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Electric Vehicle price war intensifies in China amidst declining sales

To revive the dwindling sales figures in China’s electric vehicle (EV) sector, leading manufacturers BYD and Xpeng have ignited a fierce price war. February saw both companies grappling with substantial sales slumps, with BYD’s sales plummeting nearly 40% month-on-month and Xpeng experiencing a decline of almost 45%.

BYD, headquartered in Shenzhen and backed by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, took an aggressive stance by slashing the price of its refreshed Yuan Plus SUV to 119,800 yuan, marking an 11.8% reduction compared to its predecessor. This move follows a series of price cuts implemented by BYD over the past weeks, indicating a determined effort to stimulate sales amidst a challenging market landscape.

Meanwhile, Xpeng, based in Guangzhou, extended its 20,000-yuan discount on its popular G6 SUV until the month’s end. The entry-level G6, now priced at 189,900 yuan, witnessed a significant reduction from its earlier tag of 209,900 yuan. This extension comes in response to persisting low deliveries and aims to entice hesitant buyers into the market.

Observers and industry analysts foresee an escalation in the ongoing price war, with more manufacturers likely to join in to safeguard their market shares. Experts have emphasized on the risk of losing market share for competitors who fail to adjust their pricing strategies in line with the prevailing market dynamics. Several factors contribute to the faltering demand for EVs in China, including a lack of confidence in the economic outlook, ongoing issues in the property sector, and the cessation of subsidies totaling about 12,000 yuan on EV purchases.

In response to its significant sales slump in February, BYD initiated a wave of price reductions across its Dolphin, Han, Tang, Song, and Seal series to maintain competitiveness. The most notable reduction was in the revamped Qin Plus DM-i plug-in hybrid, priced 20% below its previous iteration at 79,800 yuan.

The repercussions of BYD’s pricing strategy reverberated across the industry, with three other carmakers, including a General Motors joint venture, following suit by pricing their bestselling battery-powered cars below the 100,000-yuan threshold, thus intensifying the price war.

Xpeng also felt the sting of declining deliveries in February, experiencing a 44.9% drop month-on-month to 4,545 units, the lowest since March 2021. In response to the market dynamics, Tesla, a dominant player in China’s premium EV segment, announced a subsidy of 8,000 yuan for buyers purchasing car insurance from its partners, valid until the end of March.

Moreover, other manufacturers, such as Hangzhou-based Leapmotor, adjusted pricing for their vehicles lower than initially planned. Leapmotor’s new SUV C10 now starts at 128,800 yuan, reflecting a 17.3% reduction from its presale price in January.

Industry experts predict that most carmakers will resort to offering discounts and engaging in price wars to retain market share in 2024. Despite the slowdown in EV sales growth forecasted by Fitch Ratings, government stimulus measures and favorable policies from manufacturers like Tesla are expected to fuel rapid growth in the car trade-in sector in the coming months.

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CMF Neckband Pro, CMF Buds With ANC Launched In India

Alongside the launch of the Nothing Phone (2a), the company has also announced two audio products under its sub-brand, thereby expanding its portfolio. These are the CMF Neckband Pro and CMF Buds. The latter seems to be a stripped-down version of the CMF Buds Pro that debuted last September. The Neckband Pro and Buds are quite similar to each other apart from the obvious different design. 

CMF Neckband Pro and CMF Buds specifications

As the name suggests, the CMF Neckband Pro is a neckband-styled Bluetooth wireless earphone. It is IP55-certified dust and water-resistant. There is a smart dial for a 3-in-1 intuitive sound control. The earbuds can be magnetically attached to each other when not in use.

On the audio front, the Neckband Pro features 50dB hybrid active noise cancellation. It is equipped with a 13.6mm custom dynamic driver. There are five mics with AI noise cancellation for clear quality on calls. The audio device also has environment-adaptive ANC that adjusts to ambient noise with three intensity settings. The wireless earphones have ultra bass technology allowing users to adjust five bass levels in the Nothing X app. The Neckband Pro features a Spatial Audio effect and are designed to deliver a 360-degree listening experience. There is also wind noise reduction.

The CMF Neckband Pro are rated to offer 37 and 23 hours of battery with ANC on and off respectively. A 10-minute charge is said to offer 18 hours of usage.

Meanwhile, the CMF Buds have the same in-ear design with a stem and silicone ear tips as the Buds Pro. These are IP54-rated against dust and water-resistant. The TWS earphones come in a square-shaped case that also has the brand’s aluminum alloy dial for attaching it to various lanyards.

