The Nothing Phone (2) was launched back in July 2023 in India in two color options: Dark Grey and White. The white color option is exclusive to the 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB storage options, while the 8GB + 128GB config is only available in Dark Grey.
Now, Flipkart has teased that the White color option will soon be coming for the 8GB + 128GB model at the Big Billion Day sale. In addition to that, the model will be available for a discounted price during this time.
Nothing Phone (2) specs
The device comes with a 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution of 2412 × 1080 pixels. It offers a peak brightness of 1000 nits. Additionally, the display boasts a 240Hz touch sampling rate, supports a 10-bit panel, HDR10+, and boasts a contrast ratio of 1000,000:1. To keep the screen safe, it comes with Corning Gorilla Glass protection and also incorporates an in-display fingerprint scanner for security.
The front camera features a 32MP Sony IMX615 sensor, while the rear camera setup includes a 50MP Sony IMX890 sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN1 sensor, which also functions as an ultra-wide-angle lens and supports 4cm macro shots. There’s a dual-tone LED flash for better low-light photography.
Under the hood, it’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, manufactured using TSMC’s 4nm process, along with an Adreno 730 GPU. The device offers multiple storage options, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage, paired with either 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM.
It runs on the Nothing OS 2.0, which is based on Android 13. Users can expect future updates as it’s eligible for Android 14, Android 15, and Android 16 updates. Security patches will be provided for four years on a bi-monthly basis.
The device is equipped with a 4700mAh battery and supports 45W fast charging through a USB 2.0 Type-C port. Additionally, it supports 15W Qi wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging.
Oppo is gearing up to launch the Oppo Find N3 foldable smartphone in October. The brand has previously launched the Find N3 Flip in China, which is also expected to make it to the global market soon. The brand could also launch a new tablet in the global market called the Oppo Pad Neo.
A recent NBTC listing has confirmed that the Oppo OPD2303 is called the Oppo Pad Neo. Previously, this model number was tipped to be related to the OnePlus Pad Go. This means the OnePlus Pad Go will be rebranded as the Oppo Pad Neo. Since it’s a rebranded device, the specs will also be similar. You can check out the expected specs below.
Oppo Pad Neo specs
The expected features of the Oppo Pad Neo include an 11.35-inch LCD display with a 2.4K resolution and a 7:5 aspect ratio. It’s expected to come with 8GB of RAM and offer storage options of 256GB with a possibility of a 128GB variant. The tablet might be powered by the Helio G99 chipset and house an 8,000mAh battery with USB-C charging using the USB 2.0 standard.
Camera-wise, it’s expected to have an 8MP front camera and an 8MP rear camera. For audio, the tablet is likely to feature four speakers with Dolby Atmos support. It could run on OxygenOS 13.2-based Android 13 and offer a microSD card slot for additional storage.
Microsoft is reportedly working on a new web-focused variant of Windows 12, according to multiple sources close to the company. The new variant is said to be a “true” answer to Chrome OS, and it will be tailored for specific markets, such as the educational sector.
The web-focused Windows 12 will not replace the traditional Win32 desktop experience, but it will offer a more modern, modular, and lightweight version of Windows for low-end educational devices.
Microsoft has already confirmed that in an internal memo that it is forming a new team, “Windows and Web Experience”, to develop the next generations of Windows and web products. Job listings for the team also confirm that Microsoft is planning to “define and deliver the next generation of Windows experiences and applications that span across Client and Cloud”.
Moreover, according to Windows Latest, the web-focused variant of Windows 12 is expected to rely heavily on Microsoft Edge and AI. For example, Microsoft is reportedly exploring ways to use AI to make Microsoft Edge more intelligent and to understand web content and user behaviors. This integration is expected to significantly influence the development of Windows 12.
Microsoft has been working on modernizing Windows and decoupling its component layers in recent years, in an effort to create a more lightweight version of the operating system. One example of this work is Windows 10X, which was intended to be a competitor to Chrome OS. However, Windows 10X never made it to market, remaining in the experimental stage.
However, the web-focused Windows 12 is expected to arrive in 2024. It remains to be seen what other features and improvements Microsoft will include in the new variant, but it is clear that the company is serious about competing with Chrome OS in the education market.
In recent years, smartphones have significantly elevated the field of photography, particularly in long-range capabilities. Flagship phones from leading manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei, Apple, and Xiaomi have incorporated highly optimized telephoto lenses, enabling users to capture impressive moon photos. Among these brands, Samsung and Huawei have established themselves as strong contenders in long-range photography.
Huawei Mate 60 Series Surpasses Expectations with Innovative Moon Capture Tech
Recently, China celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival during a rare celestial event featuring a “supermoon”. This rare celestial event provided excellent conditions for moon-watching in various regions of China, including Northwest China, North China, Jiangnan, and South China.
