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Grab a PlayStation 5 for Less! Sony India Slashes Prices by Up to Rs. 13,000

Sony India has launched a special “Summer Promo” discount on the standard disc edition of the PlayStation 5, slashing prices by up to Rs. 13,000 (~$156). This limited-time offer, starting on April 10 and ending on April 30, 2024, reduces the cost of the PS5 to significantly below its usual Rs. 54,990 (~$659) retail price.

Sony PlayStation 5

This promotion applies exclusively to the older PS5 model with the disc slot, identified by model number CFI-1208A01R. It does not cover the digital edition or the slimmer PS5 Slim variant, which recently entered the market. This sale likely aims to clear existing stock, especially since the newer PlayStation 5 Slim disc model launched at the same Rs. 54,990 price as the older disc model.

Aside from being 30% smaller and approximately 1.3kg lighter, the PS5 Slim also offers more usable storage space (around 850GB compared to 660GB). Given these factors, it’s expected that the older version won’t maintain the same price point as the Slim model.

For those looking to quickly get their hands on the console, Sony has partnered with Blinkit to offer rapid deliveries within 10 minutes in certain cities, although this service is currently reserved for the PS5 Slim model only.

The discount comes as Sony tries to increase the sales of the PS5. According to their latest earnings call, the company is struggling to hit its sales targets for the fiscal year 2023, expecting to sell 21 million units instead of the planned 25 million.

Customers interested in the offer can visit major retailers such as Amazon India, Flipkart, Croma, and Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, among others.

RELATED:

Huawei SuperCharge Max 100W charger with dual ports goes on sale for $41

Huawei announced its SuperCharge Max 100W charger in China back in January. The all-in-one charger is now available for purchase on JD.com at a price of 299 yuan (around $41). The charger boasts fast charging capabilities and compatibility with a wide range of devices. Let’s check out its key specs.

Huawei SuperCharge Max 100W Specifications:

The SuperCharge Max 100W features a USB-A/C fusion interface, supporting Huawei‘s SuperCharge protocol alongside certified compatibility with the Universal Fast Charging Specification (UFCS).

The charger is also compatible with various charging protocols, including PD (Power Delivery), PPS (Programmable Power Supply), and Qualcomm QC (Quick Charge). This means that it can be used to fast charge a variety of devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, headphones, and gaming consoles.

Huawei touts the charger’s ability to deliver impressive charging speeds. It can reportedly refill 60% of a Nova 12 Pro’s 4,600mAh battery in just 10 minutes. In 30 minutes, it can supposedly charge the Mate 60 Pro, Mate 60, Mate X5, and P60 Pro to 98%, 93%, 86%, and 97% respectively.

The charger adopts a unique fusion port design, enabling users to switch between USB-A and USB-C cables based on their needs. However, it’s important to note that the port only supports single-cable output at a time and doesn’t allow for simultaneous use of both USB-A and USB-C.

In terms of safety, the SuperCharge Max 100W is equipped with an intelligent control chip that adjusts charging power according to the connected device. This helps to reduce the risk of overheating and overcharging, ensuring the longevity of your battery. Additionally, the charger dynamically monitors charging status and switches to trickle charging mode when the battery level is high, further protecting your device’s health.

The charger comes in two color options: Light Pink and White. It measures 55mm x 55mm x 28.3mm and weighs approximately 125g. The package includes a 6A C-C one-meter data cable.

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Samsung Unveils Galaxy M55 & M15: 50MP Cameras & massive batteries at Mid-Range Prices

Samsung has just unveiled a pair of new mid-range smartphone models in India. The latest devices are from the brand’s popular Galaxy M series and include the Galaxy M55 and Galaxy M15. These phones arrive with some notable features despite their mid-range price tag, so let’s have a look.

Samsung Galaxy M55

The South Korean tech giant’s Galaxy M55 is the more expensive of the two models and sports a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 1000 nits of peak brightness. This panel has a punch-hole cutout that houses a 50-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls. Meanwhile, the rear packs a triple camera setup that consists of a 50-megapixel primary sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro shooter.

Samsung Galaxy M55
Samsung Galaxy M55

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy M55 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Users can further expand storage by up to 1TB via a microSD card slot. A massive 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 45W wired fast charging. Other notable features include Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Dolby Atmos support, a USB-C port, Android 14 OS, and an in-display fingerprint scanner. The device measures just 7.8mm in thickness and weighs 180 grams.

Samsung Galaxy M15

The new Galaxy M15 sports a shorter 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. MediaTek’s Dimensity 6100+ SoC is featured on this model, which arrives with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 1TB via a microSD card slot. One of the highlighting specs of this device is undoubtedly the massive 6,000mAh battery pack, which supports 25W wired fast charging.

For photography, the Galaxy M15 features a triple camera setup as well, with a 50-megapixel primary shooter that offers 10x zoom, a 5-megapixel ultra wide angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro shooter. On the other hand, the front houses a 13-megapixel selfie shooter. Similar to the Galaxy M55, it also runs on the Android 14 OS out of the box. Other notable features include Bluetooth 5.3, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port, and dual SIM 5G.

