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Fire-Boltt to launch its first ever Wristphone in India, Flipkart availability confirmed

Fire-Boltt is gearing up to launch a brand-new wearable device in India. But this isn’t just any smartwatch as the company appears to be working on the first ever Wristphone model. The landing page of the device has surfaced on Flipkart as well, so here are all the details.

Fire-Boltt Wristphone

Fire-Boltt to launch new Wristphone in India

The brand is clearly preparing for a major announcement. However, the finer details regarding the upcoming device have yet to be revealed. The landing page of the Wristphone confirms that the launch of the wearable isn’t too far away, with the official listing stating “Coming Soon.” The design of the new gadget was also revealed on Flipkart. We can see a rectangular display with rounded corners and edges. It resembles the Apple Watch as well, with a metallic casing surrounding the screen.

The side also houses a button and a rotating crown. Based on the term Wristphone, we can expect this smartwatch to be capable of standalone functioning. This means that it does not require a partnered smartphone for its full functions. We can also expect support for eSIM and a dedicated operating system as well. The upcoming Fire-Boltt Wristphone will be powered by the FireOS, which allows users to perform various tasks like social media browsing, cab hailing, multiple app support, and even letting you order meals.

Fire-Boltt Wristphone

Fire-Boltt teased the device to have a “phone’s soul” with the “watch’s charm”. The launch date of the smartwatch is still unclear. But the Flipkart listing hints that the announcement should be right around the corner. So stick around for more, as we will be providing updates when additional information is available regarding this device. Till then check out our previous coverage of Fire-Boltt products like the Fire-Boltt Huracan and Fire-Boltt Armour, which are the latest smartwatches from the company.

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OnePlus Ace 3 display teased to offer an improved gaming experience

With the OnePlus Ace 3 launch being right around the corner, a fresh teaser was recently teased by the company. In the latest teaser, it was revealed that the upcoming smartphone will offer an improved gaming experience. So let’s have a look.

OnePlus Ace 3 Display Teaser

The Chinese smartphone maker’s latest teaser confirms that the device features self developed technology that enables an enhanced touch experience. This brand new feature is paired with TUV Precision certification, which means that the device underwent 20 professional tests and millions of touch inputs. Apart from this, the company also stated that it comes with special optimization for Peacekeeper Elite, which is the China exclusive version of PUBG Mobile.

OnePlus Ace 3

This basically means that the new Ace 3 model is set to be a powerhouse for mobile gamers. Just recently, OnePlus has also teased other display specifications of the device. It is set to sport a tall 6.78-inch OLED panel that is supplied by BOE. This panel will offer 1.5K resolution, 800 nits of manual brightness, 1,600 nits of global brightness, and 4,500 nits of peak brightness. The screen is an X1 series 8T LTPO panel that offers 120Hz refresh rate.

The OnePlus Ace 3 is expected to house some beefy specs like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers this phone, which supports 100W fast charging. The processor is paired with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The rear is rumored to pack a 50-megapixel triple camera setup, while the front houses a 16-megapixel selfie shooter. OnePlus Ace 3 will be announced on 4th January 2024, so stick around for more updates as we will be covering the launch event later this week.

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Realme Note 50 grabs TUV Rheinland certification, specifications tipped

Thailand’s NBTC certification platform recently listed a new Realme smartphone, the Note 50 (model number RMX3834). The listing confirms the device will be limited to LTE connectivity, lacking the increasingly common 5G capabilities.

The phone has now passed through TUV Rheinland certification, revealing a respectable 4890mAh battery capacity. However, the same certification suggests a potentially slow 10W charger might be included.

While these certifications offer limited insight into the phone’s overall specs, tipster Paras Guglani, citing industry sources (via PassionateGeekz), suggests the phone might feature a 6.67-inch HD+ LCD display with a water-drop notch.

Likewise, the smartphone is said to have a dual camera setup on the back consisting of a 13MP primary and a 0.8MP secondary camera. There will be a 5MP camera for selfies.

While the report didn’t mention the SoC detail except it will be from Unisoc, the smartphone is expected to come with 4GB RAM and 64GB of storage. Software-wise, there will be Realme T UI, which could possibly be the toned-down version of the standard Realme UI. 

As for the price, the Realme Note 50’s price is expected to fall between 7,000 and 8,000 INR.