Many people took advantage of this opportunity to capture stunning moon photos. During this period, the Huawei Mate 60 series, known for its popularity, stood out as a significant smartphone for capturing moon photos. Users widely shared impressive moon images taken with this smartphone. Some bloggers pointed out the phone’s capability to adjust the moon’s exposure while maintaining clarity in the foreground, crediting Huawei’s impressive algorithm for this achievement.
According to MyDrivers, a moon photography comparison was drawn by a blogger named “Pishumadia” between the Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate and the iPhone 15 Pro Max, with the former reportedly surpassing the latter in terms of detail and clarity, based on sample images.
Last year, Huawei secured a patent for a specialized method and device designed for moon photography. This patented method enables the device to autonomously identify the moon, optimize focus for a clear outline, and capture multiple frames with different exposure settings. This results in the production of stunning photos featuring a well-defined, beautifully outlined moon set against a bright and clear background.
Huawei claims that this feature enhances the photography experience for all users, making it possible for non-professionals to capture stunning moon images using standard shooting modes. While the Huawei Mate 60 series has received acclaim for its moon photography capabilities, it’s important to remember that these findings are drawn from user-shared images and blogger reviews, and may be influenced by individual preferences and experiences.
The Huawei Mate 60 RS Ultimate Design received a strong market response upon its release in China. It features an impressive 6.82-inch OLED LTPO 120Hz screen, a range of high-quality cameras, and is powered by the Kirin 9000s with Harmony OS 4.0. The device comes in two variants, with prices starting at 11,999 yuan ($1,642). Buyers are also offered a one-year Huawei card membership with various benefits and exclusive protective cases. Huawei enthusiasts queued up early to purchase the phone, reflecting the anticipation seen during iPhone releases in China.
Apple is rumored to be ditching its current trend of using older chipsets in its base iPhone models, and instead equip all four iPhone 16 models with the A18-branded chips, according to supply chain analyst Jeff Pu.
Pu believes that Apple will use the A18 chip for all four iPhone 16 models, which would be manufactured using TSMC’s second-generation 3nm chip fabrication process, known as N3E. This process will be less expensive and has improved yield compared to TSMC’s first-generation 3nm process, N3B, which is being used for the A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Pu also shared his predictions for the chipsets that will be used in each iPhone 16 model. He believes that the standard iPhone 16 models will get the A18 chip, while the Pro models will use the A18 Pro chip. As said earlier, all of the chips will be manufactured using TSMC’s N3E fabrication process.
However, it’s important to note that Pu is likely making an educated guess about the marketing names since the iPhone 16 lineup is still a year away from launch (via MacRumors). It remains to be seen whether Apple will actually use the A18 and A18 Pro branding, or stick with the A17 and A18 Pro branding, as it has done in recent years.
Despite the uncertainty about the marketing names, Pu has a good track record when it comes to predicting Apple’s plans. He was the first source to report that the iPhone 15 Pro models would be equipped with an increased 8GB of RAM, and that the iPhone 15 Pro Max would have a higher starting price than the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
OnePlus officially unveiled the OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14 earlier this week. For those unaware, OxygenOS is the brand’s proprietary UI. Android devices from major brands come with their own customized ROMs and UI. OnePlus OxygenOS has been a fan-favorite since the beginning due to its clean stock UI. However, things changed when OnePlus announced a deeper integration with OPPO back in 2021. Now, there is some unfortunate news for the fans of OnePlus and Oxygen OS.
OxygenOS won’t get stock UI
OnePlus’s deeper integration with OPPO resulted in a lot of similarities between the operating system UI offered by both brands – OxygenOS and ColorOS respectively. Android Central interacted with OnePlus Product Partnership Lead Gary Chen and Lead of OxygenOS Product Zach Lin to discuss the future of OnePlus’s software. Both OnePlus executives talk about the latest OxygenOS 14 version and its new features.
Coming back to the topic of whether stock UI will return to OxygenOS, Chen said that the ship has sailed. This confirms that it won’t return back at least for the foreseeable future. He added that after the integration OxygenOS and ColorOS are developed on the same codebase for better build quality and updates. This will result in to similarities between the two skins. Hence OxygenOS will share the same design philosophy – Aquamorphic design with ColorOS. But it will still offer customized elements including icons, widgets, ringtones, AOD, and more to cater to the needs of OxygenOS fans and users.
The executive stated “Our ultimate goal is to synergistically combine the finest aspects of both products, resulting in a new and exceptional offering.”
The publication also questioned the two executives if OnePlus will deliver a feature that will allow users to select between a stock UI and a themed interface just like ASUS offers with its ZenUI. To this, Lin revealed that company’s decisions are driven by feedback from the community. Hence it remains unconfirmed if OnePlus will offer such a feature.