The CMF Buds have a 12.4mm bio-fiber and custom TPU driver. There is 42dB ANC along with transparency mode. There are four microphones for clear quality on calls. The TWS earphones feature HD audio tuned by Dirac. They also have wind noise reduction. The CMF Buds are claimed to have 8 and 5.6 hours of usage with ANC enabled and disabled. They pack a total of 35 hours of battery life with the charging case.

Both the CMF Neckband Pro and Buds come with Bluetooth 5.3 and dual-device connectivity. They have Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair.

The CMF Neckband Pro is priced at Rs 1,999. The CMF Buds cost Rs 2,499. Both devices are offered in Black, White, and Orange colors. Both audio devices will be available for purchase from Flipkart and Myntra.

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Nothing Phone (2a) Launches As The Company’s Mid-ranger But Still Packs A Punch

Nothing has launched its third smartphone today. This time a mid-range offering called the Nothing Phone (2a). It is slightly different from the company’s flagship devices, especially in the design department. The Phone (2a) still packs some premium core specifications. It also carries an mid-range price tag.

Nothing Phone (2a) specifications and features 

Nothing Phone (2a)

Right off the bat, the Nothing Phone (2a) looks like a compact device with a boxy form factor. It retains the brand’s transparent design showing internal components like screws and rubber cables. The device has a circular island housing two horizontal cameras. It is surrounded by three Glyph LED strips. The phone is IP54-certified dust and water-resistant.

On the front, the Nothing Phone (2a) features a flat OLED display measuring 6.7 inches and bearing an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. There is 1,300 nits peak brightness and HDR10 support. The screen is surrounded by thin bezels and there is a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout housing a 32MP selfie snapper. There is also an in-display fingerprint scanner.

In the photography department, the Nothing Phone (2a) comes with a 50MP OIS-enabled main sensor with support for OIS. It is paired with a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The device packs various features like UltraXDR, Motion Capture, Night Mode, Action Mode, and Portrait Optimizer.

Internally, the Nothing Phone (2a) is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor. It packs up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The smartphone draws its power from a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 45W fast charging. The device runs on Nothing OS 2.5 based on Android 14 out of the box. It is confirmed to get three years of OS updates and four years of security patches.

Connectivity options on the Nothing Phone (2a) include WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, dual 5G, and NFC.

The Nothing Phone (2a) comes in White and Black colors. It starts at Rs 23,999 for the base 8GB + 128GB variant whereas the 8GB + 256GB configuration carries a price tag of Rs 25,999. The higher 12GB + 256GB configuration carries a price tag of Rs 27,999. The smartphone is available in only 8GB + 128GB and 12GB + 256GB variants priced at £329 and £379 in the UK and €329 and €379 in Europe. In India, HDFC Bank cardholders can avail instant discount worth Rs 2,000. First sale begins March 12 on Flipkart.

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OnePlus 10 Pro & 10R get OxygenOS 14.0.0.500 update with February 2024 security patch & bug fixes

OnePlus is updating its OnePlus 10 Pro and 10R phones in India with the latest OxygenOS software, focusing on security and better performance.

OnePlus 10 Pro OxygenOS 14.0.0.500

OnePlus 10 Pro

The OnePlus 10 Pro’s update, known as OxygenOS 14.0.0.500, brings the February 2024 Android security patch to improve the phone’s protection against vulnerabilities. It also fixes some bugs that caused apps to crash and addresses issues with the NFC function. Users will notice improvements in the weather app and photo albums, along with a new feature in settings that lets them change how dates are displayed. This update is identified by firmware version NE2211_14.0.0.500(EX01). You can check the complete changelog below.

Changelog

System

  • Integrates the February 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.
  • Improves system stability and performance.
  • Fixes an issue that might cause some apps to crash.

Connections

  • Fixes an issue where NFC access cards might not work in certain scenarios.

Apps

  • Improves the experience of viewing weather details.
  • Adds a switch for year/month/day views in Settings.
  • Fixes an issue where photos might not be displayed when you open your albums.
  • Fixes an issue where the “Default” and “Adjust” buttons for the in-game floating keyboard are not displayed.

