The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) recently concluded a technical conference at Xiaomi’s Beijing headquarters to develop the upcoming Qi 50W wireless charging standard. The event, which ran from June 22nd to June 25th, brought together engineers from across the consumer electronics industry, including representatives from Apple, Google, Huawei, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo.
The primary objective of the meeting was to address the technical specifications, prototype testing, and interoperability requirements for 50W wireless charging. The WPC, which oversees the Qi standard, has been incrementally increasing power limits over the past few years. Following the adoption of the 15W magnetic Qi2 standard as an IEC international standard in late 2024, the consortium introduced a 25W specification in 2025. The 50W standard is the next target, with an expected release date in 2028.
Much of the discussion at the Beijing conference centered on Xiaomi’s proposed hardware architecture for the upcoming Qi 50W standard. According to Xiaomi, the existing coil design requirements for the Qi2 standard are restrictive and present thermal management challenges, particularly for foldable phones and automotive charging pads. To address this, Xiaomi spent two years developing a low-inductance, low-voltage charging architecture.
This alternative design is intended to reduce coil loss and improve heat dissipation while making the charging modules easier to integrate into modern devices. Xiaomi submitted the proposal to the WPC in late 2024 and completed cross-vendor testing with 25W and 50W prototypes throughout 2025. In the first quarter of 2026, the WPC officially incorporated this architecture into the drafting process for the Qi 50W standard.
During the recent four-day event, more than 20 companies participated in a Plugfest. This standard industry testing process involves checking different chips, coils, and devices against one another to identify compatibility issues. Companies like Anker, NXP, and Southchip tested their prototype hardware to ensure that future 50W chargers will work safely and reliably across different device brands.
For Chinese hardware manufacturers, getting their low-inductance charging technology integrated into the global Qi standard is a practical business requirement. It ensures their domestic supply chains remain compatible with international markets, preventing regional fragmentation in wireless charging standards.
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For years, compact smartphones have come with compromises. If you wanted a phone that was genuinely comfortable to use with one hand, you usually had to settle for a smaller battery, fewer cameras, slower charging, or hardware that wasn’t quite flagship-grade. Meanwhile, phones with the best specifications kept getting larger, making one-handed use increasingly difficult.
The Vivo X300 FE takes a different approach. Instead of asking users to choose between portability and performance, it combines flagship hardware with a compact form factor. It packs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, a 6,500mAh battery, ZEISS-backed cameras, wireless charging, and a premium build into a body that’s noticeably smaller than most flagship smartphones.
There’s one catch, though. The Vivo X300 FE starts at Rs. 79,999 (~$850), while the regular Vivo X300 is available for Rs. 75,999 (~$800). That naturally raises the question: why would anyone pay more for the FE model?
After spending time with the phone, the answer becomes clearer. The X300 FE isn’t positioned as a cheaper alternative to the X300. Instead, it’s designed for users who value comfort, battery life, and everyday usability just as much as camera hardware. Whether that strategy works is what this review aims to find out.
8Verdict: A Compact Flagship That Stands on Its Own
The Vivo X300 FE is a phone that makes more sense the longer you use it.
Yes, its pricing initially feels confusing. At Rs. 79,999, it’s actually more expensive than the regular Vivo X300, which offers a stronger overall camera system. If camera performance is your only priority, the X300 remains the more sensible purchase.
However, that’s also missing the point of the X300 FE.
This isn’t designed to be a cheaper flagship. Instead, Vivo has built a premium smartphone for people who value comfort as much as specifications. It combines flagship performance, exceptional battery life, dependable ZEISS cameras, wireless charging, premium build quality, and long software support in a form factor that’s genuinely comfortable to use every day.
It’s not without flaws. The 8MP ultrawide camera feels underwhelming at this price, and the optional ZEISS Telephoto Extender is aimed at a niche audience rather than everyday users.
Vivo X300
Even so, the overall package is difficult to fault. There simply aren’t many compact Android flagships that offer this combination of portability, battery life, performance, and camera quality.
If you’ve been waiting for a flagship that fits comfortably in one hand without sacrificing the features that matter most, the Vivo X300 FE stands in a category of its own. It may not have the absolute best camera hardware in Vivo’s lineup, but as an everyday flagship that’s a pleasure to carry and use, it succeeds remarkably well.
Overall verdict
The Vivo X300 FE proves that compact smartphones no longer have to feel like compromises. It delivers flagship performance, outstanding battery life, a refined software experience, and cameras that are among the best in its class, all in a size that’s genuinely practical. While the pricing and ultrawide camera leave room for debate, neither is enough to overshadow what Vivo has achieved. For anyone looking for a premium Android flagship that prioritises everyday usability over sheer size, the X300 FE is arguably the most complete option currently available.
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Dell has introduced a new ultrawide monitor to its Alienware brand. The AW3426DW is a 34-inch curved gaming monitor equipped with a dual-layer QD-OLED panel. It is currently available to order in European markets, priced at €809 in Germany and £709 in the UK (both inclusive of VAT), with shipments scheduled to begin on July 2nd.
Dell Alienware AW3426DW Specifications
The monitor features a 21:9 aspect ratio with a UW-QHD resolution of 3440 × 1440, resulting in a pixel density of roughly 110 PPI. It has a moderate 1800R curve and uses a 3H hard-coated anti-glare surface to manage ambient room reflections.
Dell is sourcing the panel from Samsung, utilizing a V-Stripe RGB subpixel layout. This improves text clarity and minimizes the color fringing artifacts that were common on earlier QD-OLED displays.
In terms of performance, the AW3426DW offers a 280Hz maximum refresh rate and a 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time in its Extreme Mode. It supports standard variable refresh rate technologies, including AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, VESA AdaptiveSync, and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility.