Pricing and Availability

Samsung has launched the two devices for mid-range prices in India. The Galaxy M55 starts from 26,999 INR for the base 8GB + 128GB model. The 8GB + 256GB and 12GB + 256GB variants costs 29,999 INR and 32,999 INR respectively. This device is available in two color options, namely Light Green and Dark Blue. It can be purchased on the brand’s official website, Amazon India, and other retail stores.

The Galaxy M15 has a starting price tag of 13,299 INR for the 4GB + 128GB model, while the 6GB + 128GB configuration costs 14,799 INR. It is available on Amazon India, Samsung’s official website, and other retail stores. You can get your hands on the smartphone in Blue Topaz, Celestial Blue, and Stone Gray color options.

RELATED:

Redmi’s GM explains why Redmi Turbo 3 won’t cost below $300

Xiaomi‘s sub-brand Redmi is gearing up to launch the Redmi Turbo 3 on April 10. The smartphone promises to be a performance-oriented device within the mid-range segment, featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset.

However, those hoping for a classic Redmi ultra-budget price tag may be disappointed. Redmi’s General Manager, Wang Teng, in a recent Weibo post, suggested that the Turbo 3 will not be priced under 2000 yuan (approximately $290 USD).

Teng explains that the higher price is because of the costly Snapdragon 8 series processors from Qualcomm. He points out that the chip is the most expensive component in the entire device. 

According to Teng, even older Snapdragon 8 series chips, like last year’s 8 Gen 2 devices, currently start at a minimum of 2300 yuan. So, it’s unlikely that the Redmi Turbo 3 will have a price lower than 2000 yuan.

Redmi Turbo 3 Specifications

The Redmi Turbo 3 has a flat design with slightly curved corners. It has a metal frame and two prominent camera cutouts on the back. And the phone is quite thin (7.8mm) and lightweight (179g).

Redmi Turbo 3

The phone has an AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and thin bezels. Under the hood, the phone uses the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, offering high performance. It will be available with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. 

It scores highly on benchmarks like AnTuTu and is focused on sustained gaming performance thanks to its cooling system and the Rage Engine 3.0 software optimization.

Battery capacity is unconfirmed but expect around 5000mAh with 90W fast charging. Camera specifications remain a mystery. However, rumors based on the likely rebranded version (Poco F6) suggest a 50MP main sensor, an 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens.

Related:

Here are two possible reasons why Apple added the Capture Button to the iPhone 16

Following the addition of action button on the iPhone 15 series, Apple is speculated to add another physical button to the iPhone 16 series. The new button is dedicated to the camera and is called the Capture Button. Recent images of the iPhone 16 dummy units also confirm the new addition. Based on the dummy units, Yanko Design has created high-definition renderings of the iPhone 16 and has shared their thoughts about the purpose of adding the Capture Button.

iPhone 16 lineup dummy units reveal a dedicated Capture Button

From the speculated buttonless design to more and more buttons

Apple was reportedly trying to make the iPhone buttonless and portless for a while. But these latest additions seem the exact opposite of a buttonless design. Additionally, no other Android device currently has a dedicated button for its camera to work as an inspiration.

According to the publication, there might be two possible reasons behind adding a dedicated Capture Button. Let’s discuss them one by one.

The first and relatively straightforward explanation is that iPhones are running out of scope of improvements that can also differentiate the phone from its predecessor. The capture button will do that.

iPhone 16 rendering (Credit: Yanko Design)

We earlier reported about the possible features that the dedicated camera button can offer. While the button may make it easier to access the camera, all the features could have also been implemented with the already existing button just above it. Additionally, it’s also getting to a point where the basic functionality of the phone might get a bit confusing to people who will adopt a smartphone first.

The second reason behind adding a dedicated button to the camera, as noted by Yanko Design, could be a way to deliberately focus more on the camera. Apple is currently focusing on “Spatial computing” with its wearable headsets. The iPhone will reportedly take the “second place” going forward just as the iPod did 12 years ago. According to rumors, Apple is working on an affordable headset that will make it easier for people to experience the company’s spatial computing. Meanwhile, the iPhone may become a dedicated photography device.

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Redmi Pad Pro Roundup: Design, Key Specifications, and Poco Tablet Rumors

Redmi is scheduled to hold a major launch event on April 11 in China. The event will see the arrival of the Redmi Turbo 3, which will come equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. The company will also unveil the Redmi Pad Pro tablet alongside the Turbo 3. Ahead of the launch, the brand has confirmed a couple of details about its upcoming tablet. Here is a look at what to expect from the brand.

Redmi Pad Pro
Redmi Pad Pro

1. Redmi Pad Pro Design

The Redmi Pad Pro is confirmed to arrive in three shades, such as Light Bay Blue, Smoky Green, and Dark Gray. In terms of design, the above image reveals that it has slim bezels on all four sides. The top bezel, when the tablet is kept in landscape orientation, houses a front-facing camera. The back panel of the device has dual camera rings, one housing a camera and the other one featuring an LED flash.

Around the edges, the tablet has quad speakers, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It seems that the tablet does not have a SIM slot. The company will be offering accessories like a keyboard case with a kickstand and a stylus for Redmi Pad Pro users.

