A new Xiaomi patent has just surfaced online. This has revealed that the company is possibly working on a unique smartphone that features a rolling display that appears like a scroll. So here are all the details.
The Chinese tech giant’s latest patent was spotted with an application number CN307959735S. This design patent also showcases the appearance of this smartphone. The documentation carries design sketches of the device. Looking at these images, we can see that the smartphone features a columnar part on one side that houses the flexible display. This housing component has a peculiar scroll like shape that is likely due to the display that rolls into it.
In other words, it might also function similar to a scroll, with the display being pulled/rolled out of its housing. While it is interesting to imagine that Xiaomi is working on such a product, it is clear that this is still a conceptual design and not a gadget ready for mass production. Unfortunately, finer details like specifications are still unclear although this patented rolling smartphone might also feature a pop up camera module.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen such a futuristic device and we’ve already seen rollable TV’s from LG. So a rollable phone for the mass market shouldn’t be too far ahead in the future. The design is quite interesting but the structural integrity and actual usability is still doubtful. So stick around for more updates.
Xiaomi is one of the largest consumer electronics brands in the world. While the company is predominantly recognized for its smartphones, the brand has a significant presence across numerous categories in China and elsewhere. It is known for several diverse products, such as a smart pedestal fan, walkie talkie, Xiaomi smart air conditioner, Xiaomi electric scooter, and many more. Today, Xiaomi has launched a new product under the Mijia brand – the Mijia Nylon Polarized Sunglasses.
The Mijia Nylon Polarized Sunglasses are equipped with nylon polarized lenses that utilize O6 layered lens technology, effectively filtering out 99.9% of UV rays and 99% of polarized light. In addition, these lenses enhance contrast and visual clarity, and are scratch-resistant and anti-reflective, ensuring superior optical performance. The sunglasses are designed to provide ample protection against harmful UV rays, glare, and polarized light, while also offering a lightweight and comfortable fit.
The frame of the sunglasses is made of 304H stainless steel and TR90 material, which are durable, flexible, and corrosion-resistant. The sunglasses have a rimless design that gives them a modern and minimalist look, and they weigh only 18 grams. Additionally, the rear frame of the sunglasses is designed to fit comfortably around the ears, claims the brand.
These sunglasses are available in black color and have a cat-eye shape that is suitable for both men and women. They are packaged with a protective case and a cleaning cloth to ensure the longevity of the product. The price of the Mijia Nylon Polarized Sunglasses is set at CNY 199 ($30), and they can be purchased on Xiaomi’s official website and other online partner platforms in China.
Honor introduced its latest flagship device, the Honor Magic 5 Pro, in early March. Although the device was released in China, it has not yet been made available in other parts of the world. Recently, Honor launched the phone in the UK, announcing its price and release date.
Starting from April 19th, the Magic5 Pro will be up for grabs in two distinct hues of green and black and will be priced at £949.99. The company has also confirmed its availability in various other regions such as the EU, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific markets in the near future. Let’s check out what the device has to offer.
Honor Magic 5 Pro specs
The Honor Magic 5 Pro features a stunning 6.81-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 2848×1312 pixels. The display is curved on all four sides, which Honor calls the ‘Quad-Curved Floating Screen’, and boasts gesture support. It has a 1Hz-120Hz Dynamic refresh rate with up to 1,800 nits of peak brightness, providing an immersive viewing experience. The panel has a 19.54:9 aspect ratio, a pixel density of 461 ppi, and supports HDR10+ and is IMAX Enhanced certified. Additionally, the display has been rated No. 1 by DxOMark.
Under the hood, the Honor Magic 5 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. The device packs a 5,100 mAh battery with 66W wired fast charging support and 50W wireless SuperCharge support, making it ideal for people who are always on-the-go.
The Honor Magic 5 Pro boasts a triple-camera setup that consists of a 50 MP primary camera with OIS support and an 8P lens, a 50 MP ultrawide shooter with a wide 122-degree FOV and an f/2.0 aperture, and a 50 MP Periscope telephoto camera with OIS, 3.5x optical zoom, and 100x digital zoom. The camera system is assisted by a 3D ToF laser, a multi-spectrum sensor, and a flicker sensor, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts.
On the front, the phone has a pill-shaped notch that houses a 12 MP selfie camera with an f/2.4 aperture and a 3D depth sensor. The device runs on Android 13 with the MagicOS 7.1 skin on top. Lastly, the Honor Magic 5 Pro weighs 219 grams and measures 8.77mm thick, making it sleek and easy to carry around. Overall, the Honor Magic 5 Pro is a top-of-the-line smartphone that offers excellent features and specifications.
Super Plastronics, the brand licensee of Thomson Televisions in India, has launched a new television in the country. The latest offering is a part of the brand’s OATHPRO Max series. It packs a host of specifications and features. Read on to know what it offers out of the box.
The Thomson OATHPRO Max series TV features a 65-inch IPS display bearing a 4K resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. It offers 550 nits brightness and supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. There are multiple viewing modes. The television has a bezel-less design and a metallic stand. On the audio front, the Thomson TV is equipped with 40W stereo box speakers and Dolby Atmos.
Under the hood, the Thomson 65-inch TV is equipped with a 1.5GHz quad-core MediaTek A53 processor. It packs 2GB RAM and 16GB onboard storage. The television runs on Google TV with various OTT apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and more. There are some features like adult and child profiles, personalised content, and smart home control.
Connectivity options on the Thomson 65-inch TV include dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, three HDMI ports, two USB ports, and an Ethernet port. The television also comes with a voice remote with dedicated hotkeys for Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube.
The Thomson 65-inch TV costs Rs 43,999. It will be available for purchase from Flipkart during Summer Saving Days Sale that starts on April 13th.
