Honor is gearing up for the much-anticipated release of its Magic 6 series devices. Following the 3C certification received by the Honor Magic 6 (code-named BVL-AN00) last month, the Magic 6 Pro, identified as BVL-AN16, has also successfully passed the 3C certification. This confirmation highlights its support for satellite connectivity.
DCS sheds light on a 1″ OV50K main sensor, 3D ToF face recognition, variable aperture, and more
In addition to the 3C certification details, there are now rumors circulating about the specifications of the Magic 6 Pro, courtesy of DCS. These speculations shed light on the device’s advanced technologies, including 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) face recognition inside the pill-shaped cutout in the middle, OV50H/OV50K image sensors, an impressive 160-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, and variable aperture capabilities. Excitingly, there are rumors of a design collaboration with Porsche.
The mentioned OV50K is a 1-inch camera sensor from OmniVision, signaling an upgrade in the camera system compared to its predecessor, the Honor Magic 5 Pro. The latter featured a 1/1.12-inch main sensor. For the front camera, the same 12-megapixel selfie is expected.
While specific configurations are still under wraps, tech enthusiasts can draw parallels with the Huawei Mate60 series, which supports features like 3D ToF face recognition and variable aperture.
Looking at the predecessor, the Honor Magic 5 Pro, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, it’s reasonable to expect the Honor Magic 6 Pro to feature the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. The Magic 5 Pro boasted a 6.81-inch quad-curved display panel with a peak brightness of 1,800 nits and a 120Hz LTPO refresh rate. Additionally, it featured a robust 5,450mAh (typical) battery, supporting 66W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. Notably, the 3C certification has now confirmed 100W charging support for the Honor Magic 6 Pro.
Lenovo has a new lower mid-range tablet launch on the horizon called the Lenovo Tab M11. We already know what it looks like, as well as the majority of its specs thanks to a previous leak. The only remaining mysteries are the price tag and the launch date.
That being said, the tablet has just picked up the NBTC certification, indicating that the global launch might be near. The certification confirms the Lenovo Tab M11 moniker of the device with model number “TB330XU”. It also confirms that the device will have 4G, 3G, and 2G network support. In addition to that, it greenlights the tablet for launch in Thailand. Here’s what else we know about the tablet so far.
Lenovo Tab M11 specs:
The specifications that were leaked earlier, now nearly confirmed by a Google Play Console listing, indicate that the tablet will come equipped with an 11-inch LCD display boasting a resolution of 1920×1200. Powering the device is a MediaTek Helio G88 processor, complemented by three storage configurations: 4GB RAM/64GB, 4GB RAM/128GB, and 8GB/128GB. Additionally, the tablet will support storage expansion of up to 1TB via a microSD card.
In addition to LTE, the tablet will also offer 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi for connectivity and will come with Android 13-based ZUI 15.1.028 out of the box. The tablet has also picked up certifications in the UAE and the US, so we can expect it to launch in these regions soon.
In related news, Lenovo recently started selling the Legion Go handheld gaming console in the global market. There are a bunch of features that make this handheld stand out from the crowd, however, one of the main ones is the inclusion of Hall Effect joysticks, which eliminate the chances of stick drift, a major issue commonly encountered in handheld gaming consoles and controllers.
Samsung is quite determined to bring artificial intelligence technologies to our smartphones. The company, which has been struggling in flagship sales for a while and has obtained most of its market share from entry to mid-range models, believes that this technology will change the situation. In this direction, we recently heard about some features such as a more capable voice assistant. Now, some features that Samsung will introduce with the One UI 6.1 update have leaked. Here are the details…
Samsung’s Upcoming Pixel-Inspired AI Features in One UI 6.1 Update
Samsung’s One UI 6.1 update is expected to launch alongside the Galaxy S24 series. However, this new version includes more than just UI design changes and improvements. The company will update users with AI features that will enhance the harmony between the phone and the user, providing a personalized experience. In fact, these features are not entirely new; according to tipster Benit Bruhner, the Korean manufacturer has drawn plenty of inspiration from the artificial intelligence features recently introduced by Google in its Pixel models.
The One UI 6.1 update brings several noteworthy features:
AI-generated Wallpapers: Craft personalized wallpapers tailored to your preferences, similar to the functionality offered by Pixel 8.
Object Relocation and Photo Expansion: Edit photos by moving or removing objects, and expand backgrounds beyond their original boundaries.
Subject Transfer Between Photos: Seamlessly transfer subjects from one image to another for creative photo editing.
Smarter Samsung Notes: Enjoy enhanced note-taking with the ability to auto-format large text blocks into well-organized bullet points.