Remember, these are early details about the phone, so take them with a grain of salt. However, the certifications we’ve seen suggest that the Realme Note 50 will probably be a budget-friendly phone.

In related news, Realme will likely be announcing the launch date of the Realme 12 Pro series in India tomorrow. The company has been hinting at this on its social media channels for a few days, referring to it as the “Real Update.” We will keep you posted on any new developments about it.

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Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Retail Box Leaks Pricing Details of India Variant

After its launch in China a few months ago, the new Redmi Note 13 Series is due to launch globally. Just days before its India launch on January 4, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Retail Box has just leaked, revealing the pricing details and confirming already leaked specification details about the device. The Redmi Note 13 series comprises the Redmi Note 13, Redmi Note 13 Pro, and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ models.

Coming from the popular tipster Abhishek Yadav on X.com, the retail box of 12GB RAM and 512GB storage carries a price tag of Rs 37,999. Further, it confirms the specifications of a 120Hz 3D curved AMOLED display, the presence of MediaTek 7200 SoC, a 200 MP ultra-high-res camera with OIS, 120W hypercharge carrying a 5000 mAh battery, and an IP68 rating. The smartphone appears to feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ Specifications (Rumored)

As per previous leaks, Redmi Note 13 Pro+(review) flaunts a 6.67-inch curved OLED display with a 6.67-inch curved OLED display with a punch-hole camera. It is a 10-bit panel that supports 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 1920Hz PWM dimming, 1800 nits peak brightness, and Dolby Vision.

Redmi Note 13 Pro+

The smartphone will feature an in-screen fingerprint sensor consisting of a dual stereo speaker, an IR blaster, and an IP68 rating. There’s a 5000 mAh battery with 120W charging support.

Ahead of the release, different Redmi Note 13 models have already appeared on TDRA, NBTC, and several other public certifications. Apart from the specifications, the pricing for the Redmi Note 13 Pro and Note 13 Pro+ appeared on some retailer websites, consisting of a price tag of 450 Euro and 500 Euro for 12 GB of RAM, respectively.

Under the hood, the 13 Pro is equipped with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC, while the 13 Pro+ variant will feature the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra SoC.

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Redmi Note 12 4G gets yet another price cut in India

The Redmi Note 12 4G was unveiled in India at the end of March. It has been on sale in the country since early April.

Over the months, the device received two price cuts. This brought down its price by ₹2,000.

Now, the phone is available at the lowest price ever, courtesy of yet another price drop.

Redmi Note 12 4G

Redmi Note 12 4G gets third price drop in India

The Redmi Note 12 4G now starts at ₹11,999 for the base 6GB + 64GB variant. On the other hand, the higher 6GB + 128GB variant retails at ₹13,999.

The new prices are live across all channels and retailers. The phone can be availed in either Ice Blue, Lunar Black, or Sunrise Gold color options.

Buyers can get an optional ₹1,500 discount via transaction through select credit cards, which vary across retailers.

It is worth noting that the handset was available at this price during the Diwali festive sale period. However, that was a discount offered by the brand and this is a price cut.

Originally, the Redmi Note 12 4G was released at ₹14,999 and ₹16,999 for 6GB + 64GB and 6GB + 128GB memory configurations, respectively. It received a ₹1,000 price drop in July, followed by another ₹1,000 price reduction in August.

Redmi Note 12 4G Specifications

The Redmi Note 12 4G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 SoC. The chipset is paired with LPDDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage.

It was launched with MIUI 14 based on Android 13 and is eligible for the HyperOS update based on Android 14.

The smartphone flaunts a 6.67-inch centered punch-hole AMOLED display. The screen offers a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 1200 nits peak brightness level.

It sports a triple camera system on the rear comprising a 50MP Samsung JN1 primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a 2MP macro snapper. On the front, it has a 13MP selfie camera.

The device lacks dual stereo speakers but comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack, a dedicated MicroSD card slot, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. 