The 10-bit panel covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color space and is factory-calibrated to a Delta E average of less than 2. Typical SDR brightness is rated at 300 nits, while HDR content can peak at 1,300 nits. The monitor supports Dolby Vision HDR and holds a VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification.
For connectivity, the back panel houses two HDMI 2.1 ports, which support 48Gbps bandwidth and Fixed Rate Link (FRL), and one DisplayPort 1.4 connection. There is also a built-in USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub that includes a Type-B upstream port, a Type-A downstream port, and a USB-C port limited to 15W of power delivery.
Physically, the monitor weighs 4.88kg on its own, and roughly 7.91kg when attached to the included stand, which allows for height, tilt, and swivel adjustments. Typical power consumption sits at 31W.
Lenovo is keeping gaming fans excited with a fresh tease for its Legion series. A mysterious new tablet just showed up at the “Nuclear Fusion Game Carnival 2026 Shenzhen Station,” one of China’s largest gaming events, and it looks like a stylish upgrade to their popular compact gaming tablets.
Photos shared by several bloggers reveal the new Legion tablet sporting a big 50MP rear camera. What visually stands out is the ring of customizable RGB lighting that can light up during games or notifications. The back also features the iconic Savi logo along with Legion branding, giving it a bold, gamer-focused look.
This new model appears to be a refreshed version of the Legion Y700 5th Generation (known globally as the Legion Tab Gen 5), which launched back in March 2026. That tablet is powered by the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and delivers excellent gaming performance. It has an 8.8-inch 3K display (3040 x 1904) with a 165Hz refresh rate. Other highlights include a huge 9000mAh battery with 68W fast charging and bypass charging to keep things cooler during long sessions.
It also plays really well with other devices thanks to Super Connect 3.0, letting you easily connect with Lenovo PCs, Motorola phones, and even view iPhone messages or transfer files across devices. You can get it with up to 24GB RAM and 1TB of storage, so it handles heavy games and multitasking without breaking a sweat. In China, it starts around 3999 yuan, which feels like a strong value in the premium compact tablet space.
The version spotted at the event seems to focus mainly on aesthetics, probably a special edition. The new RGB lighting ring and updated design give it extra flair while likely keeping the same powerful internals that people already love for emulation and competitive mobile titles.
We’ll have to wait for official details to see if this new model brings any small hardware upgrades or if it’s mostly about the fresh look and lighting customization. Either way, with mobile gaming still growing strong, Lenovo looks determined to stay one of the top choices for serious gamers.
If you work from home, you probably know how quickly a desk can get cluttered. Between monitors, keyboards, mice, external drives, and the cables needed to power them all, keeping a workspace tidy is an ongoing chore.
Priced at $299.99, it’s marketed as a premium, central hub for Windows users who need a lot of ports and reliable power. During my testing period, my main desktop PC actually crashed, and I had to send it in for repairs.
I had to switch entirely to my laptop to get my work done. That ended up being a great test for this dock, as it allowed me to connect my laptop to my dual monitors and all my peripherals with just one USB-C cable. It made a frustrating situation much easier to manage.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you’ll notice about the Spacemate RD1 Pro is its vertical design. Instead of lying flat on the desk like many traditional docks, it stands upright. Baseus calls this a Space Simplified approach, and it does save a good amount of horizontal desk space.
The build quality is solid, which is something I’ve come to expect from Baseus. There are no sharp edges; the corners are rounded, and the Cosmic Black finish gives it a subtle, professional look that blends in well with most desk setups.
Before I set it up, I was a little concerned that a vertical dock might easily tip over, especially since it has a magnetic charging pad for a phone on the very top. However, the unit weighs 636 grams on its own. Even with several stiff cables plugged into the back and my phone resting on top, it remained stable on my desk.
On the front of the dock, there’s a small digital display. It provides basic real-time information, like which ports are in use and the current charging status. Right above the screen is a physical button.
Pressing and holding it for two seconds switches the dock between two modes: Hybrid Mode and Charging Mode. Hybrid Mode enables all the data, video, and charging functions. Charging Mode turns off the data and display outputs to prioritize maximum charging speed for your connected devices. It’s a practical feature if you just need to charge your laptop and phone quickly without waking up your external monitors.
I do need to mention the power adapter, though. To support 15 different functions and provide up to 160W of total output, the dock comes with a 180W GaN power brick. The adapter is quite large and heavy. While the dock itself saves space on your desk, you will need to figure out a way to manage or hide this bulky power brick underneath your desk or behind a monitor.
I generally prefer flat docking stations that can be tucked under a monitor stand, sometimes with the power supply built-in, but the vertical design here works well enough if you don’t mind the external brick.
Ports and Connectivity
The Spacemate RD1 Pro is equipped with 14 wired ports, plus the wireless charging pad on top.
The front layout is designed for things you need to plug and unplug frequently. You get two USB-C ports capable of 100W fast charging, along with two 5Gbps USB-A ports.
The back is meant for your permanent connections. It features two 10Gbps USB-C ports, an SD and TF card slot (version 3.0), two 480Mbps USB-A ports (which are fine for a mouse or keyboard), a Gigabit Ethernet port, and two HDMI ports.
Because this dock is optimized for Windows, it supports extended dual-monitor setups (unlike macOS, which often limits you to mirrored displays through a single USB-C connection). One HDMI port supports 4K resolution at up to 120Hz, while the other supports 4K at 60Hz.
During my time using it as my main workstation, the dual-screen extension worked well. I did experience a brief loss of connection over HDMI on two occasions. I checked the cables to see if anything was loose, but everything was secure. The screen just flickered and came back. It only happened twice over two weeks, so it wasn’t a major issue, but it’s something I noticed.
