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itel S24 India sale kicks off: 108MP camera & smooth display for a budget-friendly price

The itel S24 was officially announced in India earlier this week. Now, the new smartphone has gone on sale in the region with a 108-megapixel primary camera, 90Hz display, and a massive battery for a budget price tag. So let’s check it out.

itel S24 Specs

The company’s latest smartphone is a budget entry that sports a 6.6-inch HD+ display that offers a 90Hz refresh rate. The front also packs an 8-megapixel selfie shooter. Meanwhile, the rear features a 108-megapixel primary camera, with a secondary depth sensor. Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G91 SoC that is paired with 8GB of RAM that can be further expanded via virtual RAM expansion by up to 8GB. There is even 128GB of internal storage.

itel S24

A massive 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 18W wired fast charging with a USB Type-C port. Other notable features include dual DTS speakers, side mounted fingerprint scanner, dual flash on the front, and punch hole cutout screen. This device runs on the Android 13 OS based itel OS 13.5 custom skin.

Pricing and Availability

The itel S24 is available in two color options, namely Starry Black and Dawn White. It is currently listed for purchase on Amazon India for a 10,999 INR price tag (roughly 132 US Dollars). The company is even offering the smartphone with an itel 42 smartwatch model for free.

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POCO is preparing its first tablet with a stylus and keyboard, reveals certification

Xiaomi’s sub-brand POCO is reportedly making its debut in the tablet market with its first device. The device recently appeared on the European EEC certification platform under the product name “Tablet brand POCO model,” clearly indicating that it’s a tablet.

Additionally, it seems that POCO is also working on accessories for the tablet. A stylus under the POCO brand surfaced on the FCC database earlier this month with the model number 2407CMPBCG.

Now, the same stylus model number has appeared alongside a keyboard bearing the model number 24071KB3FG on the IMDA listing. So the tablet may come with these accessories available as optional purchases.

However, the listing doesn’t provide any further details about the POCO tablet or its accompanying accessories. Previous reports suggest that the POCO tablet, allegedly called POCO Pad, could be a rebranded version of the Redmi Pad Pro.

According to these reports, the tablet is expected to feature a 12.1-inch IPS LCD screen with a 2.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It will be powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor paired with up to 8 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of storage. Additionally, it will house a 10,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support.

For the camera setup, it may include an 8-megapixel front camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera. Other expected features include the Android 14 OS, a 3.5mm audio jack, and quad speakers.

While the exact launch date and pricing details are still unknown, the fact that the device and its accessories have been through multiple certifications indicates that we can expect its launch in the next couple of months.

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Huawei has regained the top spot in China in Q1 2024

Market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) today revealed the smartphone market share information for Q1 2024. According to the report, Honor and Huawei occupy the first position in market share in their home country, China.

The Chinese market alone sold 69.26 million smartphones in the first quarter of the running year. This is a 6.5% year-on-year increase in smartphone sales in the country.

Honor achieved a market share of 17.1%, which is a year-on-year increase of 13.2%. The foldable devices and the Honor Magic 6 have reportedly placed the brand as one of the competitors of the big giants.

Huawei is gaining its lost position

Notably, Huawei is also rapidly gaining its lost position since the launch of the Huawei Mate 60 series in August last year. In Q1 2024, Huawei has almost matched Honor with a market share of 17%, which is very close as to the 17.1%. The company has achieved a year-on-year growth of an astonishing 110%. The Nova 12 series accounted for 1/3 of the entire quarter’s shipments.

Notably, the supply chain issues still exist and it’s also limiting Huawei’s capabilities to fulfil the market demand. We have seen it with the recently launched Pura 70 series flagships. Nonetheless, the new series may offer Huawei an even more amazing number at the end of Q2 2024.

The third position is occupied by Oppo and Apple with a very close 15.7% and 15.6% market share respectively for the same period. However, the year-on-year growth isn’t positive for these two companies in China. OPPO’s shipments fell by 15.5% year-on-year, while Apple’s shipments fell by 6.6%. This could be a result of the rise of Huawei. vivo took the fifth place with a 14.6% market share, which is a year-on-year increase of 4.8%.

Speaking of Apple specifically, the company has been adjusting its prices looking at the current scenario in the market. However, IDC notes that it could face increasing competition from some of the other OEMs in the country.

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Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G goes on sale in India with 100W fast charging, bright AMOLED display, & special offers

Earlier this month, the Infinix Note 40 Pro series was officially announced in India. The devices include the Note 40 Pro and Note 40 Pro+ series models. But now, the brand has finally started the first sale of the Note 40 Pro+ 5G in the region. So here’s everything you need to know.

Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G Specs

The brand’s latest Note series phone sports a tall 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display. It offers a Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass protection, and up to 1300 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, it is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7020 SoC that is paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. This device runs on the Android 14 OS based XOS 14 custom skin out of the box. A 4,600mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports an impressive 100W wired fast charging and 20W wireless fast charging as well as 5W and 10W reverse wireless and wired charging.

