Elon Musk is Looking to Raise $6 Billion in Funding for xAI, Values it at $20 Billion

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Jan 26, 2024

OnePlus has initiated the rollout of the OxygenOS 14.0.0.300 update for the OnePlus Pad in India. This update is being released incrementally, starting with a small percentage of users and gradually expanding to more in the upcoming days.

Update Features:

January 2024 Android Security Patch: The update includes the latest Android security patch, aimed at improving system security.
System Stability and Performance Improvements: Enhancements have been made to the system’s stability and performance, aiming for a smoother user experience.
Extended Battery Life: The update contains adjustments that are expected to improve battery life under certain conditions.
Bug Fixes: It addresses a specific problem causing some apps to crash and fixes issues related to the ‘Theme Store’ app and the photo editing Eraser tool.
Removed Feature: The Background stream feature in the Smart Sidebar has been removed.

OnePlus has stated that this Over-The-Air (OTA) update will be released to a limited number of users initially, with a broader distribution planned shortly. The company will provide ongoing updates about the rollout progress on their forum. If you have not received the OTA notification yet, you can manually check for it by heading to Settings > About device > tap up to date > check for update.

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Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design smartphone clears IMDA certification, global launch expected soon

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Jan 26, 2024

Today, Honor will launch the Honor Magic V2 foldable smartphone in Europe, starting its global journey after being released in China last year. The phone, which also came out in China with a special RSR Porsche Design, is now expected to be available worldwide as it has received IMDA certification.

Spotted on the IMDA certification website, the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design, listed under the model number VER-N49DP, indicates that Honor is considering a wider release. While an official confirmation is still pending, the device’s existing debut in China provides us with a detailed look at its specifications.

Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design specs:

The Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and runs on Android 13-based MagicOS 7.2. It offers a single storage option, boasting an impressive 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.

Display-wise, the device features a 7.92-inch LTPO OLED foldable inner screen with a resolution of 2156 x 2344 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, it has a 6.43-inch LTPO OLED cover display, offering a resolution of 1060 x 2376 pixels and the same 120Hz refresh rate.

Camera capabilities are a strong suit of this model. It houses a 50MP primary camera, complemented by a 20MP telephoto and a 50MP ultrawide lens on the rear. For selfies, there’s a 16MP front camera. The device’s power needs are met by a 5000mAh battery, supporting 66W wired and 5W reverse wired charging.

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Xiaomi Exec may have teased Xiaomi 14 Ultra release ahead of launch

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Jan 26, 2024

Xiaomi is gearing up to release the long rumored Xiaomi 14 Ultra, but no official announcement has been made thus far. Now, a Weibo post (a Chinese microblogging website) from a company executive hints that the launch might be near.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra Launch Timeline

Based on earlier reports, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra was expected to launch near the end of the first quarter of 2024. This meant that it would be released sometime near or in March. But with the MWC 2024 (Mobile World Congress) event coming up, the Chinese tech giant may use this major conference to showcase its latest flagship smartphone. For those unaware, the MWC event will be hosted between the 26th to 29th of February.

However, before any official announcements, Xiaomi Group President and Partner Lu Weibing shared his plans to use a new smartphone that will offer a strong photography experience. To recall, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to offer various improvements in camera technology, so it seems likely that he’s talking about this model. Just recently, we covered a tip that revealed the camera module and image sensor specs of this upcoming flagship phone.

The wireless Camera Kit accessory to enhance photography was also spotted on China’s 3C certification. Similarly, it was even spotted on BIS, which confirms the Indian availability. There have already been rumors regarding cutting edge features and even an under display camera for selfies as well. So stick around for more, as we will be providing updates when more leads surface soon.

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ASUS ROG Ally 2 Confirmed To Launch Later This Year

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Viraj Gawde

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Jan 26, 2024

ASUS launched the ROG Ally gaming console debuted in the global markets in May last year. The handheld gaming console segment is increasingly becoming competitive with Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, Nintendo Switch, and the recently announced MSI Claw. Now, along the sidelines of the ZenBook 14 OLED launch in India, ASUS’s VP Arnold Su has confirmed key details in an interview.

ASUS ROG Ally 2 confirmed to launch later this year

In an interview with Techlusive, Arnold Su revealed that ASUS is planning on bringing a successor to the ROG Ally sometime this year. The Taiwanese brand will most likely launch the second-generation offering. The company will continue to keep the Windows features along with focussing more on gaming, the executive quoted.