Data transfer speeds were consistently reliable during my testing. Moving large files through the 10Gbps USB-C ports was fast, and the built-in SD and TF card readers are a very welcome addition. Since I take a lot of photos for reviews and need to transfer them frequently, having this port readily accessible is incredibly useful for my daily workflow.
While the port selection is extensive, I feel a few things could have been added to make it truly comprehensive. For instance, there is no DisplayPort, which remains a very common standard for PC monitors. It also lacks a 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphones or speakers. And the Ethernet port is standard Gigabit (1Gbps), upgrading to a 2.5GbE port would have been great. These are relatively minor omissions, but I would love to see them included in future iterations from Baseus.
Power and Wireless Charging
Power management is one of the dock’s strong points. Even with multiple devices plugged in, the unit didn’t get noticeably hot. Baseus uses a dynamic power distribution system to manage the 160W total output safely.
I tested the front USB-C ports by charging a high-capacity power bank that supports 100W input. Using an inline power meter, I confirmed that the port was delivering a steady 100W. It’s convenient to know you can charge a laptop and a power bank at full speed simultaneously.
The top of the dock features a Qi2.2 adjustable magnetic charging pad. It can be tilted up, which is nice if you want to see your phone notifications or use face unlock while working. It supports up to 25W charging for compatible devices. I tested it with an iPhone 13 and an iPhone 14 Pro. Since these are older models, they maxed out at 15W, but they charged consistently.
I think the strength of the magnets could have been a bit better. Because the dock is tall, you want a very secure hold on your phone. If you use your phone without a case, it attaches fine. But if you use a case, the grip might feel a bit weaker, although it depends on the material of the case. I also own the Baseus Nomos 245W charging station, and the magnetic hold on that model is significantly stronger. Anyway, it’s not a dealbreaker.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Baseus Spacemate RD1 Pro is a very capable machine with solid build quality. It is incredibly flexible, to be honest. For instance, having the magnetic charging pad built right into the top completely solves the issue of needing a separate phone charger taking up space on your desk. Of course, there will always be a few drawbacks, like the bulky power adapter and the lack of a DisplayPort or audio jack, but those are very nitpicky details.
Given the standard retail price, I was initially expecting a little more. But I think Baseus is going to sell it under $200 mostly with their coupon codes and massive discounts, so that makes it a steal deal, to be honest. You can purchase this model directly from Amazon or through the official Baseus website.
If you are interested in picking one up, we have some discount details for our readers that you can use until July 15. The standard retail price is $299.99, but if you use the promo code BASEUSPR at checkout, it brings the promotional price down to $189.99. That gives you a full 37% off, and this specific promotion period runs from June 23 through July 15.
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Samsung is reportedly speeding up development of a rollable smartphone, aiming to create a device that smoothly expands from compact to almost tablet-sized whenever you need it.
According to a recent report from South Korean outlet Maeil Business, Samsung Display is pushing hard on this technology. Their goal is to launch the first real commercial rollable phone in the first half of 2028, possibly alongside or as part of the Galaxy S28 series. It’s expected to be called the Galaxy Z Slide. Rumors also suggest it could feature a big 10-inch 16:9 display with around 440 pixels per inch. There’s even talk of a second model coming in 2030.
This move makes a lot of sense for Samsung. While they still dominate foldables, their share of foldable display panels has dropped noticeably, from about 41.8% in Q4 2025 to 27% in Q1 2026, according to Omdia. With more competition heating up, a rollable phone could be their way to reclaim the innovation spotlight and raise the technical bar.
Rollable screens are much trickier than foldables. The biggest challenge is making the display “roll” reliably hundreds or thousands of times without getting wavy, creased, or uneven. Everything, including the rollers, the layers inside the screen, and the supporting structure, has to be incredibly precise while staying thin and light enough for everyday use.
Samsung has been experimenting with this for years. Back at CES 2023, they showed off the Flex Hybrid (which combined folding and sliding), and later that year at SID Display Week, they wowed people with the Rollable Flex prototype, stretching a tiny 49mm screen all the way out to over 254mm. That’s more than five times bigger. Impressive stuff.
If it works well, a rollable phone could be a game-changer: small enough to slip in your pocket, but capable of turning into a near-tablet experience for watching videos, multitasking, or getting real work done, and hopefully without the visible crease you get on current foldables.
If Samsung can deliver a premium feel that justifies the expected high price, this could be the next big evolution in smartphone design. It’ll be really interesting to watch how this develops. The Galaxy Z Slide (or whatever they end up calling it) has the potential to change how we think about phone screens.
Casio is bringing a new line of digital watches to the US market. The W738H series, which originally launched in Japan last month, is now available stateside for $54.95. It is a basic, functional digital watch, focusing on a built-in vibration alarm and a battery designed to last a decade.
Design Details
The vibration motor is the primary draw for this model. Instead of relying solely on audible beeps, the watch can be set to vibrate for its daily alarms, hourly time signals, countdown timer, and stopwatch auto-start.
To support this feature, Casio adjusted the resin watch band to include a shorter hole pitch. This allows for more precise sizing adjustments on the wrist, which the company says is necessary to ensure the vibration alerts are actually felt by the wearer against their skin.
From a design standpoint, the W738H uses a standard square resin case measuring 47.0 mm by 42.8 mm, with a thickness of 13.5 mm. It weighs 43 grams.
To make navigation straightforward, the button that controls the vibration settings is color-coded and shaped differently from the standard mode buttons. There is also a dedicated front button to trigger the amber LED backlight.
Internally, the watch runs on a standard CR2032 coin battery. Because it lacks power-heavy features like Bluetooth, step tracking, or a touchscreen, Casio estimates the battery will last around 10 years before it needs to be replaced. It also includes 100 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for swimming.
