Vivo unveiled the Vivo S1 back in 2019 in India, and since then, the company has not launched another S-series smartphone in the country until today with the arrival of the Vivo S2. The new model features a Vivo X300 FE-like design with a slim profile, a 120Hz curved AMOLED display, and a large battery. It is also speculated that the device could debut as the Vivo V80 Lite 5G in global markets. Here’s a look at what the Vivo S2 has to offer.
The Vivo S2 features a 6.83-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED display with a 2800 × 1260 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and up to 3,000 nits of local peak brightness. The panel also carries SGS certifications for low blue light, low flicker, and sunlight readability, while an optical in-display fingerprint scanner is integrated beneath the screen.
The phone is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo chipset, built on a 4nm process. It is paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, along with support for an additional 8GB of virtual RAM. Vivo has also included a large 3,800mm² vapor chamber cooling system and promises three Android OS upgrades alongside five years of security updates.
The horizontal camera module on the Vivo S2’s back offers a 50-megapixel Sony IMX852 main camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and an Aura Light ring LED flash and there’s a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. Both the front and rear cameras support 4K video recording.
It packs a massive 7,050mAh battery with 44W fast charging and bypass charging. Other highlights include dual stereo speakers, IP68 and IP69 ratings, MIL-STD-810H durability, AI SuperLink, Bluetooth 5.4, and Android 16-based OriginOS 6.
The Vivo S2 is priced at Rs 39,999 (around $420) for the 8GB + 128GB variant and Rs 44,999 (around $475) for the 8GB + 256GB version. It is available in Sapphire Blue, Regal Bronze, and Silk White color options. Pre-bookings are now live with offers including up to 10 percent instant discount on select Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, and SBI Card transactions, while sales begin on August 12.
In the lead-up to launch, Xiaomi today confirmed the battery package for the upcoming Redmi K100 Pro Max. The phone will pack a 9,070mAh Xiaomi Jinshajiang battery, and you get plenty of ways to top it up too: 100W wired fast charging, 50W wireless charging, 27W wired reverse charging, and 22.5W wireless reverse charging.
The battery reveal comes just days before the phone’s official debut. Redmi has confirmed the Redmi K100 Pro Max will launch on August 11, and Xiaomi has been steadily rolling out specs in the lead-up.
Along with the battery, Redmi also revealed the Flowing White color of the smartphone. It has a chrome finish on the frame while the power button has a red accent.
Redmi K100 Pro Max: What else we know
On the gaming side, you’re getting Xiaomi’s first 185Hz display, and Redmi says it natively supports more than 30 popular titles. Powering that screen is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset paired with the AI-dedicated D2 graphics chip. Xiaomi has also bumped the touch sampling rate to 480Hz on the flagship touch chip, so your taps should register almost instantly.
Add in a dedicated gaming antenna built to cut down on latency and Bose-tuned audio that sharpens gunfire and footsteps, and you can tell this phone is built with competitive gamers in mind.
Design-wise, the Redmi K100 Pro Max will come in Cabernet Sauvignon Red and Golden White. You get a 6.9-inch flat display with ultra-narrow bezels, a four-curve metal frame that wraps around the body, and a one-piece metal camera housing.
There’s also a new floating light ring on the back that pulses along with your music. For the panel itself, Xiaomi is introducing new M11 OLED luminescent material paired with a full RGB super pixel arrangement, which the company says looks sharper than 2K displays while using less power than a 1.5K screen would.
JBL has unveiled the Live Buds 4 and Live Beam 4 in India, introducing its latest premium true wireless earbuds with a refreshed Smart Charging Case. The new lineup combines upgraded sound, smarter controls, and AI-backed calling features, with several enhancements aimed at everyday convenience.
JBL Live Buds 4 and Live Beam 4: Specifications and features
JBL Live Beam 4
A key highlight of the JBL Live 4 series is the next-generation Smart Charging Case powered by JBL Smart OS 3.0. The case features a larger touchscreen with a redesigned interface, allowing users to check notifications, switch EQ presets, skip tracks, customize shortcuts, and even personalize the background without reaching for their phone.
Both earbuds are equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers and carry Hi-Res Audio certification. They also support JBL Spatial Sound, Personi-Fi 3.0 for personalized audio tuning, Personal Sound Amplification, and Low Volume EQ. The company has also upgraded True Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 with improved algorithms designed to reduce ambient noise more effectively.
For voice calls, the earbuds feature six microphones with Perfect Calls 2.0, an AI-trained noise reduction algorithm, Call Equalizer, and Sound Level Optimizer for clearer conversations.
Battery life differs between the two models. The JBL Live Buds 4 delivers up to 32 hours of playback with Bluetooth and ANC enabled, or up to 40 hours with ANC turned off. The JBL Live Beam 4 extends playback to 40 hours with ANC enabled and up to 48 hours with ANC disabled. Both models support wireless charging, while a 10-minute quick charge provides up to four hours of listening time.
JBL Live Buds 4 and Live Beam 4: Price and availability
The JBL Live Buds 4 and JBL Live Beam 4 are priced at Rs 24,999 (~$260) each in India. Both models are available starting today through JBL India’s official website, leading retail stores, and major e-commerce platforms. The Live Buds 4 comes in Black, Blue, Silver, and Sand, while the Live Beam 4 is offered in Black, Blue, Green, Silver, Orange, Purple, and Sand.
Sharp announced a new budget smartphone in the Japanese market, called the Sharp AQUOS Wish6. The company has shared the design and specs of the phone, but it’s only launching in mid-September. Sharp hasn’t shared a price either — that’s likely coming closer to launch day.
This is the sixth phone in the Wish series, and it follows the same idea as its predecessors: give people a simple, dependable phone without a big price tag.
The phone is built around a 6.6-inch HD+ display that refreshes at 120Hz and has a peak brightness of 1000 nits. The device is 8.33mm thick and weighs 189 grams, while Sharp says Wish6 has approximately 20% greater bending strength than its predecessor.
Under the hood, you get a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. That’s the same core setup you get in the AQUOS Wish5, so the phone is more like a refresh than a full redesign. It’s powered by a 5000mAh battery, and Sharp has a smart charging feature meant to slow down battery wear over time.