Infinix Note 40 Pro+

Notably, the device comes with a case with magnets for the phones, a magnetically attachable wireless power bank, and more. For optics, buyers get a 108-megapixel primary camera with OIS support that promises to offer 3x lossless zoom. It is paired with two 2-megapixel sensors for depth and macro shots. The rear also packs an Active Halo LED light on the rear, while the front offers a 32-megapixel selfie shooter. Other notable features include IP53 water and dust resistance, an IR sensor for remote control, and NFC.

Pricing and Availability

The Infinix Note 40 Pro+ 5G is currently listed for purchase on Flipkart for a 32,999 INR price tag (roughly 395 US Dollars). Although, the device is currently on sale with 24,999 INR, with 2,000 INR discount on HDFC and SBI debit and credit cards, which brings its effective price tag down to just 22,999 INR. It is available in three color options, namely Obsidian Black, Titan Gold, and Vintage Green.

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Qualcomm’s performance claims about Snapdragon X Elite turned out to be misleading

Qualcomm has shown off some impressive numbers showcasing the capabilities of its upcoming Snapdragon X Elite chip. The benchmark results Qualcomm revealed to the press hint that the upcoming Windows-on-Arm laptops powered by the Snapdragon X Elite chip will outcompete both Intel processors and Apple’s M series chips.

No details were shared about how they performed the tests, and the comparison charts were unverified

However, the company never provided much details about which setup tested the Snapdragon X Elite chip. “Qualcomm has been far from forthcoming with its curated benchmark results that have been presented to the press,” claims a recent report from SemiAccurate. “Qualcomm benchmarks are impossible to recreate even by class-leading OEM developers.” The charts comparing the performance with its competitors’ offerings were also unverified.

Later on, when device manufacturers got their hands on the new X series chip, they could not even get close to the numbers that Qualcomm showed off to the press. According to SemiAccurate, OEMs first saw numbers not even reaching 50% of the claims. In response to the disparity, Qualcomm engineers blamed poor optimization of Windows-on-Arm and poor cooling of the devices. OEMs couldn’t improve the results much even after working on the cooling solution. A source (anonymous) even compared the Snapdragon X Elite to Intel Celeron chips. For those unfamiliar, these are Intel’s entry-level chips with low power requirements.

Nonetheless, if the X Elite chips are going to be mounted on devices made by the same OEMs that are testing the chips and are going to run Windows, it shouldn’t matter how Qualcomm tested the new Snapdragon X Elite.

The company also avoided answering more technical questions about its upcoming Snapdragon X series. They promised deep technical briefings before the launch, which is scheduled to be somewhere around “mid-2024”.

Qualcomm has also revealed the Snapdragon X Plus, a cut-down and more affordable version of the previously announced Snapdragon X Elite chip. The announcement also reportedly lacked the deep technical elements originally promised, with more time spent on potential camera specs enabled by the SoC than any real technical stats or deep analysis.

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New leak sheds light on Redmi K70 Ultra’s processor, battery, and design details

Leaks about the upcoming Redmi K70 Ultra keep coming, with reliable leaker Digital Chat Station (DCS) consistently sharing details on Weibo. The tipster in his latest post has now shared the specifications of the smartphone. 

According to DCS, the K70 Ultra will feature a TCL C8 OLED panel with a 1.5K resolution. The design is expected to see an upgrade from its predecessor, featuring metal frames and a glass back with improvements in color, material, and finish or CMF.

The device is likely to run on MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 Plus chipset, which hasn’t been officially announced yet. But the chipset is expected to have a slightly faster prime clock speed compared to the Dimensity 9300.

Moreover, it’s rumored to be paired with a dedicated graphics chip for a better gaming experience. To fuel this performance, DCS claims that the phone will pack a 5,500mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging.

Apart from this, previous reports of the K70 Ultra reveal up to 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a whopping 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage Details about the camera system are still up in the air, but rumors have it that the Redmi K70 Ultra will feature a 50-megapixel primary sensor accompanied by an ultra-wide sensor and a macro lens.

It is important to note that these are all leaks, and Xiaomi has not officially confirmed any details about the Redmi K70 Ultra. With an expected launch in the first half of 2024, we can expect more information to surface in the coming days or weeks.

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Infinix GT 20 Pro full specifications, images leaked before April 28 launch [UPDATED]

UPDATE: Infinix will launch the GT 20 Pro globally starting with Saudi Arabia on April 28.

Infinix has confirmed that it will unveil the Infinix GT 20 Pro, a mid-range gaming phone, on May 2 in Malaysia. In the coming days, the phone is expected to be released in other markets, such as the Middle East and other Asian countries, including India. Ahead of the launch, the entire specification of the GT 20 Pro has emerged, along with its official renders. Here is a look at what to expect from the smartphone.

Infinix GT 20 Pro images, specifications (rumored)

The Infinix GT 20 Pro will come in three color options: Mecha Silver, Mecha Blue, and Mecha Orange. The official teaser for the phone suggests that the C-shaped pattern on the back will have RGB lighting.

The Infinix GT 20 Pro will arrive with a 6.78-inch AMOLED FHD+ screen that offers a 144Hz refresh rate and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. The device will feature a Pixelworks X5 Turbo visual processor and JBL dual speakers for an enhanced gaming experience. The device is said to have an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. It measures around 164 x 75 x 8.15mm.