The rest of the spec sheet is standard for Casio: dual time zones, a stopwatch, a 24-hour countdown timer, and an auto-calendar. If you want a completely silent experience, the standard button-press sounds can be muted.
Vivo launched the X Fold 6 foldable smartphone in China on June 26, and as we covered in our launch article, the phone starts at 7,999 yuan (~$1,175) for the base 12GB+256GB model. It brings some serious hardware to the table, a 200MP ZEISS main camera, a Dimensity 9500 chip, a massive 7,000mAh battery, and both inner and outer AMOLED displays hitting up to 5,000 nits.
But if you’re dropping that kind of money on a foldable, you probably want to know what repairs will cost if something goes wrong. Well, Vivo has now published the official pricing for repair parts on its website.
Vivo X Fold 6 Repair Price
As expected with any foldable phone, the inner screen is the most expensive part to replace. The internal screen is priced at 3,780 yuan (~$556), though Vivo is offering a 25% discount for the first repair, bringing it down to 2,835 yuan (~$417).
There’s also a reserved (pre-booked) price of 3,380 yuan (~$497) for those who plan ahead. If only the single inner screen panel needs replacing (not the full component), that comes in at 1,899 yuan (~$279).
Vivo X Fold 6
The outer screen is significantly cheaper. The external screen glass repair costs just 299 yuan (~$44), while a full external screen component replacement is 920 yuan (~$135). A reserved-price option is available for 620 yuan (~$91).
The battery replacement is reasonably priced at 259 yuan (~$38) while camera repairs vary depending on the module:
Front-facing camera: 105 yuan (~$15)
Rear wide-angle camera: 110 yuan (~$16)
Rear periscope camera: 290 yuan (~$43)
Rear main camera (200MP): 390 yuan (~$57)
The motherboard prices depend on the storage variant you own:
12GB+256GB: 3,700 yuan (~$544)
12GB+512GB: 4,200 yuan (~$617)
16GB+512GB: 4,700 yuan (~$691)
16GB+1TB: 5,200 yuan (~$764)
The charger set, if needed, is available for 199 yuan (~$29).
Labor Costs
One important thing to note is that all repair costs listed above cover parts only. Outside the warranty period, Vivo charges an additional 50 yuan labor fee per repair visit, but if multiple parts are replaced in the same visit, you only pay the labor fee once.
HMD Global looks like it’s about to revive one of Nokia’s beloved old budget series, the Asha line. A new certification listing popped up on HMD’s own website for the “HMD TA-1779 (Type HMD Asha 305)”. The name alone suggests they’re bringing back that classic Asha vibe but updated for today’s world.
The original Nokia Asha 305 launched way back in July 2012. It was a basic touchscreen phone running Nokia’s lightweight S40 operating system (definitely not Android). With its tiny 3-inch 400×240 display, 2MP camera, almost nonexistent 32MB of RAM, and very limited storage, it was never going to blow anyone away on paper. But it was cheap, compact, had a removable battery, microSD support, and a headphone jack, exactly what a lot of people needed at the time.
This new HMD Asha 305 won’t be a straight re-release. The certification already hints at an LTE modem, meaning it’ll have proper 4G connectivity. So it’s shaping up to be a modern successor rather than a pure nostalgia trip.
If you want a good idea of what to expect, just look at the HMD Touch 4G that came out in late 2025. It’s a tiny 3.2-inch QVGA touchscreen phone powered by a Unisoc T127 chipset, with just 64MB RAM and 128MB internal storage (expandable via microSD). It runs a custom lightweight “Touch” operating system, has basic cameras (2MP rear with flash, VGA front), dual SIM, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, and a removable 1,950mAh battery. The whole thing weighs around 100g and feels incredibly pocketable. Battery life is reportedly excellent for light use, and it even has IP52 splash resistance.
The Asha 305 is expected to follow a very similar recipe: a simple, pocketable phone that lets you step away from constant smartphone distractions while still covering the basics like calling, texting, and light media use.
HMD has clearly found a sweet spot in this space lately. They’ve been successfully reviving old Nokia favorites (like the 3210) with 4G upgrades, and there’s real demand for these kinds of devices. Some people want a secondary phone, others are tired of smartphone overload. Certification progress suggests the “HMD Asha 305” shouldn’t be too far off.
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series may not just introduce hardware upgrades, but could also bring one of the biggest price increases in recent years. A new prediction from market research firm IDC suggests buyers may have to pay considerably more for the Pro models, following Apple’s recent pricing changes for Macs and iPads.
IDC expects a steeper price increase
iPhone 17 Pro series
IDC’s latest forecast indicates that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could see a price increase of as much as $200 over their predecessors. Earlier, the firm had expected Apple to raise prices by around $100 for the Pro models and $50 for the standard iPhone 18. However, after Apple increased Mac and iPad prices by as much as $300 on certain models, IDC’s Senior Director of Data & Analytics, Nabila Popal, believes the iPhone lineup could follow a similar trend.
If IDC’s prediction turns out to be accurate, the iPhone 18 Pro could start between $1,249 and $1,299, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could be priced between $1,349 and $1,399. The research firm also expects Apple’s first foldable iPhone to debut this year with an estimated starting price of around $2,500, while higher storage variants could cost as much as $3,000.
According to IDC, rising memory prices are one of the key reasons behind the expected increase. The iPhone 18 Pro models are widely rumoured to feature 12GB of RAM, and the research firm points to Apple’s recent pricing strategy for devices with similar memory configurations. The M4 iPad Air and entry-level M5 iPad Pro both received notable price increases, suggesting Apple may adopt a similar approach for its premium smartphones.
Despite the expected increase, IDC believes demand for the Pro models is unlikely to suffer significantly. The firm says many users with an iPhone 15 or older are expected to upgrade to access Apple’s new Siri AI features, while Pro buyers generally remain less sensitive to higher prices. Monthly instalment plans could also make the increase easier for many customers to absorb.