Xiaomi is testing the MIUI 15 stable update for the Xiaomi 13, according to a new report by Xiaomiui. This comes a week after Xiaomi suspended MIUI 14 development for several smartphones, including the Xiaomi 13 series.
The company is currently testing the MIUI 15 build “MIUI-V15.0.0.1.UMCCNXM” for the device. This build is being used to optimize the user experience, fix potential problems, and more.
MIUI 15 is based on Google’s latest Android 14 OS and is expected to offer a new user experience to Xiaomi devices. It focuses on improving security, optimizing performance, and improving the user interface.
Xiaomiui reports that MIUI 15 will shorten application startup time, bring a smoother scrolling experience, and faster multi-tasking operations, improving user efficiency.
Additionally, Xiaomi is also testing the MIUI 15 stable update for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Redmi K60 Pro. The build numbers for these devices are MIUI-V15.0.0.1.UMACNXM and MIUI-V15.0.0.1.UMKCNXM, respectively.
This indicates that Xiaomi is making good progress on the development of MIUI 15, and it is likely that the stable update will be released to more Xiaomi devices in the coming months.
Black Shark, Xiaomi’s gaming-focused sub-brand, has launched a new smartwatch in the global market. The Black Shark S1 comes with a particularly affordable price tag and brings decent specifications. The wearable features an AMOLED display, up to 10 days of battery life, and 100+ sports modes. The smartwatch also supports Bluetooth calling with environmental noise cancellation (ENC). Here’s everything you need to know.
Black Shark S1 Specifications and Pricing
The Black Shark S1 smartwatch brings a round dial with a rotating crown. The watch gets metal bezels and is only offered in a black color option. The watch comes with an IP68 rating so you won’t worry about unintentional (or intentional) splashes. On the front, there’s a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with 466 x 466px resolution, 600 nit brightness, and 60Hz refresh rate. You also get Always on Display (AOD) support and over 100 watch faces.
The smartwatch also brings Bluetooth calling support. Xiaomi says it has implemented an ENC algorithm and a signal-processing microphone, which outputs a clear calling experience. Black Shark S1 can track over 100 sports modes and is claimed to offer a 10-day battery life with normal usage.
The wearable can be connected through the Shark Wear app for accurate GPS tracking and periodic exercise reports. It also comes with basic features like a calculator, camera control, stopwatch, message notifications, and more.
As previously mentioned, the Black Shark S1 is available in a single black color variant and carries an affordable price tag of $50. You can place your pre-order for this watch directly on the official Black Shark website, with shipping available to customers in the United States and across Europe.
In a significant stride toward their ambitious expansion plans, BYD’s premium brand, Yangwang, has unveiled its inaugural store in the heart of Shanghai’s bustling business district and tourist hotspot, the Bund. This strategic move follows the recent launch of their debut models, Yangwang U8 and Yangwang U9.
Situated in Room 102 of the historic Roosevelt Mansion Building, the Yangwang Experience Showroom will serve as the flagship destination for customers eager to explore Yangwang’s cutting-edge products, technologies, and services. Unlike BYD’s traditional dealer model, Yangwang is pioneering a direct sales approach, aligning with industry leaders.
This newly opened store will offer a range of services, including sales, product experiences, test drives, and technology-sharing events. It represents the first in a series of carefully selected urban business district locations, emphasizing Yangwang’s commitment to providing premium services in prime city locations.
Yangwang’s expansion strategy doesn’t stop here. The brand has grand plans to open more than 90 directly managed stores in over 40 cities across China by the end of this year. With over 70 stores under construction, the company is gearing up to provide a comprehensive brand experience to customers, covering first-tier and major second-tier cities.
Underlining their commitment to customer satisfaction, Yangwang is introducing two store formats: Yangwang Showroom Stores and Yangwang Center Stores. The Showroom Stores will focus on providing exceptional sales and product experiences while organizing regular user activities. In contrast, the Center Stores will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including brand experiences, sales, delivery, and after-sales support. Some Center Stores will even feature an extreme technology experience area, allowing customers to witness the extraordinary performance of the Yangwang U8.
The Yangwang U8 is available in Premium Edition and Off-road Master Edition. While the Premium Edition is well-equipped, the Off-road Master Edition offers room for customization, providing options for a variety of preferences.
With this rapid expansion, Yangwang is poised to make a significant mark in China’s automotive industry, providing consumers with unparalleled access to their innovative and technologically advanced vehicles.
The 2024 Smart #1 electric subcompact SUV has been announced in China. The latest version of the Smart #1 EV comes with a similar design to its previous iteration and a reduced price tag. The 2024 Smart #1 is available in Pro+ and Premium.