The GT 20 Pro will feature the Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chipset. It will be available in two RAM variants, such as 8 GB and 12 GB. Both will offer 256 GB of internal storage.  The device will pack a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support.

The GT 20 Pro will run on Android 14, which will be overlaid with Infinix’s XOS 14 UI. On the front, it will have a 32-megapixel selfie camera, and its back panel will feature an OIS-enabled 108-megapixel primary camera and a pair of 2-megapixel auxiliary cameras.

Infinix GT 20 Pro price (rumored)

The Infinix GT 20 Pro is likely to cost 1,299 MYR in Malaysia. This is approximately $270, or Rs 22,640.

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Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 AMOLED smartwatch with Bluetooth calling & Noise Health Suite launched in India

Noise has introduced the ColorFit Pulse 4, the latest model in their Pulse Series of smartwatches, available from April 24, 2024.

Noise ColorFit Pulse 4

This new smartwatch boasts a 1.85-inch AMOLED display with 390 x 450-pixel resolution and 600 nits of brightness, ensuring clear visibility under any lighting conditions. It also features an Always-On Display for easy access to time and notifications.

Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 specs

The ColorFit Pulse 4 is equipped with IP68 water and dust resistance, making it suitable for any environment. It offers up to 7 days of battery life and supports Bluetooth 5.3 with Tru Sync for hassle-free calling directly from the watch.

The smartwatch comes loaded with the Noise Health Suite, which allows users to monitor health metrics such as heart rate, SpO2, sleep patterns, and stress levels. It is also fitted with productivity tools like daily reminders and weather forecasts.

Pricing & availability

Available at an introductory price of Rs 2,499, the watch comes in vibrant colors such as Jet Black, Space Blue, Forest Green, and Rose Gold Pink. It will also be available on Amazon starting April 26, 2024.

As a special launch offer, customers can get an extra Rs 250 discount by using the ‘Get Offer’ button on the official Noise website and providing their contact information for notifications.

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Audio brand Moondrop has launched its first smartphone with dual (4.4mm, 3.5mm) audio jack, mid-range MediaTek processor

Moondrop, primarily known for its high-end in-ear monitors and earbuds, has launched the MIAD 01, its first foray into smartphones. As expected from an audio brand, the phone focuses on audio rather than being specs-heavy. Let’s get into the specs, features, and price of Moondrop MIAD 01 here. 

Moondrop MIAD 01 Specifications

The MIAD 01 runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7050, a mid-range chipset suitable for everyday tasks but unlikely to impress power users.  It comes with 12GB of LPDDR4X memory and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. You can further expand the storage via a microSD card slot up to 2TB.

On the front, the phone features a large 6.7-inch curved OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The resolution is standard 1080p and there is a 32MP camera for selfies. 

Moondrop Teaser Phone

 The rear features a 64MP primary sensor, likely accompanied by a depth sensor for portrait mode effects. Keeping the lights on is a 5000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.

Things are intriguing when it comes to audio. It features a unique combination of dual headphone jacks – a 4.4mm balanced jack for audiophile-grade connections and a standard 3.5mm jack for wider compatibility. The balanced jack offers a higher output voltage compared to the 3.5mm jack.

Moreover, the phone has a quad-channel DAC setup powered by Cirrus Logic MasterHIFI DACs. With this, you can expect excellent audio quality with a high dynamic range and low signal-to-noise ratio. 

These specifications are impressive, even surpassing what some dedicated portable DAC/amps offer. The audio circuit is further enhanced by a 6-layer gold-sinking design, an independent power supply, and 100-level hardware volume control. Moondrop has also included an Audio Center app for additional sound customization through DSP functionality.

Price and Availability

The Moondrop MIAD 01 is priced at 2499 RMB (approximately $345). The price makes it a compelling option for audiophiles on a budget seeking a phone with exceptional audio quality. 

But, it’s unclear if the phone will be available internationally. It’s only out in China for now, where it will go on sale starting April 25.

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Casio launches G-5600BG-1 Limited Edition Watch made of Recycled Waste

Casio has launched a new limited-edition watch, the ‘Back to G-SHOCK’ G-5600BG-1, as part of its Earth Day celebration and to honor its anniversary on April 12.

G-SHOCK G-5600BG-1

The G-5600BG-1 is crafted using recycled resin, aligning with G-SHOCK’s initiative to minimize environmental impact. The watch includes resin scraps from previous Casio productions. It maintains the brand’s standard for durability and design while promoting recycling efforts. Each unit features a unique, colorful pattern, distinguishing every watch as one-of-a-kind.

G-SHOCK G-5600BG-1

Equipped with Tough Solar technology, the G-5600BG-1 converts any light source into power, sustaining its charge efficiently. It also includes features such as shock resistance, 200 meters of water resistance, alarms, timers, and a fully automatic calendar, making it a robust option for everyday use.

G-SHOCK G-5600BG-1

The eco-conscious approach extends to the packaging, which is made from environmentally friendly materials.

Pricing & availability

The Casio G-5600BG-1 will be sold for a price tag of $199. In India, the watch will be sold for Rs 9,995. This watch will be available exclusively in Casio & G-SHOCK stores starting at the end of April 2024.