2. Redmi Pad Pro Key Specifications

Redmi has confirmed that the Redmi Pad Pro will feature a 12.1-inch LCD panel that offers a 2.5K resolution. There is no information about the chipset, RAM, or storage of the device. However, it is confirmed to feature a 10,000mAh battery. While the Pad and Pad SE that have launched in the past offered 18W fast charging support, the Pad Pro is expected to offer 33W fast charging. The other details of the tablet are yet to be revealed.

3. Poco Tablet Rumors

A Poco tablet bearing the 2405CPCFBG model number was approved by Europe’s EEC certification. This model number is similar to the Redmi Pad Pro’s 2405CRPFDC model number. The letter “G” in the model number of the Poco tablet suggests that it is aimed at the global market. While the name of the Poco tablet has not been revealed yet, it seems that it could be a rebranded or tweaked version of the Redmi Pad Pro.

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iQOO Z9 Turbo teased to launch this month, will go head to head with the Redmi Turbo 3

This month is packed with exciting mid-range smartphone launches. It started with the Motorola Edge 50 Pro, and now, we’re looking forward to several more releases in China, such as the Redmi Turbo 3, the Realme GT Neo 6 SE, and the Oppo A3 Pro, all happening later this week.

iQOO Z9
iQOO Z9 5G

Now, it looks like iQOO will also be launching a smartphone in the market soon called the iQOO Z9 Turbo. The iQOO Z-series product manager Xeng Ching recently stated in a Weibo post that “This month is going to start to be lively.” What’s worth noting is that she made this post with the iQOO Z9 Turbo, confirming the moniker of this device for the first time. From this teaser, we can expect the iQOO Z9 Pro smartphone to debut in April.

iQOO Z9 Turbo Launch timeline teased

Although no confirmation has come through official channels, the iQOO Z9 Turbo is said to be powered by the newly launched Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip. The Redmi Turbo 3 is also confirmed to launch with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, meaning that it will be a direct competitor of the iQOO Z9 Turbo.

The iQOO Z9 Turbo is also said to feature a 6.78-inch flat OLED display with 1.5K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and 2160Hz PWM dimming. For security, it could feature an in-built fingerprint sensor.

The phone is said to debut in two RAM configurations: 12 GB / 16 GB, both paired with 512 GB of storage. It is expected to feature a 6,000mAh battery with support for 80W fast charging. For optics, the device could feature a 50-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 16-megapixel selfie snapper. More details are expected to be relayed through official iQOO channels, so stay tuned.

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Realme announces India-exclusive P-series, targets 50 million sales this year

Realme, the Chinese smartphone giant, has launched a new P-series designed exclusively for the Indian market. The series will be sold exclusively through the e-commerce platform Flipkart.

The announcement was made by Realme Vice President, Chase Xu, on X (formerly Twitter). Xu emphasized that Realme’s goal is to make popular technology more accessible and offer a better experience in the mid-range smartphone market. 

The Realme P-series, where the “P” stands for “Power,”  will offer premium features at affordable prices, specifically targeting young customers.

According to a report by ET Telecom, the P-series will serve the Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 price band, positioned squarely above the budget-focused C-series. The company is reportedly aiming for 50 million P-series smartphone sales this year

“We are targeting tech-savvy users. They look at products with maximum technology and features that are available in their budgets,” said Tarini P Das, Director of Sales and Business Development at Realme India to ET Telecom.

Realme P-series India launch

While exact hardware and software specifications of the P-series remain under wraps, Realme has reportedly collaborated with renowned Indian visual artist P.S. Rathor as a co-designer. So you can expect visually stylish phones under the new Realme P-series. 

Realme’s ambitious move comes against a backdrop of aggressive competition in India’s smartphone market. However, the P-series won’t be Realme’s sole offering in 2024. 

The company plans to revive the performance-focused GT series, as revealed by Chase Xu earlier this year. Whereas, Realme is already selling its number series and C-series smartphones in India.

Realme is said to exclusively manufacture the P-series within India, leveraging Oppo’s Noida facility and partnerships with several original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

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Oppo A3 Pro to feature “IP69” rating that even Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 lacks

Oppo just today confirmed that its Oppo A3 Pro will launch on April 12 in China. Along with the launch date, the company has also revealed the design and color options for the smartphone.

Now reliable tipster Digital Chat Station has tipped the specs of the phone, giving us a clear idea of what to expect.

Oppo A3 Pro Specifications (Rumored)

The standout feature of the Oppo A3 Pro seems to be its focus on durability. According to the tipster, the phone will boast an impressive IP69 rating which is the highest level of dust and water protection for consumer devices.

IP69-rated devices are designed to operate in extremely harsh environments, including those with frequent exposure to water, dust, and debris. 

Oppo A3 Pro IP69 rating

It’s interesting to see a mid-range device from Oppo’s A-series offering this level of protection, as it’s typically a feature you’d expect on premium flagship smartphones. Even devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 15, or Oppo’s own Find X7 Ultra carry an IP68 rating.

This, combined with the mention of  “anti-fall” capabilities by tipster, suggests a rugged design that can withstand significant drops and shocks.

Under the hood, the Oppo A3 Pro will be equipped with a 6.7-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED curved screen with a centered single-hole punch for the front camera. 