Live Translation for Calls: Effortlessly communicate across languages during phone calls with real-time translation.
Clearer Calls with Voice Focus: Improve call quality by eliminating background noise, a feature reminiscent of Pixel’s Clear Calling functionality.
Of course, all the new features that the One UI 6.1 update will bring may not be limited to these. However, we have no choice but to wait until the Unpacked event in January to see more.
Amid declining smartphone sales globally, Xiaomi in China has once again proved its prowess on its home turf. According to BCI, Xiaomi and its sub-brands, like Redmi, remained top sellers in November 2023. The company registered around 5.2 million smartphones in the last month alone. It registered 44% growth on a year-on-year basis and enabled the electronics maker to garner an additional market share in China.
Xiaomi stood in the second position in terms of sales in November 2023 in China. However, in a premium market segment, Xiaomi registered 11.8% growth on a YoY basis. Overall, Xiaomi has 18.3% of the total smartphone market share, consisting of sales from its subsidiaries. Meanwhile, Apple remained at the top, while Honor grabbed around 4 million smartphone sales, an increase of 12.6% on a YoY basis.
According to BCI in November 2023, we were a top performer in the Chinese market with 5.2+ million activations, and huge growth in the high-end segment. pic.twitter.com/vJjvHnGlOW
Especially in Week 48 of the Year, aka in the last few days of November, Xiaomi even surpassed Apple with 78.2K shipments in comparison with Apple’s 78.9. Still, there’s a significant gap between Apple and Xiaomi sales if we compare the whole month, but Xiaomi seems to be catching up quite rapidly.
However, Huawei and Vivo stood for the fourth and fifth positions. Huawei also garnered an exceptional 74% growth in comparison with the previous year. However, sales for Vivo declined, while those for the OnePlus and Realme also remained negative.
Most of the brands had a busy last month due to Double Eleven sales in China. We hope the momentum continues this month too, as the festive season remains along with discounts.
In conclusion, Xiaomi’s robust performance in the Chinese smartphone market during November 2023 underscores its resilience and effectiveness in navigating challenging industry conditions. Despite a global dip in smartphone sales, Xiaomi and its sub-brands, notably Redmi, showcased impressive strength within their home market. Xiaomi’s sustained momentum positions the company favorably for continued success in the fiercely competitive Chinese smartphone market.
The Future Lens 2023 Event in Shanghai marked a significant milestone for TECNO as they unveiled 3 cutting-edge technologies in smartphone photography, includingW-shaped Variable Aperture, Liquid Telephoto Macro lens, and Universal Tone for human skins. The combination of these advances not only aims to improve the image quality of a single lens but also has the potential to revolutionize the bloated capture experience of smartphone image systems.
Tecno Future Lens Event 2023
Tecno is probably the most special industry leader among Chinese smartphone brands. Its legacy began with the myths it created in Africa, and has been continuing in the past few years, bringing more affordable hardware and software innovations to the global market for wider users.
As someone still keeping an eye on the mobile industry, I’ve realized that some sort of ‘keep on innovating’ is more of a marketing slogan among brands. But The future lens event showed me that Tecno is still on this path, investing in tech innovation about mobile photography. These new technologies make me even more excited to see what Tecno has in store for mobile photography in 2024.
Revolutionary W-Shaped Adjustable Aperture:
This patented technology is a game-changer in managing challenging lighting conditions. It uses the W shape of a cuttlefish’s eye as a template, shifting in aperture size to work better in various lit environments. By allowing manual adjustment of the aperture, it empowers photographers to handle backlight situations with ease, resulting in images that are not just clearer, but also richer in detail and color. This innovation reflects TECNO’s commitment to solving real-world photography problems.
W-SHAPED Variable Physical Aperture – An image shared by Tecno
As the first new technologies to be revealed at this event, it did impress me. What I’m surprised about is that the particular bionic shape doesn’t have any precedent for application within the industry. It’s even more of a bold attempt in the human industrial history of visual capture. Prior research has shown that the W-shape helps them to balance out the uneven light levels in their habitat. Cuttlefish live in shallow water with a lot of light at the top of their vision, but it gets dimmer quickly further down.
Eye of the Common Cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis. From Wikipedia.
As a result, they need to deal with a fairly wide range of light intensities at the same time. The combination of horizontal and vertical oriented slits in the pupil brings an overall more even level of illumination across the retina, reducing the contrast between the brightest and darkest parts of the scene.
Optical features of cuttlefish living in the underwater environment. [Image: Kim et al., Sci. Robot. 8, eade4698 (2023)]
More research is already underway, and something like the new bionic ROBOT could be the best vehicle for this. But soon, you may be able to experience the accurate capture of complex lighting on Tecno phones with the bionic variable aperture.