Lastly, it is backed by a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W charging.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra to offer 4K 120fps video recording

Samsung is getting ready for the launch of its flagship Galaxy S24 series of smartphones soon. But ahead of the announcement fresh leaks have revealed the video recording specifications of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. So here are all the details.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra features 4K video recording at 120fps

The South Korean tech giant’s top end Galaxy S24 Ultra model will offer high resolution video recording at high frame rates. According to known tipster Ice Universe, the Galaxy S24 Ultra may offer 4K recording support at 120fps. If this is true, then the S24 Ultra comes with a notable upgrade over its Galaxy S24 Ultra, which only offers 4K recording at 60fps.

galaxy-s-24-ultra-camera

In the tweet, the tipster adds that the feature is still in the testing phase and may not ship in the commercial unit. Unfortunately, Ice Universe didn’t reveal any other finer details regarding the S24 Ultra. For those unaware, this will mark the first time that the Galaxy S series may feature 4K 120fps recording. To recall, other brands have offered these features on their flagship handsets, but it is still not a popular feature across the industry.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Pre-Order Benefits

Just recently, the pre-order details of the Galaxy S24 series were revealed. This information reportedly arrives from a company source. The premium grade phones will include double the storage space of those that pre-book these devices. In other words, prospective buyers could get a 512GB variant of the Galaxy S24 series when buying a 256GB version of S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra. Other pre-order benefits may also include a Galaxy Watch model and Galaxy Buds FE for discounted price tags via coupons.

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Oppo teases Reno 11 series launch in India

Oppo has confirmed the arrival of the Reno 11 series in India. The company took to its Twitter/X handle to confirm this, but they haven’t yet revealed the exact launch date.

This announcement follows the official confirmation of the series’ launch in Malaysia, where both the Reno 11 5G and Reno 11 Pro 5G are set to debut on January 11th at 10 AM local time. India’s launch will likely follow, making Malaysia the first market outside China to officially welcome the Reno 11 series.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian launch event will also serve as the platform for unveiling ColorOS 14 to the global audience. The event is set to be hosted by renowned Malaysian celebrity Amelia Henderson. 

Oppo Reno 11series specifications

Both phones have large, curved OLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates. The Reno 11 Pro has a slightly larger and higher-resolution display (6.74-inch 1.5K vs. 6.7-inch FHD+), and it boasts a peak brightness of 1600 nits, compared to 950 nits for the Reno 11.

The Reno 11 Pro is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, while the Reno 11 uses the MediaTek Dimensity 8200. Both phones come with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage.

Both phones have triple-camera systems on the back, but the sensors are different. The Reno 11 Pro has a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 32MP telephoto sensor. The Reno 11 has a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 32MP telephoto sensor. For selfies, they have a 32MP front-facing cameras.

The Reno 11 Pro has a slightly larger battery (4700mAh vs. 4800mAh), but the Reno 11 supports faster charging (80W vs. 67W). Both phones run on the latest ColorOS 14 based on Android 14.

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OnePlus Ace 3 chipset, RAM, storage officially confirmed along with other details

On Thursday, OnePlus will announce the OnePlus Ace 3 in the Chinese market. Ahead of the launch, the company has released some new posters to confirm the key specifications of the device. In addition, the brand also released real-life photos of the device.

OnePlus Ace 3’s performance prowess revealed

The first poster confirms that the highest configuration of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered OnePlus Ace 3 will feature up to 16 GB of LPDRR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The company confirmed that it will feature a 9140mm2 VC heat dissipation unit.The brand also revealed that the device has achieved an impressive score of 1,743,901 on AnTuTu benchmarks.

According to OnePlus, the Ace 3 has the largest heat dissipation area in its class, is equipped with an aerospace-grade heat dissipation structure, and has improved thermal conductivity in its heat dissipation materials. Hence, the Ace 3 can sustain peak performance over extended periods with remarkable stability.

In the third poster, OnePlus states that the Ace 3’s micro-architecture supercomputing engine will elevate performance by an impressive 9.4 percent under identical platform and scenario conditions. The introduction of the new memory gene recombination 2.0 technology significantly enhances the overall user experience, providing faster and more stable large memory functionality. Additionally, the implementation of new storage technology guarantees seamless usage for up to 4 years.

Shown above are some real-life images of the OnePlus Ace 3. The device will be available in shades such as Star Black, Moon Sea, and Sand Gold. Other reports have claimed that the device may arrive with a starting price of around 3,299 Yuan (~$462) in China.

As it is known, the same device is expected to debut as the OnePlus 12R in the global market on Jan. 23. While the 12R will be available in black and blue options, it is unlikely to be available in a gold variant.

