When it comes to customer satisfaction, Apple is undoubtedly one of the first brands that comes to mind. Speaking from personal experience, if you have a warranty for an Apple product and there is no problem caused by user error, the company will provide you with the best possible experience. This allows you to get your product repaired or even replaced with a new one at no cost within a short period. However, like any good system, there are people who exploit it. In fact, a recent example of this is a US man who was sentenced to jail for trafficking fake iPhones and iPads, costing Apple $6 million. Here are the details…
Man Sentenced for Major Apple Warranty Scam Using Fake Apple Devices
A US man who exploited Apple’s customer satisfaction policy using fake iPhones and iPads has been sentenced to over four years in prison. Zhiwei “Allen” Liao, along with his accomplices, ran a scheme that defrauded Apple of millions. Liao’s network imported counterfeit Apple products from China and attached genuine Apple serial numbers to them.
Accomplices then returned these fakes to Apple stores claiming malfunctions. Apple’s warranty system, trusting the serial numbers, replaced the counterfeits with genuine iPhones and iPads. Liao’s group then sold these genuine devices at a high profit in China, resulting in losses exceeding $6 million for Apple.
Caught for leading this major scam, Liao received a 51-month prison sentence. Authorities seized assets including houses, cash, and over 200 Apple devices. While Apple suffered financial losses, the real impact of such scams could be felt by consumers. Companies might become more cautious in their customer service policies due to these fraudulent activities, potentially harming legitimate customers.
Xiaomi has introduced its latest television model, the Xiaomi TV S85 Mini LED, now available for pre-sale exclusively through JD.com. This model stands out for its expansive 85-inch 4K Mini LED display, priced at 7999 yuan (around $1105).
The company has hinted at a possible price drop to below 6999 yuan ($968) upon the official release. This announcement follows Xiaomi’s recent launch of the 55, 65, and 75-inch versions last week.
Xiaomi TV S85 Mini LED Specifications:
Coming to the specs, Xiaomi TV S85 Mini LED features an 85-inch Mini LED panel with a staggering 1200 nits peak brightness. This translates to incredibly vivid and detailed visuals, with bright highlights and deep blacks. It is noteworthy that the official backlight partition quantity, a crucial aspect for Mini LED products, has not been disclosed as of yet.
The display supports a 4K resolution and a remarkable 144Hz refresh rate. In terms of picture quality, the Xiaomi TV S85 Mini LED comes equipped with Xiaomi’s self-developed Master Picture Quality Engine. This engine utilizes advanced algorithms to optimize colors, contrast, clarity, and motion, delivering a lifelike and immersive viewing experience.
Additionally, the TV boasts 95% DCI-P3 color gamut and a dynamic contrast ratio of 12 million to 1, ensuring accurate color reproduction. The TV also features low blue light technology and flicker reduction to minimize eye strain during extended viewing sessions.
For gamers, the Xiaomi TV S85 Mini LED has a lot to offer. The smart TV comes equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports that support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. Additionally, the TV features a low input lag of 4ms, further enhancing the gaming experience.
Under the hood, the Xiaomi TV S85 Mini LED is powered by a quad-core A73 processor paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It uses HyperOS operating system. This combination ensures smooth performance for running apps, streaming content, and multitasking.
The TV also supports Wi-Fi 6 for high-speed internet connectivity. In terms of audio, it is equipped with a four-unit stereo speaker system, supporting Dolby Vision panoramic sound.
Xiaomi’s MIUI is one of the most popular Android skin loved by millions, which is being gradually replaced by HyperOS – the company’s latest custom skin. But how does it compare with MIUI? Does it offer better performance? Has Xiaomi packed some super exciting stuff in HyperOS?
In this HyperOS vs MIUI showdown, we’ll walk you through a detailed look at both the Android skins. By the end of this article, you will know if it’s worth upgrading to the new OS.
HyperOS is not a new fancy word from Xiaomi for the replacement of MIUI. The brand has been developing it since 2017 and has made several significant changes to the core mechanism.
If you’re still wondering, what actually is HyperOS? Well, it’s a new operating system from Xiaomi, but not a complete replacement of Android. In fact, it’s still based on Android, like MIUI, and has a good mix of Linux. The latest OS integrates Xiaomi’s in-house Vela system for deeper system-level changes.
HyperOS vs MIUI: Which is Better?
Though Xiaomi seems to have made changes to the core system (detailed on the HyperOS page), it doesn’t bring any out-of-the-box features you have never seen on a smartphone. In fact, a couple of changes to HyperOS are inspired by iOS – no hard feelings for Xiaomi, as Apple, too, has done it several times in the past. But still, there is a lot to explore in HyperOS.
Upgrade to HyperOS, and you’re not going to see any clear difference between MIUI and HyperOS at first glance, even at second glance. No, I’m not kidding. Both operating systems have almost identical icons and arrangements.
As you spend time with the new OS, you will notice changes to the icons. Those are less bright in the HyperOS compared to MIUI, with minimal tweaks. For instance, the sun in the Gallery is on the right in MIUI, and it is moved to the left in HyperOS. Similarly, you’ll find small changes to several app icons, as shown in the image below.