OnePlus 10R OxygenOS 14.0.0.500 update

OnePlus 10R

The OnePlus 10R is getting a similar OxygenOS 14.0.0.500 update. There are two versions of this update: one for the Endurance edition (CPH2411_14.0.0.500(EX01)) and another for the standard model (CPH2423_14.0.0.500(EX01)). This update also includes the February 2024 Android security patch, a new option for showing the screen recording indicator, and removes the Background stream feature from Smart Sidebar. Like the 10 Pro update, it introduces a way to adjust date views in the settings. You can check the complete changelog below.

Changelog

System

  • You can now choose to show the screen recording indicator in a floating window or in the status bar.
  • Integrates the February 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.
  • The Background stream feature in Smart Sidebar has been removed.

Apps

  • Adds a switch for year/month/day views in Settings.

OnePlus is rolling out these updates gradually. They’ve started with a small group of users and will expand to more people in the next few days. If anyone runs into issues after updating, OnePlus has provided a way to report problems by dialing *#800# on the Google Dialer.

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China’s Shenzhen City unleashes bold plan to support Huawei’s HarmonyOS Apps

Shenzhen, renowned as the birthplace of Huawei Technologies and the burgeoning hub for technological innovation in China, has unveiled its annual blueprint to bolster the development of native applications for HarmonyOS, the operating system championed by the Chinese tech giant.

In a bid to fortify the ecosystem surrounding HarmonyOS, Shenzhen authorities have outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the supply capacity of HarmonyOS apps, fostering the clustering of HarmonyOS-original app industries, and refining the overall HarmonyOS app industry ecosystem. This ambitious plan, unveiled on March 2nd, underscores the city’s commitment to supporting Huawei’s endeavors in the realm of software development.

The latest iteration of HarmonyOS Next, announced by Huawei on January 18th, marks a significant stride towards independence by severing ties with apps developed for Google’s Android platform. This move has spurred a surge in the development of HarmonyOS-native apps, with nearly half of China’s top 200 apps already diving into and accelerating their efforts in this direction.

According to experts, Shenzhen’s action plan is poised to drive substantial improvements in the HarmonyOS software ecosystem. The plan not only aims to facilitate the development of HarmonyOS-native apps but also seeks to explore new application scenarios, overcome technical barriers, and ensure the security of Chinese data and industries.

Shenzhen’s ambitions are backed by concrete goals for HarmonyOS development this year. These include increasing the number of HarmonyOS-native apps to over 10% of China’s total, achieving full coverage across major domains, and nurturing a pool of qualified HarmonyOS developers that accounts for over 15% of the country’s total. Moreover, the city aims to establish two or more professional industrial parks dedicated to HarmonyOS-native software development and application, along with accrediting over 1,000 software firms with HarmonyOS development qualifications.

To incentivize and support these efforts, Shenzhen plans to reward relevant software companies, facilitate the launch of HarmonyOS-native apps by public service systems and state-owned enterprises, and encourage the deployment of such apps in emerging terminal areas like aerospace satellites, smart homes, and intelligent vehicles. Financial institutions are also encouraged to provide services to HarmonyOS-native app firms, while universities stand to receive subsidies for nurturing HarmonyOS engineers and talents.

Market projections paint a promising picture for HarmonyOS, with Tech Insights forecasting its ascent to become the second-largest operating system in the Chinese smartphone market, trailing only behind Android. This prediction underscores the growing momentum behind Huawei’s push for HarmonyOS adoption and signals a shifting landscape in China’s tech ecosystem.

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Apple MacBook Air M2 Gets Price Cut, 15-inch M2 Surprisingly Discontinued

Apple launched the latest generation MacBook Air with the M3 processor and some additional improvements. It’s usual for the company to discount the older generation model when the new one gets announced. This means that the MacBook Air M2 is now cheaper. There’s also unfortunate news as the Cupertino-based tech giant has surprisingly discontinued the 15-inch Air M3 along with the aging M1 Air. 

MacBook Air M2 gets price cut, two models discontinued

15-inch Macbook Air

Apple has permanently slashed the prices of the 13-inch MacBook Air M2 across the world. Thanks to the release of the M3 variant, the previous generation now starts at $999 instead of $1,099 in the US. This means that the device is now cheaper by $100. In India, the M2 Air now carries a starting price tag of Rs 99,900 which is down by Rs 14,000 from Rs 1,14,900. The new prices are already reflected on Apple’s official website. It’s worth noting that all the RAM and storage configurations of the MacBook Air M2 have received a price cut. 