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GC Daily: Apple saw 19% decline in China, US nervous about China’s interest in RISC-V Chips

In the first quarter of 2024, China’s smartphone market registered growth, ticking up by 1.5% compared to last year. This was the second quarter in a row where things looked up for the Chinese market, sparking some optimism in the industry.

iPhone 15

Huawei was the standout brand in this quarter, registering an impressive growth of nearly 70%. Thanks to their new 5G Mate 60 series, it grabbed a big chunk of the high-end market. While Huawei was climbing the ranks, HONOR wasn’t far behind. It managed 11.5% growth, thanks to their popular X50 and Play 40 models.

On the other hand, Apple had a rough start to the year. Their sales dropped by over 19% in China. A couple of things hit them hard: a government ban on Apple devices for employees and Huawei’s strong comeback. Despite some big discounts and promotions, Apple struggled to keep up.

Looking ahead, there’s a possibility that Apple might bounce back in the next quarter. They’re rolling out new color options and pushing sales hard. Everyone’s waiting for May 2, when Apple will share their earnings report. It’s going to be a key moment for them as they try to regain their footing in China’s competitive market.

So, the big question now is, can Apple turn things around with their new strategies?

Read more in our story here.

US Is Nervous About China’s Growing Interest in RISC-V Chips

source: wikipedia


The US Department of Commerce is keeping a close eye on China’s growing interest in RISC-V chip technology, a rising star in the chip-making world. RISC-V is a free, open-source alternative to more controlled technologies like those from Arm Holdings, and it’s catching on everywhere, from smartphones to sophisticated AI chips.

China’s big tech players, like Alibaba, are really getting into RISC-V. This move has turned up the heat in the tech rivalry between the US and China, pushing 18 US lawmakers to press the Biden administration to make sure China doesn’t get the upper hand in this area.

The Commerce Department is on it, checking out the risks and figuring out the best steps to take. They want to be careful, though. They don’t want to mess up chances for US companies to work with others around the world on RISC-V projects. They’ve learned from past snags, like when US restrictions on sharing 5G tech with China made it tough for US firms in global tech groups, which could have knocked the US off its tech throne.

You can read more in our story here.

⚠️ DEAL ALERT: OnePlus Pad Go finally arrives in Europe & UK with a 10% discount

Will BlueImage Force Vivo To End Ties With Zeiss?

Vivo has just announced its BlueImage brand, shaking up the smartphone photography game with its own imaging technology. This move has sparked curiosity about whether this signals the end of their collaboration with Zeiss, the optics giant.

Vivo BlueImage

Vivo’s BlueImage is all about taking smartphone photography up a notch. The company has pumped resources into research and development to create a system that enhances the photos you snap on your phone. They’ve even developed their own imaging chips, now in their third generation, to power this tech.

But fans of Vivo’s partnership with Zeiss can breathe easy. Vivo has made it clear that their work with Zeiss isn’t going anywhere. They’ve committed to a new joint R&D agreement with Zeiss, reinforcing their collaboration. An executive from Vivo even teased this on social media, showing off the BlueImage and Zeiss logos together, along with a sneak peek at an upcoming device.

More details are here.

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Huawei is planning to expand globally with HarmonyOS amidst the US sanctions

Last year, Huawei unveiled the “HarmonyOS NEXT” operating system exclusively for developers. This operating system does not support Android apps and could be the future of Huawei smartphones and other connected smart devices.

A previous report from Nikki Asia claimed that Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT (unveiled in January as the newest version of its proprietary operating system) could rival iOS and Android going forward.

The latest news is that Huawei is aiming to roll out the HarmonyOS ecosystem globally.


Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Cleaner S10, Handheld Garment Steamer launched in India

Xiaomi announced a couple of new products, such as the Redmi Pad SE, the Redmi Buds 5A, the Robot Vacuum Cleaner S10, and the Handheld Garment Steamer, in India through the 2024 Smarter Living launch event.

The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Cleaner S10 and Handheld Garment Steamer will be available for pre-booking starting April 29 in India via Mi.com, Flipkart, and Amazon. On April 29, Mi.com will host the early access sale of these devices.

More details are here.


iQOO Z9 Turbo Debuts In China With Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 16GB RAM, And More

The iQOO Z9 Turbo is the top-end model in the Z9 series smartphones that was announced yesterday in China. It is a new addition to the Z9 series. The latest offering packs mid-range flagship specifications. The Z9 Turbo is also quite different compared to its siblings.

More details here!


Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Retractable Camera Explained

The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra (unboxing & hands-on) boasts a revolutionary feature: a retractable main camera. This isn’t the first phone to feature a retractable lens, though.

The first commercial phone that came with this feature was the Tecno Phantom X2 Pro. Well, this innovative design offers a unique solution to the age-old challenge of balancing large sensor sizes with a sleek phone profile.

We try to explain the fascinating mechanism of this camera.


Apple expands supplier network in China despite US-China tensions

Apple has added 8 new suppliers from mainland China while removing 4, highlighting the country’s significance in its supply chain. With 157 contractors operating in mainland China, representing over a third of its disclosed suppliers, Apple reaffirms its reliance on the region for manufacturing and assembly.