Liquid Telephoto Macro Lens – A Compact Tech:
TECNO’s liquid telephoto macro lens combines the power of telephoto and macro lenses in a compact form. This breakthrough uses voltage to alter the lens’s curvature, enabling stunning close-up shots with incredible detail. It’s a significant step forward in making professional-grade photography accessible on a smartphone without compromising on design aesthetics.
Telephoto lenses on phones are caught in a lens structure that makes it difficult to focus on subjects at close range. But we have also seen some phones (e.g. Xiaomi 11) had their lenses especially enable macro shooting with telephoto lenses, while the focus range was limited to a narrow range (e.g. 3-7cm). As a result, the telephoto lens was only for macro shooting but not for distant scenes.
Liquid Telephoto lens – An image shared by Tecno
Liquid lenses are similar to the human eye – well, another bionic application. They can “see close (macro)” and “see far”, but with the solid focal length (angle of view). The transparent fluid wrapped in the film is modeled as the lens, and the voltage motor that controls the fluid curvature is similar to the ciliary muscle of the human eye.
It’s not the first time this technology has appeared in the smartphone industry, but it’s a shame that its precedent hasn’t caught on. I’m still very much looking forward to seeing if Tecno can bring Liquid Lens up to the next level with excellent user experience.
Universal Tone Technology
With the Universal Tone Technology, TECNO is setting new standards in photographic inclusivity. This technology, developed through extensive research, uses AI to accurately render a wide spectrum of skin tones in photographs. It ensures that every portrait is vibrant and true to the subject, a testament to TECNO’s dedication to celebrating diversity through technological excellence.
Universal Tone – An image shared by Tecno
It’s a shame that we only see a relatively uniform standard of skinning beauty on most phone brands. So in that respect, it seems like Tecno is doing a great thing: every shade of skin tone from every corner of the planet can get compliments and affirmation (which, even though, just came from a phone’s camera system), rather than get simply and brutally told what’s ‘right’ for your skin’s aesthetics.
The keynotes and panel discussions at the event underscored the broader implications of these technologies. Industry experts shared insights on how TECNO’s innovations are poised to transform the landscape of mobile photography, setting new benchmarks for what smartphones can achieve in image capturing and processing.
Speakers at Tecno Future Lens Event 2023 – (Left) Tecno’s director of Image R&D Center, Xiaohan Huang; (mid) Sony Semiconductor Solutions (Shanghai)’s director, Jun Zhang & (right) editor-in-chief of Amateur Photographer publication, Nigel Atherton
Mr. Jun Zhang, Director of Sony Semiconductor Solutions (Shanghai), was invited to give a speech on how Sony was continually advancing image sensor technologies, and the value of collaboration with Tecno. He said, “Our image sensors must be closely coordinated with the smartphone manufacturer to achieve the best results. Only through communication with the engineers at the handset manufacturers can Sony develop better image sensors. Therefore, we are very much looking forward to further cooperation with TECNO in the future and will work together to bring the joy of mobile imaging to more consumers around the world.”
Addressing TECNO’s ongoing commitment to putting developing products that meet users’ needs, Director of TECNO’s Image R&D Center, Mr. Xiaohan Huang said: “TECNO’s commitment to user-centric innovation lies at the heart of our technological endeavors. Through relentless dedication to independent research and development, we have consistently pushed the boundaries of imaging technology. Learning from industry leaders, we strive to revolutionize the consumer experience by delivering cutting-edge solutions. TECNO remains steadfast in its pursuit to enhance and redefine the way users engage with technology. The future holds exciting possibilities, and we are poised to continue our unwavering efforts in this journey.”
Photography shot on Tecno Phones
TECNO’s advancements showcased at Future Lens 2023 are a clear indication of the company’s pursuit of leading mobile photography. While we don’t have clear information yet on when these technologies will be applied and integrated debut on which Tecno products. But sources are suggesting that Tecno will launch a new product in spring 2024 (likely to be at MWC in Feb 2024), where we may have a chance to get a glimpse of how these technologies work with an actual phone.
Apple has already expanded its iPhone production to India via different contract manufacturers. Now, it appears that the largest facility for iPhone production will be established by the Tata Group. So here are all the details.
Tata’s new iPhone factory will be set up in Tamil Nadu
For those unaware, the Apple iPhone is manufactured in facilities from other known suppliers like Foxconn and Wistron. Interestingly, the latter recently struck a deal with Tata, which helped the Indian giant become the first homegrown iPhone maker. Tata Group will be constructing the massive iPhone assembly plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu (South Indian State). This large facility is in line with the Cupertino based giant’s plans to expand iPhone manufacturing in India.
