iQOO Quest Days bring maximum savings on iQOO 12 5G, Z9 5G, Neo 9 Pro, Z7 Pro 5G, and others

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Apr 23, 2024

iQOO is bringing a few new smartphones and other electronics to the market soon. As per leaks and rumors, the company is working on the iQOO 13 series, Z9, and Z9 Turbo, the iQOO Z9X global launch, and Magnetic Cooling Back Clip. Amid all the new announcements, the iQOO is here with some good discounts on the majority of its new smartphones. The buyers can save maximum on smartphones like iQOO 12 5G, iQOO z9 5G, iQOO Neo 9 Pro, iQOO Z7 Pro 5G, and others. Below we have detailed discounts on each smartphone:

Deals at iQOO Quest Days in India

iQOO is offering up to Rs 23,000 discount on smartphones from April 22 to April 28 on Amazon India. The users can avail Rs 3000 Instant discount on SBI and ICICI Bank Cards. Moreover, there’s an option of No-cost EMIs for a 9-month tenure. Below are Dedicated Discounts on respective smartphones:

iQOO 12 5G

The smartphone which usually retails for Rs 59,999, is now available for Rs 50,999. There’s a Rs 2000 Instant Discount, and an additional Rs 2000 off on Exchange. The users can avail up to 9 months of No-cost EMIs.

In terms of specifications, the smartphone bundles SNapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, and bundles Supercomputing Chip Q1.

Preview	Product
	iQOO 12 5G (Legend, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage) \| India’s 1st Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform \|…	Check Price on Amazon

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iQOO Z9 5G

The smartphone is available for Rs 17,999, inclusive of Rs 2000 Instant discount. It also brings free Vivo Earphones worth Rs 599. There’s an option of up to 3 Months of No-cost EMI. It is hard to miss such a sweet deal if looking for a good camera smartphone.

iQOO Z9 5G comes with a Dimensity 7200 5G Processor, Sony IMX882 OIS cameras, 120Hz AMOLED display, and 44W fast charging support. It is a full-package smartphone that can be yours at such an exciting price.

Preview	Product
	iQOO Z9 5G (Brushed Green, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage) \| Dimensity 7200 5G Processor \| Sony IMX882 OIS…	Check Price on Amazon

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iQOO Neo 9 Pro

iQOO Neo 9 Pro is now available for Rs 32,999 with a Rs 2000 Instant Discount. The users can get up to Rs 4000 additional off if you change their old smartphones. Moreover, there’s an option of up to 6 months of No-cost EMI.

The smartphone couples SNsapdraon 8 Gen 2 SOC, and supports 120W FlashCharge technology. It comes with a Q1 supercomputing chip. In the camera segment, the smartphone features a 50MP Sony IMX920 sensor, and an 8MP ultra-wide sensor.

Preview	Product
	iQOO Neo9 Pro 5G (Fiery Red, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage) \| Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Processor \| Supercomputing…	Check Price on Amazon

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iQOO Z7 Pro 5G

The smartphone is retailing at the price of Rs 21,999 with a Rs 2000 Instant Discount via the ICICI and SBI cards. The users can also avail a 3-month no-cost EMI.

The smartphone comes with MediaTek Dimensity 7200 5G SoC and features a 3D Curved AMOLED display. It bundles a 64MP AURA Light OIS camera. There’s a 4600 mAh battery with 8GB RAM and 66W Flash Charge.

Preview	Product
	iQOO Neo 7 Pro 5G (Dark Storm, 8Gb Ram, 128Gb Storage) \| Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 \| Independent Gaming…	Check Price on Amazon

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iQOO Z6 Lite 5G

It is an affordable entry-level smartphone, which is retailing for the price of Rs 11,999. The smartphone was launched at the price of Rs 19,999.

It comes with Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 SoC, 120Hz Full HD+ display, and offers up to 6GB RAM. It ships with a Travel Adapter.

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	iQOO Z6 Lite 5G (Stellar Green, 6GB RAM, 128GB Storage) with Charger \| Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1…	Check Price on Amazon

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iQOO Z7s Lite 5G

iQOO Z7s Lite with 8 GB RAM and 128GB storage is on sale for Rs 14,999. The smartphone bundles a Rs 1000 Instant Discount via Credit cards.

It is paired with a Snapdragon 695 SoC, 64MP OIS camera, and 44W Flash Charging.

Preview	Product
	iQOO Z7s 5G by vivo (Norway Blue, 8GB RAM, 128GB Storage) \| Ultra Bright AMOLED Display \| Snapdragon…	Check Price on Amazon

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Moto g64 5G vs POCO X6 Neo Comparison: Which Phone Offers Better Value?

By

Soumyakanti

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Apr 23, 2024

Motorola and POCO have recently launched their new mid-range 5G smartphones, the Moto g64 5G and POCO X6 Neo, respectively. Both phones offer attractive features at competitive prices. Let’s delve deeper into their specifications and see which one might be the better choice for you.