The MacBook Air M2 comes in 13 and 15-inch options. The former launched in 2022 whereas the latter arrived at last year’s WWDC. Aside from the discounted price, Apple has made a surprising move by axing the 15-inch MacBook Air which is not even a year old. The device is not listed on the Cupertino-based tech giant’s official website. Apple did not make an official statement on this matter. 

The aging MacBook Air M1 that debuted way back in 2020 is also discontinued. It was one of the first laptops powered by the company’s first-generation silicon. 

The 15-inch MacBook Air M2 and Air M1 could still be available on e-commerce platforms and authorized resellers until stocks last.

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Infinix XBuds 3 WE gets Bluetooth SIG certified, could launch soon

Infinix is gearing up to introduce the Infinix XBuds 3 WE earbuds to its lineup, following recent sightings on certification websites. Previously, the Infinix XBuds 3 WE was spotted on the SDPPI certification site last month. Now, these earbuds have also appeared on the Bluetooth SIG certification website, identified by the model number XE29.

Infinix FreePods 2 - XE27

According to the listings, the upcoming earbuds will feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, enhancing wireless performance and stability. While further details remain scarce, the certification process suggests that more information may soon be available.

In addition to the earbuds, Infinix has been active in other areas of the tech market. The company recently launched the Smart 8 Plus smartphone in India. Rumors also point towards the imminent launch of the Note 40 series, with the Note 40, Note 40 Pro, and Note 40 Pro+ appearing on various certification sites.

Additionally, the Infinix GT 20 Pro could also launch soon as it was recently certified on TUV Rheinland as well as on Geekbench. This device is expected to be quite powerful, featuring a Dimensity 8200. Stay tuned for more updates on these devices.

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(via: TheTechOutlook)

Microsoft Teams Up with SpongeBob SquarePants for Limited Edition Xbox Series X

The ninth generation console wars are still in full swing. However, the competition is not going well for Microsoft, the manufacturer of the Xbox Series S/X. Despite the performance and price advantages it offers, the company has struggled to reach the desired sales figures. Nevertheless, they haven’t thrown in the towel just yet. Microsoft is turning to alternative marketing strategies and has launched a limited edition SpongeBob SquarePants-themed Xbox Series X. Here are the details…

Xbox Goes Nostalgic with SpongeBob SquarePants Collaboration

Microsoft’s strategy of expanding the reach of Xbox by collaborating with different brands is not new. Previously, we have seen Bluey Edition and Willy Wonka themed Xbox Series X models. Now, a special console themed after many of our childhood heroes, SpongeBob SquarePants, has been developed. This special edition will be available for purchase at Best Buy stores in the United States starting from March 7 for Xbox enthusiasts.

The SpongeBob SquarePants themed Xbox Series X naturally stands out in terms of design compared to the standard version. It seems particularly appealing to children and adults who want to reminisce about their childhood. The special Xbox Series X package, produced in limited quantities, also includes a custom controller.

The controller features images of SpongeBob’s underwater friends Squidward, Gary, and Mr. Krabs. Players who purchase this special-themed package will also receive the digital version of the fighting game “Super Brawl 2: All-Star Rumble.” In this game, players have the opportunity to control many classic cartoon characters such as the Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants, Garfield, and Jimmy Neutron.

The price of the limited-edition Xbox Series X SpongeBob-themed package is $699. While it may be slightly higher compared to a regular Xbox Series X, the limited production, special design, controller, and additional games can justify the price for you.

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OnePlus 11R 5G smartphone gets a Rs 3000 discount

The OnePlus 11R is a well-received smartphone due to its competitive specifications and value-for-money pricing. Surprisingly, the company is giving away a Rs 3000 discount on the OnePlus 11R 5G 16GB RAM variant, and a Rs 2000 discount on the 8 GB RAM variant. These discounts currently sans any additional discounts from credit or debit cards. It is unconfirmed whether the price discount is official or unofficial for a limited time. If you’re looking for a good smartphone in an affordable price range, then the OnePlsu 11R 5G could be the right option.