It will be powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 7050, a mid-range processor. The chip is said to be coupled with a generous 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Additionally, the smartphone is expected to come with a large 5000mAh battery. 

In terms of optics, the A3 Pro will sport a 64MP f/1.7 main camera, likely accompanied by secondary sensors.

The Oppo A3 Pro smartphone has also visited Geekbench with the same Dimensity 7050 chip. It scored 904 points on the single-core test and 2364 points on the multi-core test while the phone is shown as packing 12GB of RAM and running on Android 14. The phone has the model number PJY110.

Related:

Redmi Turbo 3 Roundup: Design, Specs, Camera & everything else we know so far

Redmi is preparing to unveil its latest flagship-killer smartphone, named the Redmi Turbo 3, in its home market on April 10. This device follows on from the Redmi Note 11T Pro and Note 12 Turbo. Instead of continuing with the Note series, Redmi has decided to start a new Turbo series for these phones. This move aims to simplify the product lineup and make it easier for consumers to understand the different offerings. Keep reading to know what this new device has to offer.

Redmi Turbo 3

1. Design and Display

Redmi Turbo 3 images

Redmi has already provided multiple teasers revealing what the Turbo 3 smartphone looks like. Overall, the phone features a flat design with slightly curved corners that will make it more comfortable to grip. The back has two large camera sensor cutouts along with a small one that also has a ring LED. The power button and volume rockers are placed on the right side.

The frame appears to be made out of metal, however, the material used for the back is currently not confirmed. That being said, the phone is just 7.8mm thick and weighs just 179 grams. It also carries the SGS five-star drop protection certification, making it drop-resistant to a certain extent.

Redmi Turbo 3

The front of the device features super thin bezels surrounding a 1.5K resolution display. The size of this display among other details remains a mystery, however, taking a look at its predecessor, we can expect the device to feature a 6.6-inch or larger AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate.

2. Specs and Performance

Redmi Turbo 3

Since the Redmi Turbo 3 will be a performance-focused device, its main attraction is the newly launched Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor. For those unaware, the 8s Gen 3 is essentially a slightly cut-down version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship processor. It will be paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

The brand has already revealed that the Redmi Turbo 3 has obtained a running score north of 1.75 million points on AnTuTu, which is unprecedented in the flagship-killer category. The device has also appeared on Geekbench with model number “24069RA21C,” with the best running score of 2017 points and 5617 points on the single and multi-core tests respectively.

Redmi will also be including Rage Engine 3.0 in the upcoming Redmi Turbo 3, which was last seen in the Redmi K70 Pro. It will help achieve 1.5K resolution in gaming without reducing frame rate, image quality, or brightness. It will leverage features like AI performance scheduling, AI rendering, etc to achieve this.

Apart from that, the phone will also feature a dedicated thermal management system called “Ice Cooling,” which claims to prevent thermal throttling in titles like Honor of Kings and Peace Elite during extended sessions.

While exact battery details are currently unknown, we expect the device to feature a 5000mAh battery pack supported by 90W fast charging as revealed in a recent 3C certification. Last but not least, the device will operate on the Android 14-based Xiaomi HyperOS.

3. Camera

The Redmi Turbo 3 is reported to include a Cognitive 18-bit ISP (Image Signal Processor), which merges an 18-bit processor to capture more vibrant colors and details with AI capabilities that enhance photos and videos in real-time. Hardware details regarding the camera are currently unavailable. That being said, the Poco F6, which will be a rebranded Redmi Turbo 3 is said to feature a Sony IMX882 50-megapixel primary camera, an 8-megapixel IMX355 ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. The Redmi Turbo 3 could also sport this camera setup.

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GC Daily: Huawei Smartwatch gets Touchless Car Controls, Xiaomi CEO promises SU7 to Redmi Team

Happy Monday, folks!

Last weekend wasn’t a pleasant one for BoAt customers as a huge data breach leaked over 7.5 million customer data on the dark web. If you have ever bought a BoAt product, sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII) details such as your name, address, phone number, email address, customer ID, and more information could have been leaked.

Coming to some exciting news, Huawei’s big Spring Conference is on April 11 (Thursday), and the tech giant is expected to take the wraps off a bunch of products at the annual event, including the Huawei P70 (what we know about the device so far) and flagship SUV products.

  • Samsung, Nubia, Infinix, and even Huawei are slated to announce new products this week! Here are all the expected announcements.

Redmi Turbo 3 is expected to be a powerhouse on a budget, and Xiaomi’s CEO is expecting the phone to do extremely well. So much so that CEO Lei Jun has promised to gift the Redmi team, a brand new Xiaomi SU7 EV if they hit their sales target for the device. Now that’s good motivation to reach your target, right?

If you are wondering why Xiaomi’s SUV is so popular in China, here are 5 reasons that make the EV stand out!

⚠️ DEAL ALERT: Samsung is offering up to $900 discount on exclusive Galaxy S24 Ultra colors

Finally, DON’T MISS our Nothing Phone (2a) vs OnePlus Ace 3V video! The results of the company turned out to be pretty interesting.



Here are some more interesting news stories from the weekend!


🔥 Top headlines from the Weekend!

Does the “s” in the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 mean small?