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1. Display

The Moto g64 5G sports a 6.5-inch FHD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels) LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate. It boasts a maximum brightness of 560 nits and comes protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

The POCO X6 Neo flaunts a larger 6.67-inch FHD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels) Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a staggering 240Hz touch sampling rate. Additionally, it boasts a peak brightness of 1000 nits and is shielded by the more robust Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Here, the POCO X6 Neo takes the clear lead. AMOLED displays offer superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles compared to LCD panels. The higher peak brightness ensures better readability under direct sunlight, while the additional touch sampling rate might benefit gamers seeking a more responsive touch experience.

2. Performance

The Moto g64 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 processor, a 6nm chipset paired with IMG BXM-8-256 GPU. It comes in two RAM configurations: 8GB with 128GB storage and 12GB with 256GB storage, expandable further via a microSD card.

The POCO X6 Neo equips the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor, which is essentially a rebranded Dimensity 810 chipset built on a 6nm architecture. It boasts the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU and is available in similar RAM and storage options (8GB/128GB and 12GB/256GB), with microSD card support for additional storage.

On paper, the POCO X6 Neo seems to have a slight edge with the Dimensity 810 being a more powerful chipset compared to the Dimensity 7025. However, real-world performance differences might be negligible for most users. Both processors should handle everyday tasks and even some light gaming with ease.

3. Software

The Moto g64 5G runs the cleaner and more stock-like Android 14 with My UX on top. Motorola promises an assured update to Android 15 and 3 years of security updates.

The POCO X6 Neo comes with the MIUI 14 based on Android 13 out of the box. But the device is upgradable to HyperOS based on Android 14 which has been rolling out since last week. While HyperOS offers extensive customization options, it can also feel bloated with additional apps and features compared to My UX.

The choice here depends on your preference. If you prefer a clean and bloatware-free experience, the Moto g64 5G might be better. If you enjoy extensive customization options, the POCO X6 Neo could be more appealing.

4. Camera

The Moto g64 5G features a triple camera system on the back. The primary sensor is a 50MP unit with f/1.8 aperture and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). It’s accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide/macro/depth sensor with f/2.2 aperture. The front-facing camera boasts 16MP resolution with f/2.4 aperture.

The POCO X6 Neo takes a more minimalist approach with a dual camera setup. The main attraction is a powerful 108MP sensor with f/1.7 aperture, likely offering exceptional detail in good lighting conditions. It’s accompanied by a 2MP depth sensor for portrait mode effects. The front-facing camera on the POCO X6 Neo settles for a 16MP sensor with f/2.4 aperture.

While the megapixel count on the POCO X6 Neo’s main sensor is significantly higher, megapixel count alone doesn’t guarantee superior image quality. The Moto g64 5G’s OIS could be beneficial for capturing sharper images and videos in low-light conditions. Overall camera performance will depend on factors like sensor size, image processing, and software optimization, which can only be definitively judged through detailed reviews and comparisons.

5. Battery

The Moto g64 5G packs a massive 6000mAh battery with support for 30W turbo charging. The phone comes bundled with a 33W charger.

The POCO X6 Neo houses a 5000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging.

The Moto g64 5G boasts a larger battery capacity, potentially translating to longer battery life on a single charge. However, the difference might not be significant in daily usage. Additionally, the POCO X6 Neo’s faster charging speed could be more convenient for quickly topping up the battery when needed.

6. Design and Build

The Moto g64 5G features a plastic back with a PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) finish. It has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a water-repellent coating for basic dust and splash resistance (IP52).

The POCO X6 Neo opts for a more premium-feeling glass back. It also integrates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and boasts a slightly better IP54 rating for dust and water resistance.

The design choice depends on your preference. The Moto g64 5G might be lighter and less prone to shattering if accidentally dropped. However, the POCO X6 Neo offers a more premium aesthetic and slightly better water resistance.

7. Price

The Moto g64 5G starts at Rs. 14,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. The 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model costs Rs. 16,999.

The POCO X6 Neo starts at a similar price of Rs. 15,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage option. The 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant retails for Rs. 17,999.

8. Verdict

No easy decision here! It all boils down to your priorities. If a clean, bloatware-free software experience with guaranteed updates (Android 14 to 15) is important, the Moto g64 5G is a strong contender. Plus, its massive 6000mAh battery means you can worry less about running out of juice, and the OIS camera might take better pictures in low-light conditions.

On the other hand, if a stunning AMOLED display with higher peak brightness is a must-have, the POCO X6 Neo steals the show. It also boasts a slightly faster processor on paper. And let’s not forget the premium glass back design and IP54 rating.

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Redmi Buds 5A With 25dB ANC, Google Fast Pair Launched In India

By

Viraj Gawde

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Apr 23, 2024

At the Xiaomi Smarter Living 2024 event held today, the company announced a new tablet, TWS earphones, a vacuum cleaner, and a garment steamer. The newly launched audio device is the Redmi Buds 5A. It joins the Redmi Buds 5 that was released earlier in February this year. The latest offering cuts down slightly on the specifications and features compared to the other model. Read on to know what it offers out of the box.

Redmi Buds 5A specifications and features

The Redmi Buds 5A has the same in-ear design with a stem and silicon ear tips. The earbuds are IPX4 certified whereas the case is IP54 rated.

In terms of audio, the Redmi Buds 5A are equipped with a 12mm dynamic driver. It offers active noise cancellation of up to 25 dB for filtering out any unwanted noise. There is environmental noise cancellation as well for crystal clear quality on calls. The transparency mode helps the user to stay aware of their surroundings. The TWS earphones feature a 60ms low latency mode.