The new Smart #1 EV retains the design of its previous iteration. It has triangular headlights, a suspended roof design, hidden door handles, frameless doors, and through-type taillights. The dimensions of the model are 4270 x 1822 x 1636 mm with a wheelbase of 2750mm.
The 2024 Smart #1 is available in multiple color options including gold, black, gray, and white. The Pro+ version of the compact SUV has 18-inch wheels while the Premium version sports 19-inch wheels. The interior of the EV is signposted by a symmetrical T-shaped design. A 9.2-inch LCD instrument panel sits in front of a flat-bottom steering wheel. There is also a 12.8-inch central control screen equipped with a built-in Snapdragon 8155 chip. The Smart #1 features wireless charging for mobile phones. There are also two cup holders in the interior.
A single electric motor is present in the 2024 Smart #1 EV with a maximum output of 200kW and 343Nm torque. A 66kWh ternary battery pack delivers a range of 535km and 560km for Pro+ and Premium models respectively. Slow charging gets the battery fully charged in 7.5 hours but fast charging can deliver up to 50% in 30 minutes.
The 2024 Smart #1 EV features a level 2 Advanced Driving Assistance system, Bluetooth connectivity, electronically adjustable seats, a power trunk, and OTA updates are supported. The Premium model features, in addition, driver fatigue monitoring, lane change assist, heated front seats, Beats speakers for audio, and an automatic fragrance system. A heads-up display in the Smart #1 Premium allows more convenience while on the move. The EV has a standard trunk volume of 323 liters, but this extends to 986 liters when the rear seats are folded.
The 2024 Smart #1 subcompact electric SUV is priced at 199,900 yuan ($27,800) for the Pro+ and 225,900 yuan ($31,400) for the Premium model. The pricing indicates that the 2024 model is less expensive than the previous iteration by up to 19,100 yuan ($2,600).
FiiO has unveiled the FF3S earphones featuring an aluminum alloy shell and replaceable cable in China. The new FiiO FF3S dual-chamber flat-head headphones come with a matte surface design.
The overall visual design of the new headphones highlights a deep, delicate, and premium texture. The aluminum alloy material used for the earphone shell delivers lightweight earphones and a more comfortable wearing experience.
Each earphone weighs 3.9g and represents a 52% reduction compared with the FF3. It is noted that subtle weight changes can significantly affect the pressure in the ear canal. It is therefore easier to use a lighter earphone for longer periods.
The FiiO FF3S with a 14.2mm unit, delivers more energy release and makes the sound output cleaner and more natural. It also delivers a thicker drumbeat rhythm and dynamic retraction and release. It has a beryllium-plated dome plus PU suspension diaphragm. The diaphragm is lightweight and offers higher rigidity which reduces segmentation vibration and non-linear distortion. Furthermore, the high internal resistance characteristics make the FF3S perform excellently with low-frequency sounds and are more elastic. It delivers crystal clear audio and higher transparency in mid- and high-frequency scenarios.
The FiiO FF3S uses a 0.78mm 2-pin interchangeable cable design. A blind operating design is added to the left earphone connector to distinguish the ears. The new model is also equipped with dual shark fin silicone earphone rings. The FiiO FF3S flat-head dynamic headphones are priced at 499 yuan (~$68). It can be purchased from Geekwills.
Tecno launched its first clamshell foldable in India earlier this month. It aims to make folding phones more accessible to the public with its affordable price tag. In fact, it is one of the cheapest flip phones you can grab right now. Tecno Phantom V Flip brings an LTPO AMOLED display and a MediaTek Dimensity 8050 5G chipset. The company has confirmed the device will go on sale in India tomorrow. Here’s what you should know.
Tecno Phantom V Flip could be your next foldable
Tecno Phantom V Flip will go on sale in India on October 1 through Amazon. During the initial sale, it will be available in both color options, Iconic Black and Mystic Dawn, at a special price of Rs. 49,999 ($598).
As far as the specifications are concerned, Tecno Phantom V Flip brings a 1.32-inch cover display with a 466 x 466 resolution AMOLED panel. On the inside, the phone features a 6.9-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2460 pixels) flexible LTPO AMOLED panel with a 20.5:9 aspect ratio, 1000 nits peak brightness, and up to 120Hz refresh rate.
The Phantom V Flip 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8050 5G chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. And hey this is not a new chipset. MediaTek recently chose to make its portfolio confusing and rebranded most of its chips. The Dimensity 8050 is essentially a rebranded Dimensity 1300 SoC, which is made on a TSMC’s N6 (6nm) technology.
Further, the flip phone gets a 64MP primary shooter with a 13MP ultrawide sensor and a 32MP selfie camera. It is fueled by a 4,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support which is claimed to fill up 33% of the battery in just 10 minutes.