Lenovo continues to dominate the Indian tablet market, holding approximately 36 percent of the market share, owing to its extensive range of devices catering to various segments and its unmatched value-for-money proposition. The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus, which was launched in India in July 2022, is one such device that offers unbeatable features at an affordable price.
The tablet is placed between the Tab P11 and the Tab P11 Pro (see review) and costs Rs 26,499 ($323). After waiting for a considerable time, I managed to acquire a unit to provide our readers with a comprehensive and impartial review of the tablet.
What’s in the box
The Lenovo P11 Plus has the following items included in the package:
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus tablet
20W charging adapter
USB to USB-C charging cable (1 meter)
Memory card tray pin
Quick Start Guide and Safety Warranty
Please note that the tablet does not include a Stylus pen or back cover in the package. However, these items can be purchased separately. For those wondering, the tablet accepts the same keyboard as the Pro model, while it supports Lenovo Precision Pen 2 stylus.
Design and Display
The Tab P11 Plus boasts a distinctive back panel made of a combination of rubber and aluminum. This design element provides a comfortable grip for landscape mode usage during activities such as video watching or gaming. However, it is important to note that the aluminum portion of the back panel is prone to fingerprint smudges.
Other than that, the tablet follows a standard design template with flat edges, a single camera on the back, and an overall slim finish. The tablet’s top portion is equipped with mics, volume buttons, and a microSD card slot. On the right-hand side, users can find the USB-C charging port and two speakers, while the bottom section features pogo pins for keyboard connectivity. Additionally, the right-hand side has two additional speakers and a power button. It weighs less than 500 grams and is only 7.5 millimeters thin.
Flipping over to the tablet’s front, users are greeted with an 11-inch IPS panel with a 2K resolution (2,000 x 1,200) and thin bezels surrounding all four sides, resulting in an impressive screen-to-body ratio of around 82%. In landscape mode, the bezels offer ample grip to prevent unintentional screen touches while holding the Tab P11 Plus. The display offers 60Hz refresh rate, 400 nits peak brightness, a 5:3 aspect ratio, and 212 pp pixel density. It comes with HDR support which means users can watch HD streaming content on OTT platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and Hulu.
Given that it covers 70% of the NTSC color space, the tablet is capable of reproducing vibrant colors with decent accuracy and sharpness. Thanks to its TÜV Rheinland Full Care Display Certification, users can view the display for extended periods without experiencing eye fatigue while working or watching videos.
The centrally located 8MP front-facing camera further adds to the tablet’s usability, as it eliminates the awkward webcam experience that occurs when the camera is situated on the shorter side of the device.
The JBL quad speakers on the Tab P11 Plus deliver an enjoyable audio experience, particularly for watching videos or playing games, thanks to their optimization with Dolby Atmos. While the bass output could be improved, the speakers are more than capable of providing satisfactory audio quality, eliminating the need for external speakers while viewing shows or movies.
Performance
Despite potential worries about the MediaTek Helio G90T chipset’s release in 2019, it exceeds expectations in terms of performance. With its ARM Mali G76 GPU and MediaTek’s HyperEngine, gaming performance at this price point is excellent. The device also boasts speedy 6GB LPDDR4x RAM and 128 GB UFS 3.1 storage, which can keep up with app switching and gallery scrolling. Moreover, the device has an external storage slot that supports up to 1TB of microSD card, providing ample storage space.
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus GeekbenchLenovo Tab P11 Plus AnTuTuLenovo Tab P11 Plus 3D Mark
The tablet’s performance is not affected when using multiple applications at the same time or switching between them. For basic computing tasks, the overall user experience is smooth and satisfactory. The Helio G90T chipset performs similarly to the Snapdragon 750G, which is found in devices like the Galaxy Tab S7 FE. In Geekbench 5, the P11 Tab Plus achieved a score of 503 points in the single-core test and 1640 points in the multi-core test. It also achieved a score of 337,877 points on the AnTuTu benchmark test.
Playing games such as Asphalt 9 and NFS No Limits on the tablet is a breeze, but in more demanding games like Call of Duty: Mobile, some frame drops may occur. It’s possible to run PUBG Mobile at high framerates with HD graphics on this device. Personally, I spent most of my time playing Streets of Rage 4’s Android port, which ran smoothly at 56-62 FPS on high settings. While gaming, the tablet may warm up a bit, but it’s not uncomfortable. Moreover, the heating takes place in the top center, away from the sides where your fingers are positioned during gaming.
Battery
With moderate usage, the tablet’s 7,700 mAh battery should last a full day. I personally tested the device by streaming HD shows over Wi-Fi with the brightness set to maximum. After approximately 8 hours of use, the tablet finally powered off. In case of low battery, the Tab P11 Plus offers 20W fast charging, which can provide several hours of battery life in just 15 minutes. The device can be charged up to 85% within two hours, while the remaining 15% requires an additional hour.
Software
Coming to the software, the tablet was running Android 11 when I got my hands on it, however, the Android 12L (Android version optimized for large-screen devices) update is already out for the device. The operating system is clean and doesn’t come with much bloat, although there are some lightweight games like Fish Solitaire, Block Puzzle Guardian & Snake lite pre-installed on it. An issue that stood out to me while using the tablet was an ad that appeared upon launching a pre-installed Lenovo app. Nevertheless, after updating to Android 12, I have not experienced this problem again.
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus Productivity ModeLenovo Tab P11 Plus Productivity Mode
The tablet’s split-screen mode is decent as it allows users to resize apps, but there is no gesture shortcut to activate it. However, the most impressive feature of this tablet is its productivity mode, which transforms the tablet OS to resemble and function like a Windows PC. In this mode, there is a taskbar, desktop icons, and the ability to open and switch between multiple apps, much like a Windows PC. One downside to this mode is that resizing apps can be a bit clunky. Nevertheless, this issue was easily resolved by connecting a mouse using a USB-C dongle.