More details here.


HMD Pulse, Pulse+, Pulse Pro launched: Read the differences between the first HMD-branded phones

HMD Pulse, Pulse+, and Pulse Pro have debuted as the first HMD-branded phones in Europe. The new phones come with Gen 1 repairability, which will allow users to make use of iFixit self-repair kits to fix problems like replacing the battery and changing the display. Here’s a look at what each of these phones offers:

HMD Pulse Pro specifications and features

Priced at 180 euros, the HMD Pulse Pro has a 6.65-inch HD+ 90Hz display and 600 nits of brightness. Under the hood, the device has the Unisoc T606 chipset, 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of built-in storage, a microSD card slot, and a 5,000mAh battery with 20W fast charging.

HMD Pulse Pro display

On the front, it has a 50-megapixel selfie camera, and its rear panel has a 50-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual-camera system. For security, it has a side-facing fingerprint scanner. It comes in shades like Glacier Green, Black Ocean, and Twilight Purple.

HMD Pulse+ and HMD Pulse specifications, features

HMD Pulse+ and HMD Pulse are priced at 140 euros and 160 euros, respectively. Both feature the same screen, a Unisoc T606 chip, and a 5,000mAh battery that is available on the Pro model. Instead of 20W charging available on the Pro model, the Pulse+ and Pulse models offer 10W charging.

Like the Pro variant, the HMD Pulse+ also comes with 4 GB  6 GB / 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, and a microSD card slot. It has an 8-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel camera with an LED flash on the back. The Pulse+ can be bought in shades like Midnight Blue, Glacier Green, and Apricot Crush.

The HMD Pulse offers 4 GB / 6 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, and a microSD card slot. On the front, it has an 8-megapixel selfie camera, and its back panel has a single 13-megapixel camera. It comes in three color options: Meteor Black, Atmos Blue, and Dreamy Pink. Android 14 powers all three phones, promising two OS upgrades and three years of security patch updates.

As can be seen, the HMD Pulse series of smartphones mainly differ in departments like RAM, storage, charging speed, cameras, and color options.

Starting today, the Pulse and Pulse+ phones are available for purchase through HMD.com. The Pro variant’s availability is yet to be confirmed. The Gen 1 self-repair kits can be purchased on this page. The HMD Pulse is likely to get rebranded as the HMD Vibe in the US. The other Pulse models may be released in the US.

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First real-life image of Vivo X100s surfaces ahead of expected May launch

Vivo is gearing up to release several new smartphones as part of its X100 series. Among these are the Vivo X100 Ultra, X100s Pro, and a base model X100s. We’ve been keeping a close eye on these smartphones, and recently, images of the Vivo X100s were leaked, courtesy of GSMArena.

Design-wise, the phone departs from the curved design of the X100, opting for a flat frame with a textured finish. The rear panel appears to be made of glass with a slight curve (2.5D). The camera island features a knurled ring design and houses four cameras.

Vivo X100s Leaked Design and Specs

Based on the leak, the camera system of the X100s appears identical to the X100. This means there will be a 15-70mm zoom setup with a 15mm ultrawide sensor, a 70mm periscope lens, and a primary 50MP f/1.6 sensor.

Additionally, the leak suggests that the X100s draws design inspiration from the iPhone 15 Pro, with a flat-edged display and a similar color scheme. However, it’s expected to be notably thinner, measuring just 7.89mm compared to the iPhone 15 Pro’s 8.3mm.

In terms of performance, leaks indicate that the X100s will be powered by the upcoming Dimensity 9300+ chipset. The chip will share similarities with the Dimensity 9300 but will have a higher clock speed for the main Cortex-X4 core.

As for the price, given that the X100 was priced at CNY 3,999, reports suggest that the X100s may follow suit.

The leaked information also hints at a potential May launch for the X100s, alongside its rumored counterparts, the X100s Pro and X100s Ultra.

With more details expected to surface closer to the launch date, these leaks give a preliminary look at what Vivo has in store for the X100s.

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OnePlus 8 & 8 Pro reach End of Life with final OxygenOS 13.1.0.587 update

OnePlus has rolled out the last software update for its OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro smartphones, marking the end of their support period. Launched in April 2020, these models were slated to receive four years of security updates and three major Android OS upgrades, a promise that OnePlus has now fulfilled.

OnePlus 8 Pro

The final update, OxygenOS 13.1.0.587, incorporates the April 2024 Android security patch and is currently being distributed to users in India, with plans to extend it to other regions soon. This update aims to boost system security and stability.

OnePlus 8/8 Pro update message

In a recent statement, OnePlus reflected on the four-year journey with the OnePlus 8 series, thanking users for their active participation and feedback which significantly contributed to refining the OxygenOS experience. The company highlighted the role of user feedback in creating stable and optimized software builds.

The update is being released in phases to ensure a smooth transition for all users. If you haven’t received the OTA notification on your device, you can manually check for its availability by going to Settings > About device > OxygenOS > Check for update.