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OnePlus is reportedly working on the OnePlus 16 and Ace 7 flagship phones, which may debut together in October this year. The brand has already launched a couple of high-end phones with 165Hz refresh rate displays, and rumors surrounding the next-generation flagships claim that they will feature 185Hz refresh rate displays. Now, a new leak suggests that there could be more 185Hz OnePlus phones in the pipeline apart from the OnePlus 16 and Ace 7.
More OnePlus 185Hz display phones in the making
Tipster Smart Pikachu has claimed that OnePlus is preparing to make 185Hz displays a standard feature across its smartphone lineup. He further stated that the company is expected to introduce the high-refresh-rate panels not only on its flagship models but also on its mid-range devices through a new display strategy.
Apart from the OnePlus 15, the Ace 6, Ace 6T, Ace 6 Ultra, 15T, 15R, and Nord 6 are equipped with 165Hz refresh rate displays. Among these, all the Ace-branded phones and the 15T are exclusive to the Chinese market, whereas the 15, 15R, and Nord 6 are available in select markets outside China.
It appears that the successors to all of these phones could be equipped with 185Hz refresh rate displays. Therefore, it appears that the OnePlus 16R and Nord 7 could also feature 185Hz screens alongside the OnePlus 16. In China, the next-generation Ace 7-series may all have 185Hz displays.
The OnePlus 16R and Nord 7 are unlikely to launch anytime soon, as the 15R was announced in December 2025, while the Nord 6 debuted in April 2026. Based on the brand’s previous release timeline, their successors are expected to debut in late 2026 and early 2027, respectively.
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Over the weekend, the TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo dropped some insights on X about Apple‘s 2027 plans, especially what we can expect from the more affordable models. It gives us a clearer picture of how Apple is trying to balance performance, AI features, and costs in a tricky supply chain environment.
According to Kuo, both the regular iPhone 18 and the rumored budget model (the iPhone 18e, expected sometime around March or April 2027) will come with 9GB of DRAM. That’s a modest bump up from the 8GB in the current iPhone 17 base models. The new setup reportedly uses six 1.5GB chips paired with Apple’s upcoming A20 chipset.
This is a bit less ambitious than earlier rumors that suggested a jump all the way to 12GB. That bigger increase was meant to enable more complex native AI processing on the device. Apparently, memory shortages and cost pressures led Apple to dial it back and prioritize stability instead.
On the chip side, the A20 is moving to TSMC’s advanced 2nm process. Rumors suggest it’ll bring about 15% better CPU performance and up to 30% improved power efficiency compared to the A19 series. That should mean snappier day-to-day use, better battery life, and a stronger neural engine for future AI features.
By comparison, the higher-end iPhone 18 Pro models and Apple’s first foldable (possibly called the iPhone Ultra) are sticking with a more premium configuration: 12GB of RAM and the beefier A20 Pro chip. These are still expected in the usual fall 2026 window, alongside each other.
Kuo’s track record is pretty solid, so this is worth paying attention to, even if things can still change before launch. Some people might be disappointed that the regular models aren’t getting full parity with the Pros on RAM, but this more modest upgrade should at least help Apple keep prices down for buyers who don’t need the absolute latest on-device AI capabilities.
Lenovo has released the Lecoo Bellator GM104 in China, a new wireless gaming mouse featuring a metal chassis. It is priced at 649 yuan (approximately $95) and focuses on a lightweight build combined with current-generation sensor hardware and high polling rate capabilities.
Lenovo Bellator GM104 Specifications
The outer shell of the GM104 uses a hollowed-out exoskeleton design made from an aerospace-grade magnesium-aluminum alloy. This structural choice allows the mouse to weigh in at 55 grams (with a variance of 5 grams) while maintaining a rigid frame. It measures 116.77 by 59.32 by 38.31 mm, giving it a relatively compact footprint that can accommodate different grip styles. The reduced weight is intended to lessen hand and wrist fatigue during extended use.
Internally, the mouse operates on the PixArt PAW3950 optical sensor. It features an adjustable sensitivity range from 400 to 30,000 DPI, a maximum tracking speed of 750 IPS, and supports up to 50G of acceleration.
Lenovo has also implemented an 8,000Hz polling rate that functions over both the wired USB-C connection and the 2.4GHz wireless receiver. This polling rate translates to an input latency of 0.125 milliseconds, which is designed to reduce input delay for competitive gaming compared to standard 1,000Hz mice.
For connectivity, the GM104 supports three modes: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.2, and a wired USB-C connection. The Bluetooth mode allows users to pair the mouse with up to three devices simultaneously and switch between them without needing to re-pair. The wired mode allows the mouse to be used normally while the battery charges.
The device is powered by a 300mAh rechargeable lithium battery. According to Lenovo, it can last for over 80 hours when set to power-saving mode. The hardware includes built-in circuit protection and voltage regulation to manage power output and battery health. Under the primary buttons, the mouse uses mechanical switches that are rated for a lifespan of 100 million clicks.
In related news, Logitech has recently unveiled the G305 X Superlight gaming mouse, featuring a 44,000 DPI sensor and support for an 8,000Hz polling rate.
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Ayaneo has launched the Pocket Micro 2, an updated version of its compact, horizontal retro gaming handheld. The new model maintains the core design of the original but introduces a more capable processor, a larger battery, and refined physical controls.
Ayaneo Pocket Micro 2 Specifications
The Pocket Micro 2 features a custom Qualcomm processor comparable to the Snapdragon 865, delivering a 220% performance increase over the first-generation model, even though the exact chip name hasn’t been revealed. To support this more demanding hardware, Ayaneo has boosted the battery capacity by 52% to a 3,950mAh cell and included an active cooling system to keep thermals in check during gameplay.