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus Google Entertainment SpaceLenovo Tab P11 Plus Google Entertainment Space
The tablet also incorporates Google Entertainment Space and Kids Space. Google Entertainment Space, for those unfamiliar with it, is a response from Android to Apple’s tvOS. It’s a customized interface that replaces the Google Discover panel and offers a carefully selected range of streaming shows, books, and games. Although it’s still relatively new, Google keeps adding support for more streaming services to the mix.
Meanwhile, Kids Space is another feature that comes in handy, especially for parents. It simplifies the process of adding all of your child’s accounts to the tablet, and Google suggests a variety of fun and educational games, books, and YouTube videos based on your child’s interests. With robust parental controls, you can regulate your child’s exposure to specific content and even set limits on how much time they can use the tablet.
Cameras
The camera setup on the Tab P11 Plus comprises a 13 MP sensor for the rear camera and an 8 MP sensor for selfies. In good lighting conditions, the rear camera produces adequately sharp and detailed images for a tablet in the budget mid-range category. However, the sharpness of the 13 MP photos is low, especially in low-light conditions.
Normal modeHDR ModeHDRa mode2x Zoom sample2x Zoom samplePortrait mode sample
On the other hand, the 8 MP front-facing camera located in the bezel above the screen performs well in photo mode and can produce decent images suitable for quick selfies and video calls. However, the low resolution of the camera means that the detail reproduction in photos is not one of the Tab P11 Plus’s strong points.
Connectivity and Other Features
The face unlock feature on the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is highly efficient, quickly recognizing the user’s face and granting access to the device. However, in low-light conditions, the feature may fail to identify the user’s face, prompting the need for a passcode or pattern to unlock the device.
In terms of connectivity options, the device boasts Wi-Fi 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, and a USB-C port with DP-out. It also supports USB OTG. Regrettably, the device lacks a 3.5mm audio jack, which could prove to be a significant inconvenience for users who prefer using wired earphones or headphones. During my testing of the Tab P11 Plus, I found that it provides 4G SIM support. While the calling experience was satisfactory, the most significant benefit of this functionality is the ability to use the tablet with cellular data, without being dependent on Wi-Fi connectivity.
Verdict
Having used the device for nearly a month, I have little to criticize about it. The operating system runs exceptionally smoothly, the display is perfect for enjoying media content, and the SoC performs admirably for casual gaming, delivering satisfactory frame rates. Moreover, the tablet boasts an impressive battery life and can serve as a basic computing device when paired with a keyboard and a mouse. However, it is important to note that while it can handle basic computing tasks, it is not designed to replace a laptop.
The Tab P11 Plus (Amazon link) could be a great pick for those seeking a device primarily for media consumption, with the added benefit of light gaming and basic computing capabilities. However, to make the most of its computing features, it is recommended to purchase a keyboard folio along with the tablet.
Last month, Sony launched WH-CH720 over-ear wireless headphones in India. Now the Japanese brand has announced a new headphone in India. The latest offering is the Sony WH-CH520 and it is a toned-down version of the previously launched model. Read on to know what it offers out of the box.
The Sony WH-CH520 is an on-ear wireless headphone with an adjustable headband and circular-shaped soft earpads for a comfortable fit. The right ear cup has power and volume buttons along with a USB-C port.
On the audio front, the Sony WH-CH520 is equipped with a 30mm dynamic driver. It features the brand’s DSEE technology that is capable of upscaling audio even when it is compressed. Users can customize sound and adjust settings via the Sony Headphones app. The audio device comes with a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and voice commands.
The Sony WH-CH520 is claimed to deliver 50 hours of battery life along with support for fast charging. It comes with Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair features for quickly connecting to devices. The headphones can also be connected to two devices simultaneously.
The Sony WH-CH520 carries a price tag of Rs 4,490. It is offered in Black, Blue, Beige, and White colors. The audio device can be purchased from Sony Exclusive Stores, Sony Online Store, major offline stores, and e-commerce portals starting today.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra is confirmed to launch in China later this month. As per our previous report, the smartphone is expected to debut in the home country on April 18th. Now the upcoming flagship has appeared on leaked renders shared by reputable tipster Onleaks in collaboration with SmartPrix. The renders reveal the design of the smartphone along with some key specifications.
As per the leaked renders, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra looks quite bulky. It has a boxy form factor with power and volume rocker buttons located on the right side. The back panel has a large protruding camera module (like the recently launched Find X6 Pro) housing four sensors and an LED flash unit. The island is missing Leica branding, however, the smartphone is already confirmed to come with the legendary camera maker’s technology. The back panel seems to be uneven as the top portion is elevated and starts to blend in with the lower portion just below the camera island. The rear panel also has curved edges.
On the front, the leaked renders of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra reveal a curved display with a center-aligned punch-hole cutout and thin bezels. There is a speaker grille and two more cutouts, possibly for an IR Blaster and a secondary microphone at the top. The bottom of the phone houses a SIM tray, a speaker grille, and a USB-C port.
Onleaks says that the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will boast a 6.7-inch AMOLED curved display bearing a resolution of 2K pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Dimension-wise, the phone will measure 163.18 × 74.64 × 9.57mm. The upcoming offering’s White color variant is tipped to have a leather-like finish on the back panel.
NIO has announced that it will be officially unveiling its latest electric vehicle models during the Shanghai Auto Show 2023 event later this month. One of the highly anticipated unveiling is undoubtedly the ES6 Electric SUV model, so here are all the details.