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Unisoc quietly launches a new mid-range 5G chip platform, the T765 5G

Unisoc might not be a household name in chipsets like Qualcomm or MediaTek, but they’re no newcomer. They’re known for building affordable platforms for smartphones, especially popular in South Asia. And today, they’ve quietly released their latest offering: the Unisoc T765 5G. This 5G chip is likely to power the mid-range smartphones of 2024. So let’s get into the details here.

Unisoc T765 5G Overview

The T765 is built on a 6nm EUV (TSMC) process and features two A76 cores clocked at 2.3GHz and six A55 cores at 2.1GHz. There’s LPDDR4x memory support up to 2133 MHz and can use eMMC5.1 / UFS 3.1 / UFS 2.2 standards for storage. This combination should ensure smooth performance for everyday tasks and even some light gaming.

The graphics department is handled by an Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU running at 850MHz. The chip also supports FHD+ displays with a 120Hz refresh rate and there is even support for HDR 10+ and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology. 

As for the optics, The T765 is equipped with Unisoc’s latest Vivimagic 6.0 image engine and a 4-core ISP  (2 main + 2 auxiliary) architecture. This translates to support for high-resolution cameras, up to 108MP main sensor, or a versatile triple-camera setup with 64MP, 20MP, and 13MP sensors.

Unisoc has also thrown in some impressive camera features like multi-frame noise reduction, HDR camera technology, and AI-powered scene recognition and portrait mode. 

The T765 is also future-proof with support for all 2G to 5G network modes. It also boasts 5G dual-carrier aggregation technology for faster data speeds, up to 130MHz bandwidth. Additionally, it supports both SA and NSA 5G modes, dual-SIM dual-VoNR for seamless voice calls, and VoWiFi for clear calls over Wi-Fi.

Specifications

FeatureSpecification
Process Technology6nm EUV (TSMC)
CPU2x Arm Cortex-A76 @ 2.3GHz + 6x Arm Cortex-A55 @ 2.1GHz
GPUArm Mali-G57 MC2 (850MHz)
MemoryLPDDR4X 2133MHz
StorageeMMC 5.1 / UFS 3.1 / UFS 2.2
DisplayFHD+ @ 120Hz
Image EngineVivimagic 6.0
ISP4-core (2 main + 2 auxiliary)
Main CameraUp to 108MP
Triple Camera64MP + 20MP + 13MP
Video Recording4K HDR
Connectivity2G to 5G multi-mode, 5G dual-carrier aggregation (up to 130MHz), SA/NSA dual-mode, dual-SIM dual-VoNR, VoWiFi, Bluetooth 5.0

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OnePlus Ace 3 Pro key specifications leaked, may launch soon

On Jan. 4, OnePlus is scheduled to introduce the OnePlus Ace 3 to the Chinese market. The Ace 3 series is expected to comprise two additional models, namely the Ace 3V and the Ace 3 Pro. While recent reports have provided insights into the specifications of the 3V variant, a fresh leak from tipster Digital Chat Station has now disclosed the key specifications of the Pro variants for the first time. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect from the device.

Looking back, the OnePlus Ace 2 Pro, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, was unveiled in August 2023. The new leak suggests that OnePlus is accelerating the launch timeline for the Ace 3 Pro. Instead of a release in the second half of 2024, it now suggests a potential launch in the first half. More precisely, it appears that the Ace 3 Pro might be officially introduced in the first quarter, maintaining a six-month gap compared to its predecessor.

OnePlus Ace 3 Pro key specifications (rumored)

The OnePlus Ace 3 Pro is expected to sport a curved-edge OLED panel provided by BOE. It is anticipated that the device might retain the same 6.78-inch display found on the Ace 3, offering a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Under the hood, the Ace 3 Pro will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM. While it is not mentioned in the leak, it is likely that the device may offer up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

The tipster added that the device will have a metal middle frame and a glass back. The leak has no information about its camera specifications, battery size, or charging capabilities. However, it is likely to run on ColorOS 14-based Android 14.

The OnePlus Ace 2 Pro did not have a global version. Hence, it is unclear whether there will be a global edition of the Ace 3 Pro.