Qualcomm‘s recent release of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (SM8635) positions the chip as a powerful yet budget-conscious option. In comparison to the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the “s” version offers a more streamlined feature set. A set of photos released by a Chinese publication reveals the size of the SoC.

It turns out, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 measures smaller than the regular 8 Gen 3. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 measures 8.40×10.66mm, which is a substantial 34.73% area reduction compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s 10.71×12.81mm footprint.

Video shows upcoming no-touch car controls on Huawei smartwatch!

A video shows a user with a circular Huawei smartwatch interacting with a Huawei ecosystem car. As the user gets near, the headlights project a “Kunpeng swimming” animation, and the car unlocks automatically.

This technology is reportedly called ICCE UWB (Ultra Wide Band) no-touch car control and represents a collaboration between Huawei’s smartwatch and the Wenjie M9.

Redmi Pad Pro launch date and design revealed, could it be called Poco Tablet globally?

Redmi Pad Pro will be officially released in China on April 10. Marketing images of the device further reveal that the tablet will arrive in 3 colors, white, black, and violet, along with accessories like a keyboard and stylus.

It’s quite possible that this tablet could end up as the Poco tab globally, but we still wait for a confirmation.

Xiaomi’s New Travel Assistant Feature will Let Users Access All Ticketing Information in One App

The Xiaomi Travel Assistant acts as your personal travel secretary. It automatically collects information about your forthcoming trips from numerous sources, such as emails and texts, and presents it in an easy-to-read format. This information can be presented on your phone’s bottom screen, desktop cards, or even real-time event notifications.

No more searching through emails and messages in a rush for your flight confirmation!

Confused about the MagPad, MagPower tech on Infinix models? We explain them!

Infinix has announced a bunch of tech for its Infinix Note 40 Pro model and we wouldn’t be surprised if you were a bit confused as to what all these tech jargons mean.

We try to simplify it for you here.

Huawei announces new wearables: Watch 4 Pro Space Exploration, Watch GT 4 Grass Green & Band 9

Huawei has unveiled three new wearable devices: the Huawei Watch 4 Pro Space Exploration, the Huawei Watch GT 4 in Grass Green, and the Huawei Band 9.

The Space Exploration model is the most interesting of them all, featuring the UWB touchless car control that we mentioned above, a sapphire glass display, a tough exterior of ‘ultra-tough diamond-like titanium’, and a nano-microcrystalline ceramic bezel for durability and a high-end feel.


🗞️ More News in Tech


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It’s not FE, Samsung will re-release Galaxy Watch 4 in 2024

Recently, there was a report about Samsung possibly launching a new smartwatch called the Galaxy Watch FE. The wearable is said to have similar features to the Galaxy Watch 4. But, it turns out that Samsung might actually be releasing a rebranded version of the 2021 Galaxy Watch 4, rather than a new FE model.

A reliable source, Max Jambor, clarified on X/Twitter that there won’t be an “FE” version, and the upcoming watch will actually be a re-release of the 2021 Galaxy Watch 4.

The news aligns with an earlier rumor from tipster Roland Quandt, who tipped in February that Samsung could release a new version of the Galaxy Watch 4 in 2024.

It isn’t new for Samsung to launch new iterations of its products. For instance, they recently launched the Tab S6 Lite (2024), which is the third version of the original Tab S6 Lite from 2020. These updated versions often have similar specs to the previous models.

If these reports are accurate, the upcoming Galaxy Watch will probably share many features with the 2021 Galaxy Watch 4. 

Just to recap, the original Galaxy Watch 4 is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes. It boasts Samsung’s Exynos W920 chipset, advanced health tracking capabilities like body composition measurement and sleep tracking, runs on Wear OS 3, and features a circular Super AMOLED display.

Whether the Galaxy Watch 4 (2024) could be a worthwhile addition to Samsung’s existing range of wearables depends heavily on its pricing and any subtle improvements Samsung might include.

As of now, there’s no official release date or pricing information available for the Galaxy Watch 4 (2024). Keep an eye out for potential announcements and updates from Samsung.

Related:

Xiaomi to tap into open-back headphones space on April 10th

Xiaomi is preparing to expand its product line with the release of its first open-back headphones. The company has confirmed that these earphones will debut at the upcoming launch conference set for April 10th, where the spotlight will be on the Redmi Turbo 3. The event will also feature the launch of the Redmi Pad Pro.

Details about the earphones are limited, but a poster shared by Xiaomi on Weibo has revealed the earbud’s design and two color options — cream white and white. The case is color-matched with the buds and features a flat design with an LED indicator on the middle frame. 

Specifications for Xiaomi’s first open-back earphones are under wraps at the moment. It is expected that features will likely focus on long battery life and comfortable wear, similar to other competing products in the market.

For those unaware, unlike traditional in-ear headphones, open-back earphones sit just outside your ear canal, leaving your ears open. 

They primarily use bone conduction or air conduction technologies to transmit sound. Bone conduction works by sending vibrations through your cheekbones directly to your inner ear (cochlea), bypassing your eardrum.

In air conduction technology, small directional speakers sit near your ears and fire sound waves directly toward your ear canal. Your eardrum still picks up the sound as normal. Xiaomi’s upcoming headphones will look to utilize air-conduction technology.