The Chinese automaker will be unveiling the new vehicles under the theme “New Episode” at Shanghai Auto Show 2023 on April 18. During this event, the brand is set to announced six models from its second generation technology platform. The all new ES6 Electric SUV will be making its debut at this conference. Alongside this model, the company will also be unveiling the 2023 NIO ET7 electric sedan, ES8, EC7, ES7, and ET5 as well.
The innovative N-Box Enhanced Entertainment Console and AR glasses will also be available for demonstration on the EC7 model. Furthermore, NIO will also demonstrate the third generation Power Swap Station and 500kW Power Charger. This technology basically represents advancements in making recharging as convenient as refueling through the deployment of NIO’s battery charging and swapping network. The company is also letting visitors experience this new charging technology and swapping network on the interactive charging map.
Users can even select their preferred locations for the upcoming Power Swap Stations at the event. Apart from the new electric vehicles, NIO will even unveil products from its lifestyle brand, NIO Life, along with launch crossover collections in collaboration with designers. Keep in mind that the Shanghai Auto Show 2023 will be held from April 18 to April 27.
The Huawei Nova series is set to be unveiled on April 17th. The series is expected to consist of three variants – Nova 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Ultra. Popular leakster Digital Chat Station has leaked most of the key specs of the Nova 11 Ultra.
According to sources, the Huawei Nova 11 Ultra is expected to be equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G chipset. While it was previously tested with Snapdragon 8+, the 778G is a more budget-friendly option that will allow for a more affordable price point for consumers.
One of the most notable features of the Huawei Nova 11 Ultra is its 6.78-inch screen with curved edges, which boasts a high resolution of 2652 x 1200 pixels. The device will also have a 120Hz refresh rate, along with a 1440Hz PWM high-frequency dimming display.
In terms of the camera, the Huawei Nova 11 Ultra will retain its impressive 60MP + 8MP dual front-facing cameras, which are expected to be housed in a pill-shaped cutout on the top left corner of the screen. The front camera will also have 2X telephoto zoom.
On the rear, the device is equipped with a triple rear camera system that features a 50MP lens with an RYYB color array for bright images. The main camera will also have variable aperture technology, while the second camera is an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens for wide-scene photography. The device will also have a macro camera.
Powering the device is a 4500mAh battery that can be recharged with a 100W super-fast charger. The device itself measures 7.99mm in width and weighs 188 grams.
Those who opt for the top variant of the Huawei Nova 11 Ultra will also have access to Kunlun glass and satellite communication SMS features, while the device will also come in a green plain leather version with “nova” embossing all around the background.
The iQOO Z series was introduced in India in mid-2021. The brand has released multiple models in the lineup since then.
These budget smartphones are priced between ₹15,000-₹25,000 (~$180-$300). Recently, the company took wraps off the iQOO Z7 in India, which carries a retail price of ₹18,999 (~$230).
This sub-₹20,000 (~$250) device tries to be the best 5G smartphone in its price segment. It offers almost all the features that people look for, such as an AMOLED display, an OIS-enabled camera, fast charging, and more.
The product sounds so good that even I bought one for my father on the first day of the sale. At the same time, iQOO India also loaned me a unit to try the phone myself.
After using the device for weeks, I came across things that you won’t find on the spec sheet. These are probably one of the few reasons that might have helped the brand to price this handset very competitively.
You may have read multiple reviews or watched videos on iQOO Z7 by now. Hence, I have expressed my thoughts as simply as possible. I hope this helps you to decide whether this handset is meant for you.
Performance
The iQOO Z7 is different from other phones in its price segment. Though it is mostly targeted at youth looking for an affordable smartphone for gaming, I believe it is also an ideal device for elders at the same time.
The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 920 chipset. Thus, it is more powerful than any smartphone under ₹20,000 (~$250) in India.
Further, the Android 13-based FuntouchOS 13 software for this device is well-optimized. All I can say is that it is smooth and I did not encounter stutters. There are no visible frame drops in animations and any annoying bugs.
I don’t game much, except for Pokemon Unite every now and then. It is not a resource-hungry game like Genshin Impact but it does require a stable internet connection and a good touch sampling rate.
The handset does not disappoint as I could play the game at 60fps in the ‘High’ graphics setting. There are minute frame drops but that will not affect anyone’s gaming sessions.
Since I have Jio 5G coverage in my area, I was on 5G most of the time. The phone does not heat up and provided me stable 5G download speeds of up to 1.8Gbps.
Display
The front of the handset is fitted with a 6.38-inch AMOLED display sporting a dewdrop notch. The panel offers a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+) and a 90Hz refresh rate.
The screen outputs punchy colors and deep blacks. It is rated to provide up to 1300 nits peak brightness but that’s just a local-level maximum brightness level during HDR playback. In normal usage, it is bright enough both indoors and outdoors under direct sunlight.
All in all, the display is good for the asking price, however, I did not like the default ‘Smart Switch’ refresh rate implementation. The screen switches to 60Hz in most of the apps. Thankfully, you get an option to force 90Hz.
The most complained thing about iQOO Z7’s display on the internet is its thick bezels and waterdrop notch in 2023. But however, I did not mind them at all. These little things did not hinder me in my day-to-day usage.
Cameras
I am a bit disappointed with the device’s cameras. The rear 64MP camera delivers good shots during the daytime and average shots under good indoor lights as well.
But once the sun sets, the camera struggles, which is common among budget smartphones. I could say the same for the selfie camera and video recording.
There’s no ultra-wide camera, which is sometimes useful while fitting more people in a group shot or clicking pictures of landscapes. However, I have to add phone’s portrait mode is excellent.