Su also said that ASUS sold around 70,000 to 80,000 units of the ROG Ally less than a year since its launch. The buyers in India were mostly early adopters of the gaming console compared to developed markets that have a high PC penetration rate.

The ASUS executive also shared another insight about the gaming laptops getting more attention. It has outpaced the gaming desktop segment in India and globally. Hardcore gamers still prefer desktops but not casual gamers. ASUS is also expanding its manufacturing capabilities in India. The brand will start making gaming PCs in India from this year.

The ASUS ROG Ally has a 7-inch FHD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 500 nits peak brightness. It is powered by a AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor coupled with Radeon Navi3 graphics onboard. The console packs 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB storage. The device is powered by a 40Wh battery with support for 65W fast charging.

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Noise Vortex Plus smartwatch launched in India featuring 1.46″ AMOLED display & BT calling

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Jan 26, 2024

Noise has launched a bunch of smartwatches this month including the Noise ColorFit Thrill, ColorFit Chrome, and ColorFit Hexa. The brand has now added another smartwatch to the lineup called the NoiseFit Vortex Plus. It is available with mesh metal, leather, and silicone straps, offering a range of choices for consumers.

NoiseFit Vortex Plus specs:

The smartwatch sports a 1.46-inch AMOLED display, providing a clear and bright user interface. It supports over 100 animated watch faces. The inclusion of Noise Tru Sync technology facilitates Bluetooth calling, which is expected to offer quick pairing and efficient power management.

Health tracking is a significant aspect of the NoiseFit Vortex Plus. It includes features like 24×7 heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, sleep tracking, stress management, and a female cycle tracker. The smartwatch also comes equipped with various sports modes, catering to those who are fitness-conscious.

One of the key selling points of the NoiseFit Vortex Plus is its battery life, which is touted to last up to 7 days, reducing the need for frequent charging.

Pricing & availability

The NoiseFit Vortex Plus has a special launch price of Rs. 1,999, and is available in multiple color options across its different strap types. The smartwatch will be on sale starting January 31st on gonoise.com and Amazon.in.

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Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro nears launch, spotted on Singapore’s IMDA

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Jan 26, 2024

The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro launch seems to be right around the corner. The upcoming tablet has been spotted in various leaks and rumors. And now, the latest sighting was on a Singaporean certification platform, so let’s have a look.

Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro visits IMDA

The Chinese tech giant’s new Pad 7 Pro was spotted on Singapore’s IMDA certification. This tablet was spotted carrying the 24018RPACG model number in the online database, which is expected to be the global variant of the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro. IMDA certification lists this device as a low powered tablet computer that will support Bluetooth connection. But unfortunately, no other finer details like the specs or pricing were revealed on the platform.

Although a recent 3C certification confirmed that the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro will offer 120W fast charging support. An earlier report had also hinted at the model sporting a 10-inch IPS LCD panel that could offer a 144Hz refresh rate and 2K resolution. This screen may also be surrounded by thinner bezels and improved design.

Under the hood, the Pad 7 Pro is expected to be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC that may be paired with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. Earlier this month, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro was seen carrying a massive 10,000mAh battery pack on the Mi code. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stick around for more updates regarding this matter.

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Huawei Nova Y72 likely a rebrand of Enjoy 70 appears on South African website

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Jan 26, 2024

Huawei‘s South African website has quietly listed a new smartphone, the Nova Y72 with a “coming soon” tag. From the looks, the Nova Y72 appears to be a rebranded version of the Enjoy 70 smartphone, which Huawei launched in China last December.

Despite the changes, the Nova Y72 is technically the successor of the Nova Y71 for the international market. Let’s get into its details here.

Huawei Nova Y72 overview

The Nova Y72 shares much of its design aspects with the Enjoy 70. It features a rectangular camera setup on the back, a U-shaped notch on the front, and a dedicated X button for quick app access.

Huawei hasn’t shared much about the phone’s specifications yet. However, but based on its Chinese counterpart, we can expect a 6.75-inch HD+ display (720 x 1600 pixels) with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Powering the phone is likely the Kirin 710A chipset, a three-year-old processor that only supports 4G network connectivity.