On the camera side, you’re looking at a 50.1-megapixel rear main camera with an f/1.8 aperture, paired with an 8-megapixel front camera at f/2.0. The phone ships with Android 16 out of the box, and Sharp promises two major OS upgrades plus four years of security updates, so it should stay usable for a while. It also supports fingerprint and face unlock, FeliCa for mobile payments, dual SIM with nanoSIM and eSIM, up to 2TB of microSD expansion, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The Wish6 also has a built-in “crime alarm” that sets off a loud alert if someone shakes the phone, then automatically calls preset emergency contacts and texts them your location. There’s also AI call analysis that flags calls that match patterns from known scams, and the Wish6 is the first in the series to let you block international calls outright, a direct response to overseas phone fraud. When you can’t pick up, an AI call assistant transcribes voicemails for you automatically.
Fire-Boltt’s phone brand, Boltt, has pulled back the curtain on the design of its first two smartphones just weeks before they go on sale. The Boltt Ace and Boltt Evo are set to launch on August 25, and you’ll get to pick between the two once pricing lands somewhere between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000. The specs are still a mystery, but at least you now know what you’ll be holding.
What the Boltt Ace and Evo actually look like
Both phones are 7.95mm thick. Beyond that shared trait, however, the two models go their own way.
The Ace sticks to a large rectangular camera block with four round cutouts for its cameras and flash. The side has a flat frame with the volume and power buttons stacked on the right edge.
According to 91mobiles, buyers will get five or six colour choices on each phone. So far, only one shade per device has been shown off: the Ace comes in Wine Red.
The Evo has a squarish camera module on the back, though its two lenses still poke out. It gets the same flat-edged frame as its sibling, and its main color is Arctic White.
Boltt has already confirmed, in an earlier announcement, that its debut lineup splits across 4G and 5G models. The phones are reportedly being manufactured in India and are developed with a focus on reliability, performance, and accessibility. Both phones will run close to stock Android with no bloatware, and you’ll be able to buy them through Flipkart. Boltt is also setting up 400 service centers across India to back up its after-sales promise.
Boltt will need more than a slim body and a couple of new colors to stand out in the sub-20K segment, so what’s under the hood matters a lot more than just how it looks.
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Redmi has quietly announced the Redmi 17 5G in China as its latest budget smartphone. The new model focuses on long battery life, a large high refresh rate display, and modern connectivity while shipping with Xiaomi’s latest software. Here’s everything the Redmi 17 5G brings to the table.
The Redmi 17 5G features a 6.9-inch HD+ LCD display with a waterdrop notch and a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels. The panel supports a 120Hz refresh rate, up to a 240Hz touch sampling rate, DC dimming, and a peak global brightness of 800 nits. It also carries TÜV Rheinland triple eye protection certification and supports Wet Touch 2.0 for improved responsiveness with wet fingers. The phone runs Xiaomi HyperOS 3 out of the box.
At its core is the 6nm Unisoc T8300 octa-core processor with a peak clock speed of 2.2GHz, paired with 4GB / 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128G of UFS 2.2 storage. Storage expansion is also supported through a dedicated microSD card slot.
Keeping the lights on is a 6,300mAh battery that Xiaomi says is designed to retain its health for up to four years. The handset supports 15W wired charging, 7.5W wired reverse charging, and PD/QC charging protocols. For photography, it includes a 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
Other highlights include 5G, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.4, a USB Type-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a side-facing fingerprint scanner. The device measures 171.56 x 79.47 x 8.15mm and weighs 210 grams.
Redmi 17 5G price and availability
Redmi 17 5G
The Redmi 17 5G is now on sale in China. The 4GB + 128GB variant is priced at 999 Yuan (~ $150), while the 6GB + 128GB version costs 1,199 Yuan (~$180). It comes in Cold Mist Blue, Star Rock Black, and Feather Mist White color options.
This device has gone official at a time when the rumor mill has been consistently leaking details about the global version of the Redmi 17 5G. Now that the Chinese edition has gone official, leaks suggest that its global version will offer different specs and design.
Timex has released a pair of new MK1 Chronograph watches in the US, updating its standard field watch design with a meca-quartz movement and sunray dials. The new models are straightforward additions to the company’s catalog, offering a functional daily watch without much fuss.
Design Details
The watch comes in two configurations. The first pairs a silver-tone brushed stainless steel case with a green dial for $239. The second option features a black-finished case with a blue dial for $249. Both share the exact same dimensions: a 40mm case diameter, a 46.5mm lug-to-lug measurement, and a 9.5mm overall thickness. These proportions are fairly standard for modern field watches and should fit average wrist sizes comfortably.
The watch comes with a meca-quartz chronograph movement, powered by a standard SR936SW battery. If you aren’t familiar with watch movements, a meca-quartz is essentially a hybrid. The watch relies on a standard battery-powered quartz mechanism for basic timekeeping, which keeps it accurate and cheap to maintain.
However, the stopwatch function uses a mechanical module. When you press the side pushers to start the chronograph, the second hand sweeps smoothly instead of ticking once per second. When you reset it, the hand snaps back to zero instantly. It provides the physical feedback of a mechanical watch without the high price tag.
For the crystal, Timex is using domed acrylic. Acrylic is a traditional material for field watches, primarily because it is highly shatter-resistant. The downside is that it scratches much easier than the sapphire glass found on more expensive watches, though you can buff out minor scuffs at home with a polishing paste. The dial itself has full Arabic numerals and standard luminescent paint on the hands and markers for reading the time in the dark.
Both watches come with a 20mm black leather strap. Timex says the leather is sourced from Leather Working Group suppliers, which is a standard certification for reduced environmental impact during the tanning process. The straps have quick-release spring bars for easy swapping and feature minor green or blue stitching on the sides to match the dials.
Water resistance is rated at 50 meters. This is adequate for washing your hands or getting caught in the rain, but you shouldn’t take it diving or swimming for extended periods. The MK1 Chronograph is available to purchase now directly through the Timex website.
Smartphones may dominate the market, but feature phones still have their place. They are simple to use, offer great battery life, and are pretty reliable for calls and text messages. While many people use them as backup devices, others are switching to keypad phones for a digital detox.
If you as well plan to switch to a 4G feature phone or just want to gift one to a family member, there are plenty of good options available at around Rs 2,000. To help you choose, we’ve rounded up five of the best keypad phones that offer reliablea calling experience, long battery life, and useful everyday features, including UPI support.
How to choose a feature phone in 2026
While there are many keypad phones available, not all of them support 4G. Some 4G keypad phones also support VoLTE, short for Voice over LTE, which routes voice calls over a 4G network instead of older 2G or 3G networks. This results in clearer call quality and faster call connections. That’s why it’s one of the most important features to look for when buying a 4G feature phone.