The Redmi Buds 5A supports Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity. It also features Google Fast Pair which ensures the earbuds connect quickly with a compatible device once the storage case is opened. The audio device is backed by a 440mAh battery unit that is claimed to last 30 hours with the pebble-shaped case. Each earbud has a 34mAh cell that is rated to offer up to 5 hours of usage.

The Redmi Buds 5A are priced at Rs 1,499 and offered in Black and White colours. They will be available for purchase from Flipkart, Amazon, and Xiaomi stores starting April 29.

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UFS 4.0 is now 15% faster, with Kioxia’s new chips

By

Erencan Yılmaz

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Apr 23, 2024

One of the most crucial components in smartphones is undoubtedly the storage chip, and with UFS 4.0, the storage on phones has never been this fast, but there’s always room for improvement. The modern UFS chips perform as fast as an SSD, yet Kioxia has managed to make UFS 4.0 even faster.

Kioxia’s new UFS chips offer 50% faster random write in 18% smaller area

Kioxia, a company founded by Toshiba, specializes solely in storage and memory solutions. The chips introduced by Kioxia come with storage capacities of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Kioxia unveiled the THGJFMT1E45BATV, THGJFMT2E46BATV, and THGJFMT3E86BATZ chips. We can say that Android phones packing just 128GB of storage are quickly becoming outdated, if they’re rocking UFS 4.0 tech for sure.

The dimensions of the 256GB and 512GB chips are 9.0 x 13.0 x 0.8mm, while the 1TB chip’s dimensions are 9.0 x 13.0 x 0.9mm. Kioxia equipped the new UFS 4.0 chips with BiCS Flash 3D NAND, making them 18% smaller compared to the previously introduced 11mm x 13mm chips.

The write speed of the new UFS chips has increased by 15%, and the random write speed has surged by a whopping 50%, also with a 30% increase in random read speed. However, the maximum read upper limit remains unchanged, capped at 4640MB/s. These speed improvements were based on comparison with Kioxia’s previously released 512GB chip (THGJFLT2E46BATP).

Kioxia announced that the production of the 256GB and 512GB variants of these new chips will commence this month, while the 1TB variant will start production in June.

(source)

POCO Pad: Upcoming HyperOS tablet certified with 33W charging & 8MP cameras

By

Sean

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Apr 23, 2024

We already know POCO is working on its first ever tablet model. But ahead of any official announcement, this tablet was spotted on major certifications, which revealed some of its key specs. The device could be dubbed the POCO Pad, so here are all the details.

POCO Pad visits FCC & Camera FV-5

POCO Pad is the Chinese brand’s first tablet and it was spotted on FCC carrying the 2405CPCFBG model number. This listing confirms that it will run on HyperOS 1.0 and WiFi 6. The database confirmed that it will ship with Xiaomi’s 33W charging adapter. Unfortunately, this was all the information revealed by this listing. On the other hand, the Camera FV-5 sighting reveals more details regarding its cameras.

The POCO Pad may feature an 8-megapixel camera on the rear that offers EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) and an f/2.0 aperture. Meanwhile, the front packs another 8-megapixel camera with an f/2.3 aperture. To recall, the POCO Pad is expected to be a rebranded Redmi Pad Pro. That tablet model also came with 33W wired fast charging and HyperOS custom skin. This device also comes with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC that is paired with 8GB of RAM.

One of its notable aspects is the quad speaker setup, which arrives with Dolby Atmos audio. A massive 10,000mAh battery pack powers this tablet as well. It sports a tall 12.1-inch LCD panel that offers a 120Hz refresh rate, 2.5K resolution, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

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Realme C65 5G Set To Launch In India On April 26, With A Starting Price Of Rs 9,999

By

Viraj Gawde

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Apr 23, 2024

Realme has officially confirmed the launch date of its upcoming C-series smartphone in India. It is set to arrive in the country later this week. The Realme C65 5G will debut as the successor to the last year’s C64. The company has put up a microsite of the device revealing its key specifications and also revealing its price. Read on to learn the details below.

Realme C65 5G India launch date revealed

If you thought the 5G experience couldn’t be any better then it’s time you meet #TheFastestEntrylevel5G, starting from Rs. 9999

Introducing the #realmeC65 5G, launching on 26th April #SmoothAndFaster5G

Know more: https://t.co/6a91Kq9VWn pic.twitter.com/LwST59wTSs
— realme (@realmeIndia) April 23, 2024

The Realme C65 5G is scheduled to launch in India on April 26 at 12 pm IST. The microsite confirms that the device will have a boxy design with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button. The back panel has a circular camera module housing a 50MP main sensor and a secondary lens. The smartphone will be available in Black and Green color options.

The Realme C65 5G will have a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout. Realme says that the upcoming offering is the first phone in the segment to feature a 120Hz display and only 1nit low blue light certification. It is also the first in the segment to be IP64 certified dust and water-resistant.