OnePlus 11R Galactic Silver

OnePlus 11R Discount Details

OnePlus 11R discount is available on Amazon India, Croma, and the OnePlus Online Store. It is available in Galactic Silver and Sonic Black color options. After a discount, the OnePlus 11R with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is available for Rs 37,999, while the 16GB RAM and 256GB are available for Rs 41,999. With an additional card discount of Rs 1000 with ICICI Bank and OneCard, the final price would be around Rs 36,999 and Rs 37,999, respectively. Belo is the table with the discount structure:

DiscountOnePlus 11R 8GB RAM + 128GBOnePlus 11R 16GB RAM + 256GB
Actual PriceRs 39,999Rs 44,999
DiscountRs 2000Rs 3000
Card DiscountRs 1000Rs 1000
TotalRs 36,999Rs 40,999
Buy NowBuy Now

OnePlus 11R Specifications

OnePlus 11R launched last year along with the OnepLus 11. It has a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display and a 120 Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, 8/16GB of RAM, and 128/256GB of UFS 4.0 storage. In the camera section, the smartphone features a triple camera module with a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide angle, and a 2MP macro lens. There will be a 16 MP front camera for selfies.

OnePlus 11R features a 5000 mAh battery with 100W fast charging support. It has already received the Android 14-based OxygenOS update.

The smartphone is still worth buying, and the recent price discount seems like an icing on the cake. OnePlus introduced the OnePlus 11R Solar Red Edition late last year with some design changes.

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

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Portronics Ampbox 27K Power Bank launched for laptops, offers 65W fast charging via USB-C

Portronics unveiled the K1 and K2 mechanical gaming keyboards in India back in February and the Beem 430 smart LED projector back in January. Now, it has unveiled the Portronics Ampbox 27K Power Bank, which is built to power up laptops. So here’s everything you need to know like its specs and pricing.

Portronics Ampbox 27K Power Bank Specs

The brand’s latest power bank features a compact design that measures just 2 inches in thickness and a little over 6 inches in length. This means that it is quite portable and can be used to charge your devices on the go. The Ampbox 27K is built using high grade materials as well. It has a massive battery capacity of 27,000mAh that supports up to 65W fast charging output.

Portronics Ampbox 27K

The power bank an charge two devices at 18W charging via the USB Type-A ports and while the two USB Type-C ports offer 65W charging output. In other words, it is fully capable of charging a laptop that supports up to 65 watts in just around 120 minutes via its 65W Type-C PD port. The Portronics Ambbox 27K houses a button that can be pressed to show the current battery capacity via an LED display.

For better protection, the company has built the power bank with IC protection against over charging, over discharging, over current, and short circuits as well. The Portronics Ampbox 27K is available for purchase via the brand’s official website, Amazon, Flipkart, and other offline and online retailers. It is listed for an introductory price tag of just 3,999 INR (roughly 48 US Dollars) with a 12 month warranty.

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

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OnePlus Ace 3V to come with major design overhaul; suggests leaked schematic

OnePlus is set to introduce a new addition to its smartphone lineup, the mid-range OnePlus Ace 3V. According to leaks from sources on Weibo, this upcoming device is expected to bring several exciting features and improvements.

The OnePlus Ace 3V is reported to be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, making it the first smartphone to feature this new chipset. Alongside this powerful processor, the device is rumored to boast a 1.5K display, potentially offering a 120Hz AMOLED panel for smooth visuals.

OnePlus Ace 3V schematics

Other than the SoC and display details, perhaps the most interesting change is likely to be the new design. Leaker Tech Geek over at Weibo has revealed the schematic of the upcoming OnePlus Ace 3V, revealing a whole new design. The next iteration in the Ace lineup plans to ditch its conventional design in favor of a vertical camera alignment design.

The schematic suggests that the device will have a dual-rear camera setup and a circular LED flash. It will look similar to the recently launched Meizu 21 Pro with its flat edges. The Ace 3V is likely to continue with the brand’s signature alert slider on the left, with volume and power buttons on the right. Its display is expected to have minimal bezels and a centered punch-hole for the front camera.

In related news, the OnePlus 13 is said to retain the design of its predecessor, featuring four cutouts on a circular camera module. The device is said to debut with the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip and is expected to debut around October this year.

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Realme GT Neo 6 series to launch with Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 & Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 powered models: Tipster

The Realme GT Neo 6 series have already started surfacing in rumors and reports that gave us an idea regarding their specs and feature. Now, the latest leak has revealed the chip details regarding the upcoming devices. So here are all the details.

Realme GT Neo 6 Series Chip Details

The latest news arrives from known tipster Digital Chat Station who shared the information on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website). In the latest post, DCS claimed that the Realme GT Neo 6 lineup will include models that are equipped with the latest mid range Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset and the flagship grade Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC.