Battery life is another key factor to consider. A larger battery means fewer charging cycles, making the phone more convenient for elderly family members or anyone using it as a secondary device. You should also look for useful features like wireless FM radio, Bluetooth, expandable storage, a built-in torch, and possibly support for UPI payments or cloud-based apps if you want more than just calling and texting.
The Karbonn K1 4G is one of the most value for money feature phone you can buy. It not only supports 4G VoLTE calling, but also gets smart app support. It comes pre-installed with JioHotstar for entertainment, JioSaavn for music, and JioSoundPay for payments.
It comes with Bluetooth, FM radio, and expandable storage. It also supports the Rs 123 monthly recharge pack from Jio that offers 28 days of unlimited calling, 14GB of total data, and 300 SMS.
The HMD 101 4G is one of the newest feature phones in this price range and offers a clean, no-nonsense experience. It supports 4G VoLTE for better voice calls and comes with a sturdy hard plastic design that’s built for everyday use. It features a 2-inch display and a wide keypad.
It packs a removable battery, wireless FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity, expandable storage, and a bright torchlight. If you simply want a dependable phone for calls and long battery life, this is a great choice.
The Lava Action 4G comes with a smaller display, but has a digital camera for clicking pictures. It supports 4G VoLTE, comes with a large battery, and has a comfortable keypad that’s easy to type on.
It also comes with wireless FM, Bluetooth, expandable storage, and USB Type-C charging, a feature that’s still rare in this segment. The Type-C port makes charging more convenient, more so because most of the other modern devices use a Type-C port.
The itel Super Guru 4G Max is the most feature-packed device in this price segment. It comes with a large 3-inch display, AI voice assistant support, Bluetooth calling, wireless FM radio, and a sizeable battery. It also has smart app support and a single camera on the rear for snapping photos.
The phone also supports expandable storage, letting you store more content. This one, however, doesn’t support a Type-C charger, rather it gets a charging dock to charge up the device.
We can’t sum up the list, without featuring a Nokia phone. The Nokia 106 4G is a pretty good option for the price, as it comes with 4G VoLTE, has UPI support out of the box, and features a 1,450mAh battery that will last you for almost a week even with moderate to heavy usage.
It also supports FM radio, MP3 playback, Bluetooth, and expandable storage. If reliability matters more than fancy features, the Nokia 106 4G is a safe bet.
What is the best budget 4G feature phone under Rs 2,000?
The HMD 101 4G is one of the best budget 4G feature phones, thanks to its reliable build, 4G VoLTE support, long battery life, and simple user experience.
What is the most feature-packed keypad phone?
The itel Super Guru 4G Max is the best overall keypad phone given it’s larger display, massive battery, and support for smart apps.
What is the most reliable 4G feature phone?
The Nokia 106 4G is one of the most reliable 4G feature phones, as it gets a durable build, 4G VoLTE support for clear calls, and 1,450mAh removable battery that delivers long-lasting backup.
How long do feature phones usually last?
A good feature phone can easily last four to five years or more with normal use. Since they have simpler hardware and consume less power, they age much more slowly than smartphones.
Are 4G feature phones good for senior citizens?
Yes, 4G feature phones are best for senior citizens, as they feature large physical buttons, simple menus, loud speakers, and long battery life, making them easy to use.
So, which of these 4G feature phones is your pick? Let us know in the comments below.
Timex has added two new models to its Expedition Sierra lineup in the US. Priced at $149, the watches are available now on the company’s website and offer a straightforward, functional take on the traditional field watch design.
Both new models, the TW2Y89500 and the TW2Y89400m, share the exact same hardware and dimensions. They are built around a 40mm brushed stainless steel case that measures 11mm thick, with a lug-to-lug distance of 47mm.
This is a fairly standard, middle-of-the-road size that should comfortably fit wrist circumferences ranging from 5.9 to 8.1 inches. The dial is protected by a standard mineral crystal, which provides basic heat and scratch resistance for daily wear, though it won’t offer the premium scratch protection of sapphire glass.
The differences between the two watches come down entirely to color. The TW2Y89500 features a green camo-print dial paired with a green fabric strap, while the TW2Y89400 has a tan camo dial and a matching khaki strap.
Both models use a double-layered, slip-thru fabric strap design. Because the lug width is a standard 20mm, you can easily swap out the included bands for third-party options without needing specialized tools.
On the dial, Timex has included full Arabic numerals alongside an inner 5-to-60-minute track. There is also a standard date window located at the three o’clock position. For low-light visibility, the hands and markers are treated with luminescent material, and the watches feature Timex’s standard Indiglo backlight, which illuminates the entire dial when the crown is pressed.
Internally, the watches are powered by a basic quartz analog movement running on an SR626SW battery. Both watches are rated for 100 meters of water resistance. This means they are perfectly fine for swimming, snorkeling, or getting caught in the rain, provided you don’t press any buttons while submerged.
Timex has introduced the Retroware Digital, a new line of digital watches that draws heavily on the design of 1990s sport models. The watches are available now in the US for $149. The initial release includes two color options: a matte blue version and a grey-green version, both featuring matching resin straps.
The watch comes with a 46mm resin case that measures 11mm thick with a 50mm lug-to-lug distance. Despite its relatively large size, the lightweight resin construction keeps it comfortable for daily wear. It also features a curved digital display with larger digits for improved readability.
For the display cover, Timex uses an acrylic crystal that prioritizes impact resistance over scratch resistance, while allowing minor scratches to be polished out easily.
Internally, the Retroware Digital uses a standard quartz movement powered by a CR2025 coin-cell battery. It does not include Bluetooth, step tracking, or any other smart features.
The functionality is limited to standard digital watch tools: a daily alarm, a countdown timer, and a chronograph for measuring elapsed time. The watch also includes Timex’s Indiglo feature, which lights up the display panel for visibility in dark environments when a button is pressed.
The watch has a water resistance rating of 50 meters. This is sufficient for rain and light swimming, though Timex specifies that it is not intended for diving and that the buttons should not be pressed while submerged.
The included 20mm resin straps feature quick-release spring bars, meaning they can be removed and swapped without the use of a spring bar tool. They are designed to fit wrist sizes ranging from 5.9 to 8.1 inches.
These watches are now up for purchase from the Timex US website.
Vivo Y500 and Oppo A7 Pro Max target the upper mid-range segment with large batteries, AMOLED displays, and Android 16. While Vivo focuses on delivering excellent value with a brighter display at a lower price, Oppo justifies its premium with a faster chipset, better cameras, and significantly quicker charging. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which smartphone suits your needs best.