The Realme C65 5G is also confirmed to be the first phone in the world to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor. The company is touting the device as the ‘fastest entry-level 5G from Rs 9,999. We assume this is for the base RAM and storage configuration which has not been revealed yet. The leaked marketing material revealed that the smartphone will be backed by a 5,000mAh battery with support for 15W charging and up to 6GB RAM and 128GB storage.

Additionally, for those unaware, the brand is also announcing Narzo 70 series phones in India tomorrow.

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Pixel 7 Pro retails for an exciting price of $530; Moto Razr+ available for $699

By

Simranpal Singh

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Apr 23, 2024

Google’s Pixel smartphones and other Pixel devices have a dedicated fan base, and people often recommend them if they want to experience some outstanding features with the vanilla Android experience. The camera prowess and the new AI features integration make the Pixel smartphones irresistible. The Pixel smartphone becomes more valuable if any sale or discount is applicable. Similarly, the Pixel 7 Pro unlocked smartphone is retailing now for the exciting price of $530.

Grab Pixel 7 Pro Deal here

Launched in October 2022, the Pixel 7 Pro smartphone is still popular among users, who want to have an excellent camera, stock Android and years of updates. It is an impressive choice as a mid-range smartphone. The 256GB variant was launched for $999, with discounts and a usual price cut, it is now retailing for $530 on Amazon.

Alongside the exquisite AI premium features, the smartphone features capable hardware coupled with an in-home Tensor G2 chip. It features a 67-inch QHD+ display that offers a 120Hz refresh rate. In the camera department, there’s a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and an improved 48MP telephoto zoom lens. However, interested buyers can also choose 512GB Storage and 12GB RAM options.

Motorola Razr+ Smartphone Sale Details

On the other hand, Motorola is also offering a massive discount on the Motorola Razr+ smartphone launched earlier this year. The smartphone is available for $699 on Amazon, which is $300 down from the usual price of $999.

Grab Moto Razr+ Deal Here

The flip smartphone offers a folding experience and features an additional cover display which measures 3.6 inches in size and offers a 144Hz refresh rate. Further, the large, foldable display measures 6.9-inch in size and offers Full HD+ resolution at 165Hz refresh rate. Moreover, the smartphone is powered with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, 8GB RAM, and 256GB storage.

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HMD Pulse Pro listed online: Upcoming budget phone’s specs, price, & launch date revealed

By

Sean

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Apr 23, 2024

HMD recently announced the Boring phone in collaboration with Heineken and Bodega. Now, a new smartphone is also in the works, with a fresh listing confirming a bunch of information like its specs, pricing, and launch date. So here is everything you need to know.

HMD Pulse Pro listing surfaces online

The company is gearing up to launch a new HMD Pulse series that will consist of the Pulse and Pulse Pro models. Thsee devices are set to launch in India as well. But now, we have finer details regarding the Pulse Pro thanks to a Finnish retailer called Gigantti. Looking at the listing, the HMD Pulse Pro will sport a 6.56-inch IPS LCD panel that offers HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate.

Under the hood, it is equipped with the UNISOC T606 SoC that is paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. This can be further expanded by up to 256GB via a microSD card slot. A large 5,000mAh battery pack will power this device via a USB Type-C port. The rear packs a 50-megapixel main and 2-megapixel depth sensor, while the front houses a 50-megapixel selfie shooter.

Other notable features include Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, side mounted fingerprint scanner, and IP52 rating. The HMD Pulse Pro was listed with a 179 EUR price tag, which is roughly around 190 US Dollars or 15,900 INR. It can be seen in a long Black color option. In other words, it has a mid range price tag. The retailer listed the device with a release date of 24th April 2024.

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(Via)

Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i: Brand’s latest laptop arrives in India for your creative endeavors

By

Sean

-

Apr 23, 2024

Lenovo has officially released its first creator laptop with Intel’s new AI powered processors in India. The model in question is the IdeaPad Pro 5i, which was first announced back in December 2023. However, the Indian variant comes with refreshed specs like the Intel Core Ultra series CPU. So let’s check it out.

Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i: Specs

The company’s new laptop is built for creators and sports a 14-inch OLED display that offers a 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and 2.8K resolution. This panel also arrives with TUV EyeSafe certification. For audio, there is even Dolby Atmos support. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor that is paired with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage.

A large 84Wh battery pack powers this device, which supports Rapid Charge Express that allows 3 hours of backup in just 15 minutes. Lenovo aims to ensure that your productivity stays unhindered with cooling capabilities of up to 115W TDP. The IdeaPad Pro 5i also meets the MIL-STD-810H military-grade standard, despite weighing just 1.46 kilograms. This makes it quite portable and versatile.

Pricing and Availability

Lenovo has unveiled the IdeaPad Pro 5i Creator laptop in India in a lone Artic Grey color option. It has a price tag of 109,990 INR in the region and is available for purchase via the brand’s official website, its exclusive Lenovo stores, and leading e-commerce platforms and offline retailers as of today. Buyers can even get free repair with an Accidental Damage protection plan.

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Xiaomi CEO aims to sell more than 100,000 Xiaomi SU7 cars by 2024

By

Debasish

-

Apr 23, 2024

Xiaomi Auto began the delivery of its highly anticipated electric car, the SU7 earlier this month. The delivery ceremony was held at Xiaomi Automobile Factory in Yizhuang, Beijing, where Xiaomi’s founder and CEO Lei Jun opened the doors of each SU7 car and handed them over to their owners. The company planned to sell only 5000 units globally in the first batch.