The new Tata iPhone factory is expected to have 20 assembly lines and will create a large number of jobs over the next two years since it could bring in up to 50,000 workers. The new site is expected to become operational within the next 12 to 18 months. Apple is working on expanding its Indian production for iPhones to diversify its supply chain outside of China. The company and its suppliers aim to make over 50 million iPhones annually in India over the course of the next two to three years. Its plans are also bolstered by incentives from the local government.
The PLIs (production-linked incentives) have encouraged key Apple suppliers like Foxconn and Pegatron to increase their foothold in the Indian market. Thanks to such incentives, iPhone assembly in the region has risen significantly, exceeding 7 billion US Dollars in the previous fiscal year and even accounting for 7 percent of Apple’s global production share. The new facility also showcases the growing strategic partnership between Apple and the Tata Group.
Samsung is reportedly gearing up for the launch of the Galaxy A15 4G, alongside its 5G counterpart. While the 5G model’s details have been circulating online, a new leak has revealed the design, color options, and specifications of the Samsung Galaxy A15 4G variant.
First look at Samsung Galaxy A15 4G: Leak reveals design and specs
Based on information from Phonestalk, the Galaxy A15 4G will resemble its predecessor, the Galaxy A14 4G, in terms of design. Renders show three rear cameras arranged vertically with an LED flash. The front boasts a waterdrop notch housing the selfie camera. Likewise, the leaked images showcase the phone in black, white, and yellow color options.
Samsung Galaxy A15 4G color options. Image: Phonestalk
Under the hood, the A15 4G is rumored to pack a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, offering decent performance for everyday tasks. It’s expected to come in various RAM and storage configurations, with one option being 4GB RAM and 128GB storage.
The display size is expected to be 6.5 inches, but details about its resolution and panel type are still unknown. However, since the Galaxy A15 5G is likely to have an OLED display, there’s a good chance the 4G model will also have one.
Likewise, the camera setup is tipped to include a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor, alongside a 13MP front camera.
Fueling the smartphone is likely to be a 5,000mAh battery, reportedly supported by 25W fast charging. This battery capacity aligns with the rumored specs for the 5G model as well.
While the official launch date remains unknown, rumors are rife that Samsung will announce both the Galaxy A15 4G and A15 5G soon. The 5G model has even been spotted on Walmart recently, with a price tag of $139.
Xiaomi, a prominent player in the smartphone industry, is gearing up to expand its flagship series with the introduction of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. This new addition follows the successful launches of the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro. The Xiaomi 14 series has already made significant inroads in the high-end market segment, with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra poised to elevate the brand’s status further.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s Flagship-Level Features (Leaked)
The yet-to-be-revealed Xiaomi 14 Ultra is emerging as a powerhouse in the flagship arena, with several advanced features. According to the tipster Smart Pikachu, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to feature satellite communication, ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and telephoto macro functionalities. Additionally, he also said that Xiaomi has partnered to develop an extensive solution aimed at enhancing the performance and coordination of its four focal lengths in terms of imaging.
It’s rumored that the device will feature a quad-camera setup with 50MP sensors and variable apertures ranging from f/1.6 to f/4.0. Digital Chat Station has already provided insight into the impressive camera specifications of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. The device is said to be equipped with the Sony LTY900 sensor (officially announced today), an upgraded version of the Sony IMX989, featuring a 1-inch primary camera sensor.
In terms of security, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is reportedly testing a single-point ultrasonic fingerprint solution, making it a unique offering in the Xiaomi 14 series. This technology is likely to be based on the Goodix under-display ultrasonic fingerprint solution.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to launch around April of the following year, aligning with the release schedule of competing models like the Vivo X100 Ultra and Huawei P70. As the launch date draws near, we can anticipate more details emerging, providing a clearer picture of this highly anticipated flagship device.
Honor is gearing up to launch new GT series smartphones in China. The brand is expected to position these devices as a separate lineup.
We have been hearing about these performance-focused phones for quite a while now. But still, we don’t have much info on them.
Today, a render of the upcoming Honor 90 GT emerges on the internet. Let’s go through its appearance.
The Honor 90 GT was accidentally listed online for pre-order earlier today. Though the brand has taken down the listing, netizens and media houses have managed to save the image of the handset.
The original render is different from the one that leaked a couple of days back. The device will feature a flat frame design.
The frame will be shiny but it appears to be made of plastic rather than metal. The rectangular camera island on the rear will include two sensors and an LED flashlight.
The phone in the render is blue in color with two racing stripes on its back. It should be available in other color options as well.