Realme GT Neo 6

Unfortunately, the tipster did not reveal which phone features these processors. Although, the higher Realme GT Neo 6 model will likely feature the Snapdragon 8 series chip. On the other hand, the Realme GT Neo 6 SE model could feature the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC. Digital Chat Station further added that both smartphone models will sport a display with 1.5K resolution and support 100W wired fast charging.

It is worth noting that Qualcomm has yet to unveil either of these processors, so the of these chips names could be different at launch. Just last week, DCS shared another leak regarding the Realme GT Neo 6 series that also mentioned a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor and the 1.5K display. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stick around for more updates.

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OnePlus Watch 2 goes on sale in the US, Canada, UK, and Europe

A day after its official arrival in India, the OnePlus Watch 2 is finally up for sale in North America, the UK, and Europe. The 46mm-sized smartwatch is available in two color options: radiant steel and Black Steel. The OnePlus Watch 2 registered massive pre-orders in comparison with its predecessor, i.e., the OnePlus Watch. Some good introductory offers are going on for the US, Canada, UK, and European markets.

OnePlus Watch 2 Offer Details in the US, Canada, UK, and Europe

Interested folks in the US can grab the OnePlus Watch 2 for $299, and an additional trade-in discount of $50 is applicable on any old device in any condition. On top of that, there’s an additional 10% discount for students. There’s also an exclusive 10% discount coupon in the OnePlus Store app. There’s an additional discount of 30% on any add-ons you buy along with the smartwatch. Potential buyers can also get the OnePlus Watch 2 from Amazon with similar offers.

A similar campaign is going on for the OnePlus Watch 2 in Canada at the price of $CAD 399. The users can get up to a $CAD 60 discount on the trade-in of any old device. Meanwhile, an increased discount is applicable if you have an old smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, or other digital device. Further, there are the same 10% student discounts, and a 10% coupon if you purchase via the OnePlus Store App.

For buying enthusiasts in the UK, the OnePlus Watch 2 costs around £269.00 for a limited time. OnePlus is offering a free OnePlus Nord Buds 2 along with the purchase. An additional 10% student discount is available for the applicable buyers. There’s an additional 10% discount on add-ons.

In the European continent, the OnePlsu Watch 2 retails for €299.00 and is 46mm in size with Bluetooth, and WiFi connectivity. Users in Germany and France are available for €299.00.

OnePlus Watch 2: Specs and Features

The Chinese electronics maker unveiled the OnePlus Watch 2 at MWC 2024 a week ago. It bundles a 1.43-inch AMOLED display offering 600 nits of peak brightness. Google’s Wear OS 4 running smartwatch is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 SoC and the BES 2700 MCU power efficiency chip. Further, the Watch couples a 500 mAh battery that can sustain for around 48 hours with heavy use. It can charge 7.5W VOOC in just 60 minutes.

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Oppo K12 launching soon, key specifications tipped

In January, tipster Digital Chat Station claimed that the Oppo K12 would come equipped with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset. Today, the same tipster released a new Weibo post to reveal other details about the smartphone. While the leaker has not mentioned the launch timeframe of the device, it appears that it may not take too long for it to break cover in China.

Oppo K12 specifications (rumored)

According to DCS, the Oppo K12 will feature a 6.7-inch display, which seems to be an AMOLED panel. Under the hood, the device will have the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, 12 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage.

There is no information about the battery size or charging capabilities of the K12. On the front, the device will feature a 16-megapixel selfie camera, and it will have a 50-megapixel + 8-megapixel dual-camera unit on the back.

It is unclear whether the Oppo K12 will inherit the display, camera, and battery specs from the Oppo K11, which was announced in July 2023 in China. To recall, the K11 came equipped with a 6.67-inch AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz display, a Snapdragon 782G chipset, up to 12 GB of RAM, up to 512 GB of storage, a 16-megapixel front camera, and an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel (Sony IMX890) + 8-megapixel + 2-megapixel triple camera unit.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3, which was released in the global market last year, was a tweaked version of the Oppo K11. Therefore, it is likely that the Nord CE 4 or 5 heading to the global market this year could be based on the K12.

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Vivo Pad 3 won’t launch alongside Vivo Pad 3 Pro: Tipster

The Vivo Pad 3 series was expected to launch alongside the highly anticipated Vivo X Fold 3 lineup in China later this month. But it appears that only one tablet model will be announced during this event. So here are all the details.