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Vivo X Fold 3, X Fold 3 Pro chipset details emerge, Pad 3 may feature larger display

Vivo is reportedly gearing up for its upcoming launch event, which is likely to introduce the latest foldable smartphones in the Chinese market. It is speculated that the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro could be one of the first foldable phones to come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. However, distinctions between the standard X Fold 3 and its Pro counterpart remain unclear. A new leak from tipster Digital Chat Station has shed light on the chipset that will power the standard model while also unveiling crucial details about the upcoming Vivo Pad 3 tablet.

Vivo X Fold 3, Vivo X Fold 3 Pro

In the latest leak, DCS has refrained from explicitly naming the devices under discussion. However, it appears that the information pertains to the Vivo X Fold 3 series and the Vivo Pad 3. It appears that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets will power the X Fold 3 and X Fold 3 Pro, respectively. The inclusion of the SD8G2 on the X Fold 2 suggests that it could be an affordable foldable phone.

Vivo Pad 3

Earlier reports indicated that the Vivo Pad 3 tablet would feature the Dimensity 9300 chipset. Due to the Chinese nature of the leak, the exact details conveyed by the tipster are unclear, but there are indications that the Pad 3 might offer both OLED and LCD screen alternatives.

The Vivo Pad 2, which debuted in April, came equipped with a 12.1-inch IPS LCD 144Hz display and the Dimensity 9000 chipset. In the new leak, DCS seems to be claiming that the display size of the Pad 3 will exceed that of the previous generation.

As per other reports, the Vivo X Fold 3, X Fold 3 Pro, and Pad 3 may debut in Q1 2024. Likely, the Vivo X100s may also go official alongside these devices.

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Moto G04 Appears on UAE’s TDRA; Launch Seems Imminent

Motorola is preparing to launch some new smartphones, including the Moto G24 Power, the Moto G34 5G, and the Moto G04 smartphone. The latter has surfaced on the UAE TDRA certification, confirming the upcoming launch. The certification, however, fails to shed any light on its specifications or features.

Moto G04 Specifications (Rumored)

As per previous reports and leaks, the Moto G04 budget-friendly smartphone could come with a 6.56-inch LCD that supports HD+ resolution of 1612 x 720 pixels and a 90 Hz refresh rate.

It appeared on a European retailer website, unveiling some greater details about its specifications and pricing. The listing reveals the presence of a Unisoc T606 SoC, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Further, it seems to feature a 5000 mAh battery with 10W fast charging. In the camera section, the smartphone seems to have a dual-rear front camera featuring a 5 MP front sensor for selfies and a 16 MP single rear camera.

Despite being an affordable smartphone, it will feature a side-facing fingerprint sensor and run on the Android 14 OS running My UX. The smartphone measures 163.49 x 74.53 x 7.99mm and weighs 180 grams.

The listing on mobiili.fi reveals the presence of Orange, Green, Blue, and Black colors. It will retail for 129 euros (~$140) for the 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.

Some previous renders reveal the presence of a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB-C port, a speaker grille, and a microphone at the bottom.

Along with the Moto G04, the Moto G24 Power and Moto G34 are also launching soon. The Moto G24 Power seems to feature a 6.5-inch LCD HD+ display, while the Moto G34 5G will sport a 6.5-inch LCD HD+ display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels. Details about the announcement date have yet to come to the day of the light.

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Vivo V40 Lite 5G (V2337) registered in IMEI database

Vivo recently launched the V30 Lite 5G smartphone in Malaysia, and rumors suggest that at least two more devices are coming in this lineup: the V30 and V30 Pro. While the company hasn’t officially confirmed these plans, it’s speculated that they might be rebranded versions of the Vivo S18 and S18 Pro for the global market.

In the meantime, a new device named the Vivo V40 Lite 5G has surfaced in the IMEI database. Spotted by GSMChina, the listing reveals the smartphone bears model number V2337. The report also suggests the phone could launch in the second quarter of 2024. 

Vivo V40 Lite IMEI

Details regarding the Vivo V40 Lite are scarce for now, but let’s take a closer look at the recently launched V30 Lite 5G.

The V30 Lite 5G sports a 6.67-inch curved-edge AMOLED E4 display with Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1,150 nits. 

Under the hood, the V30 Lite 5G packs the Snapdragon 695 processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It runs on Android 13 with FunTouch OS 13 on top and draws power from a 4,800mAh battery with 44W fast charging support. 