The open-back earphone market is experiencing growth, spurred by increasing user demand for comfortable audio options. According to an IDC report, the open-back headphone market hit sales of 6.52 million units in 2023, a notable year-on-year increase of 130.2%.  

The trend indicates a shift in user preferences away from true wireless and neck-mounted earphones.

Related:

Redmi Turbo 3’s new images reveal ultra-thin bezels; dimensions confirmed

Redmi is all set to announce the Redmi Turbo 3 on April 11 in China. The handset will be Xiaomi’s second phone to feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, following the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro. Today, the brand released a couple of images to tease the design of the smartphone.

As can be seen in the new images, the Redmi Turbo 3’s screen is surrounded by ultra-thin bezels on all four sides. The device has flat edges with a thickness of only 7.8mm. It will be a lightweight device, weighing 179 grams.

Redmi Turbo 3 weight
Redmi Turbo 3 dimensions

The official images suggest that the Turbo 3 has dual speakers. It also seems to feature an IR blaster on the top edge. The brand has already confirmed that, apart from the colour variant shown in the new images, the Turbo 3 will also come in green and black options.

With the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip onboard, the Turbo 3 is expected to offer a flagship-level performance at an affordable price. The device is confirmed to arrive with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. While the brand has not revealed it yet, it seems that the Turbo 3 will have LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage onboard.

Redmi Turbo 3 specifications

According to reports, the Redmi Turbo 3 will have a 6.67-inch OLED panel that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is expected to run on HyperOS layered Android 14. It may pack a 5,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging support.

On the front, the Redmi Turbo 3 may feature a 20-megapixel camera. Its back panel may feature a 50-megapixel Sony IMX882 primary camera, an 8-megapixel IMX355 ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel macro camera. 

The April 10 launch event will also see the arrival of the Redmi Pad Pro tablet. Reports suggest that the Turbo 3 may get rebranded as the Poco F6 in the global market. In addition, the Pad Pro may also arrive in the global market as the first-ever Poco-branded tablet.

RELATED:

Oppo A3 Pro launch date officially announced; three color options revealed

Last week, reliable tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka @onleaks) leaked renders of a new Oppo smartphone called the Oppo A3 Pro 5G. The brand has now officially announced the A3 Pro 5G launch date in China, while also revealing design and color options.

Oppo A3 Pro

Through its official Weibo handle, Oppo has announced that the upcoming Oppo A3 Pro smartphone will debut on April 12 in China at 2:30 PM local time. Ahead of the A3 Pro, Redmi will be debuting its Redmi Turbo 3 on April 10, while Oppo’s sub-brand Realme will introduce its GT Neo 6 SE smartphone on April 11.

Oppo A3 Pro
Oppo A3 Pro Azure

The brand has also announced the three color options for the Oppo A3 Pro, namely Azure, Yun Jin Powder (rose), and Mountain Blue. Looking at the design, the Azure color option will feature a glass finish, while the Yun Jin Powder (rose) and Mountain Blue color options will feature a vegan leather back.

While the specs and features of the new device remain scarce, we know that the device will measure 162.7 x 74.5 x 7.8 mm and feature a 6.7-inch display. Up front, it will have super thin bezels with a centered punch-hole camera. That being said, we can take a look at its predecessor, the Oppo A2 Pro, to get an idea of what to expect.

Oppo A2 Pro specs:

The Oppo A2 Pro made its debut in September 2023 with a 6.7-inch curved OLED display offering FHD+ resolution, 920 nits peak brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate. The phone features a Dimensity 7050 SoC that is paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 512GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage.

For optics, it features a 64-megapixel primary sensor and a 2-megapixel portrait sensor, paired with an 8-megapixel selfie camera. It draws power from a 5,000mAh battery pack that offers 67W fast charting support. It debuted with Android 13 OS-based ColorOS 13.1 out of the box and has Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi 6, and IP54 water and dust resistance.

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Realme GT Neo 6 SE with Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 promises top-notch gaming experience

Realme is all set to unveil the Realme GT Neo 6 SE on April 11 in China. After the OnePlus Ace 3V, which debuted last month in the home market, the GT Neo 6 SE will be the second phone to feature the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset. Today, the brand rolled out the following poster to reveal that it will offer a flagship-level performance.

Realme GT Neo 6 SE features LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0

The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3’s performance is expected to be similar to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which powers most Android flagship phones this year. In addition to the most powerful Snapdragon 7-series chip, the Realme GT Neo 6 SE will come equipped with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, which means that it will offer stellar performance.

The brand’s other poster confirms that the G Neo 6 SE will deliver an impressive gaming performance. It mentions that while running the Genshin Impact game, the GT Neo 6 SE managed to maintain a frame rate close to the maximum achievable in the game for one hour, averaging around 59.5 frames per second.

According to reports, the device will arrive with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. It is expected to arrive with a 5,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging support. it is expected to come preloaded with Realme UI 5-based Android 14.

The Realme GT Neo 6 SE is expected to feature a 6.78-inch OLED display with slightly curved edges. It will offer a 1.5K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and up to 6,000 nits of brightness. It is likely to feature a 16-megapixel front camera, and a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS support on the back.