It’s not just the app icons; HyperOS has subtly changed its menus, too. The new OS merges the app details section and app menus section to make it look better and cleaner. If you closely look at the app menus, you’ll find that they have been reordered. And there’s no text for the app info and uninstall icons, which are there in MIUI. Also, the font itself is larger and bold.
MIUI (left) / HyperOS (right)
2. The Control Center is Better and Cleaner
Xiaomi has brought significant changes to the Control Center in HyperOS. You’ll quickly realise that all icon labels are gone. While it gives the Control Center a minimalist look, it can be difficult for many people to figure out which icon does what. However, you can easily bring them back by going to Settings > Notifications & Status Bar and disabling the Don’t Show Icon Labels option.
The new Control Center has larger icons, and all of them are visible on one single scrollable screen. In MIUI, the shortcut icons are arranged in panels which you can swipe left and right. HyperOS also adds a music player widget to the Control Center.
You might have already seen a similar Control Center on a different device. If your guess is iOS, then you’re right. I believe there’s nothing in copying as long as it’s benefiting users.
3. Lock Screens Are Much Better
Among the biggest changes in HyperOS has been the introduction of new lock screen designs. They have existed on iPhones since iOS 16 and have now been integrated into HyperOS, which Xiaomi calls “Artistic Lock Screens”. These lock screens are highly customizable, and you can add depth of field effects.
HyperOS offers three lock style options – Classic, Rhombus, and Magazine. If you want to make the lock screen more personalised, go for Rhombus and Magazine for various clock options and effects.
It feels great to have new lock screens every now and then for a better unlocking experience. How often do you change your lock screen design or wallpaper? Please let me know in the comments below.
4. Say Goodbye to Bloatware
Xiaomi smartphones do not just come with many features, but they also bundle lots of unwanted apps (bloatware). It has been a problem with Xiaomi phones for years, which is finally getting fixed with HyperOS.
Although there are solutions to remove bloatware in MIUI phones, the steps are too technical for most users. Finally, the new HyperOS allows users to remove unnecessary apps.
Removing unwanted apps from your Xiaomi device not only saves some storage but also frees up system resources occupied by them. So, you get more storage and better performance.
5. Dynamic Island-Like Feature With Limited Uses
With HyperOS, Xiaomi has also joined the Dynamic Island bandwagon, but the Chinese company has arrived quite tardily. Though Xiaomi doesn’t have a name for it, many call it “Dynamic Notch”. Unlike the Dynamic Island on iPhones, it doesn’t do much on Xiaomi phones.
Whenever you connect a charger, the area around the notch becomes dark to show the charging speed and battery percentage. It also works when you turn on the mobile hotspot, activate DND, or switch the device to silent mode. While it doesn’t do much, it’s nice to have some cool visual elements. Hopefully, Xiaomi will do more with it in the near future. It would be great if third-party apps could also take advantage of it.
6. Lightweight OS With Improved Battery Life
HyperOS takes less space compared to MIUI. According to the official website, MIUI 14 takes 12.53GB on your device, while the HyperOS occupies 9.14GB of storage, which is very impressive. So you have more storage to save photos, videos, and other files.
Xiaomi has made significant changes to the core system, resulting in improved battery life. While it’s difficult to say how much battery improvements you should expect as it depends on the usage. But you should get an additional hour of screen time.
Don’t expect to see improved battery life quickly after switching to HyperOS. When you install the new OS, the device undergoes optimizations, which happen in the background. The battery usage can be high for the initial days, but after that, you’ll start seeing improvements.
7. The Camera App Gets a New Shortcut
Though there are not many changes to the Camera app, HyperOS adds a useful shortcut to access video options. In MIUI, you have to click the three horizontal lines in the upper-right corner to see video options, which, in HyperOS, can be done just by swiping down from the middle.
If you take a lot of videos with your Xiaomi phone, you know how helpful this small change is.
8. App Grouping By Colors
MIUI (left) / HyperOS (right)
Many people find it fascinating to have apps grouped by the colours of the app icons. If you are among them, HyperOS has a built-in feature to do so.
Swipe up to open the app drawer, tap on the icon in the upper-right corner, and toggle on “Group icons by colour”. All apps in the app drawer should now be grouped based on the dominant colour in the app icon.
9. Screen Resizing Is Now Effortless
When you open apps using the sidebar, it opens in a small window. In MIUI 14, you have to manually adjust it, which is now changing in HyperOS. In the new OS, if you tap the three dots, you get the option to split the screen (up/down), close it, and open the app in full screen. It’s much easier to use apps in the split-screen mode.
10. HyperOS Focuses on the Ecosystem
Xiaomi’s primary focus with HyperOS is to create a deeply connected ecosystem. The Chinese tech giant aims to create a unified system for Xiaomi devices, which might include smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, smart watches, smart displays, smart lighting, and fitness trackers. HyperOS has also been integrated into Xiaomi’s electric car.
Conclusion
HyperOS is better than MIUI in every aspect. You get awesome lock screens, a clean control center, a dynamic notch, new camera shortcuts, and better split screen management. If your device is eligible for the HyperOS upgrade, install the update and explore new features.
Before you leave, please remember that HyperOS is new and can have some bugs. If you face any issues, report the bug to Xiaomi and regularly update your device to ensure optimal performance.