Vivo V30 Lite 5G
Vivo V30 Lite 5G

As for the camera, the phone features three lenses at the rear led by a 64MP main sensor. It is joined by an 8MP ultrawide and 2MP macro lens. As with its predecessor, the rear camera setup is accompanied by an aura ring-LED flashlight with temperature control. A 50MP camera sits on the front punch-hole cutout for selfies. 

The phone also boasts an IP54 rating for splash resistance and a sleek body measuring 162.35 x 74.85 x 7.69mm and weighing 190 grams.

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(Via)

Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro battery, charging capabilities leaked well before launch

Xiaomi is expected to unveil the Xiaomi 14 Ultra in the second quarter of this year. It is speculated that the brand may also announce the Xiaomi Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro flagship tablets alongside the 14 Ultra. Recent reports have already leaked key details about the Pad 7 series. In a new report, GSMChina has tipped the battery size and charging capabilities of the Pro variant.

Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro battery size, charging speed (rumored)

Xiaoim Pad 6 series April 18 launch-
Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro

Scouring through the Mi code, the publication found that the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro will pack a massive 10,000mAh battery and will come with support for 120W fast charging. This is a major upgrade considering that the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro packs an 8,600mAh battery with 67W fast charging.

As per previous reports, the Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro may feature a 10-inch LCD panel that offers a resolution of 1480 x 2367 pixels and a 144Hz LCD panel. Under the hood, the tablet will have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Like the predecessor model, the Pad 7 Pro may arrive with up to 12 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of storage.

The tablet is expected to run on HyperOS-based Android 14. It is speculated to feature a 50-megapixel dual-camera setup on the back. For audiophiles, the tablet is said to be equipped with quad speakers.

To recall, the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro was not released in markets outside of China. However, a recent report claimed that the Pad 7 Pro may be released in the global market. At present, there is no information available on the launch timeframe of the Pad 7 series for the international market.

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(source)

Caviar Merges Eco-Friendly Tech with Luxury in New Apple iPhone Cases

Apple‘s recent shift to environmentally friendly FineWoven cases for their iPhone 15 lineup is a significant move away from traditional leather accessories. However, these cases have received varied feedback. While some applaud the eco-friendly approach, others miss the classic leather feel and question the durability of these new cases. In comes Dubai-based luxury brand Caviar, famous for its extravagant customizations of tech products. They’ve taken Apple’s initiative a notch higher by introducing an exclusive twist: wrapping these FineWoven cases in high-quality Hermes leather, renowned for its use in Hermes’ Birkin bags. This blend of Apple’s environmental consciousness with Caviar’s luxury touch bridges the gap between sustainability and the premium feel of traditional leather (on a smartphone, no less)

The cases are available in three different colors, and are adorned with 24-karat gold-coated crown

Caviar’s craftsmanship shines through in their adaptation of the FineWoven cases. They’ve skillfully integrated Hermes leather while keeping Apple’s MagSafe functionality intact. The cases come in three colors: Fine Orange featuring Hermes Epsom leather, and Fine Blue and Fine Brown in Hermes Togo leather. Each case is adorned with Caviar’s 24-karat gold-coated relief crown, adding a touch of opulence.

Caviar iPhone

These cases are not just about style but also about making a statement. Priced between $2,060 and $2,200 depending on the iPhone model, they cater to a niche market that values luxury and brand prestige. This move by Caviar offers an intriguing perspective on how luxury and technology can merge, creating products that are both eco-friendly and stylish.

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(Via)

Netherlands Halts Advanced Semiconductor Exports to China

Recent developments have seen the Netherlands place restrictions on ASML, a key player in the global semiconductor industry, from exporting its advanced technology to China. This decision marks a significant shift in the global tech landscape, as ASML is known for its cutting-edge lithography systems, crucial for manufacturing the most advanced microchips.

The ASML technology helps make chips smaller, faster, and more efficient

This move by the Netherlands, while seen as a protective measure for technological advancements, raises questions about the balance between global cooperation and national security. ASML’s technology is not just a commercial asset but also a strategic one, given its pivotal role in the semiconductor supply chain. With this technology, chips can be made smaller, faster, and more efficient, playing a critical role in everything from smartphones to advanced military systems.

