or daylight saving time, and allows you to adjust the watch’s settings directly from your phone. The app also stores your step data, creating a basic daily activity log.
Where to buyCasio FB100WLatest price on AmazonCheck price →
Because it lacks a power-hungry display or continuous heart rate monitoring, the FB100W does not need to be charged. It runs on a standard CR2016 coin-cell battery, which Casio estimates will last about two years before needing a replacement.
The watch also retains standard digital features, including a 1/100-second stopwatch with a 200-lap memory, a 60-minute countdown timer, dual time support, five daily alarms, and a green LED backlight for visibility in the dark.
The FB100W is available now through the Casio US website. It comes in three standard color options: the F-B100W-1A (black with blue accents), the F-B100W-1B (an all-black finish with a dark negative display), and the F-B100W-3A (teal green).
In related news, Casio has recently launched new F-91WF watches in the US with recycled bands while retaining the iconic design, alongside new AQ-240E models with sleek navy and glossy black retro styling.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Caviar, the company known for wrapping standard Apple hardware in expensive materials, has announced its new Black Edition collection. The lineup includes heavily modified versions of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Duo. The main hook for this release is a completely blacked-out design and, for a couple of the specific models, the physical removal of the camera modules.
Design Details
The collection includes several different tiers, with the Supersonic iPhone 18 Pro and Ultimate iPhone Duo standing out from the rest. Both devices completely eliminate the rear camera bumps, replacing them with a flat, uninterrupted panel made from aerospace-grade titanium.
Caviar has also disabled the front-facing cameras at the hardware level. According to the company, these camera-free designs are intended for users working in secure corporate or government environments where devices with cameras are prohibited.
Without the lenses, the back of the phone is just a flat sheet of metal. The Supersonic model uses a satin finish to cut down on reflections, while the Ultimate iPhone Duo features vertical brushing that shifts between black and graphite depending on the lighting. Both feature a flush, blacked-out Apple logo that blends into the chassis.
If you actually want to take pictures with your phone, there are four other models in the lineup: Versus, Titanium, Signature, and Prestige. These retain the standard Apple camera hardware but swap the factory glass backs for materials like black crocodile leather, exposed titanium screws, and 999-fine gold plating.
The Signature and Prestige models specifically use V-shaped gold inserts to contrast against the black leather and metal. The designs are straightforward, mostly relying on the different textures of the materials rather than bright colors.
None of these exterior modifications change the internal processing specs, battery, or software of the base iPhones. You are strictly paying for the custom chassis and the limited production run.
Pricing and Availability
Caviar is only manufacturing 19 units of each model. Prices start at $10,560 for the leather-backed Versus iPhone 18 Pro and scale up to $10,770 for the camera-free Supersonic version.
The foldable iPhone Duo models are priced higher, starting at $13,410 for the Titanium version and capping out at $13,990 for the camera-free Ultimate edition. Each device ships in a custom lockable box with a gold-plated commemorative coin.
Xiaomi has introduced a new travel mug to its Mijia product line. The Mijia Titanium Thermos Cup Tea-Water Separation Edition is a 500ml insulated flask that includes a detachable brewing chamber. It is priced at 199 yuan ($30), with a crowdfunding campaign scheduled to launch on the Xiaomi Youpin platform at 10:00 AM on October 14th.
Mijia Thermos Cup Tea-Water Separation Edition Specs
The thermos is designed for brewing loose-leaf tea and infused drinks on the go using a simple gravity-based system. It features a transparent, BPA-free Tritan tea chamber above the insulated flask, separated by a titanium filter. The chamber supports green tea, black tea, oolong, lemon slices, mint leaves, dried tangerine peel, ginseng, and other ingredients, while the main body holds the hot water for brewing.
To start brewing, you turn the sealed thermos upside down, which allows the hot water to flow through the filter and into the clear chamber. Because the chamber is transparent, you can visually check the color of the liquid to see how strong the tea is getting. Once it is ready, turning the bottle upright drains the brewed tea back into the insulated lower section. The wet leaves remain trapped in the top chamber, preventing the drink from over-steeping.