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Nothing Phone (2a) VS OnePlus Ace 3V: Nothing is good, but Ace is always Ace

https://youtu.be/-XivUlO5pNU

This is the Nothing Phone 2a. If there is a world’s most beautiful cell phone tournament, it has the chance to win. And this is Nothing Phone’s former brother, OnePlus’ new Ace 3V. Coincidentally, we both got them for $330. And this Nothing Phone (2a) has been getting a lot of positive reviews lately, so I guess you’re also wondering, is this phone really as unbeatable as they say it is? The OnePlus Ace 3V should be taking on the challenge.

WHERE TO BUY
Buy OnePlus Ace 3V on Geekwills from $389

Unbox experience

The Nothing Phone really does a good job in the unboxing experience. With the eco-friendly material, customized charging cables, and card pins, there should be no one else in the same price range that can do better than this phone.

In comparison, the Ace 3V is rather ordinary and nothing special. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) doesn’t come with a free charger, while the Ace 3V gets one away, and it’s a 100W. Which one has a better unboxing experience varies from person to person, but I’m definitely the one who prefers having a charger included.

Design & Display

When I put the two phones side by side, they don’t seem to be in the same price range. Of course, the Nothing Phone’s strong point is the unique look. A lot of Youtubers have already explained in great detail about its design and how cool the LED lights on the back. I won’t repeat it. They didn’t lie, it’s indeed a flagship phone design caliber.

Look at the Ace 3V next to it, that’s the average level of most $300 phones. With that really hilarious flash, I’m sure anyone would have no hesitation in picking up the Nothing Phone (2a).

The front of the 2a is also as good as ever. If I am not wrong, it was the first phone under $400 with equal-width bezels on all four sides. Even the Ace 3V has thin bezels, but the overall look is still far behind the 2a. The bad news is that the specs aren’t as good as they look on the outside. It’s not bad, it’s just not that good. the Ace 3V is a little bit better in terms of screen quality, but the difference is barely noticeable. Personally, I’m willing to give the 2a a thumbs up.

Benchmark & Gaming

Well, the next part is a bit cruel for Nothing Phone (2a). Because Qualcomm recently released the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, the Dimensity 7200 Pro from Nothing Phone (2a) looks …… too weak. As for the appearance, it’s hard to believe that these two phones are in the same price range.

While playing big games, I could feel the 2a begging me: Please, stop torturing me. Meanwhile, the Ace 3V is challenging those flagship phones. Even if the temperature gets higher, its gaming experience has touched that line of flagship phones. To take care of Nothing Phone (2a)’s little heart, let’s play some games where the load isn’t as heavy.

PUBG Mobile is a game that runs smoothly on any phone. Although Nothing Phone (2a) can only have extreme frame rates at smooth graphics, at least it’s finally smooth to play. I must say, the 7+ Gen 3 is a great processor. Even if the smoothness is all about the same, the power consumption can be lower. If you are a big gamer or want your phone to last longer, the OnePlus Ace 3V is definitely the better choice.

Camera

Both phones have a camera system that uses a combination of a main camera plus an ultra-wide camera. There is no telephoto camera and no macro camera. Let’s talk about the ultra-wide camera first. the Nothing Phone uses a larger 50 MP sensor, and the Ace 3V still has that 8 MP one. So whether it’s day or night, the clarity is definitely better on the 2a.

Sadly though, just when I thought the Nothing Phone was going to win, it surprised me. Take a look at this photo, check the corners, then check the center. Em…… this chromatic aberration problem is much worse than I thought. The edges are all red. It’s even more noticeable in this photo, you can see the leaves with some ringing artifacts.

Let me show you something a little funnier. In the video recording, the sky in 2a’s footage looks like it’s burning. By the way, this is a video recorded by the main camera, which means that the main camera also has this problem.

So as long as you don’t shoot at the sky and leaves, most of the photos from the main camera don’t have this issue, and every photo is vibrant and bright. But the color fringing issue is so overwhelming that I’d be hard-pressed to say the Nothing Phone (2a) has a great camera.

The Ace 3V is as stable as ever, without too many highlights and no unacceptable drawbacks to be found. Other than the ultra-wide camera being a little less sharp, it’s not much different than the 2a. I’ll vote for the Ace 3V in the camera session, just because I don’t want to screw up when I need to capture the great moments.

Charging & Battery

The 100W of wired charging wins the race for the Ace 3V, no doubt about it. But there is one thing, the Nothing Phone (2a) doesn’t need a special charger. A random PD charger can charge it at full power, which the Ace 3V can’t do.

But the Ace 3V has a 5,500mAh battery, which is also something the 2a can’t do.

In addition to the regular battery life test, we also found Nothing Phone’s standby power consumption to be particularly high in use. With AOD turned on and the background cleared, 1 hour of standby consumed 4% of the power, which is the same amount of power that other phones consume in a night of standby. This is the most unacceptable thing about this phone.

So for the charging and battery session, I would give the score to the OnePlus Ace 3V.