Azulle is a leading manufacturer of hardware solutions for businesses, offering unparalleled OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)services. They empower organizations to craft mini PCs that seamlessly integrate into their workspace, proudly bearing their distinctive insignia.
With Azulle, businesses can redefine their environment, transforming devices into extensions of their vision. You can choose the operating system, RAM capacity, and storage capacity that best suits your requirements. Whether you need a powerful system for data-intensive tasks or a more streamlined setup for basic operations, Azulle has you covered.
One of the standout features of Azulle Mini PCs is the ability to have preferred software pre-loaded onto the units. This allows for easy integration of hardware and software solutions, making setup and deployment a breeze. Digital signage companies, in particular, benefit from this feature as it enables efficient integration of their signage software for impactful displays.
In addition to customization options, Azulle also offers a variety of add-on modules for select product lines. Presently, Azulle presents products featuring five distinct modules: Active Cooling, suitable for environments with high temperatures up to 130º; 4G LTE for smooth cellular connectivity; PoE for effective power delivery via copper Ethernet cables; Radio Frequency for advanced object sensing and detection utilizing radar technology; and an Audio Module designed for accurate computation of audio amplifier output power.
Quality assurance is paramount at Azulle. The brand prioritizes quality control and conducts thorough security testing and inspection on every mini PC. With a defect rate of less than 1%, you can trust that Azulle’s products meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. This commitment to quality sets them apart from competitors and ensures reliable performance for your business operations.
Azulle Mini PCs are designed with efficiency and functionality in mind. Instead of noisy computer fans, Azulle employs passive cooling technology, resulting in a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance costs. Equipped with powerful processors, expandable storage, built-in Wi-Fi, and high-speed Ethernet connectors, Azulle Mini PCs are built to deliver top-notch performance for various business applications.
Azulle offers custom design services for businesses, allowing them to fully personalize their branding or choose from pre-designed solutions. This level of customization ensures that each mini PC is tailored to meet the diverse needs of various industries and use cases.
Whether you need to power software, deploy thin clients, set up kiosks, or enable remote operations, Azulle Mini PCs serve diverse business needs with ease. Plus, with US-based customer service and technical support available throughout the product lifecycle, you can count on Azulle to provide prompt assistance whenever you need it.
About Azulle:
Azulle is a leading manufacturer of mini PCs and is dedicated to creating practical innovations for homes and businesses. Starting as a small team in Miami, they’ve grown into a dynamic community focused on shaping the future of technology. Understanding the importance of innovation and adaptability Azulle constantly explores new technologies and empowers businesses with state-of-the-art tools, crafted by a passionate team driven by real user needs.
Xiaomi announced the new outdoor security camera, the CW500 Dual-Lens version earlier this month. The camera is now up for sale in China for 349 Yuan (around $48) on e-commerce platforms like JD.com. The camera comes with a free 64GB memory card during its initial release on April 2nd. The CW500 Dual-Lens version is the extended version of the existing CW500 outdoor PTZ camera which launched earlier this year.
Xiaomi CW500 Dual-Lens Outdoor Camera Specifications:
The CW500’s standout feature is its dual-lens design. One lens offers a fixed perspective, ideal for monitoring entryways or specific zones. The other lens features pan-tilt functionality for wider coverage. This combination eliminates blind spots and provides a more complete security picture.
Both lenses are equipped with 4-megapixel sensors and an f/1.6 aperture, capturing 2.5K ultra-clear images. Each camera is supplemented by two white lights and two infrared night vision lights. At night, when human figures are detected, the camera automatically switches to color night vision for clear identification.
The CW500 comes equipped with intelligent features like AI human and vehicle detection. When movement is detected within the monitoring range, the Mi Home app promptly sends push notifications and records videos. Additionally, the camera features a built-in Mi Home security chip for data encryption and privacy protection.
The CW500 is built to withstand harsh weather conditions. It boasts an IP66 dustproof and waterproof rating, ensuring continuous operation regardless of wind, dust, snow, or rain.
The CW500 features a high-sensitivity microphone and high-power speaker, enabling two-way communication. Users can remotely view live footage or speak through the camera via the Mi Home app on smartphones, Xiaomi tablets, Xiaoai touchscreen speakers, and even Xiaomi TVs. The camera also supports Xiaomi’s HyperOS Connect.
The CW500 supports multiple storage options, including a free 64GB memory card (users can also use microSD cards from 16GB to 256GB) and cloud storage (paid service). The camera utilizes H.265 encoding for efficient storage usage and smooth video playback. It supports both 2.4GHz & 5GHz and connects via Wi-Fi 6 for a strong and reliable signal. For areas with weak Wi-Fi signals, the camera also supports wired connections.
Alipay, the Chinese payment app and digital wallet, has unveiled a groundbreaking solution in the field of healthcare – the “AI Medical Assistant.” This innovative tool, uses AI large models and digital human technology like virtual avatars, to change the way you meet your doctor and visit hospitals.
While the AI assistant might be introduced through the Alipay app, it’s uncertain if it’s integrated within the app or offered as a standalone service. The assistant will help throughout the entire healthcare journey, from pre-treatment to post-treatment phases.
Pre-Appointment Assistance: Patients can describe their symptoms online and the AI assistant will match them with the appropriate department, eliminating the hassle of navigating through various channels or worse ending up in the wrong department.