The main body of the cup, the removable filter, and the inner lining of the lid are all constructed from titanium. Xiaomi says that the titanium used has a purity of over 99%. Titanium is frequently used in travel drinkware because it is lighter than standard stainless steel, resists corrosion, and does not leave a metallic taste in the liquid. The thermos also features a rounded drinking rim for standard sipping.
Where to buyTitanium Tea Thermos BottleBrowse the range on AmazonShop now →
If the brewing function is not needed, the thermos can be converted into a standard insulated bottle. The clear tea chamber can be completely unscrewed and set aside, allowing the lid to attach directly to the titanium base. The vacuum-insulated flask can maintain a liquid temperature of around 45°C for six hours.
For maintenance, the titanium filter can be removed, and the silicone sealing ring includes a pull tab so it can be easily taken out for washing. The Tritan tea chamber is thickened for durability, but Xiaomi advises against boiling it or soaking it in high-temperature water to avoid warping the plastic. The thermos will be available in two colors: Deep Space Gray and Moonlight Silver.
In related news, Portronics has recently launched a 4-in-1 tire inflator with up to 150 PSI pressure and dual AC/DC power, alongside Casio’s new F-91WF watches in the US featuring recycled bands while retaining the same iconic design.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
HMD has launched the HMD Vibe 2 Pro 5G in India starting at Rs 15,999. It sits above the HMD Vibe 2 5G, which arrived in May at Rs 10,999 with an HD+ display and an 18W phone-in-the-box charger.
The Pro model changes both of those, and it also brings a faster chipset and a higher-resolution main camera. It goes on sale on October 8 through Flipkart.
HMD Vibe 2 Pro Specifications
The HMD Vibe 2 Pro 5G has a 6.78-inch FHD+ LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. Powering the device is a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset along with up to 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of storage.
Software-wise, it comes pre-installed with Android 16, and HMD promises two years of security updates. There is no OS upgrade promise, so you should expect to stay on Android 16.
You get a 6,000mAh battery with 33W wired charging. That should get you through a full day of normal use, and the faster charger cuts your time at the wall compared with the 18W speed on the standard Vibe 2 5G.
The rear camera setup pairs a 64MP Sony IMX682 main sensor with a 2MP macro camera. There is a 13MP camera on the front for selfies and video calls.
Where to buyHMD Vibe 2 Pro 5GLatest price on AmazonCheck price →
The phone has dual stereo speakers and still includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can plug in wired earphones without an adapter.
HMD has also added Indus by Sarvam, an AI assistant that supports more than 22 Indian languages. You can use it to write drafts, ask questions, and plan tasks in your own language. The phone also supports the Sanchar Saathi app, which gives you telecom-related safety tools.
HMD Vibe 2 Pro 5G price in India and sale details
The HMD Vibe 2 Pro 5G comes in two configurations. The 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model costs Rs 15,999, and the 8GB RAM + 128GB model costs Rs 17,999. For a limited time, HMD is cutting those prices to Rs 14,999 and Rs 16,999.
You can buy the phone from October 8 on Flipkart during the Big Billion Days sale. It comes in Silver Mist, Aqua Green, and Cosmic Purple.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
iQOO has launched its latest over-ear gaming headset alongside the iQOO 16 and iQOO Pad Ultra. It is priced at 699 yuan ($104) and is designed to work across multiple platforms, from desktop PCs to handheld gaming devices such as the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch 2.
iQOO Gaming Headset Specifications
The headset weighs 251 grams, which is relatively light for a wireless gaming model. Instead of the usual faux leather, iQOO is using a breathable fabric for the earcups and a suspended headband design to help with heat dissipation during longer sessions. There is ambient lighting on the earcups, which can sync dynamically with compatible iQOO phones, alongside standard static and breathing effects.
For connectivity, the headset supports four connection methods: Bluetooth 5.4, a standard wired option, and a 2.4GHz wireless connection via a low-latency dongle. The dongle itself is practical, featuring both USB-C and USB-A connectors, making it straightforward to swap between a PC, a PS5, or a handheld console.
It supports simultaneous connections with up to three devices and claims a 47ms end-to-end latency. As is typical with many USB wireless headsets, Xbox consoles are left off the compatibility list.