Conclusion

After a series of comparisons, the Nothing Phone (2a) does perform well in some areas, such as the beautiful design and screen. The weak point is that the processor is outdated, which makes you worry about lagging after a few years of use. The camera and battery life also need to be improved. The OnePlus Ace 3V is really impressive with its high performance and big battery. Unfortunately, it’s a little bit uglier, making it look inferior to the 2a. There’s also no global version at the moment, so you can’t buy it anywhere except China.

WHERE TO BUY
Buy OnePlus Ace 3V on Geekwills from $389

Which one is better, I’ll leave the answer to you. But I’m sure that Nothing Phone (2a) is not as good as “they” say it is.

At least it won’t be the best mid-range phone of 2024, because there are still 8 months left for the big brands to create their best mid-range phones.

Xiaomi’s New Travel Assistant Feature will Let Users Access All Ticketing Information in One App

Xiaomi just made things for users a whole lot easier with the launch of a new travel assistant function within its intelligent assistant app. This feature streamlines travel information, putting everything you need in one convenient place.

The app uses data from emails and messages to inform the user

The Xiaomi Travel Assistant acts as your personal travel secretary. It automatically gathers your upcoming trips from various sources, like emails and messages, and presents them in a user-friendly format. This information can be displayed on your phone’s bottom screen, desktop cards, or even live event notifications. No more digging through emails and messages in a panic to find your flight confirmation! Worried about losing track of your travel tickets? The Travel Assistant allows you to link your accounts with services like Hanglv Zongheng and China Railway Jixun. This provides easy access to your airfare and train ticket information, all within the app.

Activating the Xiaomi Travel Assistant is a breeze. Simply download and install the latest beta version of the Xiaomi Smart Assistant App. Then, head over to your desktop settings and navigate to the “Negative Screen” settings. Click on “Travel Assistant” and link the services you use (currently Hanglv Zongheng and China Railway Jixun are supported). Once linked, scroll down to view your upcoming itinerary information, ensuring a stress-free travel experience.

While Xiaomi boasts a user-friendly travel assistant experience, it’s important to note that other smartphone manufacturers offer similar features. No matter what smartphone you use, there’s likely a travel assistant feature for you. Just be sure to check the specific instructions for your device to get started and enjoy a chill, organized journey!

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Future Apple TVs will Likely Have a Integrated Camera for FaceTime & Other Apps

Apple‘s plans for the future of Apple TV are taking shape, and it might involve getting a little closer. According to Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple is considering integrating a camera directly into the Apple TV box, potentially opening the door for FaceTime calls and other video conferencing applications.

Users can also use their iPhones or iPads as cameras for the big screen

This news comes alongside the recent addition of the FaceTime app in Apple’s tvOS 17 update. Currently, users can leverage their iPhone or iPad‘s rear cameras for video calls on the big screen. However, a built-in camera on the Apple TV itself would eliminate the need for a separate device.

Apple

Gurman hints at even more possibilities beyond video calls with the camera integration. He mentions “gesture-based interactive control,” but specifics remain under wraps. There are two potential interpretations:

  • Enhanced Video Calling: This could build upon existing gesture features in FaceTime and other video calling apps on iOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and tvOS 17. Imagine using gestures like thumbs-up for on-screen fireworks or peace signs for confetti during video calls on your Apple TV.
  • System-Wide Gestures: This would be a more ambitious approach, enabling gesture control for the entire tvOS system. While details are scarce, it could revolutionize how you interact with your Apple TV.

Apple’s smart home ambitions extend beyond the Apple TV. Gurman also mentions the company’s exploration of a “lightweight smart display,” similar to a low-end iPad. This versatile device could move from room to room, connecting to charging stations throughout the house. Apple has reportedly started limited trial production of screens for such a product, but a final decision on its launch remains unclear.

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(Via)

Software Update with 5.5G Support Rolling Out to OPPO Find X7 Ultra

As per latest reports, the OPPO Find X7 Ultra just got a big upgrade with the latest software update (PHY110_14.0.1.512/CN01). This update brings support for the next generation of mobile network technology – 5.5G, also known as 5G-Advanced. This development comes shortly after China Mobile’s official launch of its 5G-A (5.5G) network on March 28th. As covered here previously, the OPPO Find X7 series holds the distinction of being the first phone lineup to support this tech across all its models.

5.5G is more of an advanced version of 5G networking, with higher peak download speeds.

What exactly is 5.5G? It represents a crucial step towards 6G, offering a significant leap in network capabilities compared to traditional 5G. We’re talking a 10-fold improvement in speed, latency, connection capacity, and energy efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

  • Peak download speeds reaching 10 Gigabits per second
  • Ultra-low latency in the millisecond range
  • Massive connectivity for up to 100 billion IoT devices
  • Integration with aerospace technology
OPPO Find X7 5.5G

The race for 5.5G deployment is heating up, with all three major Chinese carriers vying for dominance. While the OPPO Find X7 series takes the lead, other phone manufacturers are expected to follow suit. These include the vivo X Fold3 series, iQOO 12 series, and Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Interestingly, Honor claims its entire Magic6 series is already compatible with 5.5G networks, although it lacks the official 5G-A branding.

The initial rollout of 5.5G network coverage will target 100 major cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan and others. With 5.5G promising unparalleled speed, responsiveness, and connectivity, it’s an exciting time to be a mobile phone user in China.

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