In-Hospital Guidance: When patients arrive at the hospital, they’ll meet special “Assistants” customized for their city and hospital. These digital helpers will guide them through treatment plans, check reports, and even help with insurance payments.
Post-Consultation Support: After the doctor’s visit, patients can see their medical records, and prescriptions, and ask about reports. The health assistant also sets up a health file for long-term care through Internet Hospital features.
For the pilot project, Alipay has partnered with the Zhejiang Provincial Health Commission and launched their first digital health assistant, “Anclin.” Currently operational in 92 hospitals across the province, users in Zhejiang can easily access this new healthcare experience. Commenting on the launch, Alipay said that the AI assistant has the potential to revolutionize patient care and bridge existing gaps in healthcare delivery.
In addition to its entry into the healthcare sector, Alipay is a leader in digital payment solutions, offering users a variety of services beyond financial transactions. As part of the Alibaba group, Alipay’s expansive ecosystem includes services ranging from taxi-hailing to insurance purchases, catering to a diverse consumer base.
Alipay’s AI Medical Assistant represents a new era of patient-centric healthcare. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive functions this Digital assistant has the power to transform the healthcare landscape in China, one patient at a time.
TSMC‘s massive factory in Arizona is reportedly hitting the gas pedal. According to a tech news outlet, the factory is in a “sprint” mode and aiming to kick off trial production for its first production line by mid-April this year. If everything runs smoothly, mass production for Apple chips could even be brought forward to the end of 2024, a significant improvement from the original target of first half 2025.
TSMC’s financial report conference call is scheduled for April 18
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), hailing from Taiwan, is a giant in the world of technology. Nicknamed the “world’s largest chipmaker,” TSMC isn’t designing the devices you use every day, but rather the brains behind them. They’re a foundry, which means they manufacture the semiconductors, or chips, that power countless electronic devices, from smartphones and laptops to gaming consoles and even cars.
This news comes on the heels of TSMC’s official statement on April 1st, confirming they’re accelerating construction of the Arizona facility. With trial production on the horizon, it seems things are moving swiftly. Industry watchers are buzzing with anticipation, especially considering TSMC’s upcoming financial report conference call on April 18th. This positive development is likely to be a major talking point during the conference.
Apple‘s iPhone antenna game is about to get an upgrade, and a new chipmaker is joining the party. According to a supply chain report, UMC has landed a contract to manufacture key chips for Apple’s upcoming iPhones. These chips will be integrated into the design of new iPhone antenna modules, and production is gradually ramping up.
Anokiwave was recently acquired by Qorvo, who supplies Apple power amplifiers
The chips in question come from Anokiwave, a wireless communication chipmaker recently acquired by Qorvo, a supplier of power amplifiers for Apple. Qorvo is designing the new iPhone antenna components and incorporating Anokiwave’s technology. Notably, these new chips utilize UMC’s 3DIC technology, making UMC a key player in this iPhone antenna upgrade.
Industry sources suggest that Apple is adopting this new design strategy to improve efficiency and enhance reception capabilities in its next-generation iPhones. This move coincides with the growing integration of AI functionalities in smartphones, where strong and reliable connections are crucial.
This isn’t UMC’s first rodeo with Apple components. Previously, they manufactured driver IC chips for Apple through NovaTek. With this new contract, UMC has secured another critical component order for iPhones, signifying the importance of its role in Apple’s supply chain.
Google introduced Ultra HDR technology with Android 14, marking an important step in mobile photography. Despite some delay from Android phone manufacturers in adapting to the Ultra HDR feature, the S24 Ultra came out with the Samsung’s “Super HDR” feature.
Galaxy S23 series won’t have Super HDR
Samsung unveiled the Super HDR feature with the help of Google’s Ultra HDR format, initially offering it to Galaxy S24 users. Samsung states that the Super HDR feature is not only for viewing high dynamic range colors in photos but also enhances the colors in videos through the proprietary algorithms.
S24 Ultra
Google’s Ultra HDR image format is noteworthy as it is saved in .jpg format. When viewed on an HDR screen, the image displays with high dynamic range, while on an SDR screen the base image will be shown on the display. An Ultra HDR image comprises a base image and an HDR gain map, ensuring that bright areas in the image appear truly bright and the base image will be shown on SDR displays.
With the One UI 6.1 update released for the S23 series, Samsung extended the AI features present in the S24 series to the S23 series, but things won’t be same with Super HDR feature. S23 users will miss out on Samsung’s exclusive image viewing algorithms on Super HDR.
Drone enthusiasts have an all new reason to look forward to! DJI has officially announced the release of their highly anticipated DJI Avata 2 drone and DJI Goggles 3 flying glasses, both scheduled to launch on April 11th. Specs for these new devices have been circulating, and here’s a closer look.
1080p recording can be cranked up to 240 FPS for those slow-motion shots
The DJI Avata 2 boasts an impressive camera with a 1/1.3-inch 48MP F/2.8 CMOS sensor and a 12.7mm focal length, offering a wide 155-degree field of view for capturing expansive scenes. Videographers will love the shooting options, with 4K/2.7K resolutions supporting frame rates from 60 to 120 FPS for smooth action shots. For even more flexibility in slow-motion editing, 1080p recording cranks up to a staggering 240 FPS. DJI’s well-regarded RockSteady 3.0+, HorizonSteady, and HorizonBalancing stabilization technologies are also on board, ensuring you capture shake-free footage regardless of conditions.