As far as specs are concerned, the Honor 90 GT is said to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset. It will come with up to 24GB of RAM.
It is tipped to sport a flat display, which the picture confirms. However, the type of the panel is still not known. It will likely flaunt an OLED screen.
Last but not least, the handset’s main camera is said to offer OIS (optical image stabilization).
We are looking forward to learning more about the Honor 90 GT in the coming days. It could be accompanied by Honor X50 GT. We expect the brand to announce the launch date soon.
A new Honor tablet is rumored to be in the works, and it looks like we may have gotten our first glimpse of the device. Reliable tipster Digital Chat Station in a new leak has shared a schematic of the alleged Honor Pad 9.
The image reveals a fresh design direction for the upcoming Honor tablet. Unlike the Honor Pad 8‘s left-aligned capsule camera housing, the Honor Pad 9 sports a centrally-aligned Oreo-style camera ring on the back.
Honor Pad 9 design schematics (leak).
We feel the design is reminiscent of the OnePlus Pad. The schematic also shows the device’s rounded edges and a prominent Honor logo on the back.
While the schematic doesn’t reveal much else about the Honor Pad 9, it does give us a good idea of what to expect in terms of design.
The tablet has already received 3C certification, confirming 35W charging support. Rumors suggest it will be powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. The processor was announced in 2022 and is based on Qualcomm’s 4nm manufacturing process. It has a maximum clock speed of 2.2GHz and comes with Adreno 710 GPU.
Honor Pad 8
Further information comes from UAE’s TRDA certification, revealing model number HEY2-W09 and confirming a Wi-Fi-only configuration, similar to its predecessor, the Honor Pad 8.
While specifics are still limited, based on rumors, the Honor Pad 9 seems to be positioned as a mid-range offering, likely carrying on the basic functionality of the Pad 8.
The Pad 8 features a 12-inch 2K LCD screen with a 10:6 aspect ratio, 1 billion colors, and a resolution of 2000 x 1200 pixels. It’s powered by a Snapdragon 680 processor and debuted in July 2022, making a new model long overdue.
We can expect to learn more about the Honor Tablet 9 in the next few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled for updates!
While the global market waits for the official launch of the OnePlus 12 scheduled for January 23, the smartphone has gone live for sale in its domestic market of China.
Despite facing mixed criticism for its increased price in China, the smartphone hasn’t deterred customers, emerging as the second fastest-selling Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 device in the country. It closely trails the Xiaomi 14 Pro, achieving 61% of the Pro’s entire day’s sales volume within just 5 minutes. The brand’s sales performance for the day remains to be seen, raising anticipation. In the meantime, here’s the OnePlus 12’s spec sheet to help you understand the reasons behind the hype.
OnePlus 12 specs & features
The OnePlus 12 boasts a stunning 6.82-inch 3D AMOLED QHD+ display, featuring a crisp 3168×1440 resolution, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and LTPO 2.0 technology for efficient power management. With a peak brightness of 1300 nits and HDR10+ support. Under the hood, it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, coupled with the Adreno 750 GPU.
OnePlus 12
It is available with 12GB, 16GB, and 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM, complemented by internal storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. For optics, the device features a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 32MP telephoto unit. The front camera adopts a 16MP sensor with a punch-hole design.
The OnePlus 12 comes with a 5400mAh battery, supporting 100W wired charging and 50W AirVOOC wireless charging. It includes an Ultra Power Saving mode for efficient power management. The device runs on OxygenOS based on Android, with ColorOS 14 and Dark Mode 2.0. Security is enhanced with an in-display fingerprint reader for seamless and secure unlocking.
If you live outside of China and can’t wait till February to get your hands on the OnePlus 12, you can now order the device to your doorstep through Giztop.
Oppo Find X7 series is all set to launch very soon with some exciting features. There’s already curiosity among Oppo fans about the device, and some features have already been part of the latest leaks and revealed by public certifications. In addition, the upcoming Oppo Find X7 smartphone is leaked again, and this time its camera specifications are revealed along with slight information about its SoC. The smartphone that is set to feature 100W charging will feature Dimensity 9300.
As per the Digital Chat Station, the smartphone appears to bundle a triple-rear camera module. It will consist of a 50MP Sony LYT-808 Primary camera, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and 64MP OmniVision’s OV64B periscope telephoto lens. Furthermore, it will feature the recently announced Dimensity 9300 SoC, which is built on TSMC’s 4nm process and includes one Cortex-X4 core at 3.25GHz, three Cortex-X4 cores at 2.85GHz, and four Cortex-A720 cores at 2.0GHz.