[envira-gallery id=’529054′]
Other Features
The speaker on the iQOO Z7 is below average as I have seen better speakers on smartphones priced under ₹20,000 (~$250). That said, the speakers do get loud, but the sound quality isn’t great. The haptics is also average, which is passable as it is typical on inexpensive handsets. But, you get a 3.5mm headphone jack, a hybrid MicroSD card slot, and a reliable in-screen fingerprint sensor on the device.
The best as well as the worst thing about this phone is its design and build. It is lightweight at 173g and thinner at 7.8mm despite housing a 4,500mAh battery, which can last a full day (and even more) and charges fully within an hour with the included 44W charger. It is very comfortable to hold for a longer period of time.
However, the camera island is quite large. Thus, it is very difficult to keep your fingers away from it. It is more attracted to smudges than any handset in the segment. You will have to wipe the glass clean almost every time while using the camera. Not a deal breaker, but personally, I would have preferred a better camera design.
The transparent case included in the box does very little to protect the camera module since it comes with a big cutout for the island. Personally, I would suggest getting a third-party case that offers protection for the camera island.
[envira-gallery id=’529057′]
Funtouch OS 13 Ads Can Be Annoying
Talking about the elephant in the room, though I praised the software earlier, let’s see some of its drawbacks.
Before I talk about the negatives, let me clear one thing first, I have no problem with the functionality and design of Funtouch OS 13.
What annoys me is the poor implementation of promotions (ads). I love to try, use, and even recommend certain first-party applications provided by OEMs, especially their app stores. But on iQOO Z7, I would not recommend doing this.
This is the first time I haven’t used a first-party app store on a smartphone in a long while. Because the first-party app store is the reason why you will always see a full-page app recommendations screen every time you install an application from Google Play Store.
The only way to fix it is by clearing the cache and data of ‘V-Appstore’ and never opening it again. Similarly, I would recommend turning off notifications on all first-party system apps, like Browser, iQOO.com, and others. In fact, don’t even use them as they spam you with notifications throughout the day.
Promotions (commonly known as ads) enable brands to price their smartphones very cheaply. I don’t mind them but only until a point. A company would want its customers to use its first-party apps but there’s no way you can use them on iQOO Z7 without having to go through unnecessary spam.
As I mentioned earlier, I have always been a strong advocate of OEM’s first-party applications. But not for this device, at least in its current state. I hope iQOO finds a solution to implement promotions in the right way.
Verdict
Despite its shortcomings, the iQOO Z7 is a solid package for under ₹20,000 (~$250). It is suitable for all types of users, whether they be youth or adults.
It is probably the best bang for the buck budget 5G smartphone in India right now. If you could forego the drawbacks discussed above, you won’t be disappointed with your purchase.
Unfortunately, you cannot try the phone at your nearby stores since it is sold exclusively online via Amazon and iQOO.com. Also, there’s no Vivo version of this handset so far, unlike last year’s iQOO Z6 series and Vivo T1 series.
If you still have doubts or queries, feel free to drop them in the comment section below. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Apple fans may be disappointed to hear that the tech giant has decided to put the brakes on its rumored 27-inch external monitor with ProMotion and mini-LED backlighting. Ross Young previously predicted that the monitor would be released in 2022. However, it appears that Apple has decided to cancel the display, at least for now. Here ae the details…
Rumored Apple 27-Inch Display With ProMotion No Longer Planned
In his tweet shared exclusively with paying subscribers, Young mentioned that Apple had shipped some display panels for the monitor last year. However, the reason for the sudden cancellation remains unknown, leaving consumers and analysts wondering if Apple will ever revive the project or let it fade away. The anticipated display was rumored to support ProMotion technology, enabling refresh rates of up to 120Hz.
Given the 27-inch size, it could have been a next-gen version of the Studio Display or possibly a new model sandwiched between the Studio Display and the high-end Pro Display XDR. Apple’s current Studio Display, released in March 2022 alongside the Mac Studio, starts at $1,599 and boasts a 5K resolution but lacks ProMotion. The monitor has not seen any hardware updates since its launch.
Young has a solid reputation for accurately predicting display-related details about Apple products. In the past, he correctly reported that ProMotion would be featured in the iPhone 13 Pro, 14-inch, and 16-inch MacBook Pro models. He also accurately predicted the sixth-generation iPad mini’s 8.3-inch display upgrade and numerous other details.
As of now, Apple has not commented on the matter, leaving fans and industry watchers in the dark about the fate of the rumored 27-inch ProMotion display. We’ll be sure to keep our readers updated on any developments or official statements regarding this intriguing and potentially game-changing display technology. But as always, if there is a development, you can follow it on Gizmochina.
Huawei has released a video teaser for its upcoming Nova 11 series, which is scheduled to launch on April 17. The video showcases the new design of the smartphone, with an oval-shaped camera system and a green plain leather back panel with “nova” embossing all around the background. The Nova 11 series will also introduce new technologies that are yet to be revealed.
The rear camera of the Nova 11 series has a cylindrical shape and a triple camera setup, similar to the Huawei P60. Additionally, the top model of the series will come with a periscope zoom lens for better telephoto photography. The cameras are likely to feature 108MP and 50MP sensors, along with variable aperture technology, making its debut in mid-range phones for the first time.
The Nova 11 smartphones will have a curved screen with a hole punch to house a selfie camera, with the standard version potentially coming with a flat screen. The battery capacity of the series is yet to be confirmed, but the Nova 11 Pro is expected to use a 100W super-fast charger. The devices will run on HarmonyOS 3.1 operating system and will be powered by Snapdragon 778G (Ultra model).
Interestingly, the Nova 11 series will allow users to send SMS via satellite, without the need for a mobile network. Huawei may also provide the option to buy a Kunlun glass version for the top variant.
The series is expected to consist of three variants – Nova 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Ultra. However, the pricing is yet to be announced and will be revealed at the launch conference.