China

The decision can be viewed as a response to growing concerns over technological sovereignty and security. Nations are increasingly aware of the importance of controlling and protecting their technological advancements. This action is not just about a single company or country but reflects a larger trend where nations are scrutinizing and often limiting the flow of critical technology across borders.

For China, this represents a significant hurdle in its ambitions to become a leader in the high-tech sector. The country has been heavily investing in developing its semiconductor industry, but access to ASML’s technology is crucial for reaching the forefront of chip technology. This development could slow down China’s progress and affect its tech companies, which are major players in the global market.

On the other hand, for the global tech industry, this move could signal a shift towards more regionalized or nationalized tech development strategies. Companies and countries might focus more on developing homegrown technologies and securing their supply chains, which could lead to more innovation but also potential fragmentation in the industry.

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(Via)

Honor Magic 6 Pro design officially confirmed, configurations, color options revealed

Over the last few weeks, numerous images surfaced on Weibo showcasing the design of the Honor Magic 6 series, although none provided an accurate look. Today, the company released an official poster confirming the rear design of the phone. Simultaneously, an official pre-order listing on Honor Mall has disclosed the device’s configurations and available color choices.

Honor Magic 6 Pro design

Honor Magic 6 Pro poster
Honor Magic 6 Pro

The official images show that the Honor Magic 6 Pro’s design is more like an updated version of what was seen on the Magic 5 Pro. The device sports a triple camera unit arranged in a triangular manner in a round camera module. It has a dual-LED flash, a microphone, an unknown sensor, and 100x (digital zoom) text inside. On the front, it has a quad-curved OLED panel with a pill-shaped cutout, suggesting that it could be equipped with a dual selfie camera system.

It is already known that the Magic 6 Pro will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, allowing it to compete with the likes of the Xiaomi 14 Pro, Vivo X100 Pro, iQOO 12 Pro, OnePlus 12, Realme GT 5 Pro, and Nubia Z60 Ultra in the Chinese market. The device is also expected to come preloaded with the latest Magic OS 8.0-based Android 14.

Honor Magic 6 Pro
Honor Magic 6 Pro

The Magic 6 Pro’s official listing confirms that it will be available in storage options such as 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB. However, it does not state the amount of RAM that will be available with each of these variants. In addition, it is also known now that the device will be available in multiple shades, such as black, white, green, cyan, and purple.

The Magic 6 Pro will go official with the Magic 6 and its Porsche Design special variant on Jan. 10 and Jan. 11 in China.

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Kentucky’s New Tax Policy is Challenging Electric Vehicle Progress

In Kentucky, the start of 2024 brought an unnatural, noticeable shift in how electric vehicles (EVs) are taxed compared to their gasoline counterparts. The state has imposed not one, but two distinct taxes on electric vehicles. These new taxes are each higher than the taxes levied on gasoline vehicles for comparable energy units. This move places Kentucky in a group of states that have chosen to tax EVs more heavily, arguably not reflecting the environmental benefits and reduced road damage associated with electric vehicle use.

EV Owners also now face an additional annual registration fee of $120

Firstly, EV owners in Kentucky now face an additional annual registration fee of $120, on top of the standard vehicle registration charges. This fee is more punitive towards electric vehicles, considering their efficiency and lower road wear compared to gasoline vehicles. For perspective, a hypothetical gasoline car with similar efficiency (around 140mpg) would pay approximately $30 in gas taxes for 15,000 miles a year, while an EV with 140mpge pays the flat $120 fee regardless of mileage.

Electric

Additionally, public EV charging stations in Kentucky are now subject to an extra tax of 3 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity distributed. This tax doubles for chargers located on state property. This represents a significant increase when compared to Kentucky’s average electricity rates and even more so against the state’s gasoline tax rate. As such, electricity for EVs is taxed at a much higher rate than gasoline, despite EVs causing less road damage and air pollution.

These new taxes disproportionately impact certain groups, notably apartment dwellers and commuters who rely more on public charging stations. Moreover, businesses offering free charging as an incentive might find this less feasible due to the increased costs.

The rationale behind these taxes is ostensibly to ensure that EVs contribute to road maintenance costs. However, this ignores the fact that gasoline taxes in Kentucky cover less than a third of the state’s road maintenance costs, implying that gasoline vehicles also underpay for road use. Additionally, the significant road damage caused by heavy trucks is not proportionately addressed in this taxation scheme.