The Vivo Y500 and Oppo A7 Pro Max both feature a modern design with a glass front and durable plastic frame and back. Each phone carries IP68/IP69-rated water and dust resistance, making them dependable for everyday outdoor use. The Vivo Y500 also meets the MIL-STD-810H standard, while the Oppo A7 Pro Max adds drop resistance up to 1.8 meters, giving it a slight edge in physical durability. Both offer premium-looking finishes despite their mid-range positioning, but the Oppo feels more confidence-inspiring for users who prioritize ruggedness.
Vivo equips the Y500 with a 6.83-inch AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and an outstanding peak brightness of 5,000 nits, making it excellent for outdoor visibility. Oppo counters with a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel supporting 1 billion colors, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 1,800 nits of high-brightness mode. Both deliver sharp visuals at around 450ppi, but Vivo’s brighter panel provides better visibility under harsh sunlight, while Oppo’s richer color depth creates a more vibrant viewing experience.
Verdict
The Oppo A7 Pro Max feels tougher thanks to its added drop resistance, but the Vivo Y500 wins for display quality with significantly higher brightness and HDR support. Users focused on multimedia consumption may appreciate Vivo’s superior screen more.
2. Specifications Including Battery
Performance
The Vivo Y500 runs on the Unisoc T7300 chipset paired with UFS 2.2 storage, delivering reliable everyday performance for browsing, streaming, and casual gaming. The Oppo A7 Pro Max steps ahead with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 processor and much faster UFS 3.1 storage, resulting in quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. Oppo also offers higher RAM and storage configurations, making it a stronger option for users planning to keep the device for several years.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is a major highlight on both devices. Vivo includes a massive 8,100mAh silicon-carbon battery with 44W charging, reverse wired charging, and bypass charging. Oppo raises the bar even further with a gigantic 10,000mAh battery and extremely fast 80W charging, while also supporting UFCS, PPS fast charging standards, and 27W reverse wired charging. The larger battery, combined with faster charging, makes Oppo particularly appealing for heavy users.
Verdict
The Oppo A7 Pro Max clearly leads in hardware. Its faster chipset, quicker storage, significantly larger battery, and much faster charging make it the better long-term performer for demanding users.
3. Camera
Main and Secondary Lenses
Both smartphones feature a 50MP primary camera accompanied by a secondary sensor, but Oppo delivers a more capable photography system. The Oppo A7 Pro Max includes PDAF, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and a color spectrum sensor that helps improve focus and color accuracy. These additions allow for sharper photos and steadier videos in various lighting conditions. Vivo’s camera performs well for everyday photography but lacks stabilization, limiting its performance during low-light shooting or while recording handheld videos.
Selfie Camera
The Vivo Y500 offers a respectable 32MP front camera capable of producing detailed selfies for social media and video calls. Oppo upgrades the experience with a 50MP ultrawide autofocus selfie camera, allowing wider group shots while maintaining excellent sharpness. Autofocus also ensures more consistent results regardless of shooting distance, making it one of the strongest selfie cameras in its segment.
Verdict
The Oppo A7 Pro Max offers a noticeably more versatile camera system. OIS, autofocus selfies, and improved imaging hardware make it the stronger choice for photography enthusiasts and content creators.
4. Pricing
The Vivo Y500 is priced around $250 (₹22,000), while the Oppo A7 Pro Max is priced around $300 (₹31,000). The Vivo undercuts Oppo by a considerable margin, making it an attractive option for buyers with tighter budgets. Despite the lower price, it still delivers an excellent AMOLED display, a huge battery, stereo speakers, and flagship-level brightness, making it highly competitive in its segment.
The Oppo A7 Pro Max commands a premium, but the higher price brings meaningful upgrades, including a faster Snapdragon processor, UFS 3.1 storage, OIS-equipped cameras, NFC, infrared support, a much larger battery, and dramatically faster charging. These improvements directly impact everyday usability and long-term value.
Verdict
Vivo Y500 offers outstanding value for buyers seeking premium display quality at a lower price. However, the Oppo A7 Pro Max justifies its higher price through meaningful hardware upgrades that deliver a noticeably better overall smartphone experience.
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, launch timing, and applicable taxes. Always check whether the listed price is for a China unit or a global/international variant when purchasing.
5. Conclusion
The Vivo Y500 stands out with its exceptionally bright 5,000-nit AMOLED display, stereo speakers, HDR support, MIL-STD-810H certification, bypass charging, and aggressive pricing. It is an appealing choice for entertainment-focused users who want premium display quality without spending too much.
The Oppo A7 Pro Max focuses on delivering a more complete flagship-inspired experience. Its Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 chipset, UFS 3.1 storage, OIS-enabled rear camera, 50MP autofocus selfie camera, NFC, infrared blaster, enormous 10,000mAh battery, and ultra-fast 80W charging create a more capable all-round package. These upgrades make everyday usage smoother while also improving longevity.
Verdict
Vivo Y500 is the smarter choice for buyers prioritizing affordability and display quality. However, the Oppo A7 Pro Max emerges as the overall winner thanks to its stronger performance, better cameras, superior battery technology, and faster charging.
For users willing to spend more, the additional features provide genuine long-term value and make the Oppo A7 Pro Max the more well-rounded smartphone.
FAQs
1. Which phone is better for gaming?
The Oppo A7 Pro Max offers smoother gaming thanks to its Snapdragon chipset and faster UFS 3.1 storage.
2. Which phone has the better selfie camera?
The Oppo A7 Pro Max features a higher-resolution 50MP autofocus ultrawide selfie camera for sharper and wider shots.
3. Which phone lasts longer on a single charge?
The Oppo A7 Pro Max has a larger 10,000mAh battery, giving it an advantage in overall battery endurance.
4. Is the Vivo Y500 worth buying?
Yes, it offers an excellent AMOLED display, a large battery, and strong value at a lower price.
The Vivo Y500 suits budget buyers, while the Oppo A7 Pro Max delivers better overall features for its higher price.
Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, and availability may vary by region and retailer. Recommendations in this article are based on editorial opinion, feature-based value, and market positioning at the time of writing. Readers are advised to do their own research before making a purchase.
Casio is expanding its G-Shock lineup with the new G-Steel GST-B1000 series. Launching in Japan this August, the new models, specifically the GST-B1000-1A and GST-B1000-2A, focus on reducing the bulk typically associated with the G-Shock brand while maintaining its standard durability.