On the outside, the handheld features a CNC-machined metal middle frame. It measures 162 by 67.8 by 18 mm and weighs 248 grams. The display remains focused on Game Boy Advance emulation: a 3.5-inch LCD with a 960 x 640 resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio. This specific resolution allows GBA games to run at a native 4x integer scale, which prevents the image stretching or black borders typically seen on standard 16:9 or 4:3 screens.
Ayaneo has also adjusted the control layout. The device now includes a larger D-pad and ABXY buttons, alongside recessed dual TMR (Tunneling Magnetoresistance) analog sticks designed to improve input precision without adding bulk to the device’s profile. The shoulder buttons (L1/L2 and R1/R2) have a separated, staggered height design to help users differentiate them by touch.
For connectivity, the Pocket Micro 2 comes with a full-featured USB-C 3.1 port that handles data transfer and USB-PD fast charging. It also retains standard handheld features, including a microSD card slot for storage expansion, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The device runs on Android and uses Ayaneo’s AyaSpace software for game management and device settings.
Pricing and Availability
The Pocket Micro 2 is available in Midnight Black and Frosty White color options. Pricing starts at $239 (regularly $269) for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model, while the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant is available for $279 during the launch period (regularly $309).
Ayaneo is also offering a limited-edition Stardust Purple version, exclusively in the 8GB + 256GB configuration, for an early bird price of $309, down from its standard $339 retail price.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Belkin has expanded its lineup of desktop accessories with a new 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock, officially launched in China for 2,299 yuan ($338). The dock is built around Intel’s latest Thunderbolt standard, offering significant bandwidth upgrades, high-wattage power delivery, and enough display outputs to support complex multi-monitor workstations.
Belkin 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock Specs
The dock connects to a host computer through a primary Thunderbolt 5 upstream port. This connection provides up to 140W of USB Power Delivery, which is enough to charge larger laptops that require higher power draw while in use. To support this power output alongside the connected peripherals, Belkin includes a 180W power adapter and a one-meter Thunderbolt 5 cable in the box.
Thunderbolt 5 allows the dock to handle standard data transfers at 80Gbps. When the system detects high-resolution or high-refresh-rate monitors, it dynamically reallocates bandwidth to reach up to 120Gbps.
For video, the dock features one DisplayPort 2.1 and one HDMI 2.1 port, both of which support resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 240Hz on compatible hardware. You can also route video through the two downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports, which provide 15W of charging power for accessories.
On compatible Windows machines, the dock can drive up to three external 4K displays at 144Hz, or up to four independent screens in total. Mac compatibility is tied to the specific processor. Newer Apple Silicon models in the M4 and M5 series support multiple external displays, while older M1, M2, and M3 machines are restricted by Apple’s hardware limitations.
The aluminum chassis weighs 510g and measures 22.2 by 8.5 by 2 cm. It includes a standard array of peripheral connections: one USB-C 3.2 port with 30W charging, a second USB-C 3.2 port with 7.5W output, one 10Gbps USB-A 3.2 port, and two 5Gbps USB-A 3.0 ports. For network and media files, it has a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and UHS-II SD 4.0 and microSD 4.0 card readers capable of 312MB/s transfer speeds.
Belkin says the enclosure is designed with a distributed thermal management system to dissipate heat during extended use. The dock also includes a physical power button, an LED status light, and a Kensington lock slot.
While the dock is backward compatible with Thunderbolt 4, USB4, and standard USB-C devices (with expected reductions in bandwidth and display capabilities), Belkin notes that older Thunderbolt 3 laptops and displays are strictly not supported.
Redmi is expected to unveil the Redmi Note 17 series next month in China. The lineup is said to include three models: the Note 17, Note 17 Pro, and Note 17 Pro Max. A recent leak revealed the key details of the Pro and Pro Max variants. Now, a new leak, courtesy of tipster Experience More, has once again tipped the key specifications of the Note 17 lineup, including the standard Note 17.
Redmi Note 17 key specifications
According to the tipster, the standard model will have a 6.83-inch flat OLED panel offering a 1.5K resolution. Under the hood, it will house the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chipset. While there is no information about its battery size, it is said to support 67W fast charging. It is also said to feature a 50-megapixel main camera and an optical in-display fingerprint sensor.
Redmi Note 17 Pro key specifications
The Pro model is said to feature a 1.5K flat display panel, but its screen size is not mentioned in the leak. It will be powered by the all-new Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 chip and a massive 9,000mAh battery.
The Pro edition will also have a 50-megapixel primary camera. The leak also mentions other features, such as dual speakers and a fully water-resistant body.
Redmi Note 17 Pro Max key specifications
The Pro Max edition’s screen size is also not mentioned, but it will again feature a flat display with 1.5K resolution support. It will be powered by the recently announced Dimensity 7500.
One of the major highlights of this phone is that it will house a huge 10,100mAh battery. For photography, it will have a 200-megapixel main camera. It will also feature dual speakers and a fully water-resistant chassis.
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Red Magic is getting ready to take on the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5 with its new Gaming Tablet 5 Pro, a compact, powerful Android gaming tablet built for serious play on the go. It’s launching in China on June 30, with a global release expected to follow soon after. The company has been dropping teasers that highlight strong performance, solid battery life, and gamer-friendly features in a portable package.
One of the latest reveals is the 8,300mAh battery. It’s a bit smaller than the Legion Tab Gen 5’s 9,000mAh pack, but Red Magic fights back with faster 80W wired charging (compared to Lenovo’s 68W). Even better, it has dual USB-C ports that can both charge the tablet, plus support for wired reverse charging, so you can use it as a power bank for your phone or accessories during long sessions.