The Avata 2 itself is a compact flyer, weighing in at just 458 grams and measuring 180 x 216 x 82mm. Flight time varies depending on the control mode used. Traverse joystick mode offers an impressive 27 minutes, while switching to “M mode” (possibly manual mode or mixed reality FPV mode) brings the flight time down to 12-15 minutes.
The DJI Goggles 3 provide a clear view of your flight with a 1920 x 1080 resolution display featuring a smooth 100Hz refresh rate for an immersive experience. DJI’s OcuSync 4.0 technology ensures reliable image transmission, keeping you connected to your drone for the entire flight. The Goggles 3 weigh 420 grams and are powered by a 2450 mAh battery.
OPPO A3 Pro 5G has surfaced in leaked renders revealing its design and some key details. The information comes from reliable tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer (aka onleaks). Although the smartphone’s launch date remains a mystery, it will arrive as the successor to the last year’s A2 Pro. Notably, the upcoming A3 Pro 5G is also yet to bag any certifications.
OPPO A3 Pro 5G leaked renders reveal design
The OPPO A3 Pro 5G will retain the same circular camera island on the back panel as the A2 Pro. It accommodates two sensors, a dummy unit, and an LED flash. The design gives the Huawei Mate series and OPPO Find X-series-like vibes. The power and volume rocker buttons are located on the right side. By the looks of it, the former won’t double up as a fingerprint scanner. It will most likely be integrated with the display. The smartphone has a slim profile.
On the front, the OPPO A3 Pro 5G has a flat display surrounded by thin bezels on the sides. Meanwhile, the top and bottom chin have negligible bezels. The screen has a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout. The bottom of the phone is home to the USB-C port and a speaker grille. The renders did not reveal a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Onleaks reveals that dimension-wise, the OPPO A3 Pro 5G will measure 162.7 x 74.5 x 7.8 mm. It will feature a 6.7-inch display but the resolution, panel type, and refresh rate remain unknown at the moment.
Vivo seems to be working on a V30 series phone. It has been spotted on the Google Play Console certification with model number V2327. The listing confirms the moniker of the device and it is the Vivo V30 SE. The V30 lineup already includes lite, standard, and pro variants. As per Play Console, the upcoming V30 SE is expected to be a rebranded version of the Vivo Y200e 5G that is also available as Y100 5G in some markets.
Vivo V30 SE appears on Google Play Console
The Google Play Console certification has a render of the Vivo V30 SE. It is seen with a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout. It has a rectangular camera module on the back panel housing three vertically stacked sensors. The rear seems to have a gradient design.
As for the core specifications, the Vivo V30 SE is listed with a motherboard codenamed SM4450. It comprises two Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores ticking at 1.95GHz. There’s an Adreno 615 GPU onboard. It’s likely that the device will be equipped with a Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor under the hood. The smartphone will pack 8GB RAM onboard.
The listing also reveals that the Vivo V30 SE will feature a display resolution of 1,080 x 2,400 pixels and 440 ppi pixel density. It will ship with Android 14 OS out of the box. The rest of the details of the smartphone remain a mystery.
Today, Realme unveiled the Realme 12x 5G in India. The phone is slightly different from the Chinese version, which debuted last month. As compared to the Realme 11x 5G from last year, the 12x comes with several upgrades. Positioned as the “Entry-level 5G Killer” by the brand, the 12x offers many exciting features, such as 45W fast charging, Air Gestures support, vapor cooling tech, dual speakers, slim design, and more. Continue reading to learn what to expect from the device.
Realme 12x 5G: Unboxing and first impressions
Rea;lme 12x 5G
The Realme 12x 5G’s retail box includes the following items: the handset, a 45W SuperVOOC charger, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a TPU case, a SIM ejector tool, a Safety Guide, and a Quick Guide.
The overall design of the Realme 12x 5G is not too different from the previous generation. On the front, it has a punch-hole screen and on the back, there is a round-camera module with two cameras and an LED flash inside.
The right edge has buttons for volume and power, and its left spine is barren. On the top, it has a microphone, a speaker, and a hybrid SIM slot, and its opposite end features a speaker, a microphone, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Apart from the Twilight Purple edition that can be seen in the images here, the phone comes in Woodland Purple as well. Despite packing a large battery, it measures only 7.69mm in thickness and weighs around 188 grams.
Realme 12x 5G specifications and features
Realme 12x 5GRealme 12x 5G
The Realme 12x 5G features a 6.72-inch IPS LCD FHD+ panel that offers a 120Hz refresh rate, a Dimensity 6100 Plus chipset, and a 5,000mAh battery, which are also available on the predecessor model. However, this time around, the screen hits a peak brightness of 950 nits compared to 11x, which offers 680nits of max brightness. I used the device under sunlight and did not face any issue in reading its content.
The Dimensity 6100 Plus is good enough for casual gaming. What’s interesting is that it is the only phone in its price category to feature a vapor chamber cooling unit. I played a few games like Genshin Impact, and I didn’t find the device overheating after playing for around 45 minutes. The phone comes in multiple LPDDR4x RAM options: 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB. It offers 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, up to 8 GB of virtual RAM, and a microSD card slot via a hybrid SIM slot.