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(Source)

Oppo A3 images, key specifications leaked, launch imminent

A forthcoming Oppo phone with model number PJT110 has received approval from China’s TENAA certification platform. The listing has revealed the images and key specifications of the device. Although the device’s moniker remains unconfirmed, speculation suggests it will be known as the Oppo A3 upon its debut in China. The rumored moniker suggests that it will be positioned lower than the Oppo A3 Pro, which went official with an IP69-rated dustproof and water-resistant body earlier this month. Here’s a look at what to expect from the Oppo A3.

Oppo A3 specifications (rumored)

Oppo A3
Oppo A3 (PJT110)

To recall, the Oppo A2 from last year featured an IPS LCD panel. According to the TENAA listing, the Oppo PJT110 will have an improved display department, with a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen that produces a Full HD+ resolution.

On the front, the Oppo A3 has a 16-megapixel selfie camera. The vertical camera module on the phone’s back has a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel auxiliary lens. The device is expected to ship with Android 14 and a layer of ColorOS 14.

Under the hood, the Oppo A3 has an unknown 2.2GHz chipset and 8 GB / 12 GB of RAM. The phone will arrive with 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB of storage options, and it will also feature a microSD card slot.

The Oppo A3 will pack a 5,500mAh battery and support 33W fast charging. For security, it will have an in-screen fingerprint sensor. Lastly, the TENAA listing mentions that the A3 will measure 162.9 x 75.6 x 8.1mm and weigh 191 grams. The device may likely go official before the end of this month in China.

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OnePlus 12 or iQOO 12: which one is the right choice for you?

Are you struggling to pick between the iQOO 12 and the OnePlus 12? Not sure which phone is right for you? Here are some of the key differences that could help you make your decision.

1. Design and durability

The OnePlus 12 and the iQOO 12 are both pretty-looking smartphones with attractive designs, however, some stark differences should be considered before committing to one. The iQOO 12 has an overall flat design with a flat metallic frame. That being said, the brand has made the edges slightly curvy to make it more comfortable to hold.

On the other hand, the OnePlus 12 has committed to a completely curved design, prioritizing comfort above the current trend of iPhone-inspired flat frames. As for durability, the OnePlus 12 comes with a Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protecting its screen, and the back glass is Gorilla Glass 5. The Phone is IP65 rated, which means that it can easily withstand dust as well as low-pressure water jets from all directions.

The iQOO 12 uses a more affordable Schott Xensation protective glass on the front and is IP64-rated, which means that it can withstand water spray from any direction.

2. Display & audio

The OnePlus 12 boasts a superior display compared to the iQOO 12. It features a curved Quad HD+ resolution of 1440 x 3168 pixels, a larger 6.82-inch diagonal size, and an impressive peak brightness of 4500 nits, which can be reached while watching HDR content. Additionally, it supports Dolby Vision and comes with HDR10+ certification.

While not on par with the OnePlus 12, the iQOO 12 also features an impressive 6.78-inch 1.5K (1260 x 2800 pixels) display, which has a peak brightness of 3000 nits, and an HDR10+ certification. The one advantage over it has over the OnePlus 12 is its higher refresh rate of 144Hz.

As for audio, iQOO 12 offers the louder speakers of the two, however, music sounds more detailed and clear on the OnePlus 12.

3. Which is better for gaming?

If you are looking to buy one of these smartphones with gaming in mind, then the iQOO 12 should be your choice. It simply has too much going for it when it comes to gaming. Firstly, it has a flat display, compared to the curved display on the OnePlus 12. People who have gamed on both know that a flat display is much preferable to a curved display as it allows for a more natural grip and reduces the chances of accidental touches.

Both the iQOO 12 and the OnePlus 12 future a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor which is capable of stable 80+ FPS in games like BGMI. However, the iQOO 12 has the OnePlus 12 beat in thermal management. The iQOO 12 uses a large VC liquid cooling system, which provides efficient heat management during extended gaming sessions. It does not thermal throttle as much as the OnePlus 12, which means stable FPS. Excessive heating also affects the battery life of the device, so the iQOO 12’s superior thermal management also makes it more energy efficient while gaming.

4. Which has the better camera system?

The iQOO 12 comes with a triple camera system on the back consisting of an OIS-assisted 50MP OmniVision OV50H primary sensor, a 50MP Samsung JN1 ultrawide unit with autofocus, and an OIS-assisted 64MP OV64B 3x periscope zoom shooter.

In comparison, the OnePlus 12 also features a triple camera system with a 50MP Sony LYT 808 primary sensor paired with a 48MP Sony IMX581 ultra-wide-angle sensor, and a 64MP OmniVision OV64B OIS-enabled periscope unit with 3x optical and 6x in-sensor zoom.

On paper, both of these phones have impressive sensors, however, the OnePlus 12 offers more natural and accurate color processing as well as better consistency in quality. OnePlus 12 also outshines the iQOO 12 in human shots, however, the iQOO 12 takes slightly better shots from its zoom camera.

Night mode performance on both of the smartphones is excellent, while the OnePlus 12 is better in HDR shots as well as taking selfies from its 32MP Sony IMX615 front camera. It is also worth mentioning that the OnePlus 12 can shoot up to 4K 30FPS videos with its front camera, while the iQOO 12 is limited to 1080p 30FPS.