Performance should be excellent thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and an advanced cooling system that includes an active fan and liquid cooling. This setup could give it a real advantage in keeping frame rates steady during intense gaming. Red Magic is also throwing in a pre-installed PC gaming emulator for even more title options.
The screen looks impressive too: a 9.06-inch OLED with a 185Hz refresh rate and up to 1,600 nits peak brightness. That combo should deliver buttery visuals, vibrant colors, and good visibility even outdoors. They’ve also added DTS:X Ultra 3D audio and gaming-specific software tweaks to make the whole experience more immersive.
Pricing hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, but early rumors suggest it’ll start around 4,000 yuan (roughly $588) in China, with competitive global pricing expected. That would make it a strong rival to Lenovo’s tablet, especially if you value high refresh rate, fast charging, and active cooling in a smaller body.
With dedicated gaming tablets gaining popularity again, Red Magic’s latest entry shows they’re still fully committed to enthusiast hardware. The dual-port design and strong thermal system could be big wins for gamers who also stream, multitask, or travel a lot.
We’ll know the full specs, including RAM/storage options and exact availability, very soon on launch day. If you’re hunting for a high-refresh OLED gaming tablet with serious power, the Gaming Tablet 5 Pro is shaping up to be a very interesting option.
If you are looking for a powerful gaming laptop within a budget of $1800, you are likely to run into a situation to choose either Asus’ ROG or Lenovo’s Legion. Both brands offer top-of-the-line gaming PCs with premium builds, superior thermals, and an understated design that can also blend into an office setting.
However, there are areas where the two brands differ, and we will discuss them here, along with a one-on-one comparison of the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2025) and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 10 (2025).
Who Are These Brands?
Asus ROG (Republic of Gamers) has been making dedicated gaming hardware for years. The ROG lineup is split into sub-series — Strix for raw power, Zephyrus for slim portability, and Flow for tablet-style flexibility — to cater to buyers of their exact needs.
Lenovo Legion has built a strong reputation since 2016 for delivering reliable gaming laptops at competitive prices. The Legion line spans from budget-friendly picks to high-end powerhouses, with a cooling system called Coldfront that uses vapor chambers and optimized airflow to keep temperatures in check during long sessions.
The Strix G16 is the most accessible 2026 ROG laptop you can buy under $1,800. For 2026, Asus fitted it with Intel’s Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 or RTX 5070 GPU options. The RTX 5060 configuration starts at around $1,599, putting it squarely in budget.
The screen is a 16-inch 2.5K (2560×1600) display at a fast 300Hz refresh rate, up from 240Hz on the 2025 model. That is one of the fastest screens you will find at this price. Asus calls it a Nebula Display, and it supports 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, meaning games and videos look punchy and accurate. The ACR (Ambient Contrast Ratio) anti-reflective coating significantly reduces glare, which is useful in bright rooms.
Cooling is where the Strix G16 really stands out. Asus designed a multi-layer vapor chamber that goes all the way to the rear of the chassis and is sandwiched between upper and lower heatsinks. Combined with Tri-Fan Technology and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal applied to both the CPU and GPU, it runs quieter than you would expect for a machine this powerful. On the practical side, the 2026 Strix G16 also introduces a tool-less upgrade design: you can swap out RAM and SSD without a screwdriver, and a Q-latch system makes storage swaps even faster.
One thing to keep in mind: the base RTX 5060 model uses a 1080p IPS panel (not OLED) at some retailers, while Asus’s own store configurations offer the higher-resolution 2.5K Nebula Display. Check the exact model number before buying.
Starting price: Around $1,599 (RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD)
2. Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 11 / Legion 5a Gen 11 (2026)
Lenovo’s new 2026 budget gaming heroes are the Legion 5i Gen 11 (Intel-powered) and the Legion 5a Gen 11 (AMD-powered). Both were announced at CES 2026 and started shipping in April 2026.
The Legion 5i Gen 11 is built on Intel’s new Panther Lake silicon and starts at $1,549. The Legion 5a Gen 11 with AMD Ryzen AI 400 series starts at $1,499, and a lower-tier Ryzen 200 variant begins at just $1,299. All configurations come with NVIDIA RTX 50-series GPUs capped at the RTX 5060.
The display across the 5-series is a 15.3-inch PureSight OLED, running at 2560×1600 resolution with a 165Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of brightness, and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 600 certification. OLED panels produce true blacks and much more vivid color than standard IPS or even most other panels — this is a clear advantage over the Strix G16’s base IPS option.
Lenovo’s Coldfront cooling system uses vapor chambers and optimized airflow, and the higher-end 5-series models also apply liquid metal thermal compound. The build is all-metal across the board — no plastic lids or creaky hinges. Software-wise, Lenovo’s AI Engine+ automatically manages CPU and GPU power in real time depending on what you are doing, and every laptop ships with Lenovo’s Legion Space app, which handles everything from RGB lighting to AI-powered game coaching tools that analyze your reaction time and in-game accuracy.
Starting price: Around $1,299–$1,549 (RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, 512GB–1TB SSD)
3. Head-to-Head Comparison
Performance
Both laptops run NVIDIA RTX 5060 GPUs with DLSS 4 support. At the same GPU tier, performance is very close. The Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 11’s newer Panther Lake Intel chip gives it a slight edge in CPU-heavy workloads like video editing and streaming. For pure gaming frame rates, results are nearly identical between the two at this GPU tier.
Display
This is the biggest difference between the two. Lenovo’s OLED PureSight panel delivers deeper blacks, faster pixel response times, and more vibrant color than the IPS panel found on the base Strix G16 configurations. However, if you opt for Asus’s own-store version of the Strix G16, you get a 2.5K 300Hz Nebula Display that is significantly sharper and faster than Lenovo’s 165Hz OLED. So the winner here depends on what you value more: OLED richness (Lenovo) or higher refresh rate and sharper resolution (Asus).