It took around 80 minutes for the Realme 11x 5G to achieve a full charge. The 12x, on the other hand, with its in-box 45W SuperVOOC charge, takes around an hour to achieve a full charge. Shown above are screenshots that show the 12x performance of benchmarking apps.
The Realme 12x has an 8-megapixel camera on the front. On the back, the device has a 50-megapixel Samsung JN1 primary camera, joined by a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Here are some camera samples that show how well it performs in the photography department.
As can be seen, the camera performance is decent when there is sufficient light. Additionally, both the front and rear cameras produce good portrait shots with reliable subject detection. However, users may need to adjust the aperture and make a few attempts to capture the perfect shot. Overall, the camera performance is quite satisfactory.
The Realme 12x has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security. The device ships with Realme UI 5 flavored Android 14, and it is entitled to receive two Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates. Realme has added some tricks to the device. Apart from the Magic Capsule that works like Dynamic Island on iPhones, the 12x supports several Air Gestures that allow users to control devices without touching the device, and it also offers a Dynamic Button feature, which allows users to launch any app or access feature by double pressing or double tapping the power button. To say it again, the Dynamic Button lets users quickly perform tasks like changing sound mode, turning on/off torch or DND or Riding or airplane mode, launching a camera app, opening an app, and so on.
What’s interesting about the Realme 12x 5G is that, despite offering several upgrades, it is cheaper than the previous generation. The Realme 11x 5G was made available in 6GB+128GB and 8GB+128GB storage options for Rs 14,999 (~$180) and Rs 15,999 (~$190), respectively.
In comparison, the same variants of the Realme 12x are priced at Rs 13,499 (~$160) and Rs 14,999 (~$180). In addition, there is a 4GB+128GB edition, which costs only Rs 11,999 (~$145). There is an early bird sale today between 6pm and 8pm on Flipkart. Buyers can get the device with up to Rs 1,500 cashback using ICICI, HDFC, and SBI bank cards.
Final Thoughts:
Realme has nailed the pricing of the Realme 12x. With offers, it is an even better deal. It goes without saying that it is a worthy successor to Realme 11x 5G. If you are looking for an entry-level 5G phone, the 12x 5G is one device that you should not miss.
Disclaimer: All of the opinions in this Realme 12x 5G hands-on post are mine and based on my own experiences. There has been no editorial input from Realme.
ChatGPT was announced in 2022. Since then the AI chatbot from OpenAI has come a long way with a host of new features. The American AI research company continues to make developments as the chatbot can now be accessed without having to create an account. The latest update is rolling out gradually but it also comes with some drawbacks.
ChatGPT can now be accessed without creating an account
We’re rolling out the ability to start using ChatGPT instantly, without needing to sign-up, so it's even easier to experience the potential of AI. https://t.co/juhjKfQaoDpic.twitter.com/TIVoX8KFDB
OpenAI in a blog post says that it aims to make AI available to anyone curious about its capabilities. Previously, users had to create an OpenAI account to gain access to ChatGPT. However, this will no longer be required going forward. Users can instantly start using it without having to sign up. Visiting the ChatGPT website will take you directly to the AI chatbot’s home screen.
However, using ChatGPT directly without creating an account has its drawbacks. It won’t be able to save or share your chats and have voice conversations. TechCrunch reports that there will also be slightly more restrictive content policies. Hence, it’s recommended to use ChatGPT with a created account if you use it frequently. Additionally, other OpenAI products like DALL-E require one to create an account. The latest update is still beneficial for those who do not rely on ChatGPT much.
ChatGPT continues to be a popular AI chatbot globally. Over 100 million individuals from 185 countries are said to be using it weekly. ChatGPT competes against Google’s Gemini which is gaining traction and also Microsoft’s Copilot.
CEO of Huawei‘s Consumer Business Group (BG) and Chairman of Smart Car Solutions BU, Yu Chengdong, has reportedly been “banned” from saying “far ahead” and he will need to pay a fine of 10,000 Yuan (~$1380) each time he says so going forward. Although, he has denied this event and mentioned it as a rumor.
Yu Chengdong, CEO of Huawei’s Consumer Business Group (BG)
CEO of Huawei Technologies wanted to prevent Yu Chengdong from saying the phrase
Zhao Hejuan, the founder of Chinese publication “Titanium Media” originally reported that Ren Zhengfei, the founder and CEO of Huawei Technologies, wanted to prevent Yu Chengdong from saying the phrase. And to do so, he implemented the ban.
Ren Zhengfei, the founder and CEO of Huawei Technologies
“Lao Yu does indeed have a true temperament. According to reliable sources, Ren Zhengfei had no choice but to impose a ‘ban’ on Lao Yu within Huawei: every time he mentioned “far ahead”, fine of 10,000! hahaha” (translated from Chinese).
In a recent revelation, a reporter asked Yu Chengdong about his confirmation regarding the incident. As a reply, the official, however, noted on WeChat that it was just a rumor. This news of this fine suddenly ranked on top among the trending news on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo.