Design Details
The GST-B1000 measures 46.9 by 44.2 mm and sits 11.6 mm thick on the wrist. By using a bio-based carbon-reinforced resin case paired with a stainless steel bezel, Casio has managed to keep the weight down to just 58 grams.
Instead of a heavy metal link bracelet, these two specific models use a bio-based resin strap. This combination of materials is designed to make the watch more practical for daily wear compared to the heavier, all-metal G-Steel variants that preceded it.
Visually, the GST-B1000-1A opts for a stealthy all-black dial, while the GST-B1000-2A stands out with a metallic blue dial and matching blue sub-dial accents. Both models share the same silver stainless steel bezel with a subtle brick-pattern design inspired by the original G-Shock.
On the technical side, the GST-B1000 series combines Tough Solar charging with Bluetooth connectivity, enabling automatic time synchronization, smartphone-based setting adjustments, and a phone finder function via the Casio Watches app.
Aside from the connected features, the watches retain standard G-Shock specifications. They feature a Carbon Core Guard structure, are shock-resistant, and are water-resistant up to 200 meters.
The analog display is paired with standard digital functions, including a 1-second stopwatch, a 30-minute countdown timer, a daily alarm, a full auto-calendar, and a white LED backlight for low-light visibility.
Pricing and Availability
The GST-B1000-1A and GST-B1000-2A are currently available for pre-order in Japan and will officially go on sale later this month. Both models are priced at ¥60,500 ($384).
Redmi Note 17 Pro and OnePlus Nord CE 6 target different segments of the mid-range smartphone market. While the Redmi focuses on delivering exceptional battery life and value, the OnePlus offers stronger performance, better cameras, and a more premium overall experience. Here’s a detailed comparison to help determine which smartphone is the better fit for your needs.
Major Features:
Category
Redmi Note 17 Pro
OnePlus Nord CE 6
Winner
Design & Durability
IP68/IP69, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, 3m drop resistance
IP68/IP69, MIL-STD-810H certification
Redmi – Better durability and tougher glass
Display
6.83-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 3,500 nits
6.78-inch AMOLED, 144Hz, HDR, 3,600 nits
OnePlus – Smoother and richer display
Processor
Snapdragon 6s Gen 4
Snapdragon 7s Gen 4
OnePlus – Significantly faster chipset
GPU
Adreno
Adreno 810
OnePlus – Better graphics performance
RAM & Storage
Up to 12GB RAM, 512GB, UFS 3.1
Up to 8GB RAM, 256GB, UFS 3.1
Redmi – More storage options
Rear Camera
50MP dual camera
50MP dual camera with OIS
OnePlus – Better stabilization
Video Recording
1080p
4K rear & front recording
OnePlus – Superior video capabilities
Selfie Camera
8MP
32MP
OnePlus – Sharper selfies
Battery
9,000mAh
7,500mAh (Global) / 8,000mAh (India)
Redmi – Longer battery life
Charging
67W wired
80W wired, bypass charging
OnePlus – Faster charging
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, IR
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, IR
OnePlus – Newer connectivity
Software
Android 16, HyperOS 3
Android 16
Tie – Both run Android 16
Protection
Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Standard protection
Redmi – Better screen protection
Price / Value
Priced around $180 / ₹15,000 (China)
Priced around $330 / ₹30,000
Redmi – Outstanding value for money
Overall Winner
Excellent battery and value
Better performance, cameras, display
OnePlus – Best all-round smartphone
Disclaimer: Specs are based on available data. Actual performance may vary. Verify details from official sources before buying.
The Redmi Note 17 Pro and OnePlus Nord CE 6 both feature premium-looking designs with IP68/IP69K dust and water resistance, making them suitable for demanding everyday use. Redmi goes a step further with manufacturer-rated water resistance for extended immersion and claims drop resistance up to 3 meters, giving it an advantage in durability. The OnePlus Nord CE 6 counters with MIL-STD-810H compliance, offering extra reassurance against everyday wear. Both include stereo speakers, in-display fingerprint scanners, and infrared blasters, creating a feature-rich experience. Redmi feels more rugged, while OnePlus focuses on a refined balance between durability and everyday usability.
Redmi uses a 6.83-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and an impressive 3,500-nit peak brightness. The OnePlus Nord CE 6 features a slightly smaller 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 1 billion colors, a smoother 144Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and a higher 3,600-nit peak brightness. The richer color depth and faster refresh rate make the OnePlus display feel more polished for gaming and multimedia, although Redmi’s tougher glass provides added confidence.
Verdict
The OnePlus Nord CE 6 delivers the better display experience thanks to its smoother refresh rate, HDR support, and richer color reproduction. However, users who prioritize durability and screen protection may appreciate the Redmi Note 17 Pro’s tougher build.
Specifications Including Battery
Performance
Performance is where the gap between these two phones becomes more noticeable. The Redmi Note 17 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 paired with up to 12GB RAM and UFS 3.1 storage on higher variants. It comfortably handles everyday apps, social media, and casual gaming. The OnePlus Nord CE 6 uses the significantly more capable Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor with a newer CPU architecture and Adreno 810 GPU. This delivers noticeably faster multitasking, smoother gaming, and better long-term software performance. Users planning to keep their phone for several years are likely to benefit from the stronger chipset.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is a major highlight for both devices. Redmi packs a massive 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery with 67W fast charging and 22.5W reverse charging. OnePlus offers a 7,500mAh global battery or an even larger 8,000mAh battery in India with faster 80W charging, bypass charging, and reverse charging support. Redmi clearly lasts longer on a single charge, while OnePlus balances excellent endurance with quicker top-ups.
Verdict
The OnePlus Nord CE 6 wins overall because of its significantly stronger processor and faster charging. However, the Redmi Note 17 Pro remains an outstanding choice for users who simply want exceptional battery life above everything else.
Camera
Main and Secondary Lenses
Both smartphones feature a 50MP primary camera supported by an auxiliary sensor, but their overall imaging capabilities differ considerably. The OnePlus Nord CE 6 includes optical image stabilization (OIS), a color spectrum sensor, and supports 4K video recording with gyro-EIS. These additions improve image stability, low-light photography, and video quality. The Redmi Note 17 Pro lacks OIS and is limited to 1080p video recording, making it better suited for casual photography rather than advanced content creation. While daylight photos should remain respectable, the OnePlus camera system offers greater consistency across different lighting conditions.