Xiaomi Auto aims to sell more than 100,000 SU7 cars by 2024

Now a post from Lu Weibing, President of Xiaomi Group and General Manager of Xiaomi Brand reveals that Xiaomi CEO has set a sales target of more than 100,000 units of the Xiaomi SU7 car in 2024.

Lu Weibing revealed the latest delivery results of Xiaomi SU7. As of April 20, the number of Xiaomi SU7 orders has exceeded 70,000 units. “Today, Mr. Lei announced at the Xiaomi Investor Conference that as of April 20, the number of Xiaomi SU7 orders has exceeded 70,000 units!”

Xiaomi Auto has commenced the delivery of the SU7 car starting with Beijing and Shenzhen. Reportedly a nationwide delivery will be opened in the near future.

Lei Jun previously noted that the SU7 delivery centers cover 29 cities across the country, which reportedly covers the main markets for electric vehicles. Reports also hint that the delivery centers will cover 40 cities by the end of 2024.

At this point, Xiaomi Auth has a total of 59 stores across 29 cities covering Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Changsha, Taiyuan, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and more.

Speaking of the car itself, it comes in three different variants – the SU7, SU7 Pro, and the SU7 Max. The prices of the three variants of the car are – CNY 215,900 (~$29,797), CNY 245,900 (~$33,938), and CNY 299,900 (~$41,391) respectively.

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Apple has acquired French startup Datakalab, which could enrich its on-device model for iPhone 16

By

Debasish

-

Apr 23, 2024

According to Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, Apple is lagging behind in terms of artificial intelligence capabilities as compared to companies like OpenAI or Google. On the other hand, AI has practically become a buzzword for high-end Android and Windows devices. Now the company is working on the generative AI front. Last month the company acquired Canadian startup DarwinAI to fast forward its development. The latest news is that Apple has acquired a French startup named Datakalab.

Datakalab has been specializing in algorithms, that operate entirely on the device

Apple is reportedly taking a different approach to generative AI. While the generative AI features on devices are currently backed by server-side large language models, Apple wants to run LLMs on-devices. It will help them ensure user privacy since user data does not have to leave the iPhones and reach servers, that can be shared.

However, there’s only so much that can be done with on-device models. Apple needs to develop a decently capable yet power-efficient model. But doing so on their own will require time. And this is exactly where the acquisition of French startup Datakalab becomes relevant.

Datakalab has been specializing in low-power deep learning algorithms, efficient in terms of execution, respectful of privacy, and operating entirely on-device.

This company was founded in 2016 by two brothers – Xavier and Lucas Fischer. According to the European Commission, the agreement was signed back in December last year. The news is only coming out now thanks to French business magazine Challenges. The company reportedly had only 10 to 20 employees and several of them have also joined the new team at Apple. However, the two founders, Xavier and Lucas Fischer, reportedly didn’t join Apple. This is the company that worked with the French government during COVID-19 in deploying AI tools in transportation systems to detect whether people were wearing compulsory masks or not.

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(Source)

GC Daily: Apple wants to run AI locally, Meizu 21 Note rumors, Xiaomi Smartband 9 certified

By

Joel Joseph

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Apr 23, 2024

What was once a fierce competitor to Xiaomi in China, Meizu’s popularity has dwindled over the years. So much so that Meizu is looking to pivot into the AI industry, with preparation going on for the past couple of years in this direction.

Despite this, new rumors state that the brand’s Meizu 21 lineup is not dead yet, and we might see a couple of devices in the coming days.

The new device, namely the Meizu 21 Note, is said to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 along with a 5500mAh battery and 66W fast charging.

Shot from our review of the Meizu 21 from 2023

If you remember, Meizu’s smartphones have always been minimalistic and beautiful. It would be a shame to actually see the brand quit the smartphone business. More details here.

Nothing Phone (3) is rumored to come in the second quarter of this year. A new report speculates that the phone could launch sometime in July 2024, but we don’t have any concrete details right now.

Well, to be fair, this seems to be more like a speculation than a solid rumor, given how last year’s Phone (2) also launched in July.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on its own LLM to power on-device gen AI features on iPhones.

The primary advantage of a large language model (LLM) is that the AI is local to the device. As a result, smartphones will no longer need to rely on cloud services to power AI features. Additionally, the data remains on the device. So, on-device AI features will provide faster response times and better privacy than cloud-based alternatives.

More details in this story here.

Xiaomi’s previous-gen Smart Band 8 launched in China in April 2023 and made its way to the global market in September 2023.

That being said, the global launch of its successor could happen sooner than last time, as the Smart Band 9 has cleared multiple certifications that have greenlit its imminent launch in global regions. The latest ones being the United Arab Emirates TDRA and Indonesia Telecom certifications.

⚠️ DEAL ALERT:Get a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 for $0 with Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Thanks to this Sick Trade-in Deal in the US

Gamers beware!

McAfee has identified a cunning scam targeting gamers. Hackers are offering a free game cheat tool called Cheat Lab, but it harbors a malicious surprise. This seemingly harmless software actually contains a hidden ransomware Trojan named RedLine.