On the plus side, the phone boasts a sizeable 6,000mAh battery, the same as the Enjoy 70. The camera setup is also expected to be identical, featuring a 50MP main sensor alongside a secondary lens. Likewise, the phone will come pre-installed with Huawei’s EMUI custom Android interface.

Huawei has revealed the Nova Y72 in Green and Black color options, with an initial price tag of ZAR 4,999, which is roughly $265. The specific memory configurations for the device haven’t been disclosed yet, but we expect more details about the smartphone to come out soon.

Additionally, Huawei will be sweetening the deal by including a complimentary gift with the purchase of the Nova Y72. Buyers will receive a neckband and, as indicated in the teaser, likely a lamp valued at ZAR 1,798.

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Sony Salutes Republic Day with Massive Discounts on Playstation 5 and Other Devices!

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Oğuz Çakır

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Jan 26, 2024

India is celebrating Republic Day, and even tech companies are embracing the spirit of independence. Furthermore, some are going above and beyond by adding special deals and chances to make things more exciting. In line with this, Sony India is offering great deals for Republic Day, including discounts on the Playstation 5. Here are the details…

Sony India introduces attractive offers to celebrate Republic Day including on Playstation 5

Sony India is celebrating Republic Day with an exclusive discount on select PS5 bundles. Enjoy a significant Rs. 4,000 off at popular retailers like Sony Centers, Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, Reliance, Vijay Sales, and more. Whether you pick the PS5 Cricket24, EAFC24, or Call of Duty Modern Warfare III bundle, this limited-time offer makes advanced gaming more affordable.

For those eyeing a new TV, select Bravia models are now available with up to a 30% discount. Adding to the appeal, customers can enjoy instant cashback of up to Rs. 20,000 and a generous 2-year warranty on specific Bravia televisions. Audio enthusiasts can snag incredible deals on headphones and truly wireless earbuds. The WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones, for instance, come with a discounted price of Rs. 19,990, coupled with an additional Rs. 2,000 cashback.

Sony’s speaker collection, ranging from Bluetooth speakers to powerful party speakers, is also part of the Republic Day extravaganza. Enjoy substantial discounts and cashback offers on these audio companions. Elevate your home theater setup with Sony’s soundbars, available at discounted prices. The diverse range ensures that there’s a model to suit every preference and budget.

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Samsung patents a square-shaped smartphone with extendable display

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Jan 26, 2024

Samsung might be working on an innovative new design for smartphones. A fresh patent has revealed a square shaped device that features an extending display panel. So here’s everything we know about this model.

Samsung Phone with Extendable Display

The South Korean tech giant is the leader in the foldable smartphone segment, with its latest offerings being the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. But it appears that a new breed of smartphones could be in the works, which focus on an extending screen rather than a flexible one. A Samsung patent was spotted that showcases a handset with a square shape and extendable screen. Such an innovative design may even solve some of the issues faced by foldable phones.

An extendable phone would be more like a conventional screen, making it more durable or practical for the users. For those unaware, a regular smartphone is still more durable than a foldable one since moving parts are also vulnerabilities to its integrity. However, the latest Samsung patent might challenge this with a different kind of flexible display. Unlike the typical foldable phone with a tall flexible panel, the extending panel is just a small section of the device that can be pulled out for additional screen real estate.

The new design would focus on parallel alignment along with unique connections and support structures to give more flexibility and durability to the display. It is worth noting that this is still just a patent and we have no way of knowing whether Samsung is actually working on such a device. But it does paint a neat picture of what future smartphones with flexible screens could look like.

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Canalys: Huawei returns to top five in China’s smartphone market as shipments rise by 47%

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Jan 26, 2024

Canalys recently shared the latest figures for China’s mobile phone market for the last quarter of 2023. The report shows that the decrease in China’s mobile phone market has slowed down in the fourth quarter. During this period, smartphone shipments totaled 73.9 million units, which is just 1% lower than the same time the previous year.

The top five brands in terms of sales were Apple, Honor, Vivo, Huawei, and Xiaomi. Notably, Huawei saw a significant 47% increase in shipments compared to last year, putting them back in the top five at the fourth position.

Canalys China smartphone shipment in Q4 2023

Breaking it down, Apple led the pack with 17.5 million units shipped in the fourth quarter, a 6% increase from last year.