For audio, the headset relies on 40mm drivers and a BES2710Y-8X chip. The spatial audio implementation changes depending on your platform. On Windows, iQOO partnered with THX to offer THX Spatial Audio+ through its desktop software, simulating a 7.1.4 surround setup.
Where to buygaming headset with boom micBrowse the range on AmazonShop now →
On mobile devices, it uses iQOO’s proprietary spatial audio. There is also adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) with a transparency mode, and voice chat is handled by a detachable boom microphone alongside a built-in multi-mic array for noise suppression.
In terms of battery life, iQOO claims the headset can last up to 150 hours on a single charge for music playback with ANC and lighting turned off. For gaming with ANC enabled, that number drops to 68 hours. Charging is handled via USB-C and takes about two and a half hours.
While the headset works with standard iOS and Android devices via the Vivo Headphones app, iQOO is keeping a few software features exclusive to its own ecosystem. If you use a compatible vivo or iQOO device, you get access to themed pairing pop-ups, AI translation tools, and deeper multi-device management. The headset comes in a single Speed Black colorway.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Phone cameras have become good enough that the interesting differences are no longer always about which one has the bigger sensor or the higher megapixel count. Sometimes, it comes down to what each company thinks you should be able to do with that hardware.
That becomes pretty clear with the Vivo X500 Pro Max and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Both sit near the top of their respective lineups, but they arrive at the camera problem from very different places. Vivo has built a phone around a particularly ambitious telephoto system, while Apple has changed something much closer to the starting point of a photo: how much light the main camera lets in.
Neither approach tries to solve the same problem. One gives you more reach when your subject is far away, while the other gives you more control over the way a scene is captured. And once you look beyond the cameras, the differences continue through the displays, processors, batteries, software, and even the way the two companies talk about their phones.
So rather than treating this as another Android-versus-iPhone comparison, it’s more interesting to look at what Vivo and Apple are actually doing differently with their flagship cameras.
The Vivo X500 Pro Max has a large circular camera ring with Zeiss branding and a knurled texture around the edge. Vivo has made the camera module a major part of the phone’s design rather than trying to hide it, and it makes sense to do so considering what it brings to the table. The frame is made from aviation-grade aluminum, while the phone carries IP68 and IP69 ratings.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max keeps Apple’s aluminum unibody design, with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front. Apple says it is three times more scratch-resistant than the glass used on the iPhone 16 Pro. The rear also uses Ceramic Shield and includes MagSafe. The phone is IP68 rated, weighs around 240 grams, and is roughly 9mm thick.
2. 144Hz gaming vs Apple’s brightness mystery
The Vivo X500 Pro Max has a 6.85-inch BOE Q11 display with a 3168 × 1440 resolution and 507 ppi. Its refresh rate can adjust between 1Hz and 144Hz, although the 144Hz mode is intended for gaming rather than regular use.
The display can reach 4,400 nits at a 20% window and 2,000 nits across the full screen. Vivo also uses chip-level Demura calibration, a sunlight compensation system, and an ambient light sensor that can measure down to 0.3 lux.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a slightly larger 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz. Apple says it is brighter than the previous generation and has better anti-reflection, although it hasn’t provided specific brightness figures for those improvements. The redesigned Dynamic Island can now display three Live Activities at the same time while still handling Face ID.
3. Vivo goes all-in on the telephoto, while Apple adds more camera control
Vivo X500 Pro Max
This is where the two phones really separate. The Vivo X500 Pro Max uses a 50MP Blueprint 900 main sensor co-developed with Sony. It is a 1/1.28-inch sensor with an f/1.57 aperture and a 24mm equivalent focal length. It also gets 3-degree “TrueDynamic” gimbal-style stabilization and Zeiss T* coating.
Vivo claims up to 17EV of dynamic range in Log mode and says the sensor is the first to support 4K 120fps DCG HDR video. The ultra-wide camera is a 50MP sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. The bigger story, however, is the telephoto camera.