Once unsuspecting victims install Cheat Lab, their key data is automatically uploaded to the hacker’s server. To further their reach, the hackers incentivize the spread of this malware by claiming users can unlock the cheat’s full functionality by sharing it with friends.

More details on this trojan here.

🔥 More Headlines Worth Reading!

Apple needs to release a budget iPhone to grow its sales

According to a Bloomberg article, the problem with Apple’s dropping sales is the devices themselves, as existing users do not want to use a new gadget. On the other hand, Apple wants more people to join its ecosystem.

In summary, Apple is not giving customers enough reasons to upgrade to new gadgets. But a cheaper entry point to Apple smartphones could change that.

Tesla Celebrates Over 1.7 Million Owners in China on its 10th Anniversary

Yesterday marked a significant milestone for Tesla in China as the company celebrated the 10th anniversary of delivering its first-ever Model S cars to Chinese customers. Since those early days in 2014, Tesla has seen remarkable growth in China’s electric vehicle market.

Now the brand has over 1.7 million owners in China alone.

Moondrop’s Teaser Indicates a Smartphone with Hi-Fi Audio and both 3.5mm and 4.4mm Headphone Jacks

Chinese company Moondrop has something lurking on the horizon. The company has posted teasers of its new upcoming phone on social media, including Instagram and X. The device looks stylish, but the company seems to be focusing on other aspects of the smartphone.

The first image showcases the phone itself, accompanied by a caption that emphasizes its ability to function as a high-fidelity (HiFi) music player. Moondrop highlights the phone’s slim design and boasts that it offers both a 3.5mm and a 4.4mm headphone jack, catering to a wider range of audiophile headphones.

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang predicts widespread usage of Humanoid Robots by the general population

In a recent interview, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang shared his vision for the future, predicting that humanoid robots will soon become mainstream products, revolutionizing various industries.

Huang emphasized that manufacturing costs for humanoid robots will be surprisingly low, comparable to the price range of cheap cars. He proposed a price range of $10,000 to $20,000 for these robots, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers.

BYD unveils Hiace 07 EV with Luxurious Interior and God’s Eye at Beijing Auto Show

During the highly anticipated Beijing Auto Show, BYD unveiled its latest creation, the BYD Hiace 07 EV. With its sleek design inspired by “marine aesthetics” and modern curves, this electric vehicle combines style and functionality.

One of the standout features of the Hiace 07 EV is its interior, which exudes luxury with a range of leather upholstery options.

More details here.

🗞️ Other Stories in Tech

Sony Bravia Theatre Quad home theater system with 504W output, IMAX Enhanced & Dolby Atmos sound launched

By

Sudhanshu

-

Apr 23, 2024

Sony has launched the BRAVIA Theatre Quad, a new home audio system with advanced features designed to improve home cinema experiences. Unlike traditional soundbars, this system provides a 360-degree spatial sound environment, utilizing the latest in audio technology to immerse users in cinematic sound.

The system is built with environmental consciousness in mind, incorporating recycled materials into its design. This initiative is part of Sony’s broader commitment to achieving zero environmental impact by 2050.

Key Specifications of the BRAVIA Theatre Quad include:

Channels: 4.0.4 Ch for a surround sound experience.
Speakers: Includes two full-range speakers with acoustic suspension (60 mm), a woofer with bass reflex and X-Balanced Speaker Unit (85 mm x 85 mm), and a tweeter (19 mm, 6 ohms).
Upfiring Speakers: Two upfiring speakers (36 mm x 79 mm) with X-Balanced Speaker Unit to enhance vertical sound dimension.
Amplifier: Powered by a Digital Amplifier, S-Master HX with 16 channels, providing a total output power of 504W.
Sound Features: Equipped with Sound Field Optimization, BRAVIA Acoustic Center Sync, Voice Zoom3 for dialogue clarity, and supports IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Atmos technologies.
Connectivity: Offers HDMI (with BRAVIA Sync and HDMI CEC), Ethernet, Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), and Bluetooth v5.2 (supports AAC, SBC, LDAC) for versatile connection options.

The BRAVIA Theatre Quad also supports streaming through Spotify Connect and AirPlay2, and offers Bluetooth connectivity for easy music streaming. It’s designed to be user-friendly, with accessibility features like QR codes for the BRAVIA Connect app, which offers screen reader support.

Pricing & availability

Priced at Rs. 1,99,990 in India, the BRAVIA Theatre Quad is now available for purchase at Sony retail stores, major electronic stores, and various e-commerce platforms across India. Internationally, it is priced at $2499.99.

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Boult unveils Bassbox X180 and Bassbox X120 soundbars in India with attractive launch offers

By

Sudhanshu

-

Apr 23, 2024

Boult, known in India for its wearable tech, is now stepping into the home entertainment arena with two soundbars, the Bassbox X180 and X120. This is a new direction for Boult, moving beyond wearables to offer products that improve home audio experiences.

The Bassbox X180 and X120 are equipped with a 2.1-channel configuration, each with a wired subwoofer designed to enrich audio output with deep bass. A key feature of these soundbars is the incorporation of a dedicated DSP chip, which allows for real-time audio upscaling and ensures the delivery of authentic sound. Additionally, both models are capable of 3D sound staging and offer three EQ modes tailored for different types of content: Movie, Music, and News.