Honor came in second with a 16% market share and 11.7 million units shipped. Vivo was close behind in third place, shipping 11.3 million units.

Huawei, with its 47% increase in shipments, shipped 10.4 million units securing fourth place. According to Lucas Zhong, a Canalys research analyst, Huawei’s comeback is largely due to the “Mate 60 Pro which uses self-developed Kirin chips and innovative features like satellite calling.” Xiaomi rounded out the top five with 9.5 million units shipped.

Meanwhile, for the entire year of 2023, smartphone shipments in China fell by 5% to 273 million units. Apple achieved a milestone by topping the annual shipment chart in mainland China for the first time, with a slight 1% increase in shipments and a market share that grew to 19%.

Vivo, Oppo, and Honor each held a stable market share of 16%, with respective annual shipments of 44.5 million, 43.9 million, and 43.6 million units.

Xiaomi maintained its fifth position in the market with a 13% share. Huawei, coming in sixth, saw a significant rise, with its market share jumping from 8% in 2022 to 12% in 2023, and a 48% increase in shipments.

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Acer Swift Go 14 with 2.8K OLED display, Intel Core Ultra 7 & 1440p webcam available to pre-order in India

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Jan 26, 2024

Acer‘s new Swift Go 14, first introduced at CES 2024, is now available for pre-order in India via Flipkart. This laptop, powered by the new Intel Core Ultra mobile CPUs, is set to become a significant offering in the Indian tech market.

The Swift Go 14 is available in two variants on Flipkart: the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H model priced at ₹99,990, and the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H version at ₹84,990. Both models can be purchased via a 24-month no-cost EMI option, potentially making them more accessible to a wider range of consumers.

In terms of financial incentives, Acer is offering up to 10% off on EMI transactions with HDFC, Bank of Baroda, and Canara Bank credit cards, along with similar offers on select other banks. The Acer Swift Go 14 will be officially available for sale starting January 30th in India.

The laptop’s technical specifications include the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, enhanced by Intel AI Boost and Intel Arc GPU. The Swift Go 14 also features a 14-inch 2.8K resolution OLED display with 100% DCI P3 color gamut, VESA Display HDR True Black 500 certification, and a 90 Hz refresh rate. These features are indicative of the laptop’s capability to handle high-performance tasks and provide a quality visual experience.

An additional notable feature is the 1440p QHD webcam integrated with Acer PurifiedVoice technology, designed to improve audio clarity during video calls. Connectivity options include USB Type-C, HDMI 2.1, and a MicroSD slot, supplemented by Intel Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth LE Audio for wireless networking and audio connections.

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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro finally goes on sale in India

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Jan 26, 2024

The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro was officially unveiled earlier this month in India. Now, the latest generation of flagship gaming smartphone from the company has finally gone on sale in the region. So here are all the details regarding its specs, pricing, and more.

ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro Pricing & Availability

The Taiwanese tech giant released the ROG Phone 8 Pro in a single Phantom Black color option in India. Although, it is available for purchase in two storage configurations, namely 16GB + 512GB and 24GB + 1TB variants. The base model has a price tag of 94,999 INR (roughly 1,055 US Dollars), while the top end overkill version costs 119,999 INR (roughly 1,330 US Dollars).

Notably, the 24GB version is dubbed the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition and it is also bundled with the ROG AeroActive Cooler X. This is an external cooler that helps keep the thermals of your device in check during intense gaming. Users can also purchase this accessory separately for 5,999 INR. The smartphone is on sale via the brand’s official Indian website and Vijay Sales.

To recall, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro sports a tall 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution and 165Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 gen 3 SoC and a large 5,000mAh battery pack with 65W wired fast charging support. The rear packs a 50-megapixel triple camera setup, while the front has a 32-megapixel selfie shooter. It runs on the Android 14 OS based ROG UI custom skin.

ASUS ROG 8 Pro US

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Xiaomi launches 60W fast charging cable at just $3

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Jan 26, 2024

Xiaomi, a brand renowned for its diverse array of tech products, has recently expanded its portfolio by launching a new USB-C cable. Priced at an affordable 19 yuan (approximately $3), the latest offering is currently only available in China. So let’s get into its detail here.