Apart from the new information, the new series will consist of two new smartphones, which are the Oppo Find X7 and Oppo Find X7 Pro. Both are expected to feature 100W fast charging and are expected to launch alongside the OnePus 12 globally. The Find X7 Pro is expected to bundle the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. It could come with a 6.82-inch AMOLED display with 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Further, the rumors claim it will feature Sony’s 1-inch LYT900 sensor while featuring a 2x periscope sensor offering 2.7x zoom with the Sony IM890 and 6x zoom with the Sony IMX858 sensor.
Oppo Find X7 and Find X7 Pro Details
On the flip side, the Oppo Find X7 will come with a Dimensity 9300 SoC, as per AnTuTu and Geekbench benchmarks. It will have a 120Hz refresh rate, 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Both smartphones will run Android 14.
The Vivo X100 series was officially announced in China just last month. The company recently revealed the date for the flagship lineup’s global debut, but now, a new report has hinted that the X100 series could be launching in India next month.
Vivo X100 series may launch in India in January 2024
The news arrives from an exclusive 91Mobiles report. Vivo X100 series of high end devices is set to launch in India in early January 2024. Sources close to the matter added that both the X100 and X100 Pro are expected to be launched in the region. Another interesting aspect revealed in the fresh report includes a new camera feature. The Vivo X100 series will feature an exclusive sun shot feature that is powered by AI (Artificial Intelligence).
To elaborate, the camera mode will allow users to capture the brilliance of the sun during sunset and sunrise, with AI algorithms helping bring out the depth and color accuracy of the picture being taken. For those unaware, the global launch for the Vivo X100 lineup is set for 14th December 2023. It is worth noting that the X100 and X100 Pro were announced in China, but the X100 Pro+ model’s release appears to be postponed at the moment.
Talking about the X100 and X100 Pro, both devices sport a tall 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and 3000 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, the smartphones are equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 SoC which is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5T RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The base model is powered by a 5,000mAh battery pack with 120W fast wired fast charging report, while the Pro variant is powered by a larger 5,400mAh battery pack that offers 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless fast charging.
Sony has quietly unveiled a promising new camera sensor, the Lytia LYT-900. While an official press release is still pending, details shared on the official Sony Lytia Weibo handle offer a glimpse into its specifications.
Sony Lytia LYT-900 announced
The LYT-900 stands as the top-of-the-line model in Sony’s LYT series camera sensors. It boasts a 50-megapixel one-inch sensor with individual pixels measuring 1.6μm. This translates to a sensor size of 16.384mm (diagonally).
Sony LYT-900 camera sensor derails. Image: Sony (Weibo)
The LYT-900 also utilizes stacked CMOS technology, which means it has two separate layers – one for the transistor and another for the photodiode. This allows for physically larger diodes, which in turn capture more light, leading to exceptional image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
Rumors suggest the LYT-900 is a refined version of the existing Sony IMX989 sensor already found in top-tier devices like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Vivo X90 Pro.
The first phone to feature the LYT-900 remains unconfirmed, but speculation points toward the upcoming Oppo Find X7 Pro. Expected to launch alongside the Find X7 in January 2024, the Find X7 Pro is rumored to boast an impressive quad-camera setup, including the LYT-900 main sensor. It will be joined by a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and two telephoto lenses with 3x and 6x optical zoom.
Oppo Find X7 Pro real-life image (leak)
Other potential recipients of the LYT-900 include the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Vivo X100 Pro+. While the Xiaomi flagship is rumored for an April launch alongside the Xiaomi Pad 7 and Xiaomi Mix Flip, the Vivo X100 Pro+ has seen some delays. Initially expected in March or April 2024, its arrival is now rumored for later in the first half of the year.
Following the LYT-900 is the LYT-800 sensor, which has been featured in several flagship smartphones released lately, including the OnePlus 12 and Realme GT 5 Pro.
Last month, POCO debuted the C65 budget-range smartphone in the global market. The Indian division of the brand has now announced the launch date for the sub-continent.
As per a recent post shared via POCO India’s X (Twitter) account, the POCO C65 will be launching in India on December 15. The teaser image shared confirms that the design is the same as the global model. We can also expect the specs to be identical as well.
POCO C65 specs:
The POCO C65 boasts a 6.74-inch display with a waterdrop notch, providing a resolution of 1,600 x 720 pixels. Featuring a 90Hz refresh rate and 600 nits peak brightness, the device is equipped with Gorilla Glass for protection against accidental damage and scratches. Additionally, it incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button.
In the camera department, the POCO C65 sports dual rear cameras, consisting of a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP macro lens. For selfies, there’s an 8MP front-facing snapper, accompanied by various camera modes to enhance images.