Sony has unveiled three wireless microphones designed essentially for content creators. The Sony ECM-W3, ECM-W3S, and ECM-S1 wireless microphones offer a range of functionality for different hues of content makers. Sony continues to catch the attention of content creators with the release of the new wireless mics. The new products come on the heels of the recently released Sony ZV series of mirrorless and compact vlog cameras.
The Sony ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S are designed for vlogging applications and interviews. They come with clippable transmitters while the ECM-S1 is a wireless desktop microphone. The ECM-W3 has two compact mics and a two-channel receiver and is suitable for two-person streaming and interviews. The ECM-W3S has a single microphone and single-channel receiver. The ECM-W3 series of wireless mics have a battery life of 6 hours and come with charging cases.
The mics have a noise-out speech which is handy for the content creator. The mic also has a low-out filter for removing low-frequency sounds. The package includes a windscreen for shielding stronger winds from distorting the operation. An attenuation switch for suppressing the sound between 10dB and 20dB is also present.
The Sony Multi-Interface (MI) shoe provides the base for mounting the receiver module. Digital audio signals are sent directly through the receiver module to the camera. The mic features USB-C and 3.5mm connections while a safety button prevents signal clipping. The mic supports Bluetooth 5.3 LE and LC3Plus codec with a transmission range of up to 150m.
The Sony ECM-S1 has a tilting stand and supports wireless transmission. It is designed for higher-quality audio applications. It has a knob for setting the mic gain, a headphone jack, and LEDs for feedback on levels. It has three 14mm capsules which enable unidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo modes. It has the same noise-cut and low-cut filters as the ECM-W3, together with a mesh pop filter. It has the same wireless architecture as the ECM-W3 but it can be plugged into the PC via USB-C.
The Sony ECM-W3 is priced at $470 while the ECM-W3S costs $350. The ECM-S1 desktop microphone is priced at $420. All three new Sony wireless microphones will be available by October 2023.
Qualcomm, the California-based semiconductor company valued at 123.99 billion USD in 2023, is well-known for its series of 5G smartphone processors, called Snapdragon. However, the past few years saw the decline of Snapdragon’s reputation in the smartphone space due to its infamous Snapdragon 888 and 8 Gen 1 flagship processors which were constantly overheating and throttling performance. More recently, the company is also known to be streamlining their processor naming scheme and rebranding its chipsets like its main competitor, MediaTek.
These aforementioned actions have led many smartphone users and tech enthusiasts alike to ask the question – are Qualcomm Snapdragon processors more confusing in 2023? Yes, they are. And the reason could be that some Snapdragon processors are performing worse than its main competitor, the MediaTek Dimensity processors.
Qualcomm’s Naming Scheme Gone Confusing (Visualised) (Leo Wong De Quan/Gizmochina)
To clear up the confusion of Snapdragon processors in 2023, we have compiled all Snapdragon mobile processors with 5G network support to help our readers pick the best Snapdragon processor for their smartphones. We have neatly arranged them into 4 tiers based on their CPU structure, performance scores, and most importantly their day-to-day experience in a smartphone. The 4 tiers are respectively: Tier D (Poor), Tier C (Fair), Tier B (Good) and Tier A (Excellent).
Tier D: Poor Rating
Starting off with Tier D, there are a total of 6 Snapdragon processors that are rated as poor, as shown in Table 1. For simplicity’s sake, processors that feature the same CPU structure, GPU and semiconductor manufacturing as listed as one entity. For example, the Snapdragon 765, 765G, and 768G are listed as one entity in the table.
Snapdragon Chip
High Performance CPU Cores
Efficiency CPU Cores
GPU
Node Process
Antutu Score
Snapdragon 480, 480+
2x ARM Cortex A76
6x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 619
Samsung 8nm
350,035
Snapdragon 765, 765G, 768G
2x ARM Cortex A76
6x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 620
Samsung 7nm
385,681
Snapdragon 690
2x ARM Cortex A77
6x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 619L
Samsung 8nm
361,536
Snapdragon 750G
2x ARM Cortex A77
6x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 619
Samsung 8nm
438,295
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, Snapdragon 695
2x ARM Cortex A78
6x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 619
TSMC 6nm
435,422
Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
2x ARM Cortex A78
6x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 613
Samsung 4nm
425,064
Table 1: Snapdragon Processors in Tier D (Source: Leo Wong De Quan / Gizmochina)
So one similarity across all the processors in Tier D, is that they utilise a 2+6 CPU structure, whereby there are 2 high-performance CPU cores, and 6 efficiency CPU cores that provide the performance for the smartphone. However, another fascinating similarity across these processors is that they all seem to be manufactured on Samsung’s manufacturing node, which has a reputation for being worse for a smartphone’s battery life than TSMC’s node because of the worse yields and power efficiency of the node. In turn, you get something like the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in 2023, which somehow is worse than the MediaTek Dimensity 810, and Dimensity 800U found on the Realme 7 5G released more than 3 years ago.