According to previous reports, in December 2023 at the company’s annual conference, Yu Chengdong talked about this matter. He noted that he only claimed to be “far ahead” when there is a considerable lead or dominance in a specific area. In other words, he used the phrase “far ahead” to describe the leadership position only when there is a significant competitive edge. He also regrated that the “far ahead” clips have been used to form a joke.
At the recent Xiaomi SU7 launch conference Lei Jun also used “far ahead” to describe the battery life performance of his car. But then he joked “Okay, one generation ahead! I think Lao Yu successfully implanted the far ahead into us. On everyone’s mind” (translated).
Redmi, a sub-brand of Xiaomi, has recently announced a new smartphone series called the “Turbo.” This move signifies a shift in Redmi’s strategy for the new decade, with a focus on bringing flagship-level performance to the mid-range segment.
Redmi’s brand manager, Wang Teng, outlined the company’s goals for the upcoming decade. The K series will continue its trajectory of offering high-end flagship features, while the new Turbo series aims to become the leader in mid-range performance. The existing Note series will focus on providing a well-balanced mid-range experience with flagship-inspired features, and the numbered series will cater to the entry-level market.
Wang Teng emphasized the significant performance gap between current mid-range phones and flagships. Performance being a crucial factor for user experience, there’s a lack of options that excel in this area within the mid-range price bracket. The Turbo series is Redmi’s answer to this need, aiming to bridge the gap and make flagship-level performance more accessible.
The name “Turbo 3” might seem like an unexpected jump, considering there weren’t previous Turbo 1 or 2 models. This is because the previous phones like Redmi Note 11T Pro and Redmi Note 12 Turbo belonged to the Note series. Redmi is establishing the Turbo series as a separate entity moving forward. The “3” in the name signifies that the upcoming phone builds upon the success and learnings from those previous performance-oriented Note models.
2. What to Expect from the Redmi Turbo 3?
Redmi Turbo 3 will be equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip. This is a significant move, as most mid-range devices typically use either sub-flagship processors or older flagship chips. While this decision comes with a higher cost, Redmi aims to deliver an exceptional user experience that surpasses expectations.
According to Wang Teng, Redmi collaborated with Qualcomm to bring the Snapdragon 8s series to life. Qualcomm reportedly positions these chips as “dual flagships,” indicating similar performance levels to the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. During lab testing, the Redmi Turbo 3 achieved scores exceeding 1.7 million on AnTuTu, demonstrating its processing prowess.
The mid-range market is known to be fiercely competitive. However, Redmi expresses confidence in the Turbo series, citing their significant investment in performance. They highlight the success of the previous Note 12 Turbo and believe the Turbo 3 will outperform competitors in the market.
3. Will Redmi Turbo 3 Launch in Global Markets?
Redmi Turbo 3 will launch in China later this month. The phone is codenamed “Little Tornado”.
The Turbo 3 is expected to be rebranded as the Poco F6 for the global market, likely launching in May. This suggests that users worldwide will have the opportunity to experience the power and affordability of the Turbo series.
4. Redmi’s New Product Matrix
The introduction of the Turbo series also coincides with Redmi outlining a new ten-year plan and a revamped product matrix. Here’s a breakdown of the new product categories:
Redmi K Series: High-end flagships with top-of-the-line technology and performance.
Redmi Note Series: Balanced mid-range devices bringing flagship features to a wider audience.
Redmi Number Series: Entry-level phones focused on affordability and raising the industry standard for basic functionality.
Overall, the introduction of the Redmi Turbo series signifies a strategic shift for the brand. By prioritizing performance in the mid-range segment, Redmi hopes to cater to young users and redefine user expectations within this price category.
iQOO recently teased that it will be celebrating its 4th Anniversary in India with the launch of the iQOO 12 Anniversary Edition. The brand has now revealed what this special edition device looks like.
As per a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), iQOO has revealed that the new Anniversary Edition color will be called the iQOO 12 Desert Red. This color option is already available in China, featuring a vegan leather finish. That being said, it isn’t currently known if the brand also wants to add some more flair to it since it will be a special edition celebrating its 4th anniversary.
Other than the new look, the specifications are more than likely to remain the same. That being said, the sale of this new color option will begin on April 9.
iQOO 12 specs:
The iQOO 12 features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 3000 nits brightness. It runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. For gaming, it has a liquid cooling system and a dedicated display chip.
The phone has a triple camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide, and a 64MP periscope zoom. On the front, there’s a 16MP camera.
Running Funtouch OS 14 on Android 14, it promises three major OS upgrades. Connectivity options include 5G, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and USB Type-C. It has an in-screen fingerprint sensor, vibration motor, and dual speakers. With a 5,000mAh battery, it supports 120W wired charging.
The Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro launched last month, blending premium design and cutting edge hardware. However, the new smartphone was only unveiled in the brand’s home market of China with no official word on its global release. So will the Civi 4 Pro be announced in India? Will it feature the same specs as the Chinese variant? Here’s an answer to some of the biggest questions surrounding this device.
1. Are the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro and the Xiaomi 14 Civi the same?
If you’ve been keeping up with news about the Civi 4 Pro, then you might have seen the device being referred to as the Xiaomi 14 Civi. This is likely rebranding for the Indian market, which Xiaomi often does for a number of its smartphones.