Selfie Camera
The selfie experience is another clear advantage for OnePlus. It features a 32MP front camera capable of recording 4K video, producing sharper images and significantly better video quality for creators and video calls. Redmi includes a basic 8MP selfie camera with 1080p recording, which is sufficient for everyday use but falls behind in detail and versatility.
Verdict
The OnePlus Nord CE 6 comfortably wins the camera comparison. Better stabilization, higher-quality video recording, and a far superior selfie camera make it the stronger choice for photography enthusiasts and content creators.
Pricing
The Redmi Note 17 Pro is priced around $180 (₹15,000) for the Chinese version, making it one of the most aggressively priced smartphones in its segment. The OnePlus Nord CE 6 is priced around $330 (₹30,000), placing it in a much higher price category. The large price difference reflects their positioning, with Redmi targeting budget-conscious buyers while OnePlus aims at users seeking a more premium mid-range experience.
The Redmi delivers remarkable value by offering IP68/IP69 protection, a huge 9,000mAh battery, and a quality AMOLED display at an entry-level price. The OnePlus justifies its higher cost through a faster Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, superior cameras, better display technology, and quicker charging. Buyers looking for performance and longevity may find the additional investment worthwhile, while value-focused users will likely see Redmi as the more compelling deal.
Verdict
The Redmi Note 17 Pro offers exceptional value for money, while the OnePlus Nord CE 6 justifies its premium with meaningful upgrades that improve the overall user experience.
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, launch timing, and applicable taxes. Always check whether the listed price is for a China unit or a global/international variant when purchasing.
Conclusion
The Redmi Note 17 Pro stands out with its enormous 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, rugged construction, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, and extremely competitive pricing. It is designed for users who value long battery life, durability, and affordability above everything else. The OnePlus Nord CE 6 differentiates itself with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, a 144Hz HDR AMOLED display, OIS-equipped cameras, 4K recording from both front and rear cameras, bypass charging, and faster 80W charging. These upgrades create a noticeably more premium and future-ready experience.
Verdict
The Redmi Note 17 Pro is the better choice for buyers seeking maximum battery life and outstanding value on a limited budget. The OnePlus Nord CE 6 is the stronger all-round smartphone, offering better performance, cameras, display quality, and charging technology.
For users willing to spend more, the OnePlus provides a more complete experience that is likely to remain competitive for a longer period, while the Redmi remains one of the strongest value-focused options available.
FAQs
1. Which phone is better for gaming? The OnePlus Nord CE 6 offers better gaming performance thanks to its Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor and more capable GPU.
2. Which phone has the better camera? The OnePlus Nord CE 6 delivers superior photography with OIS, 4K video recording, and a higher-resolution front camera.
3. Which phone has better battery life? The Redmi Note 17 Pro lasts longer on a single charge because of its massive 9,000mAh battery.
4. Is the OnePlus Nord CE 6 worth the extra price? Yes. Its faster chipset, better cameras, premium display, and quicker charging justify the higher price for many buyers.
5. Which phone offers better value for money? The Redmi Note 17 Pro stands out for value, offering premium features and exceptional battery life at a much lower price.
Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, and availability may vary by region and retailer. Recommendations in this article are based on editorial opinion, feature-based value, and market positioning at the time of writing. Readers are advised to do their own research before making a purchase.
Huawei has officially announced its latest flagship tablet, the MatePad Pro 2026. This new device features an ultra-slim metal unibody that measures just 4.7mm thick and weighs 439g, making it one of the thinnest and lightest 12-inch tablets currently available.
Huawei MatePad Pro 2026 Specifications
The MatePad Pro 2026 features a 12-inch flexible OLED display with a 3036 x 1952 resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio, and 144Hz refresh rate. It reaches up to 1,600 nits of peak brightness and supports AI HDR, while an optional Soft Light Edition uses nano-etching technology to reduce reflections.
Internally, the tablet is powered by Huawei’s new Kirin T93 processor, while a slightly cheaper Enjoy Edition uses the Kirin T93A variant. Huawei says the updated silicon delivers a 25% performance increase over the previous generation. The hardware is paired with 12GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, and a 7.2W central stereo cooling system to manage thermals.
The tablet runs HarmonyOS 6.1 and introduces Dual Desktop, allowing users to switch between tablet and desktop modes with a four-finger swipe while supporting over 200 PC-class applications.
For photography, the MatePad Pro 2026 features a 50MP rear camera with autofocus and 1080p video recording, alongside a 12MP front camera for video calls and selfies. It also supports features like panorama, time-lapse, high-resolution photography, beauty mode, and 2D face unlock.
The tablet equips a quad-speaker Huawei Sound audio system with spatial audio support, delivering an enhanced listening experience, especially when paired with compatible Huawei FreeClip earbuds.
Despite the 4.7mm chassis, Huawei has included a 10,400mAh battery. It supports 66W fast charging, which the company claims can fully recharge the device in 53 minutes.
The tablet also supports 40W reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a high-speed power bank for phones and accessories. For connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 7+ and Bluetooth 6.0, though it lacks cellular or satellite communication options.
Huawei is also positioning the tablet for digital artists and musicians. The proprietary GoPaint app has been updated with new brush types and integration with the TourBox creative controller.
Pricing and Availability
The Huawei MatePad Pro 2026 comes in five color options: Cherry Pink Gold, Condensed Light Blue, Floating White, Deep Space Gray, and Bright Moon Silver.
Pricing for the standard MatePad Pro 2026 is as follows:
Huawei has announced the All-in-One Charging Power Bank in China. It is priced at 399 yuan (~$59) and comes with a 12,000mAh battery, a built-in USB-C cable, offline location tracking, making it the company’s first power bank to comply with China’s updated 3C safety standard.
The device supports 100W fast charging in both directions using Huawei’s SuperCharge standard. According to the company, this output can charge a compatible phone like the Mate 80 Pro to 85% in about 30 minutes. Because the 100W specification is bidirectional, you can also recharge the power bank itself at that same speed, provided you have a compatible wall adapter.
For connectivity, the power bank features a built-in liquid silicone USB-C cable that magnetically attaches to the side of the device when not in use. There is also a secondary, standard USB-C port. You can charge two devices simultaneously; when doing so, the built-in cable outputs up to 66W, while the secondary port outputs up to 40W.
It also supports pass-through charging, meaning you can plug the battery into a wall outlet and charge a connected phone at the same time. Huawei says the built-in cable is rated to survive 10,000 bending and pulling cycles.