The exception to the Samsung node is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 695 which are manufactured on TSMC’s 6nm node, which has proved to give great battery life and okay performance to devices like the Poco X4 Pro and Redmi Note 12 5G. Nonetheless, the limitation of a 2+6 CPU structure on these processors still means that high-performance tasks are limited to slower speeds compared to the processors in Tier C.
Redmi Note 12 5G with Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. (Source: Xiaomi)
Tier C: Fair Rating
Tier C includes a variety of Snapdragon processors ranging from the low-midrange Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 to the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 found on 2022 Android premium smartphones like the OnePlus 10 Pro. The full list of the Tier C Snapdragon processors is shown in Table 2 below.
Snapdragon Chip
High Performance CPU Cores
Efficiency CPU Cores
GPU
Node Process
Antutu Score
Snapdragon 780G
4x ARM Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 642
Samsung 5nm
584,449
Snapdragon 778G, 778G+, 782G
4x ARM Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 642L
TSMC 6nm
610,891
Snapdragon 7s Gen 2, Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
4x ARM Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 710
Samsung 4nm
612,735
Snapdragon 888, 888+
1x Cortex X1, 3x Cortex A78
4x ARM Cortex A55
Adreno 660
Samsung 5nm
868,121
Snapdragon 7 Gen 1
4x ARM Cortex A710
4x ARM Cortex A510
Adreno 644
Samsung 4nm
652,633
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
1x Cortex X2, 1x ARM Cortex A710
4x ARM Cortex A510
Adreno 730
Samsung 4nm
1,105,598
Table 2: Snapdragon Processors in Tier C (Source: Leo Wong De Quan / Gizmochina)
Just like Tier D, Tier C has one glaring similarity across the lineup, the Snapdragon processors listed here are all manufactured on Samsung’s process node, with the exception of the Snapdragon 778G which is on TSMC’s 6nm process.
Most importantly, Tier C processors like the Snapdragon 888 and 8 Gen 1 led to many complaints of overheating, and thermal throttling by smartphone users, that they felt cheated to buy such an expensive Android device only to have the phone be very hot in the hand after long sessions of smartphone use, or even worse, the smartphone’s motherboard being so hot that it burnt the motherboard and you have to pay an expensive fee to repair the smartphone entirely.
As for the less controversial Tier C processors, they are equipped with a 4+4 CPU structure, whereby there are 4 performance CPU cores, and 4 efficiency CPU cores to back up the CPU. The most popular amongst the Tier C processors is the Snapdragon 778G series of processors, because it was the only processor in this tier manufactured on TSMC’s 6nm process, meaning that didn’t suffer from the higher temperatures and higher power draw of its siblings that were manufactured on Samsung’s node instead. However for mid-range chips, the difference in power draw is mostly negligible, and the only limitation for the processor to have better performance comes down to a better GPU.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G with Snapdragon 778G. (Source: Samsung)
The well-known power efficiency of the Snapdragon 778G, makes it attractive to smartphone manufacturers to put in their Android smartphone. In 2023, the processor can be found on devices as old as the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G (2021), Nothing Phone (1) to devices released this year such as the Poco X5 Pro (2023) and Oppo Reno 10 Pro (2023).
Table 3: Snapdragon Processors in Tier B (Source: Leo Wong De Quan / Gizmochina)
Utilising a 4+4 (4 Performance Core + 4 Efficiency Core) CPU structure and a stronger Adreno 650 GPU in the processor, the Snapdragon 865 series is well-equipped for smooth and fast operations on your smartphone daily. Alongside its powerful performance, is its much lower operating temperature than the Snapdragon 888 and 8 Gen 1, due to it being manufactured on TSMC’s 7nm node which brought better power efficiency and better battery life on smartphones using the chipset.
(Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G with Snapdragon 865. (Source: Samsung)
However, in 2023, the 2020 Snapdragon 865 is starting to show its age when compared to MediaTek’s newer solutions like the Dimensity 8000 and 9000 series of 5G smartphone processors. Yet, after 3 years, the fact this processor is still very competitive in the market with its high performance and long smartphone battery life, shows the value offered by this processor, and its performance is expected to still be smooth until the year 2025.
Tier A: Excellent Rating
Saving the best for last is Tier A, the excellent tier with the best Snapdragon processors you can buy in 2023. There are 3 of them and they are listed in table 4 below.