Powering the POCO C65 is a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, coupled with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The smartphone also features virtual RAM technology and a storage expansion SD card slot that allows for up to 1TB expansion. Its 5,000mAh battery supports 18W fast charging. The device runs on MIUI 14 out of the box.
Connectivity options on the POCO C65 include a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, WiFi, NFC, and Bluetooth. It comes in Black, Blue, and Purple colors, with configurations offering 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB of RAM and storage, respectively. It is currently unclear if the phone will launch with 8GB RAM + 256GB storage configuration in India. That said, Poco has recently debuted the M6 Pro 5G in India with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage in India, with a starting price of Rs 14,999 ($180).
The OnePlus Ace 3 has been in the news for the last few months. This device will also go by the OnePlus 12R.
As we are nearing its launch, more details about it are emerging over the last few days. Today, a reliable source hints at the colors it will be available in.
The source also reiterates all the key specs of the smartphone. Let’s go through everything we know about it so far.
OnePlus Ace 2
Three colors tipped for OnePlus Ace 3
According to Digital Chat Station, the OnePlus Ace 3 may arrive in pink, grey, and blue. His statement is based on engineering models, and therefore, the final colors could be different.
Further, he adds that the handset will sport a metal frame. While the rear panel will be made of glass.
As for the display, the device will flaunt a 6.78-inch BOE X1 OLED panel. This LTPO screen will offer a resolution of 2780 x 1264 pixels, 2160Hz PWM dimming, 1600 nits global peak brightness level, and 4,500 nits local peak brightness level.
As per previous reports, the phone will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It will come with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. On the software front, it will boot ColorOS 14 based on Android 14.
The smartphone will house a triple camera system on the rear. The setup will include a 50MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor, an 8MP Sony IMX355 ultrawide unit, and a 32MP Sony IMX709 2x telephoto shooter. On the front, there will be a 16MP snapper for selfies and video calls.
The handset will retain the alert slider and 100W wired charging support from its predecessor OnePlus Ace 2 (OnePlus 11R). Finally, it will draw energy from a 5,500mAh battery.
Lenovo is gearing up to launch the Xiaoxin Pro AI Ultrabook 2024, and it promises to be a powerhouse of performance. We heard about some key specifications of this device earlier last week, including the use of new Core Ultra CPUs. Another key feature confirmed today is the introduction of the improved “Fengshen Cooling System.”
The cooling fans have achieved a noise level as low as 17dBA
Lenovo Xiaoxin Pro AI Ultrabook 2024
The cooling system incorporates high-performance 3D composite heat pipes, ensuring superior thermal conductivity. To enhance efficiency, multi-dimensional air ducts are integrated, specifically targeting temperature reduction in the keyboard area. This approach to cooling promises performance improvement without compromising on user comfort.
A standout feature of the device is its ability to achieve a noise level as low as 17dBA. Although it was recorded at the minimum fan speed in energy-saving mode.
Lenovo introduces the Xiaoxin Pro AI Ultrabook 2024 as the first batch featuring the new Intel Core Ultra processors. Positioned to challenge the Core Ultra thin and light platform, this laptop boasts unparalleled performance, scalability, and battery life. Users can opt for a 32GB of memory, coupled with a 1TB SSD. Additionally, the notebook offers a reserved M.2 2280 slot, providing the potential for an expansive 5TB capacity.
Lenovo addresses the need for extended usage with an upgraded battery capacity of 84Wh, a significant boost from its predecessor’s 75Wh. It results in a local playback time of up to 23.2 hours and a regular usage simulation reaching 10.3 hours. The notebook supports 100W PD fast charging and Lenovo’s cutting-edge 140W ultra-fast charging. It comes with a 100W GaN adapter, complete with a three-pin plug.
In summary, the Lenovo Xiaoxin Pro AI Ultrabook 2024 integrates advanced cooling systems, powerful processors, and extended battery life.
Gigabyte is a well-established technology company known for its diverse range of high-quality products. They offer a wide selection of computer hardware components and peripherals, including motherboards, graphics cards, laptops, monitors, and more. With a reputation for reliability and innovation, Gigabyte products cater to both gaming enthusiasts and professionals, delivering solid performance and functionality.
Earlier today, the company introduced the AORUS CO49DQ, an innovative 49-inch QD-OLED ultrawide gaming monitor that promises an exceptional gaming and multitasking experience.
Gigabyte Aorus CO49DQ Monitor Key Features:
This monitor features a curved screen provided by Samsung with a DQHD resolution of 5120 x 1440 and a curvature of 1800R, designed to offer a more immersive experience. The display supports a high 144Hz refresh rate, ultra-fast 0.03ms response time (GtG), and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro making it ideal for fast-paced games.