Vivo Pad 3 debut still a while away

To recall, the Vivo Pad 3 and Pad 3 Pro were rumored to launch alongside the Vivo X Fold 3 series. But according to known tipster Digital Chat Station, only the higher end Vivo Pad 3 Pro will be announced in the upcoming launch event. This means that the base Pad 3 model’s launch is still a while away.

Vivo Pad 3

The tipster further added that the price of the Vivo Pad 3 Pro will see an increase over its predecessor. For those unaware, the Vivo Pad 2 debuted for a 2,399 yuan (roughly 333 US Dollars) price tag in China back in April 2023. So we expect the Vivo Pad 3 Pro to be priced near the 400 US Dollars or 2,800 Yuan price range.

Based on what we know so far, the Vivo Pad 3 and Pad 3 Pro are expected to sport LCD displays. The vanilla version is rumored to feature the upcoming Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, whereas the Pro variant could launch as the first tablet powered by the Dimensity 9300 chipset. Keep in mind that this is still just speculation at the moment, so stick around for more updates regarding this matter.

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Lava Blaze Curve 5G with Dimensity 7050, 6.67″ FHD+ 120Hz curved AMOLED display & 64MP triple camera launched in India

Lava has launched the Blaze Curve 5G in the Indian market in a bid to capitalize on the momentum created by its beloved Agni 2 5G smartphone. The new smartphone is packed with impressive features that are complimented by its first-in-segment 3D curved design.

The device features an overall curved design making it pleasant to hold. The back features a matte finish double-reinforced glass finish giving it a premium look and feel. The front of the device is equally impressive with a 6.67-inch FHD+ curved AMOLED display that boasts a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel has a pixel density of 394 ppi, with a maximum brightness of 800 nits under sunlight.

Lava Blaze Curve 5G display

Under the hood, it has a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor doing the heavy lifting. This chip is combined with 128GB/256GB storage, 8GB LPDDR5 RAM (expandable up to 16GB virtually), and a robust 5000mAh battery. The battery has support for 33W fast charging. Moreover, Lava ensures a clean and user-friendly interface with an ad-free Android 13 experience, promising upgrades to Android 14 and 15, along with three years of security updates.

Lava Blaze Curve 5G

Moving on to the camera department, the Lava Blaze Curve 5G comes with a triple camera system on the back that has a 64MP primary sensor, paired with an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 2MP macro lens. Up front, it has a 32MP selfie snapper. The camera system features EIS stabilization and a maximum video recording resolution of 4K at 30FPS. It has support for slow motion, timelapse, Beauty mode, HDRM Night light, portrait, and more.

Pricing & availability

The Lava Blaze Curve 5G will be available starting March 11 at 12 PM in India. The 8GB + 128GB config has a price tag of Rs. 17,999. On the other hand, the 8GB + 256GB is Rs. 18,999. It will be available to buy from Lava E-store, Amazon, and retail stores. The phone comes in two color options: Viridian and Iron Glass.

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iQOO Z9 display specs teased ahead of India launch

iQOO is gearing up to unveil the new iQOO Z9 in the Indian market. The smartphone is set to be unveiled soon, but ahead of the official announcement, new teasers have confirmed some of the display specs of the upcoming mid range handset. So let’s have a look.

iQOO Z9 Teased

Looking at the official image posters, the iQOO Z9 will sport an AMOLED display that will offer a 120Hz refresh rate. Furthermore, this panel can output up to 1800 nits of peak brightness, 1200Hz touch sampling rate, and supports Motion Control. In our recent report, we covered live shots of the device, which revealed a center aligned punch hole cutout as well for the selfie camera.

Based on what we know so far, the iQOO Z9 will launch in India with the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra SoC, which would make it the fastest phone in the segment. Although, this claim was made by the brand in a previous teaser. Thanks to this chip, the smartphone received a score of over 730,000 points on the AnTuTu benchmarking platform. Under the hood, a large 5,000mAh battery pack is confirmed to power this device as well.

Meanwhile, the rear is set to feature a 50-megapixel primary camera, which is a Sony IMX882 sensor that arrives with OIS support (Optical Image Stabilization). Other notable details about the device include a dual stereo speaker setup, 7.89mm thin design, and two color options (Brushed Green and Graphene Blue). The iQOO Z9 launch is set for 12th March 2024, so stay tuned for more.