Xiaomi 60W cable overview

The new cable by Xiaomi measures 1 meter in length, so you can assume it’s made for everyday use. The length should be ideal for charging your everyday gadgets like smartphones or tablets while reducing the likelihood of tangling.

Aesthetically, the cable dons a minimalist white and gray color scheme, and it’s made from TPE rubber, a material known for its flexibility and durability, which enhances its longevity.

Performance-wise, the cable supports 3A current, facilitating fast charging capabilities up to 60W. Additionally, it boasts a data transfer speed of up to 480 Mbps, adhering to the USB 2.0 standard, which is more than adequate for efficient file transfers and photo backups.

Not to forget, this is a USB Type-C to Type-C cable which means you’ll need a Type-C adapter to use it. You can use this data cable with any compatible adapter without any issues.

Xiaomi has also well taken care of safety with its new offering. The data cable comes with a range of certifications, including GB 4943.1-2022, YD/T 1591-2021, and CQC certification. These certifications ensure the product’s compliance with safety and quality standards, ensuring that the cable delivers reliable performance and maintains user safety.

As aforementioned, the new 60W Xiaomi data cable is priced at just 19 yuan (approximately $3). You can purchase it in China from JD.com.

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Apple iPhone 16 processor & camera details revealed

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Jan 26, 2024

Over the last couple of weeks, we covered a bunch of reports regarding Apple‘s 2024 iPhone lineup. Now, a fresh leak has revealed more details regarding the iPhone 16 series camera and processor details. So here are all the details.

Apple iPhone 16 Specs

The latest information arrives from a tipster on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website). Looking at the online post, Apple A18 Bionic chipset would be based on TSMC’s 3nm process. Furthermore, this processor could likely be equipped in the iPhone 16 and is a next gen flagship grade chipset like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and MediaTek Dimensity 9400. The tipster Smart Pikachu adds that all three processors are expected to launch around the same time frame in 2024.

It adds that the A18 Bionic series will offer dual versions of WiFi6E and WiFi 7. Furthermore, the processor could also power a double 48-megapixel camera. This is in line with our previous reports as the iPhone 16 is rumored to offer a telephoto lens that offers 5x optical zoom. Previously, we also covered build details regarding the iPhone 16 as well as the new Camera button for the iPhone 16 Pro series.

Unfortunately, this was all the information shared by the tipster. Till then, you can check out our other reports that talks about renders, RAM improvements, and smaller Dynamic Island. So stick around for more as we will be providing updates when additional information is available regarding this matter.

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Realme 12 Pro to feature Sony IMX882 primary camera, Pro+ gets IMX890

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Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 26, 2024

Realme will unveil the Realme 12 Pro series of smartphones on Jan. 29. Ahead of the official announcement, the brand is busy confirming key specifications of the phone. Until now, it was believed the Realme 12 Pro and 12 Pro+ had the same Sony IMX890 primary camera. However, the below poster reveals that the 12 Pro has a different primary camera sensor.

Realme 12 Pro, 12 Pro+ primary camera sensors officially confirmed

Realme 12 Pro, 12 Pro+ IMX882, IMX890 primary cameras — Realme 12 Pro, 12 Pro+ to feature IMX882, IMX890 primary cameras, respectively

The Realme 12 Pro+ will feature the Sony IMX890, a camera sensor that has been widely used on flagship and sub-flagship phones. On the other hand, the Realme 12 Pro will have the all-new Sony IMX882 camera sensor. According to reports, the IMX882 sensor is identical to the LYT-600 sensor, which can be found in phones such as the Oppo Reno 11 5G and Vivo S18e, both available in the Chinese market.

The rear camera setup of the 12 Pro+ will have a 64-megapixel OV64B periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. On the other hand, the 12 Pro is expected to feature a 32-megapixel telephoto camera. Both devices are also said to feature an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens.

As per reports, the Realme 12 Pro and 12 Pro+ are expected to feature a 16-megapixel and a 32-megapixel front-facing camera, respectively. While the Pro variant may feature the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset, the Pro+ will have the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC.

At present, there is no word on the price of the Realme 12 Pro series. The series may come with a 6.7-inch AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz display, up to 12 GB of RAM, up to 256 GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 67W fast charging. At present, there is no information on the price of the Realme 12 Pro series.

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Redmi Note 13 Series sells over 3.2 million units with near-perfect 98% customer satisfaction in China

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