Boult-Bassbox-X120-and-Bassbox-180 — Image via FoneArena

Connectivity is a strong point for these soundbars, as they come with Bluetooth 5.3, AUX, USB, Optical, RCA, and HDMI (ARC) inputs. The soundbars differ in power output, with the X180 model providing 180W RMS and the X120 offering 120W RMS.

Pricing & availability

These soundbars will be available on Flipkart starting April 26. The X180 will be sold at a launch price of Rs. 5,999 and the X120 at Rs. 4,999. Boult is also offering special deals for early buyers, including a chance to buy a Samsung 4K Vision Pro smart TV at a significantly reduced price of Rs. 1 for the first buyer, and every 15th buyer will have the opportunity to get a Boult Crown smartwatch at a nominal price of Rs. 1.

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Nubia Z60 Ultra Starry Night Edition Goes Global with Limited Stock

By

Sudhanshu

-

Apr 23, 2024

Back in December 2023, Nubia launched the Z60 Ultra smartphone for the global market in Black and Silver color options. While earlier this month, the Photography edition of the smartphone was also made available around the globe. Now, the brand has announced the availability details of the highly anticipated Stary Night Edition of the Z60 Ultra.

As per Nubia’s official website, the Z60 Ultra Stary Night Edition, which features a Van Gogh-style painting on its back will be available for global customers on April 28th starting at 14:00 CEST. Nubia has also stated that the availability of these models will be “very limited,” so interested customers can sign up with their email to receive a reminder before the launch event. You can also get this color variant shipped to your doorstep worldwide through Giztop.

Specification-wise, the device is the same as a regular Z60 Ultra (review), featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC paired with LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and Android 14-based MyOS 14. It has a flat 6.8-inch OLED display with 2480 x 1116 pixels resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

It has a massive 6,000mAh battery with support for 80W wired charging, as well as IP68 water and dust proofing. For optics, the device features a triple-camera system with a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP 3.2x periscope telephoto camera. On the front, the device offers a 12MP under-display selfie camera.

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Moto G64 5G goes on sale in India featuring a Dimensity 7025 processor

By

Sudhanshu

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Apr 23, 2024

Last week, Motorola launched the Moto G64 5G smartphone in the Indian market featuring the new MediaTek Dimensity 7025 chipset. Starting today, the device will finally be available to purchase in the country.

Moto G64 5G pricing & offers

The Moto G64 5G smartphone will be available to purchase in India starting today (April 23) at 12 PM via Flipkart. The retail price of the 8 GB RAM + 128 GB configuration is Rs 14,999 and the 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage option costs Rs 16,999. That being said, Motorola is providing a Rs. 1000 discount on purchases made with an HDFC Bank Credit Card, knocking down the starting price of the smartphone to Rs 13,999.

Moto G64 5G specs:

The Moto G64 5G features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with an FHD+ punch-hole display. The display also offers a 120Hz refresh rate and is protected by Gorilla Glass.

As mentioned above, the device is powered by a Dimensity 7025 chipset paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The phone comes with a 6,000mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging. It supports memory expansion via a microSD card.

At the rear, the device features a 50-megapixel primary camera, paired with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens that also functions as a macro camera. Meanwhile, a 16-megapixel selfie camera is nestled within the punch-hole cutout on the front.

The device ships with an Android 14-based with a MyUX skin with guarantees of an update to Android 15 as well as three years of security update. The phone also has a 3.5mm audio jack, dual stereo speakers, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and dual SIM 5G connectivity.

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Gigabyte Metal Gear Plus ITX mini PC with Ryzen 7 8700G APU & an aluminum body launched

By

Sudhanshu

-

Apr 23, 2024

Gigabyte has launched the Metal Gear Plus ITX, a new mini PC that features AMD Ryzen 8000G series desktop APUs, offering a notable boost in performance compared to traditional mini PCs that rely on mobile processors. This model is designed to bridge the gap between the compact size of mini PCs and the power of desktop computers.

Though its aluminum body makes it a bit larger than the smallest mini PCs out there, it only takes up 3 liters of space. It comes with a high-quality AORUS B650I ITX motherboard, allowing it to use the latest DDR5 RAM. This means that you can also upgrade parts of it just like you would with a larger desktop. The mini PC comes with three APU options: Ryzen 5 8500G, Ryzen 5 8600G, and Ryzen 7 8700G.

An interesting choice by Gigabyte is to not include an internal power supply unit (PSU). Instead, the Mini PC uses an external power source, which helps it manage the energy needs of its powerful 65W desktop processors.

Pricing & availability

Currently available in China, the Metal Gear Plus ITX is sold in three versions. The basic model comes with a Ryzen 5 8500G processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD, and costs CNY 4,499, which is about $633. There are two more options, with the highest including a Ryzen 7 8700G, 16 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD for about CNY 4,799 (~$831). Details on global availability and pricing for the Gigabyte Metal Gear Plus ITX are yet to be announced.