The power bank also functions as a Bluetooth tracker within Huawei’s ecosystem. If you misplace the battery, you can use a compatible Huawei phone to make it ring. If it is entirely out of range, the phone can display the battery’s last known location on a map, complete with floor-level positioning.
For users with phones running HarmonyOS 6.1 or newer, the operating system will display the power bank’s remaining battery percentage, provide temperature warnings, and send an alert if you leave the device behind. You can also check battery health and install firmware updates through the Huawei AI Life app.
To meet the new 3C safety regulations, Huawei is using its Whale battery cells, which feature ceramic insulation. The device relies on five temperature sensors spread across the battery, circuit board, and ports to monitor heat, alongside graphite materials to help keep the hardware cool during 100W charging sessions.
In related news, Huawei has recently unveiled the 798g MateBook Pro S, which features a built-in privacy display, the Kirin XE90 processor, and up to 18 hours of battery life. The company also announced the Vision Smart Screen 6 SE with flagship RGB MiniLED technology.
Motorola has started sending Android 17 beta updates to users who previously signed up for beta testing. The high-end Motorola Signature was among the first recipients, but the brand didn’t waste any time expanding availability to mid-range phones, including the Edge 70 Pro, Edge 70 Fusion, and Edge 60 Pro.
The Android 17 beta update for Motorola devices comes with a massive download size of around 5GB. But the changelog is unfortunately thin on details, as you can see in the screenshot below.
Luckily, some Motorola enthusiasts have shared on their social accounts about the new features and changes they’ve spotted after upgrading to Android 17 beta.
Here’s a quick list of changes shared by a Moto Edge 60 Pro user on Reddit:
New Dynamic Island
New quick tiles with the ability to change size
New icons for Wi-Fi, cell tower, and battery
New volume interface
New customization options
New settings menu
Improved and stronger Haptics
Phone feels warmer than usual
Brand new Moto AI assistant named Qira
Cloud connection via Smart Connect
New notification management system
While this list is a good starting point, it doesn’t go very much into detail. Fortunately, a Motorola user on X (Fanboy_Moto) has shared better details along with screenshots and screen recordings, offering us a closer look at the new software.
Fanboy_Moto says the Android 17 beta update brings major improvements to the phone’s haptics, and the haptics feel very different when you swipe a notification. The status bar gets new icons, and home screen icons are tinted now. There’s also a new Classic Control Center, likely referring to the combined Notification panel with Quick Settings shortcuts.
Motorola has also brought visual and functional upgrades to Live Updates. Previously, Live Updates would appear on the left side of the status bar. Now, it has been integrated into the camera cutout in the middle, similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island. Plus, it now supports most of your day-to-day apps. See the upgraded Live Updates in action here.
Changes have also been made to the Motorola HelloUI App Drawer, as shared by Fanboy_Moto:
No MotoAI in the search bar
Better background blur
Folders now have a 3×3 grid instead of 2×2
Create folder button
Removed app titles
All apps are now tinted
The lock screen receives new clock faces with expanded typography and style options. Unfortunately, there’s no depth effect feature. Fanboy_Moto has posted a video on X detailing all the lock screen changes. You can watch it here.
There are quite a few smaller but meaningful changes that are worth paying attention to. It includes a faster, easier way to take screenshots and split-screen. Previously, you had to hold down three fingers on the screen to take a screenshot, which was pretty annoying. Now, it’s a three-finger swipe down gesture. You can watch the new gesture in action here.
Split screen is now a three-finger swipe-up gesture. Previously, it required swiping back and forth, which users weren’t happy about. Motorola has also fixed the issue (to some extent) where network icons would overlap. But it still needs work.
Motorola has also updated the Settings page UI, which now looks more like Pixel UI.
Settings Page UI – left (Android 16), right (Android 17 beta)
Fanboy_Moto has also spotted a few more features in Motorola’s Android 17 beta, including Landscape Stereo, Qira AI assistant, Enhanced HDR Brightness, and Battery health.
The Android 17 beta update is currently rolling out on a few Motorola devices, and we expect more devices to join the party as testing expands. Hopefully, the stable release won’t take much longer, as beta users are reporting that the new build is working fine without any critical issues.
Boat has announced a strategic partnership with Spotify Premium aimed at enhancing the music listening experience for users in India. The collaboration combines Boat’s audio products with Spotify Premium’s ad-free streaming service, giving customers access to uninterrupted music playback and additional Premium features with eligible devices.
As part of the partnership, select Boat products will include a four-month Spotify Premium subscription. The first 12 weeks of the subscription will be available at no additional cost, allowing users to enjoy ad-free music, offline downloads, and high-quality audio streaming. The initiative reflects the growing demand for bundled hardware and content experiences that go beyond the device itself.
To mark the collaboration, the two companies have launched a digital campaign titled “HALF the Experience.” The campaign highlights how poor audio quality, interruptions, and ordinary listening devices can take away from the overall music experience. It features artist Chaar Diwari in a playful performance where everything appears incomplete before switching to the full listening experience with Boat audio products and Spotify Premium.
The promotional offer is now available with eligible Boat products in India. Customers purchasing supported devices can redeem four months of Spotify Premium, with the first 12 weeks offered free. The subscription includes ad-free listening, offline playback, and improved audio quality, complementing Boat’s range of audio products.
Realme has confirmed the launch date for its next budget 5G smartphone in India. The Realme 16x 5G is scheduled to debut on August 12, with the company also revealing several of its key specifications ahead of the announcement. The handset is set to succeed last year’s Realme 15x 5G and will be sold through Flipkart and the official Realme online store.
Realme 16x 5G launch date, key specs confirmed
Realme 16x 5G
The Realme 16x 5G packs a 7,000mAh battery with support for 45W wired fast charging, bypass charging, and reverse charging. According to the company, the battery can deliver up to 156.2 hours of music playback and up to nine hours of gaming on a single charge. Realme is also promising a six-year battery health guarantee and a 60-month fluency certification aimed at maintaining long-term performance.
The phone is confirmed to feature a 6.67-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate and up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, it is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset and comes with up to 14GB dynamic RAM and 256GB of storage.
It also includes the company’s Flux Engine, GT Boost gaming optimizations, and a 5,300mm² AirFlow vapor chamber cooling system. For photography, the handset features a 50-megapixel AI main camera along with AI-powered features such as AI Eraser, AI Ultra Clarity, Motion Photo, and Dual-View Video.