Apple had just recently announced that it is finally opening its first ever retail store in the Indian market. It is planning on opening two stores later this month alone, and has revealed the official launch date for these stores.
In a new teaser, the Cupertino based giant has revealed that it will open its first retail stores in India on April 18. The company is opening the Apple BKC in Mumbai on the 18th, while the Apple Saket Store will open its doors on April 20 in Delhi, the country’s capital. The iPhone maker has just revealed the barricade for its store in Saket, Delhi, which features a unique design that takes clear inspiration from local heritage architecture.
To celebrate the opening of first Apple Store in India, the company announced a special Today at Apple series called “Mumbai Rising” which will run from opening day and through the summer. During this promotional event, the brand will bring visitors, a number of local artists and other creative professionals together. These sessions will then offer them a hands on activities with Apple branded products and services to celebrate the local community and culture of Mumbai.
Similarly, the company has also announced a new wallpaper along with curated playlist son Apple Music for its upcoming Saket store. The Apple BKC at Jio World Drive Mall opens next Tuesday in Mumbai (18th April 2023, 11 am IST) while the Apple Saket Store will open at Select Citywalk in Delhi next Thursday (20th April 2023, 10 am IST).
We have recently covered a number of rumors and leaks regarding the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series of tablets. While many are interested in the top end Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra or even the Plus model, a new report has revealed that the vanilla Tab S9 will also arrive with a major upgrade over its predecessor. So let’s have a look.
Based on a previous rumor, it was revealed that the base Galaxy Tab S9 will feature a slightly larger battery pack over the last gen model. For those unaware, the Galaxy Tab S8 was powered by an 8,000mAh battery pack, while the Tab S9 is believed to be powered by a bigger 8,500mAh battery. Now, DSCC’s Ross Young has revealed that the upcoming Tab S9 will also feature an improved display as well.
In a tweet, Young claimed that the vanilla model of the new S9 series will also sport an AMOLED display, unlike its predecessor. The Galaxy Tab S8 was the only model from the S8 series to sport an LCD panel, but the Galaxy Tab S9 will feature Samsung’s Super AMOLED panel. This would mean that we can expect a notable upgrade in display in terms of quality and sharpness. Although, the size will remain the same with the Tab S9 also featuring an 11 inch screen similar to the Tab S8.
Unfortunately, this is all the details that Ross Young shared regarding this matter. However, it is clear that Samsung is looking to better rival Apple’s iPad Pro models with its new generation of tablets. So stick around for more as we will be providing updates when additional information is available regarding the upcoming Galaxy Tab S9 series.
OnePlus has announced the launch of a new special Lava Red variant of its popular OnePlus Ace 2 model. The new device will be released on April 17 at 7 pm local time and will be available for purchase in China.
One of the key features of the new Lava Red variant is the vegan leather on the back, providing a unique and stylish look. It will only be available in a 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage configuration, and it remains to be seen whether it will be priced the same as the regular variant, which costs 3,499 Yuan ($508).
The OnePlus Ace 2 boasts a large 6.74-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2772×1240 pixels, which can switch between refresh rates of 120Hz, 90Hz, 60Hz, 45Hz, or 40Hz depending on the usage scenario. It also features a peak brightness of up to 1450 nits and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, as well as Asahi Glass AGC protection.
Powering the device is an octa-core Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 730 GPU, paired with 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB or 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage. It runs on Android 13 with ColorOS 13 out of the box.
The phone has a triple rear camera setup, which includes a 50MP primary camera with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. On the front, there’s a 16MP camera for selfies.
Other features of the OnePlus Ace 2 include an in-display fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C audio, stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, 5G SA/NSA, dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, NFC, and a USB Type-C port.
It packs a 5000mAh battery with 100W SuperVOOC fast charging and measures 163.4×74.3×8.7mm and weighs 204g. It is also important to note that the OnePlus Ace 2 is being rebranded as the OnePlus 11R in the Indian market.
Vivo has launched its latest offerings, the Vivo T2 and Vivo T2x, in India. These phones are the successors to the Vivo T1 lineup from the previous year and bring with them 5G network support. Both devices feature a waterdrop notch for the selfie camera and two circular rings on the back that house the dual camera sensors.
The Vivo T2 features a Snapdragon 695 chipset on the inside, while the Vivo T2x runs on the powerful Dimensity 6020 SoC. Check out their specifications in detail below.
Vivo T2 5G specs
With 5G network support, the Vivo T2 flaunts a 6.38-inch FHD+ 90Hz AMOLED display that delivers 2400 × 1080 pixels resolution and 1300nits brightness. The front camera is housed in a waterdrop notch.
Under the hood, the phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC with Adreno 619GB GPU for graphics. The phone comes with 6GB/8GB RAM and 128GB storage, which is expandable via a microSD card. It runs on Funtouch OS, a custom skin based on Android 13. The phone is secured by an in-display fingerprint sensor.
The phone has a dual-camera setup on the back, with a 64MP primary sensor equipped with OIS and EIS, accompanied by a 2MP bokeh secondary sensor. The front camera is a 16MP snapper suitable for selfies and video chats.
The phone supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and USB Type-C for charging and data sync. A 4,500mAh battery fuels the handset, providing 44W fast charging support. The phone is lightweight at 172 grams and has dimensions of 158.91 X 73.53 X 7.80.
Vivo T2x 5G specs
Vivo T2x 5G boasts a 6.58-inch IPS LCD display that offers a Full HD+ resolution of 1,080 x 2,400 pixels. Its front camera is an 8-megapixel shooter, and the back of the device has a triple-camera setup with a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 2-megapixel depth lens, and an LED flash. The phone features a side-mounted fingerprint reader and will run on FunTouch OS 13 based on Android 13.