5. Battery & Charging

Both the OnePlus 12 and the iQOO 12 come equipped with large batteries, however, the OnePlus 12 has a larger 5400mAh battery paired with 100W wired fast charging compared to the 5,000mAh battery and 120W wired fast charging on the iQOO 12.

The 120W charging on the iQOO is indeed faster on paper, but in real-life usage, you won’t actually feel that much of a difference. Both of these smartphones are capable of filling up their batteries in around 30 minutes.

That being said, the OnePlus 12 also offers 50W fast charging support as well as 10W reverse wireless charging. These features are not available in the iQOO 12.

6. Other things to consider

Both smartphones use Android 14-based operating systems with many customization options. OnePlus has promised 4 years of major updates and 5 years of security patches, while the iQOO 12 offers 3 years of software updates and 4 years of security updates.

It is also worth mentioning that the iQOO 12 comes with a USB Type-C 2.0, compared to the newer USB Type-C 3.2 port on the OnePlus 12. This makes the OnePlus 12 about 10 times faster in transferring data via its USB port.

7. Conclusion

While the OnePlus 12 offers a better display, camera performance, and battery, it is also significantly costlier than the iQOO 12.

The OnePlus 12 starts at ₹64,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB configuration and goes up to ₹69,999 for the 16GB RAM and 512GB setup.

In comparison, the iQOO 12 starts at ₹52,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB model, and its 16GB RAM and 512GB storage model costs ₹57,999.

If you’re after an all-around flagship, the OnePlus 12 is a solid pick. But for gaming enthusiasts, the iQOO 12 is recommended. Plus, considering its price, the camera performance of the iQOO 12 is noteworthy.

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

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PUBG is Bringing Back its Iconic Erangel Map for Two Whole Weeks, Starting Next Month

PUBG: Battlegrounds is getting nostalgic! The game that started the battle royale craze is bringing back its original map, Erangel, for a two-week run in May and June.

The old map fused with new mechanics will keep the game interesting.

Erangel Classic aims to recreate the early days of PUBG. Expect the original map layout, graphics, atmosphere, and even the user interface. But don’t worry, veterans – Krafton (who bought PUBG) promises “modern tweaks” to keep gameplay smooth. Think of it like a classic game remake – capturing the original feel with some quality-of-life improvements.

This trip down memory lane is likely inspired by Fortnite’s successful return of its original map last year. Erangel Classic will double down on nostalgia with foggy weather, bench weapons on the starting island (get ready to fight for loot!), and lower weapon recoil mimicking the original experience. You’ll even find the Tommy Gun back in care packages, and a vintage UI with a “charmingly tacky” look.

The good news for multi-platform players? The rollout is staggered! Play Erangel Classic on PC from May 14th to May 28th, then on consoles from May 23rd to June 6th. During this time, the modern Erangel map will be unavailable. Keep an eye out for the May 14th patch notes for all the Erangel Classic details.

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Razer’s Blade 14 2024 (Black) is Now Available for Pre-Sale, Starts at 20,999 Yuan ($2,900)

Time to gear up. Remember, Razer unveiled the Razer Blade 14 2024 at CES 2024? Now, the company has officially put the laptop out on the shelves for pre-sale today, starting at 20,999 yuan ($2,900 USD). This powerhouse laptop packs an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor (up to 5.2GHz) and your choice of NVIDIA RTX 4060 or 4070 graphics (both 8GB GDDR6).

The display has a 240Hz refresh rate, HDR 400 and FreeSync Premium

The 14-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) IPS display boasts a 240Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, CALMAN certification, 500 nits brightness, HDR 400, and FreeSync Premium for a tear-free experience. A vapor chamber cooling system with dual fans keeps things chill.

Razer Blade 14

Dual front speakers with THX Spatial Sound and 7.1 surround sound put you in the game, while the 68.1 Wh battery and 230W power adapter keep you powered. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, two USB4-C ports with PD 3.0 charging (up to 100W), HDMI 2.1, USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, and a headphone jack.

The sleek aluminum alloy body with a CNC-machined finish is lightweight (1.84kg) and anti-fingerprint coated. The customizable RGB backlit keyboard with N-key rollover and per-key Chroma lighting adds a personal touch. A 1080p HD camera with dual microphones allows for clear video calls and supports Windows Hello facial recognition.

From powerful specs to a stunning display and a sleek design, the Razer Blade 14 2024 seems like a compelling option for gamers and creative professionals alike.

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Mechanical Revolution’s New Budget-friendly Yaoshi 16 Pro Gaming Laptop Starts at 7,799 Yuan ($1076) in China

The Mechanical Revolution Yaoshi 16 Pro gaming laptop has arrived, starting at a wallet-friendly 7,799 yuan ($1076 USD). And this laptop packs a serious number of features for the asking price. Read on to find out more!

The laptop features a 16-inch 2.5K display with a 240Hz refresh rate.