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Tecno Spark 20C first sale kicks off in India, check specs, price, & offers

Tecno officially unveiled the Spark 20C smartphone model in India just last week. Now, the smartphone is finally going on sale in the region. So here are all the details regarding its specs, pricing, and launch offers.

Tecno Spark 20C Pricing & Availability

The brand has announced the Tecno Spark 20C in multiple color options in the Indian market. This includes a Mystery White, Alpenglow Gold, Gravity Black, and Magic Skin Green. It is available for purchase for 8,999 INR (roughly 109 US Dollars) for its long 8GB + 128Gb storage configuration. As an introductory offer, the company is even offering an instant discount of 1,000 INR on this device. This brings down the price to just 7,999 INR. Additionally, Tecno will also bundle the device with OTTPlay annual subscription that is worth over 5,600 INR.

Tecno Spark 20C Magic Skin Green

Tecno Spark 20C Specs

To recall, the new budget phone sports a 6.6-inch LCD panel that offers HD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G36 SoC. This model runs on the Android 13 OS based HiOS custom skin and is powered by a large 5,000mAh battery pack that supports 18W wired fast charging.

The rear packs a 50-megapixel dual camera setup, while the front houses an 8-megapixel selfie shooter. Other notable features include 8GB virtual RAM expansion, side mounted fingerprint scanner, face unlock, 3.5mm headphone jack, stereo speakers with DTS audio, dual SIM, Bluetooth 5, and USB Type C.

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OnePlus 13 leak reiterates new design, may debut as first Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 phone

OnePlus is reportedly working on its next-generation flagship phone, the OnePlus 13. While the OnePlus 12 debuted in December 2023 in China, it appears that its successor may go official much earlier this year. In a new leak, tipster Digital Chat Station has mentioned what to expect from the OP13.

OnePlus 13 key details tipped

OnePlus 12

According to DCS, the OnePlus 13 is undergoing a design change, removing the traditional hinge-style camera module design that it has been offering for the past couple of years. The latest prototype of the OnePlus 13 features a large 2K screen. A recent leak claimed that it would come equipped with an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint scanner.

DCS’ leak suggests that OnePlus is making efforts to enhance the OnePlus 13’s imaging system to match the Oppo Find X7 Ultra. Hence, it appears that its 50-megapixel main camera and the periscope lens will offer an improved photography experience. Additionally, OnePlus is rushing to acquire the first batch of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset.

Reports have claimed that Qualcomm will unveil the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset in October of this year. It is also being said that the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro featuring the new chip will debut in the same month this year. Now that the OP13 is said to launch as the first SD8G4 phone, it is likely that it may debut in October this year.

In related news, OnePlus is expected to announce the OnePlus Ace 3V this month in China. It is said to break cover as the first phone with the all-new Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chip onboard. Likely, the second half of the year may see the arrival of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered OnePlus Ace 3 Pro in the Chinese market.

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Vivo X Fold 3 series’ internal, external display specifications leaked

The Vivo X Fold 3 and X Fold 3 Pro foldable phones are expected to launch by the end of this month in China. A poster revealing the display specifications of the Vivo X Fold 3 is now being circulated on Weibo. Here is a look at all the details that have emerged through the leaked poster.

Vivo X Fold 3 series display specifications (rumored)

Vivo X Fold 3 series display leak
Vivo X Fold 3 series display leak

The leaked poster reveals details that the Vivo X Fold 3 will be equipped with an 8.03-inch Samsung AMOLED E7 foldable screen on the inside. It will support a local peak brightness of 3000 nits, support LTPO technology, and sport a punch-hole design to offer a 91.8 percent screen-to-body ratio. As per other reports, the screen will offer a resolution of 2480 x 2200 pixels with a 120Hz refresh rate.

As per the poster, the Vivo X Fold 3’s external AMOLED display measures 6.53 inches. It produces a local peak brightness of 3000 nits and supports 8T LTPO technology. The screen will be shielded by a layer of ceramic glass. According to other reports, the cover display will offer a resolution of 2748 x 1172 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Both displays will come equipped with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner is expected to be integrated. For those who don’t know, Vivo is the only brand that offers an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint scanner on its foldable phones.

Likely, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro will also feature the same internal and external displays as the standard model. For those who don’t know, the X Fold 3 and X Fold 3 Pro are expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets, respectively. Readers can visit this post to learn about the other specifications of the X Fold 3 Pro.

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