One of the key highlights of the AORUS CO49DQ is its “OLED Care” functionality. This feature uses an AI-based algorithm to protect the OLED screen from burn-in issues, although the effectiveness of this technology is yet to be confirmed through third-party tests.
In terms of color accuracy and quality, the monitor shines with a 10-bit color depth, a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, certified by VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400. This makes it suitable not only for gaming but also for professional tasks like video and music editing, where color precision is critical.
The AORUS CO49DQ also boasts a wide range of connectivity options, including two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, a USB Type-C port with 18W reverse power delivery, and an audio jack. It also features KVM and hub functions, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, and comes with two 5W speakers.
Ergonomically, the monitor offers a tilt range from -5° to +20° and swivel capabilities between -20° and +20°. However, it does not have a pivot or height adjustment feature. It is compatible with VESA wall mounting with a 100×100 mm pattern and includes a Kensington lock.
The monitor’s dimensions with the stand are approximately 1194.78 x 558.80 x 261.52 mm, while without the stand, it measures about 615.11 x 367.35 x 42.22 mm. The built-in power supply is designed for efficiency, with a maximum power consumption of 72 watts.
The release date and pricing for the new ultrawide gaming monitor have not been disclosed as of now.
iQOO is set to unveil its high-performance iQOO Neo 9 series in China by the end of the year, featuring two smartphones: the Neo 9 and Neo 9 Pro. While the precise launch date has not been officially confirmed by the brand, a recent leak has surfaced providing this information.
Weibo tipster @熊猫很禿然 has shared a leaked promotional poster of the iQOO Neo 9 series, indicating a scheduled launch on December 27. The tipster suggests that this represents a postponed release, as the smartphone was initially expected to debut earlier. Anticipated global availability for these devices is likely to occur in early 2024.
iQOO Neo 9 series: what we know so far
Images of the Neo 9 series from iQOO have been released, showcasing a dual-tone design with white and red colors. The most interesting aspect is the processors, with the vanilla model picking last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, while leaks suggest the Pro model will come with the recently launched Dimensity 9300 processor.
As we know, the Dimensity 9300 has closed the performance gap at the top end, as it is currently going toe-to-toe with the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip on AnTuTu benchmark rankings.
According to a recent leak, the Neo 9 Pro is expected to come with a 6.78-inch flat OLED panel, offering a 1.5K resolution of 2800 x 1260 pixels. The display is set to feature a 144Hz refresh rate, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. The Neo 9 Pro, powered by the Dimensity 9300, is anticipated to ship with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.
It will have a 5,000mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging, and the software will be OriginOS 4-based on Android 14. In the camera department, leaks suggest the Neo 9 Pro will include an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel Sony IMX920 primary camera and a 50-megapixel Samsung JN1 ultra-wide lens. The front camera cutout is rumored to house a 16-megapixel.
Realme has quietly launched two new budget smartphones in China. Both of them are 5G-enabled and are part of the same series.
These devices go by Realme V50 and Realme V50s. Despite bearing different names, they come with the same set of specs. The cheaper V50 is a carrier variant, while the costlier V50s is an unlocked version.
It is worth noting that these phones resemble the Realme 11x but feature a different camera and charge at a slower rate. Let’s check out everything they have to offer.
Realme V50s
Realme V50, V50s Specifications
The Realme V50 series features a flat-frame design and a circular camera module. They measure 7.89mm in thickness and weigh 190g.
The handsets are built around a 6.72-inch centered punch-hole display. This LCD panel offers a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 120Hz refresh rate, and 680 nits peak brightness level.
They house a dual camera setup on the back. The primary 13MP sensor is paired with an unspecified secondary sensor, which is most likely a depth sensor. Whereas, on the front, there’s an 8MP snapper for selfies and video calls.
The devices arrive with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a MicroSD card slot, and a 5,000mAh battery. Their charging speed is not mentioned. Hence, they likely support standard 10W or 18W charging.
As mentioned in the beginning, the Realme V50 and Realme V50s are almost the same as Realme 11x, which comes with a 64MP main camera and 33W charging support.
Realme V50, V50s Price
The Realme V50 series carries the following price tags in China.
Realme V50
6GB + 128GB – ¥1,199 (~$165)
8GB + 256GB – ¥1,399 (~$195)
Realme V50s
6GB + 128GB – ¥1,499 (~$210)
8GB + 256GB – ¥1,799 (~$250)
They can be availed in either Purple Dawn or Midnight Black color options.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