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Motorola’s Moto Buds will be Available in China This May with New Color Options

By

Anubhav

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Apr 22, 2024

Motorola has announced the upcoming arrival of its Moto Buds line of wireless earbuds in China, expected for a May release. While details on the availability of the Moto Buds+ are still unclear, Motorola’s official Weibo account confirmed the launch of the standard Moto Buds with a wider variety of colors. In other markets, the wireless earphones have been on the shelves for almost a week now.

The earphones were launched a week earlier in other markets.

Both the Moto Buds and Moto Buds+ share the same sleek design and boast 12.4mm dynamic coils for powerful sound. However, the key difference lies in noise cancellation features.

The budget-friendly Moto Buds offer a comfortable price point and solid battery life. For just 59 euros (around $63 USD), users can enjoy up to 9 hours of listening time on a single charge. A quick 10-minute charge provides an additional 2 hours of playback, making them ideal for on-the-go use. These earbuds come in a variety of stylish colors: starlight blue, glacier blue, coral peach, and kiwi green.

For those seeking more advanced features, the Moto Buds+ might be the better option. While official confirmation for China is pending, these earbuds boast Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, co-developed with Bose, to effectively block out unwanted background noise. Additionally, Moto Buds+ are compatible with Dolby panoramic sound effects on Motorola phones, creating an immersive listening experience. They also offer both active adaptive mode, which adjusts noise cancellation based on your surroundings, and transparency mode, allowing you to hear ambient sounds when needed. While battery life dips slightly to 8 hours on a single charge with the Moto Buds+, a quick 10-minute charge still delivers a respectable 3 hours of playback. They match the Moto Buds with a selection of attractive colors: starlight blue, glacier blue, coral peach, and kiwi green.

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Moondrop’s Teaser Indicates a Smartphone with Hi-Fi Audio and both 3.5mm and 4.4mm Headphone Jacks

By

Anubhav

-

Apr 22, 2024

Chinese company Moondrop has something lurking on the horizon. The company has posted teasers of its new upcoming phone on social media, including Instagram and X. The device looks stylish, but the company seems to be focusing on other aspects of the smartphone. Read on to find out.

The device looks to be focused on music, but the leak suggests a daily driver launch.

The first image showcases the phone itself, accompanied by a caption that emphasizes its ability to function as a high-fidelity (HiFi) music player. Moondrop highlights the phone’s slim design and boasts that it offers both a 3.5mm and a 4.4mm headphone jack, catering to a wider range of audiophile headphones. The inclusion of these jacks is a rarity in today’s smartphone landscape, and suggests Moondrop is prioritizing sound quality for music lovers. The caption also mentions smooth operation for daily use, hinting that the phone won’t just be for music, but a fully functional daily driver.

The second image teaser seems to allude to a unique personalization feature, showcasing the phone with a “waifu cover” that transforms into a beautiful poster when zoomed in. “Waifu” is a term used in anime fandom to describe a fictional character a person has strong feelings for, and it suggests the phone might offer anime or other niche customization options. Who knows? The only other thing deductible from the first two posts

The third teaser simply ends with “If you’re interested in…”, leaving fans to speculate about other potential features. What do you guys think? Would you be interested in a smartphone with Hi-Fi audio functionality built in?

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Get a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 for $0 with Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Thanks to this Sick Trade-in Deal in the US

By

Anubhav

-

Apr 22, 2024

Samsung is running a hot trade-in deal for the new Galaxy Z Flip 5 in the US. By trading in an eligible phone with T-Mobile, you can snag the phone for practically nothing and even score a free pair of Galaxy Buds 2 Pro!

Customers should see an offer for $50 in-store credit after adding phone to cart

Here’s how to take advantage of this offer:

Visit Samsung’s website and select the locked Galaxy Z Flip 5 (256GB) for T-Mobile.
During checkout, choose the T-Mobile Trade-In option. The amount of credit you receive will depend on the phone you’re trading in. For instance, if users trade their Samsung Galaxy S22 5G , they get an instant credit of $120 and a bill credit of $880 spread out over 24 months.
Once the phone is added to your cart, you should also see an offer for $50 in-store credit. This credit can be used towards new accessories, like the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (priced at $49.99).

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 unfolds to reveal a large 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED capacitive touchscreen display. A smaller 3.4-inch Super AMOLED display graces the cover when the phone is folded shut. Both displays are protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+. Powering the phone is a non-removable 3700 mAh battery that supports 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and even 4.5W reverse wireless charging for compatible devices. The phone itself is built with a plastic front, a glass back protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, and an aluminum frame. It boasts an IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

Available in a variety of colors including Mint, Graphite, Cream, Lavender, and more, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 comes in 256GB or 512GB storage options, but lacks a microSD card slot for expandable storage. It sports 8GB of RAM and a dual camera system on the back (12MP wide + 12MP ultrawide) along with a single 10MP front-facing camera. The phone runs the Android 13 operating system with Samsung’s One UI 5.1.1 on top. When unfolded, it measures 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm and weighs 187 grams.

The decision of whether or not this trade-in deal is worthwhile depends on the value of your current phone and your carrier preference. If you have a phone that qualifies for a high trade-in value and you’re considering switching to T-Mobile, this could be a fantastic way to save money on a new phone. Click here to avail the offer while it’s still live!

DISCLAIMER: Gizmochina may earn from affiliate-based links in this article.

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