This machine boasts a powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i7-14650HX processor (exact wattage to be announced) and an NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card with dedicated GDDR6 memory to handle even demanding games. Multitasking is a breeze with 32GB of DDR5 5600 RAM in a dual-channel configuration, while a speedy 1TB PCIe 4.0 solid state drive ensures quick boot times and fast game loading.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the stunning 16-inch 2.5K resolution display. Gamers will appreciate the ultra-smooth 240Hz refresh rate for blur-free visuals during fast-paced action. The display boasts a peak brightness of 500 nits, 100% sRGB color gamut, and excellent color accuracy (ΔE < 2) for vibrant and realistic in-game scenes.

Gaming Laptop

Keeping thermals in check is a robust cooling system that combines phase-change silicone grease with 7 ultra-thick copper heat pipes and dual 81-blade fans. This ensures your laptop stays cool even during the most intense gaming sessions.

Beyond performance, the Yaoshi 16 Pro offers several user-friendly features. The 180-degree hinge allows for maximum viewing flexibility, while Nahimic sound certification guarantees immersive audio for an enhanced gaming experience. The three-sided metal chassis exudes a premium feel, and the 240W SiC power adapter, although hefty at 550g, supports convenient 100W fast charging via USB-C.

Connectivity options are plentiful, including the latest Wi-Fi 6E enabled by the AX211 network card, along with Thunderbolt 4, RJ45 (Ethernet), HDMI 2.1, USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, and USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports. The laptop weighs approximately 2.2kg (4.8 lbs) and measures about 26.5mm thick, making it reasonably portable for its size.

The starting configuration comes in a sleek Star Gray color, with additional exciting options like Mirror Lake Blue, Diamond Pink, and Platinum Sand arriving soon.

If you’re a gamer in China looking for a powerful and affordable gaming laptop with a gorgeous display, the Mechanical Revolution Yaoshi 16 Pro is a sweet option, especially at its attractive starting price. Be sure to keep an eye out for the upcoming variants featuring the i9-14900HX processor, available for purchase on April 26th.

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Motorola Edge 50 Fusion will compete with these phones in India

A few days back, Motorola unveiled the Edge 50 Fusion. This smartphone was announced alongside the Edge 50 Pro and the Edge 50 Ultra.

It is the most affordable of all three phones. It also comes in two variants for different markets.

One of these versions is exclusive to Latin America. This model has a downgraded chipset but a faster display.

That being said, the Edge 50 Fusion is expected to be released soon in India. Since the Edge 50 Pro is already available in the country with a starting price of ₹31,999, we can guess the price of the former.

The Edge 50 Fusion will likely cost around ₹25,000 in India. At this price, it will compete with several popular devices. Let’s have a look at some of its potential alternatives.

Motorola Edge 50 Fusion

1. OnePlus Nord CE 4

OnePlus Nord CE 4

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 is probably the well-balanced smartphone in this price segment just like its predecessor OnePlus Nord CE 3. It starts at ₹24,999 in the country.

At this price, it offers a more powerful Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip compared to a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 inside the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion. However, the Nord sports a flat 120Hz OLED display compared to a curved 144Hz OLED panel on the Fusion.

Further, the Nord CE 4 comes with a larger 5,5000mAh battery and also supports faster 100W wired charging.

2. Nothing Phone 2a

Nothing Phone (2a)

Nothing Phone 2a is the most unique-looking smartphone in its segment. It starts at ₹23,999 in India.

It is powered by a MediaTke Dimensity 7200 Pro chip, which is again more powerful than the silicon present underneath the Edge 50 Fusion. It has also got Glyph LED lights for personalized customizations.

The Phone 2a may have a flat OLED display but it sports a higher megapixel 50MP ultrawide camera. Finally, the battery is the same at 5,000mAh capacity but it only supports 45W wired charging, and the power adapter is not included in the box.

3. Redmi Note 13 Pro

Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G

The Redmi Note 13 Pro starts at ₹24,999 in India. It is powered by the same Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset as the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion.

The Redmi Phone also arrives with a higher 200MP primary camera and a larger 5,100mAh battery.  But the charging speed is comparable at 67W.

Lastly, the 120Hz OLED display may be flat but it can play Dolby Vision content. Also, the panel is sharper as it has a 1.5K resolution (2712 x 1220 pixels).

4. Realme 12 Pro

Realme 12 Pro

The Realme 12 Pro also starts at ₹24,999 in India. It is the only competitor that also has a curved display and a vegan leather back.

However, the handset houses a less powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip. Anyhoo, the battery capacity and charging speed are nearly identical at 5,000mAh and 67W, respectively.

Most importantly, the Realme 12 Pro is the only device on the list with a proper three lens camera system. It arrives with a 50MP primary sensor, a 32MP 2x telephoto shooter, and an 8MP ultrawide unit.

5. Samsung Galaxy M55

Samsung Galaxy M55
Samsung Galaxy M55

The Galaxy M55 is the best option for someone looking for a Samsung alternative in this segment. It starts at ₹26,999 in India.

The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset. This makes it slower than the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion.

However, Samsung will offer longer software support than any other handset on this list. It will receive four Android updates and five years of security updates.

At last,  the smartphone supports 45W wired charging but the power adapter needs to be purchased separately.

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