Snapdragon Chip
High Performance CPU Cores
Efficiency CPU Cores
GPU
Node Process
Antutu Score
Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2
1x ARM Cortex X2, 3x Cortex A710
4x ARM Cortex A510
Adreno 725
TSMC 4nm
1,109,000
Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
1x ARM Cortex X2, 3x Cortex A710
4x ARM Cortex A510
Adreno 730
TSMC 4nm
1,266,919
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
1x ARM Cortex X3, 2x Cortex A715, 2x Cortex A710
3x ARM Cortex A510
Adreno 740
TSMC 4nm
1,493,565
Table 4: Snapdragon Processors in Tier A (Source: Leo Wong De Quan / Gizmochina)
Leveraging on TSMC’s industry-leading 4nm manufacturing process, these Tier A Snapdragon processors are some of the best processors you can get in an Android smartphone in 2023 for the best balance of power efficiency and high performance. And with their performance leagues in front of the Tier B, C, D processors. Smartphones utilising Tier A processors are expected to have fast and smooth performance until 2028 or even longer.
Oppo Find X6 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. (Source: Gizmochina)
Audi is back in the game with plans for an electric R8 supercar, signaling the company’s commitment to high-performance electric vehicles (EVs). Oliver Hoffmann, who leads Audi’s Technical Development, recently hinted at a third-generation R8, built on Volkswagen Group’s upcoming Scalable Systems Platform (SSP).
Audi is moving to a fully electric platform by the year 2026
Why does this matter? Audi aims to cease production of combustion-engine models by 2025 and go all-electric from 2026. The SSP platform will be crucial for this, expected to underpin 80% of the VW Group’s future EVs. While exact details are scarce, Hoffmann confirmed that work on the new R8 has already started.
But before the R8 hits the road, Audi has other priorities. The company will first release the Q6 E-Tron in 2024, developed on a shared architecture with Porsche called the Premium Platform Electric (PPE).
Porsche, Audi’s sibling under the VW umbrella, is also developing a high-performance EV—codenamed K1. This electric SUV is slated for later this decade and aims to redefine performance and interior luxury. Porsche’s Mission X concept also teases a future electric supercar.
The takeaway? Audi’s electric R8 isn’t just another car; it’s a sign of the times. As the brand prepares to go fully electric, the R8 could very well become the flagship model that sets the tone for Audi’s new, greener identity. Stay tuned as Audi shifts gears into the electric future.
Apple has implemented QR codes on iPhone screens to improve production quality and reduce material waste. These QR codes are engraved on each screen and enable Apple to closely monitor and evaluate the screen quality from suppliers Lens Technology and Biel Crystal. This innovation has reportedly reduced material waste from 30% to 10%, according to a report by The Information.
Implementing QR Codes to Scrutinize Production Quality
The tech giant has invested heavily in an innovative barcode initiative for its iPhone screens. They’ve placed two barcodes on each screen, one on the inner edge of the bezel and another tiny one measuring 0.2mm at a different location. This initiative has significantly reduced screen defects from 30% to 10%, leading to substantial cost savings for Apple. It has also given Apple better control over production quality, preventing suppliers from charging for supposed faulty screens.
Apple initially faced challenges when trying to attach QR codes to iPhone screens, as it weakened the displays and caused cracks during drop tests near the code location. However, they overcame these problems by developing new scanning methods and using microscopic lenses to avoid excessively deep etchings in the glass.
The QR codes on iPhone screens serve distinct purposes: the smaller one investigates screens reported as faulty, while the larger one identifies truly faulty displays, specifying the supplier and potentially narrowing down to specific production batches. This advancement has improved production quality and reduced waste, reflecting Apple’s strategic commitment to maintaining stringent quality control.
According to AppleInsider, both display firms have faced allegations of using forced labor, with Apple accused of not addressing these claims adequately. However, Apple continues to monitor the firms and their manufacturing issues.
Lenovo has introduced the IdeaPad IP Flex 5 Chrome 14IAU7 (Plus), the latest addition to their Chromebook lineup. It prioritizes a balance between performance and portability. Let’s check out the key features of this new lineup.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook Key Features:
The Flex 5 Chromebook features a 14-inch IPS touchscreen display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. The laptop offers versatile functionality with support for four modes: laptop, tent, stand, and tablet, thanks to its 360° hinge. The screen offers 300 nits brightness, an 800:1 contrast ratio, a 45% NTSC color gamut for vivid visuals, and a 60Hz refresh rate for smooth on-screen motion.
The model maintains a slim and portable design, measuring 19.8mm in thickness and weighing 1.58kg. It offers a variety of ports, including two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone/microphone combo jack, enhancing connectivity and allowing for the attachment of various peripherals.
As for technical specs, the laptop features Intel’s 13th generation U-series processors, with options ranging from the dual-core i3-1315U to the more powerful quad-core i5-1334U, providing choices for users with different processing requirements.