Under the hood, the T2x 5G is powered by the Dimensity 6020 SoC coupled with up to 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and up to 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage. It has a 5,000mAh battery that supports 18W charging.
The T2 and T2x offer similar features such as 3GB of extended RAM, microSD card support via a hybrid SIM slot, dual SIM, 5G, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, a USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The T2x measures 164.05 x 75.6 x 8.15mm and weighs around 184 grams.
Pricing & availability
Vivo T2 is priced at Rs 18,999 for its 6GB/128GB variant and Rs 20,999 for the 8GB/128GB variant in India. The phone is available in two color options, Velocity Wave and Nitro Blaze. Vivo India website and Flipkart will be offering a 3-month no-cost EMI option and an instant discount of Rs 1,500. The phone will be available for purchase from April 18, 2023.
The Vivo T2x comes in three variants, 4GB + 128GB, 6GB + 128GB, and 8GB + 128GB, priced at Rs 12,999, Rs 13,999, and Rs 15,999, respectively. There will be a limited-time instant bank discount of Rs 1,000. The phone is available in three color options, Marine Blue, Aurora Gold, and Glimmer Black. The phone sale will start on April 21, 2023, at 12 PM IST on Flipkart and Vivo websites.
The Realme brand has reportedly shifted its focus to the development of the Realme 11 series, following the launch of its Realme 10 lineup in different markets. We recently reported on the Realme 11 Pro+ 5G being spotted on the IMEI database. Now, the Realme 11 Pro and 11 Pro+ have also appeared on China’s 3C certification platform.
The Realme 11 Pro’s model number on China’s 3C certification has been identified as RMX3770, with a maximum charging speed of 67W. This represents a significant improvement over the Realme 10 Pro, which had 33W charging. Meanwhile, the Realme 11 Pro+ 5G has a different model number (RMX3740) on China’s 3C listing compared to the IMEI database, indicating that they may be different variants for China and the global market. The Realme 11 Pro+ 5G is expected to support 100W fast charging, which is a major upgrade over the 67W charging capability of the Realme 10 Pro+.
Realme 11 Pro, 11 Pro+ specs (expected)
According to the recent TENAA listing, the Realme 11 Pro is expected to feature a 4,780mAh battery (which may be marketed as a 5,000mAh battery), while the Realme 11 Pro+ 5G will come with a 4,680mAh battery. Both phones are likely to have a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a curved screen and a 120Hz refresh rate. The chipset details are not yet revealed, but it is expected to have a clock speed of 2.6GHz and come with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
The Realme 11 Pro and 11 Pro+ 5G are expected to launch with Android 13 pre-installed. The standard Pro model is rumored to have a dual-camera setup on the back, which includes a 100/108MP primary camera and a 2MP secondary lens. It is also said to have a 16MP front-facing camera. Meanwhile, the Realme 11 Pro+ will likely boast a 200MP main camera sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro sensor. For selfies, the device is expected to have a 16MP front camera.
This is probably the most fantasy co-branding phone we’ve bought. So this is the world’s first Harry Potter branded phone, the Redmi Note 12 Turbo Harry Potter edition; and we also got the Harry Potter special edition of the Redmi Buds 4. This is by far the most sincere co-branding series coming from Redmi. According to some sort of rumors, the custom series was born thanks to Xiaomi’s recruitment of the former OPPO product manager who is in charge of co-branding products. So the customization is pretty close to what we saw on OPPO Reno 6 Pro+ Detective Conan Edition and the Reno Ace Gondam edition. So now let’s check out what’s inside the wizarding world presented by Redmi.
Redmi Note 12 Turbo Harry Potter Special Edition
They did work hard on the customization from the outside to the inside. The whole packaging is really impressive at first glance. It looks like a wizarding book, or simply a non-magic book that must be inspired by another book mentioned in the Harry Potter story, called Hogwarts: A History. There’s the emblem with 4 houses’ symbol at the center and the back. Under the school’s emblem, you can see the familiar motto: Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus, which, translated from Latin, means “Never tickle a sleeping dragon”. And of course, we are buying a phone, so you can see the Redmi Note 12 Turbo texture down below the emblem.
There is a lightning-bolt symbol on the red magnetic buckle, which should be the symbolic scar on Harry’s forehead. We all know that the scar is both a bane and a blessing left by the killing curse.
Open the box, there’s more detail revealed here, filled with a lot of spells with their hand movements. The Mirror of Erised is in the middle, which got cut out for showing the Redmi phone. So does it mean that the deepest, most desperate desire of our hearts is… Redmi? Well then, good job Redmi.
That’s a card pin made in the shape of the sign of platform 9 and three-quarters! It’s pretty well-made. On the back of the cover, there’s an envelope sent by Hogwarts.
I believe that every Harry Potter fan has a dream of becoming a wizard in their childhood, but on their 12th birthday, most of them have not received a letter of admission, and that kind of shattered the fantasy. Well, I’m no exception. But now you got another chance to make it come true in another way, which is to take that acceptance letter included in this customized phone kit.
Unfortunately, the recipient is still Harry Potter. It would have been perfect if there were a specific user’s name, which could also be great for their network marketing. Anyway, it’s still worth boasting that the envelope and letter are exactly the same as the one Harry received in the movie.
Remove the panel with the mirror, now we can see the phone. The overall color is still dark red, with multiple patterns that Awaken our memories of Harry Potter, such as the Hedwig, a golden snitch in quidditch games, the sorting hat, the goblet of fire, and so on.
Take out the phone here. The biggest difference between the Harry Potter edition and the regular variant is on the back, which also features the Hogwarts school crest as the main element, while it’s also silk-screened with Harry Potter’s glasses, Quidditch, deer, and other classic elements from the movie.