The Realme 16x 5G will launch in India on Aug. 12 at 12 PM IST. It will be available in Endurance Brown and Glory White color options. The handset also carries an IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance and has passed MIL-STD-810H military-grade shock resistance testing. Pricing and variant details will be announced during the launch event.
There were rumors that Huawei would bring back the SE-branded Nova model after skipping new SE variants following the Nova 12 SE. Today, the brand unveiled a couple of new products, including the MateBook Pro S ultralight laptop with a built-in privacy display. Alongside it, Huawei also introduced the Nova 16 SE, bringing back the SE lineup. Continue reading to find out everything the new phone has to offer.
The Huawei Nova 16 SE features a 6.84-inch flat OLED display with a 2756 x 1272 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 8,000 nits of local peak brightness, and 1440Hz high-frequency PWM dimming. Under the hood, it is powered by the Kirin 8020 chipset, paired with up to 512GB of storage.
The Nova 16 SE includes a 32-megapixel front-facing camera and a dual rear camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel RYYB main camera with a 1/1.56-inch sensor and OIS, along with Huawei’s Red Maple color camera for improved color reproduction.
Huawei Nova 16 SE
It ships with HarmonyOS 6.1 and packs a massive 8,500mAh battery with support for 66W wired fast charging. Other notable features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, dual super-linear 1115 speakers, an aluminum alloy frame, a fiberglass back panel, an IR blaster, NFC, Wi-Fi 7, Star Flash 2.0, Bluetooth 6.0, and Beidou satellite messaging.
The 16 SE also carries IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance. The handset measures 7.98mm thick and weighs 229 grams.
Huawei Nova 16 SE price and availability
Huawei Nova 16 SE
The Huawei Nova 16 SE is now available in China in Starry Black, Sky White, Dawn Orange, and Sakura Sky color options. The 128GB model is priced at 2,499 Yuan (~$370), the 256GB variant costs 2,699 Yuan (~$400), while the 512GB version is priced at 3,199 Yuan (~$475).
To conclude, this is the fifth, and likely the last, model in the Nova 16 series, which already includes the Nova 16z, Nova 16, Nova 16 Pro, and Nova 16 Ultra, all of which were announced earlier this year.
Here we have the new Baseus Dark Cherry Collection for the upcoming iPhone 18 series, which is under a launch plan. Just like the name suggests, they are colored just like the rumored new color for the iPhone 18 Pro. Some of the products in this collection were released before, but the new one is this PicoGo 100W GaN charger. In this article, some features of the charger will be showcased, but not all the details of it. Also the highlights of the two power banks will be showcased, as these two are also very interesting.
PicoGo 100W GaN Charger
It is very small, much smaller than many 100W chargers out there, so it is very good for travelling. There are three Type-C ports, a large screen on the other side, and a touch control button below it. For the EU version, the prongs can be folded, again better for travelling.
The small screen looks very useful – it probably shows the real-time power output from each port. With the touch control button, you may also change settings for the charger.
We also tested the temperature control of the charger. After 30 minutes of charging, the surface is only 36℃. There is also a feature that will power off the charger when the phone reaches 100% charge, we will test it later.
Since this new PicoGo 100W GaN Charger is still not being officially released, these are the features we can talk about right now. We will talk more about it soon.
PicoGo Magnetic Power Banks
The PicoGo AM71 and PicoGo AM52 Magnetic Power Banks were released before, now they get a new skin color. These are targeted at the new iPhone 18 Pro. We can’t comment on whether this will truly be the new color, but for now I think they look great. And let’s briefly talk about the specs and user experience.
PicoGo AM71 Magnetic Power Bank
iPhone 17 ProiPhone 15 Pro MaxColors
The PicoGo AM71 is extremely thin, measured at just 6.9mm/0.27inch, it certainly fits more perfectly on the iPhone Air than the 17 Pro. Despite the thinness, it still packs a 5000mAh battery, it can output up to 15W wirelessly, and 22.5W wired. And there is a short C-C cable in the package, this is something most of its kind don’t offer. Surprisingly, it also supports 20W max input, so it is very quick to top it up. I think this is a very good feature, as such a power bank is meant for everyday use, it should be able to collect power back quickly for next use.
There is NFC built in. You can use an iPhone to connect to it, then check all the information about it, like the battery level, temperature, battery health, etc. This is a very smart feature, to let you be aware of the state about the power bank.
One thing you might not notice, which is that this power bank is CCC certified, a new standard in China. If you travel to China frequently, you need this. The reason is that you will not have your power bank checked when your flight lands in China, but if you need to take more flights within China, you need a CCC-certified power bank, otherwise you will have to give yours up before getting on board. This is important; please take note.
Some other features about this power bank. The heat dissipation is very good, after half an hour of charging wirelessly, the temperature is only29℃. But maybe because it wants better heat dissipation, it uses glass fiber on the inside, so it weakens the magnetic force, so it is not that secure on the iPhone.
PicoGo AM52 Qi2.2 Magnetic Power Bank
If you want that magnetic experience, with bigger capacity, then the AM52 is the choice. It is rated at 10000mAh capacity, 45W max output wired. And since it is Qi2.2 certified, it can output 25W wirelessly, this is ideal for iPhone 16 or 17. Let’s see if it can support the 18 series better.
It can also accept 30W input, this can top it up pretty fast. And since there is a Type-C cable built-in, you don’t need to bring a cable with you. You can just attach it to your phone, then either charge the phone wirelessly, or use the cable to do so. Or even, you can charge your phone and AirPods at the same time. And there is an extra C port, to charge another device at the same time, or if you want to put it in your pocket then use a longer cable to charge the phone in your hand.
The material inside is silicone, so it has better grip, it can attach to your iPhone more securely. This power bank is the perfect one for a trip that takes a few days.
Other Products
We also got the FrostCore Data 100W Cable. It can support up to 100W PD fast charging, and it is very strong. It claims to have Smart Cooling Protection; maybe it’s good for high-power charging. Lastly, the color does match other products in the collection pretty well.
Last but not least, the Bowie MC2 Open-Earbuds Dark Cherry edition. We have reviewed these before; you can watch our full review on the YouTube channel. Other than that, the color combo is just so well put together; it makes them stand out a lot.
Ok, so these are the products in the Baseus Dark Cherry Collection. They are mostly targeting the new iPhone 18 Pro series, that’s why there is this new color. Other than the color, the specs and build quality are also excellent. Especially the PicoGo 100W GaN Charger and the two power banks, they represent top-notch quality in the charging category. The official launch date will probably be in early September 2026, you can tune in to the BASEUS website for more info.
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