While the state of Kentucky positions itself as a prime location for manufacturing electric vehicles, these new taxes seem counterintuitive. They could potentially disincentivize the adoption of EVs, which, aside from environmental benefits, could help in addressing Kentucky’s health issues related to air quality.

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Poco X6 Series is confirmed to launch on January 11 in India

Poco X6 is all set to unveil the Poco X6 Series in India on January 11, as per the official poster that appears on Flipkart. The smartphone has already been leaked via multiple leaks and rumors over the past some time. Most of the details are already public, and official confirmation is now required on launch day.

Poco X6 Series Specifications and Details

Poco X6 is set to launch in two models, i.e., Poco X6 and Poco X6 Pro. As per reports, both smartphones will be tweaked versions of the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G and Redmi K70e. However, there will be slight changes in the camera department of the Poco X6 5G, as it will feature a 64MP primary sensor instead of the 200MP primary sensor. Similarly, the Poco X6 Pro will feature 67W fast charging instead of the Redmi K70e 90W rapid charging.

The Poco X6 seems to feature the same Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC as present on the Redmi Note 13 Pro. Further, it will accompany LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. The smartphone seems to feature a triple-rear sensor with a 64 MP primary sensor, a 13 MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2 MP additional unit.

Further, the Poco X6 Pro is expected to come with the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 Ultra SoC, up to 12GB of RAM, and 512GB of internal storage. The smartphone seems to carry a 6.67-inch AMOLED 1.5K LTPS display, which will offer a 120Hz refresh rate.

A recent Amazon listing unveils a triple rear camera module consisting of a 67MP primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor. The smartphone will run Android 13 OS and will come with a 5000 mAh battery with 67W fast charging. The listing also reveals the price of AED 1,299, which roughly translates to USD 353.

The smartphone renders confirmed the presence of black, blue, and white color shades for the Poco X6 5G and black, gray, and yellow for the Poco X6 Pro 5G.

Now, all eyes are set for the January 11 launch in India.

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ZTE U50 Pro, F50 5G portable WiFi Year of the Dragon commemorative editions launched in China

This new year 2024 is the year of the Dragon based on the Chinese zodiac. ZTE has launched commemorative smartphones for the Year of the Dragon. The ZTE U50 Pro and F50 5G portable WIFI have been unveiled in China. The Year of the Dragon commemorative model is engraved with a customized pattern on the fuselage of the devices.

ZTE U50 Pro Year of Dragon Commemorative Edition

The ZTE U50 Pro is equipped with a 2.4-inch touchscreen and powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 chip. It supports 5G dual-mode and global roaming. The smartphone is compatible with networks in more than 100 countries and regions across the world. The phone also supports 5G NR network carrier aggregation and low-frequency ENDC technologies respectively.

In terms of connectivity, the U50 Pro supports WiFi 6 achieves a peak rate of 3,600Mbps, and supports up to 64 device connections. The phone has a 10,000mAh battery and supports up to 27W charging. The battery can sustain the device for up to 16 hours and supports NFC one-touch networking for mobile phones. Due to its large battery, the U50 Pro can be used as a power bank with up to 18W output.

The ZTE F50 has an ultra-thin body with dimensions of 78 x 62.8 x 10.3 mm and weighs about 50g. It supports 5G dual-mode, as well as multi-device connection. The F50 supports SA+NSA networks and the sub-6GHz frequency band with a peak rate DL 1.6Gbps. It also supports multiple power supply methods, plug and play, and is connectible to a Notebook via USB 3.0 Type-C interface. It also connects to charging heads, car mounts, power banks, and other power inputs, as well as operates as a WiFi hotspot.

ZTE U50 Pro Year of Dragon Commemorative Edition

The ZTE F50 has an 8-core processor and supports connections up to 10 devices. It can also be used as a TF card reader, as well as supports WiFi 5, 2.4G/ 5G dual band optionally.

Pricing & Availability

The ZTE U50 Pro is priced at 1,599 yuan ($226) while the F50 5G retails at 499 yuan ($70). The ZTE F50 in China is offered in several data packages. These include single-month, monthly fixed, long-term, and overlay packages, as well as a 1000G package. The prices of the packages fall between 99 yuan ($14) and 699 yuan ($99). There are no global availability details yet for the new ZTE commemorative models.

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