Cooling
Both laptops use vapor chambers and are well-cooled for sustained gaming. Asus applies Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal to both chips, not just the CPU — this is a slight edge for the ROG Strix G16 in long, heavy gaming sessions where temperatures matter most.
Portability
Lenovo has a meaningful edge here. The Legion 5-series is a 15.3-inch machine, making it more compact than the 16-inch Strix G16. Lenovo also engineered a lighter, thinner chassis for the 2026 models, which Lenovo says is about 10% lighter than the previous generation. If you carry your laptop often, the Legion 5 wins.
Upgradeability
Both laptops are easier to upgrade than the average gaming machine. The ROG Strix G16 introduced a tool-less RAM and SSD access design in 2026, rivaling the Legion’s existing upgrade-friendly design. Neither laptop soldered its RAM to the board, so you can add memory later as your needs grow.
Value
Lenovo offers a lower entry price and an OLED display right out of the box. Asus offers a faster screen at higher configs. For buyers on a tight budget, the Legion 5a Gen 11 at $1,299 is hard to beat. For buyers who want the fastest display and best thermal performance, the ROG Strix G16 at $1,599 earns its price.
4. Which One Should You Buy?
Go with the Lenovo Legion 5a Gen 11 if you want the most value for money, prefer an OLED display, or carry your laptop frequently. The $1,299 entry price is exceptional for what you get, and the OLED screen makes everyday use genuinely enjoyable.
Go with the Asus ROG Strix G16 (2026) if you want the fastest screen (300Hz), the best cooling at this price range, or a larger 16-inch display for gaming. It costs a bit more, but Asus’s upgrade-friendly tool-less design and superior thermal engineering make it a machine that can grow with you.
Both are excellent choices for 2026 gaming. Either way, you are getting a laptop built for the next several years of AAA titles.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Casio has made its A140WE series of vintage-style digital watches available in the US market. The lineup, which originally debuted in Japan in May 2026, adds three new models to the company’s extensive catalog of retro-inspired timepieces. The new releases include two silver-tone options, the A140WE-8A and A140WE-2A, alongside a gold-tone variant, the A140WEG-9A.
Design Details
The design of the A140WE series is straightforward, relying on the familiar square-case aesthetic that Casio is known for, but with slightly softer, rounded edges compared to some of its blockier predecessors.
The case measures 39 by 36.8 millimeters with a thickness of 10.4 mm, making it a relatively compact watch designed to fit a variety of wrist sizes. It weighs 60 grams. The case itself is made of resin, which is then treated with either standard chrome plating for the silver models or a gold-ion plating for the gold version.
For the display, Casio is using a standard digital LCD, but the surrounding dial incorporates a sunray finish. The A140WE-8A has a gray dial, the A140WE-2A uses a navy dial, and the A140WEG-9A features a light gold tone. This metallic finish catches the light differently depending on the angle, providing a bit of physical texture to an otherwise simple face.
The watch is paired with a multi-row stainless steel bracelet that features a vertical hairline finish and a self-adjustable clasp, designed to lay flat against the wrist for regular daily wear.
Internally, the A140WE series runs on a standard CR2016 battery, which Casio estimates will last for about seven years before needing a replacement. It also includes basic water resistance and a blue electro-luminescent (EL) backlight for reading the time in the dark.
Pricing and Availability
The A140WE series is available to purchase now in the US. The silver-tone A140WE-8A and A140WE-2A are priced at $110, while the gold-tone A140WEG-9A costs $130.
Reports have revealed that the upcoming Vivo X500 series will include four models, such as the X500e, X500, X500 Pro (or Pro Mini), and X500 Pro Max. Except for the X500e, all of the other models are said to be powered by the upcoming Dimensity 9600-series chip. A new leak, courtesy of tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS), has revealed the key specifications of the X500e for the first time.
Vivo X500e key specifications tipped
According to DCS, Vivo is preparing to launch a new e-branded phone in the X500 series. The leak reveals that the device could feature a 6.59-inch compact display and a Snapdragon 8-series chip. While the tipster did not specify the name of the phone, it appears that he could be referring to the Vivo X500e.
He further revealed that the device will feature a top-left square camera module housing ZEISS-tuned cameras. This means it will be sport a different design as compared to the other X500 models, which are expected to sport a round camera module. While the camera details remain under wraps, the device is tipped to include an IMX8-series periscope telephoto camera with a large sensor.
No launch timeline or additional specifications have been revealed yet. Hence, it is unclear whether the device will launch alongside the other Dimensity 9600-series-powered X500 models that are expected to break cover in September. Considering the fact that the phone is said to feature a Snapdragon 8-series chip, it may not launch alongside the other X500 models.
The more likely launch timeline for the X500e appears to be alongside the Vivo X500 Ultra, which is rumored to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip. Hence, it appears that the X500e and X500 Ultra may debut together in the first half of 2027. However, it is too early to make any conclusions.
Vivo X500 FE’s existence in limbo
Vivo X300 FE
To recall, the China-exclusive Vivo S50 Pro Mini was rebranded as the Vivo X300 FE in global markets. The brand recently released the Vivo S60 series, comprising the S60 and S60e (also known as the Vitality Edition), in China. Surprisingly, Vivo skipped the S60 Pro Mini, and it is being said that the Vivo X500e will launch in its place in China.
As there may not be an S60 Pro Mini this time, it appears there may not be a Vivo X500 FE either, as the brand could launch the X500e in both China and global markets. Again, this is only an assumption, and readers should take rumors about the X500 FE’s non-existence with a pinch of salt.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
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