So apart from the name, the device should be practically the same on every other front. In our exclusive leak, we mentioned that the Civi 4 Pro won’t go global but it will release in India as the Xiaomi 14 Civi.
2. When is the anticipated launch date for the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro in India?
To recall, the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro was spotted on the Mi Code carrying the “chenfeng” codename with the internal number “N9” and “24053PY09C / 24053PY09I” model numbers. This hinted at exclusive availability in China and India.
So while reports indicate an imminent release in India, we have no official word from the company and an actual launch date is still at large.
3. What is the expected price range of the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro in India?
Pricing is key when it comes to the Indian market. Xiaomi managed to become a key figure in the local smartphone market thanks to its aggressive pricing strategy. The Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro was unveiled in China with a starting price tag of 2,999 Yuan.
This roughly translates to about 417 US Dollars or 34,780 INR. For the Indian market, the price could be around the 40,000 INR mark or possibly higher. This will have it compete in the affordable flagship segment.
4. What are the key specs and features of the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro?
Xiaomi unveiled the Civi 4 Pro with some top-notch specs and features. It sports a 6.55-inch 120Hz curved AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, HDR10+ support, and 3000 nits of peak brightness.
Under the hood, the smartphone is the world’s first to offer the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC. The rear packs a 50-megapixel Leica triple camera setup, while the front houses two 32-megapixel selfie shooters.
Xiaomi placed a special focus on the design of this device as well, offering an innovative body with a pebble-feel touch and a sturdy metal frame. It weighs just 179.3 grams and measures 7.45mm in thickness.
5. Where to buy Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro?
Keep in mind that the rumored Indian launch might still be a while away. But if you don’t want to wait around, you can click on this link here to check out a sick deal on GeekWills.
For those of you who want to know more, you can also check out our in-depth review. There is also a link for the video review at the end of this article as well. So stay tuned for more, as we will be providing updates soon.
Samsung has officially announced the launch date of the Galaxy M55 5G and Galaxy M15 5G. Both M-series phones are set to debut in India next week. The South Korean brand already teased a few specifications of the upcoming offerings along with confirming its availability on Amazon. Now, the microsite of the M55 5G and M15 5G on the e-commerce platform reveals additional details about the devices. Read on to know everything below.
Samsung Galaxy M55 5G, M15 5G India launch date announced, key specs revealed
Samsung is gearing up to announce the Galaxy M55 5G and Galaxy M15 5G smartphones in India on April 8, Monday at 12 noon local time. Both phones will arrive as the successors to the Galaxy M54 5G and Galaxy M14 5G respectively that debuted last year.
The Samsung Galaxy M15 5G is expected to be a budget offering. As per the Amazon listing, it has a waterdrop notch sAMOLED display panel bearing an FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. The phone has a flat frame with the power button doubling up as a fingerprint scanner. The back panel is seen with a chequered pattern and it features a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro unit. There will be a 13MP front-facing selfie snapper. Internally, the Samsung Galaxy M15 5G is confirmed to be powered by a Dimensity 6100+ processor and be backed by a large 6,000mAh battery unit. Additionally, it is confirmed to get 4 years of OS updates and five years of security patches.
As per the dedicated microsite of the Galaxy M55 5G, it is confirmed to be powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor. The device will be backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 45W fast charging. The upcoming offering has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display panel with a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout. It bears an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 1,000 nits peak brightness. The back panel is confirmed to have vertically stacked triple cameras consisting of a 50MP primary OIS sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2MP macro unit. There will be a 50MP selfie snapper. The Galaxy M55 5G will be offered in Light Green and Black colors.
The specifications of the Galaxy M55 5G Indian variant are similar to the one that launched in Brazil last week.
Xiaomi‘s ambitious foray into the electric vehicle market appears to be paying off handsomely. The Chinese tech giant’s first model, the SU7 EV, is a runaway success in its home market, prompting the company to ramp up production capacity significantly.
According to reports, Xiaomi has requested its suppliers to increase production to a staggering 10,000 units per month, with a focus on higher-end variants of the SU7. The decision is said to have been made after initial sales of the EV massively exceeded expectations.
The original production plan reportedly aimed for 3,000 vehicles per month by March, gradually increasing to a stable 6,000 per month by the end of 2024. However, the overwhelming demand for the SU7 in China looks to have rendered this plan insufficient. If Xiaomi continued at the original pace, delivery times could become excessive.
Xiaomi Motors has publicly acknowledged the production shortfall, stating that the company is “making every effort to increase production capacity and speed up delivery.” The pressure is on, as the current delivery cycles of different SU7 models range from 19 to 32 weeks, which is up to 7 months.
Xiaomi’s EV success has also been reflected in the Hong Kong stock market, where the company’s shares surged by nearly 15% before settling at a 10.17% increase.
The SU7’s blockbuster launch saw an astonishing 88,898 units sold within the first 24 hours. Reports from a prominent Chinese car blogger on Weibo suggest an average of 1,800 to 2,000 orders per store with a lock-in rate of 35-40%.
The Xiaomi SU7’s strong start indicates a promising future for the company’s automotive venture. Whether Xiaomi can maintain this momentum and establish itself as a major player in the global EV market remains to be seen, but this early success is certainly a positive sign.
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