The phone has a 200MP Zeiss APO telephoto lens paired with a 1/1.4-inch Blueprint x Samsung HP0 sensor. It offers an 85mm equivalent focal length, an f/2.67 aperture, and a 15cm macro mode.
The camera supports up to 30x zoom and has a telephoto tracking mode that can keep a moving subject centered between 10x and 30x. That feature will be added through a software update. Vivo has also introduced what it describes as the first active anti-fog system for a phone camera lens, designed for cold and humid conditions such as ski slopes.
There’s also an optional Zeiss G2 Ultra teleconverter that takes the effective focal length to around 400mm. Vivo also sells a magnetic 3.92-inch Smart Screen accessory that attaches to the back of the phone and can be used to frame shots with the rear cameras.
On the contrary, instead of giving the main camera extreme reach, the iPhone 18 Pro Max adds a variable aperture to its 48MP Fusion Main camera. It’s the first time an iPhone has offered this feature.
The aperture can switch between ƒ/1.48 for low-light shots, ƒ/1.8 as the default setting, ƒ/2.8 for more depth, and ƒ/4.0 for maximum depth. The ƒ/4.0 setting can also create a starburst effect around point light sources. The main camera covers 24mm and 48mm equivalents.
The 48MP Ultra Wide camera offers a 13mm equivalent focal length with an ƒ/2.2 aperture. The 48MP Telephoto camera covers 100mm and 200mm equivalents at ƒ/2.8, giving the phone up to 8x optical-quality zoom and a 16x total optical range.
Apple is also adding more manual controls. Pro controls let users adjust aperture, shutter speed, and white balance directly in the Camera app, along with a histogram. Photographic Styles 3 adds controls for texture and grain.
Where to buyVivo X500 Pro MaxBrowse the range on AmazonShop now →
Another new feature is Apple Reference Image, which cryptographically signs what the camera sensor captured so users can later check whether an image has been edited. The feature isn’t available at launch in China, while capture-only restrictions apply in the EU.
The front camera is an 18MP Center Stage sensor that can automatically widen the frame when more people enter the shot.
4. Lots of video modes vs more editing options
Vivo has packed the X500 Pro Max with a long list of video features. It supports 4K 240fps slow motion, 4K 120fps 10-bit Log, 4K 120fps subject tracking, and 4K 60fps cinematic portraits. A future update will add 8K native Live Photos and a 4K 960fps super-slow-motion mode. The phone also includes several cinematic color profiles, including Sunlight Film, Cool Silver Halide, and Parisian Afterglow, along with support for importing 3D LUTs.
Apple’s video features are more about what users can do after recording. Cinematic mode effects can now be added to video recorded at up to 60fps, while 4K time-lapse gets Dolby Vision HDR.
Where to buyiPhone 18 Pro MaxLatest price on AmazonCheck price →
Audio Mix can also separate music from background noise instead of only separating voices. For more serious video work, Apple still offers ProRes RAW, Apple Log 2, genlock, and 4K 120fps Dolby Vision.
5. Dimensity’s efficiency gains vs A20 Pro’s new design
The Vivo X500 Pro Max is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600 Pro, a 2nm chip with a 2+3+3 all-big-core design. MediaTek claims 17% higher single-core performance and a 61% reduction in peak multi-core power draw compared with the previous generation. Vivo also adds gaming features such as native 144fps gaming and 120fps ray tracing in supported titles.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max uses Apple’s A20 Pro, which is also built on a 2nm process. It has a 6-core CPU, 50% more memory bandwidth than the A19 Pro, and a 7-core GPU that Apple rates as up to 40% faster.
Apple has also changed the chip packaging. The die now sits next to the memory instead of having the memory stacked with it. This removes the memory from the thermal path and lets the chip sit directly against a new vapor chamber with three times the surface area of the previous generation.
Apple says the new design can deliver up to 40% better sustained performance. The phone also has a new N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The C2 modem offers faster uploads than the C1X while using 15% less power.
6. Vivo gives you the battery capacity; Apple gives you the runtime
The Vivo X500 Pro Max has an 8,000mAh battery, or 7,800mAh rated capacity, with more than 25% silicon content. It supports 90W wired charging and 40W wireless charging. There’s a catch with the wireless charging speed: reaching 40W requires Vivo’s own 50W vertical charger.