If look closely at the camera module, you will find other glasses hidden here, which is quite a smart design. That’s very close to my imagination about a Harry Potter phone. Under the phone, there is a regular 67W charging suit in the lightning-bolt case, which is exactly the same as the regular variant. It would be nice if it was also redesigned.
Pull out the box at the bottom. There are quite a few stickers inside and a customized phone case with half of the Hogwarts crest and a cutout for showing the left half of the phone’s back. Put it on the phone and it looks surprisingly good. The leather-like surface also makes it feels great as well in my hands.
And there’s a unique user manual designed in a form of the Marauder’s Map, telling some basic info about the phone and Xiaomi’s service.
So that’s all you got inside the special kit. I pretty much enjoyed the whole unboxing, as a lot of classic moments of the series came into my mind. It’s like over ten years. At that time I never thought I would have a phone that was so relevant to the story.
And it was a bit disappointing when I got into the software. It gave me a little surprise when boost up the phone. A golden snitch flies across the display and lit up the phone, which has a Harry Potter theme ready. And that’s probably all about the customized software features. Neither icons nor animations got redesigned.
Except for the unique look, the special variant has nothing different from regular variants. We’ve done a review about the Redmi Note 12 Turbo. If you are interested in how it works, you can find the video link here.
Redmi Buds 4 Harry Potter Special Edition Unboxing
Okay let’s do a quick unboxing of the Redmi Buds 4 Harry Potter edition. The packaging cube also has pretty decent patterns about Hogwarts School, and there’s a golden snitch on both sides.
Open it and another lightning-bolt scar appears. There is a blue-gray cable with a black sling. Take out the charging case, which is also mainly in blue-gray color with a matt finish. The logo of Harry Potter and Redmi are in a golden color. On the opposite side, another Hogwarts logo is lying there.
It’s kind of stylish, while the shape is a bit like the Redmi Buds 3 Pro. There is a golden lightning-bolt symbol on the top of each bud, which is kind of special but doesn’t really impress me.
Put the case with earbuds aside and here comes the real bragging point, Redmi offers a small unique bag for storing the charging case, which is made in leather-like material with many Harry Potter patterns. And you can see the golden snitch on the front, which make it look very wizarding-styled at first glance.
If you are interested in the Redmi earbuds’ performance, you can leave your ideas down below the YouTube Page and let us know if a review is needed.
So that’s all about the cobranding series between Redmi and Harry Potter. The phone and earbuds are pretty cool with good customized accessories. They add quite a lot of elements to present a recognizable visual style, which is quite successful. But if there’re more software looks for the products, it would be much better.
Anyway, I enjoyed the unboxing and am likely to keep the phone as a piece of my collection. So how do you like the cobranding? Let us know down below the video.
Xiaomi is working on a new range of tablets called the Xiaomi Pad 6 series. These tablets will be the successor of the popular Pad 5 series and will pack impressive hardware. Recently, the global variant of the Xiaomi Pad 6 was spotted on the IMDA certification website. Now, it has made an appearance on the SGS Fimko database revealing details about its fast charging.
According to a recent SGS certification listing, the regular version of the Xiaomi Pad 6 may bear the model number 2304RP34G and is expected to support fast charging with a maximum power output of 27W. It appears the global version might be getting a nerf to its fast charging as rumors have previously revealed that the China variant will feature 67W fast charging. Let’s check out what else is known about the Xiaomi Pad 6.
Xiaomi Pad 6 specs
The Xiaomi Pad 6 is expected to feature an 11-inch LCD panel with a 2.8K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, and powered by a Snapdragon 870 chipset. It is rumored to be equipped with a large 8,840mAh battery with support for 67W fast charging. The device may come in variants with up to 12 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of storage and run on the MIUI 14-based Android 13 OS. Notably, it could be one of the first Xiaomi devices to support the USB 3.x standard.
Additionally, reports suggest that Xiaomi is working on the Pad 6 Pro, which is expected to be available only in China. It is rumored to feature an 11-inch AMOLED 2.8K display, a Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, dual cameras, quad speakers, and a fingerprint scanner.
Google will soon roll out a new feature for the Play Store which will allow users to get more space for installing applications on their smartphones. The “Auto-archive” feature, which Google has been working on for some time now, will automatically delete unnecessary data from apps that have not been used for a significant period of time, resulting in more storage space. This feature is going to be useful for many users who install numerous apps on their devices but don’t use them normally.
When a user’s smartphone storage is full, the only way to free up some space is by uninstalling apps or deleting other data or files. However, with the introduction of the “auto-archive” feature, users can benefit greatly in this scenario.
As per 9to5Google, this feature allows for the bulk of an app’s code and resources to be deleted, thereby saving space, and then automatically downloading them again from the Play Store when needed. This feature can reportedly reduce an app’s size by almost 60% without fully removing it from the phone. Moreover, all personal data and settings are kept intact, and the app’s icon will still be visible in the launcher.
To use the application after it has been auto-archived, simply tap on the app’s icon, and the necessary files will be downloaded, allowing you to use the app without any loss of data. It is important to note, however, that not every app will be eligible for the auto-archive feature. Only apps whose developers use the App Bundle format, which ensures that only necessary resources are downloaded to the user’s phone when installing an app, will be able to participate in this program.
Furthermore, to make this process even smoother, this feature will automatically select unused Android apps that need to be archived. While installing new apps, you will see a pop-up asking you to enable the option. The Play Store will then promptly reduce the number of redundant apps to make room for what you want to install. This functionality will save users time and effort by eliminating the need to manually pick apps to archive, resulting in a more seamless experience.
What do you think about this? Are you excited to try out this on your smartphone? Do let us know by dropping a comment in your words down below.
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