The Chromebook includes 8GB of LPDDR4x-4266 RAM for efficient multitasking and responsiveness. It offers various storage options, including 128GB eMMC 5.1, as well as larger and faster choices like 256GB or 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSDs.
The Chromebook includes stereo speakers (2W x2) that are optimized with Waves MaxxAudio®, enhancing audio quality. Alongside it also sports a 1080p webcam with fixed focus. Under the hood, the laptop is equipped with an integrated Li-Polymer 51Wh battery.
Lenovo has also recently launched the IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen display and powered by an Intel Core i3-N305 processor.
Whether you’re running a trillion-dollar tech company or a small restaurant, you likely know that keeping your employees happy is one of the keys to success. Simply put, content employees tend to stay longer and work more efficiently, boosting your profits in the process. Sadly, not every business around the world embraces this principle, but there are exceptions like Huawei. Recent reports suggest that the Chinese tech giant gifted its employees Huawei Mate 60 smartphones in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Here are the details…
Huawei Gives Employees Mate 60 Smartphones as Mid-Autumn Festival Gift
Huawei employees in China have been sharing photos of their Mid-Autumn Festival gifts on social media. The gifts include the company’s latest and most talked-about flagship smartphone, the Mate 60, as well as six mooncakes, a teapot, teacups, and tea leaves. The Mate 60 is currently one of the most popular phones on the market, and while it boasts features that justify its price, it’s quite expensive. The phone is known for its powerful performance, innovative features, and stunning design.
Huawei Mate 60 Pro
In a letter to employees, Huawei’s terminal business group in China thanked employees for their hard work and dedication. The letter also said that the Mate 60 gift was a way to show appreciation for employees’ contributions. Some employees have said that they will not be able to receive their Huawei Mate 60 until December. However, even those who have to wait are grateful for the gift.
The move has been met with widespread praise, with many people expressing envy at the generous gesture. It is a reminder of the importance of employee satisfaction, and it is a sign that Huawei is a company that values its employees.
Honda is gradually making a strong entry into the electric SUV market with the unveiling of the Honda Prologue electric SUV. The Honda Prologue comes with a rugged design and can deliver up to 300 miles of range on a single charge. It has dual-motor AWD and single-motor FWD options and three trims – EX, Touring, and Elite.
The Honda Prologue electric SUV is propped as a rugged EV with a sporty design in addition to decent on-road driving dynamics. The Elite model has a AWD dual-motor setup while the EX and Touring both offer dual-motor AWD and single-motor FWD options.
The FWD models of the Prologue EV will output up to 210hp while the AWD version can achieve about 288hp and 453Nm of torque. The Honda Prologue has an 85kWh battery which can be recharged at up to 155kWh speeds. Such charging speeds are rated to deliver 65 miles of range with 10 minutes of charge.
The Honda Prologue will come with lots of safety features and techs for maximum comfort. It comes with Google Built-in, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system features an 11.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster is also part of the interior. Wireless phone charging is supported, as well as USB-C 45W wired charging.
The Honda Prologue features driver assistance via the Honda Sensing system. The functionality includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist System, among others. The Honda Prologue electric SUV is priced within the $40,000 band and will be released in the US by early 2024.
The Electric One E1 Astro Pro and E1 Astro Pro 10 electric scooters have been unveiled in India. The two new e-scooters are Electric One’s first two-wheeler models in the Indian market. They come with an estimated range of 200km on a single charge.
The E1 Astro Pro models are designed to meet the unique requirements of the Indian commuter, according to the company. They are equipped with several important features that make them well-suited for the Indian market. The new Astro Pro e-scooters come with a 2,400W electric motor that packs power to the scooter. The models can accelerate from 0 to 40km/h in just 2.99 seconds. With a top speed of 65km/h coupled with the 200km+ range, the Astro series e-scooters offer greater width in trips.
The E1 Astro Pro and E1 Astro Pro 10 scooters are equipped with advanced Adventure S batteries and come in a carbon-coated, rust-proof, high-grade frame. The e-scooters also feature NFC and smart card technologies for a more seamless and enjoyable ride. NFT provides ride-sharing options to owners of the E1 Astro Pro series scooters. The company says it introduced the new e-scooters into the Indian market on the back of its successes in the global EV market. Electric One also says that with its Pan-India presence, it will offer world-class after-sales service to buyers of the E1 Astro Pro and E1 Astro Pro 10 electric scooters.
The E1 Astro Pro series in India is priced between Rs. 99,999 (~$1,204) and Rs. 124,999 (~$1,505) (Ex Showroom). Both models are exclusively available across all Electric One stores in India. Availability will be limited to a few cities but will subsequently spread across 20 states. Buyers can choose from five color options for the new electric scooters namely Red Berry, Blaze Orange, Elegant White, Racing Green, and Metallic Grey.
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