Apple doesn’t usually disclose battery capacity and instead gives battery-life figures. The iPhone 18 Pro Max offers up to 45 hours of video playback on eSIM-only models, which Apple calls its biggest battery-life increase on an iPhone.
The extra internal space created by removing the physical SIM tray also helps with the battery. Apple rates general use at up to 30 hours per charge, while wired charging can reach 50% in around 15 minutes with a compatible adapter.
7. Price and availability
The iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299 for 256GB. It is already available in more than 65 countries and regions, with another 20 markets scheduled to receive it by late September.
The Vivo X500 Pro Max starts at 6,999 yuan, or about $1,044, for the 12GB/256GB model in China. The 12GB/1TB version costs 8,999 yuan. Vivo also offers a 16GB/1TB Creator’s Package for 12,999 yuan, or about $1,940. This version includes satellite messaging.
Vivo has confirmed that the X500 series will launch in Singapore, but there is currently no US launch planned.
8. Which one makes more sense?
The Vivo X500 Pro Max and iPhone 18 Pro Max take very different approaches to phone photography. Vivo has built much of its camera hardware around the 200MP telephoto, with long-range zoom, tracking, macro shooting, an anti-fog system, and an optional teleconverter.
Apple is going with a variable-aperture main camera and expanded manual controls. It also adds tools for editing, recording, and checking the history of captured images.
The choice therefore comes down largely to the kind of photography and video work you do, along with which phone’s wider features and availability fit your needs.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Alongside the iQOO 16, iQOO has introduced the Pad Ultra, a new 8.8-inch Android tablet designed primarily for mobile and cross-platform gaming. It goes on sale in China on October 15th, starting at a promotional price of 5,999 yuan ($894).
iQOO Pad Ultra Specifications
The tablet is built around an 8.8-inch OLED display with a 2304 x 1440 resolution and a 16:10 aspect ratio. It supports a 165Hz maximum refresh rate and a standard 120Hz touch sampling rate that can scale up to 500Hz while gaming.
The chassis is a metal unibody that weighs 298 grams and measures 5.74mm thick. On the back, the 13-megapixel camera module includes a customizable RGB lighting system with six different effects. On the front, it includes a 13-megapixel sensor for selfies.
Inside, the Pad Ultra runs on the 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chip, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. Because heavy gaming workloads generate heat, iQOO included an active cooling system.
This setup uses a 30 x 30 x 3.5mm fan alongside dual vapor chambers and a dedicated copper block over the CPU. There is also a secondary, self-developed Q4 chip designed to offload specific tasks like frame interpolation and ray tracing.
For controls, the tablet includes dual X-axis linear motors for haptic feedback and a 500Hz gyroscope for motion aiming. The software, OriginOS 7 HD, includes a Game Space hub that aggregates mobile, cloud, and PC gaming.
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The tablet also features a built-in PC game emulator that allows users to log into Steam and run compatible PC titles locally. The device also supports cloud gaming via Tencent START and can be attached to an optional telescopic controller.
Outside of gaming, the OriginOS software includes a feature called Atomic Workbench, which allows up to five applications to run on the screen simultaneously without overlapping windows. It also supports file and clipboard sharing with compatible vivo smartphones.
The tablet is powered by a 9,020mAh silicon-anode battery that charges at 66W via USB-C. It will be available in Star Armor Silver and End Shadow Black.
Pricing and Availability
The base model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage has a standard price of 6,499 yuan ($975), though it is discounted to 5,999 yuan ($900) for the launch window. The 16GB + 256GB model costs 7,199 yuan ($1,080), the 16GB + 512GB model is priced at 7,999 yuan ($1,200), and the highest configuration with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage costs 8,999 yuan ($1,350).
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Timex has partnered with lifestyle brand Bespoke Post to release the Heritage 66, a new quartz dive watch that draws its design directly from the 1966 Timex Skin Diver. The collaboration watch is available now on the Timex US website, priced at $300.
The Heritage 66 is built around a 40mm polished stainless-steel case with a 12mm thickness, offering standard dimensions that fit a wide range of wrist sizes. The dial is straightforward and utilitarian: a black background featuring luminous hands and full markers for low-light visibility, alongside a standard date window positioned at 3 o’clock. The dial is protected by a mineral glass crystal, which is typical for watches in this price bracket, though inherently less scratch-resistant than sapphire.
For hardware controls, the watch features a unidirectional rotating aluminum bezel for tracking elapsed time. It also comes with a screw-down crown and 200 meters of water resistance, making the Heritage 66 suitable for recreational scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming.
Inside, Timex uses a quartz analog movement powered by an SR621SW battery. While some enthusiasts may prefer an automatic movement in a vintage-inspired watch, the quartz setup offers better accuracy while helping keep the price relatively accessible.
Where to buyTimex Heritage 66Latest price on AmazonCheck price →
Because it is being sold as a gift set, the Heritage 66 ships with two interchangeable 20mm straps. The primary option is a bright orange double-layer fabric slip-thru strap, while a black HNBR rubber strap is included for a more subdued, traditional dive look. Both utilize quick-release spring bars, allowing users to swap bands without requiring specialized tools.
The Bespoke Post collaboration remains fairly subtle on the exterior, with the brand’s logo engraved directly onto the crown. The stainless-steel case back adds another distinctive touch with an engraved skin diver silhouette. This design pays homage to the original print advertisement used for the 1966 Timex Skin Diver.
iQOO has finally launched the much-awaited iQOO 16 in China, positioning it as a performance-focused successor to last year’s iQOO 15. The new flagship packs the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Extreme, iQOO’s self-developed Q4 gaming chip, an 8,400mAh battery, and an 8,500mm² VC cooling system. It also brings a 2K 165Hz Samsung M16 display, making high-performance gaming and sustained performance the core focus of the phone. Continue reading ahead to know more in detail about the iQOO 16.
iQOO 16 specifications and features
IQOO 16 display
The iQOO 16 centers around a 6.85-inch Samsung M16 AMOLED display with a 3168 x 1440 resolution and up to a 165Hz LTPO refresh rate. It supports up to 5000Hz instantaneous touch sampling, 2800 nits full-screen excitation brightness and 10,000 nits peak local brightness. The panel also supports full-brightness DC dimming and up to 3300Hz high-frequency PWM dimming.
Performance comes from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, built on TSMC’s 2nm process and featuring CPU speeds of up to 5.01GHz. It is paired with LPDDR5X Ultra Pro memory and UFS 4.1 storage, while the Q4 gaming chip, Monster Super Core Engine and an 8,500mm² VC cooling system are designed to enhance sustained performance.
iQOO 16
The 8400mAh battery uses fifth-generation silicon-anode technology and supports 100W wired charging and 40W wireless charging. It also features iQOO’s proprietary Q-flex control technology, which optimizes six stages of the touch-control pipeline and works with the touch chip and gyroscope at the game-engine level to reduce gaming latency.
On the rear, the phone carries a 50-megapixel OmniVision OV50Q main camera with OIS, a 50-megapixel Sony LYTIA 600 periscope telephoto camera with OIS, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera. On the front, there’s a 32-megapixel selfie camera, while video recording reaches up to 8K from the rear.
iQOO 16
The iQOO 16 runs on OriginOS 7-based Android 17. It also features 3D ultrasonic fingerprint recognition, Wi-Fi 7, USB 3.2 Gen 1, NFC, an infrared blaster, and stereo speakers. There’s X+Z dual-axis linear motor onboard to provide more varied and precise haptic feedback. For durability, the phone carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.
iQOO 16 price and availability
The iQOO 16 starts at 5,999 Yuan (~$900) for the 12GB+256GB version. The 12GB+512GB model costs 6,799 Yuan (~$1,020), while the 16GB+512GB version is priced at 7,499 Yuan (~$1,125). The 16GB+1TB model costs 8,499 Yuan (~$1,275). The phone comes in three finishes: Chasing Light, Legend, and Track.
The iQOO 16’s global version has already been spotted at Europe’s EEC certification in the recent past. However, there is no official word on its global availability yet.
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