Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 13 series globally today, and besides featuring Leica-branded camera setups and the latest Snapdragon processors, the flagship smartphone series will be also receiving Google’s Pixel-Exclusive Magic Eraser, making it the first non-Pixel Android device to have Magic Eraser at launch.
Xiaomi 13 Launch Event at MWC 2023
As part of the Xiaomi and Google partnership announcement at MWC Barcelona 2023 today, retail buyers will be able to enjoy Google’s Magic Eraser feature on their latest Xiaomi 13 Pro and standard Xiaomi 13. However, there’s a catch, they will only be able to use the Magic Eraser for free on the Xiaomi 13 series for the first 6 months, as part of the free 6-month Google One subscription given to Xiaomi 13 series users to experience Google’s software magic.
For those unaware, this month Google announced that the tech giant is bringing Magic Eraser to all Google One subscribers, including both Android and iPhone users. Magic Eraser is previously a Pixel-exclusive photo-editing feature, which tried to seamlessly remove unwanted parts of a picture with software processing. It is heralded as one of the main reasons why people prefer Google’s camera suite over other Android smartphone makers.
Google Pixel’s Magic Eraser in action
In addition to the free 6-month Google One subscription, Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro retail buyers will also enjoy up to 6 months of YouTube Premium with ad-free access to YouTube and YouTube Music app.
As announced by Xiaomi at MWC 2023, Xiaomi 13 Pro and Xiaomi 13 users will also get one out-of-warranty repair without labour cost within the first 12 months after purchase. Xiaomi also promises that both smartphones will 3 generations of Android system updates, along with 5 years of security patch updates, up from the 3 OS and 4-year promise it offered on last year’s Xiaomi 12 series.
In January 2023, HMD Global unveiled the Nokia T21 tablet in India. Before it was announced in India, the tablet was made official for the global market in September 2022. It is a mid-range tablet that replaces the Nokia T20 tablet from last year. As per Nokia India’s website, the T21 is a long-lasting tablet designed for both work and play.
The Nokia T21, which comes with 4G voice calling support, starts at Rs 17,999 (~$217) in India. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (Gen 3) and the Moto Tab G62 are the only new tablets that come with support for 4G connectivity and run on Android 12. The T21 also comes in a Wi-Fi only version, which was provided to GizmoChina for review. Here is my take on the tablet after using it for around three weeks.
What’s in the box?
Nokia T21
The retail package of the Nokia T21 includes the following items:
Nokia T21 tablet
18W charger (not available in some region)
USB-C cable
SIM ejector tool
Quick Start guide
Product and safety booklet
Design and Display
Dimensions
Display
Size – 242.5 x 157.3 x 7.5mm
10.36-inch AMOLED display
Weight – 471 grams
1200 x 2000 pixels (FHD+)
IP52 rating
5:3 aspect ratio
360 nits of brightness
Color variants
Active Pen support
Charcoal Gray
Widevine L1 support
The Nokia T21 comes with an aluminium-unibody chassis. The vertical strip running beside the rear camera gives it a dual-tone look. With an IP52 rating, it offers splash resistance and limited protection. The thickness of the device is 7.5mm and it weighs around 470 grams. The company claims that the tablet is equipped with toughened glass on the front. The T21 comes in Charcoal Gray colour only.
The rear side of the Nokia T21 features a single camera with an LED flash. A power button and a loudspeaker are available on the left side of the tablet, whereas its right edge has a 3.5mm audio jack (at the corner), a USB-C port, and another loudspeaker. The top edge of the T21 has a microSD slot, microphones, and a volume rocker. The bottom side of the tablet is completely barren.
The Nokia T21 has a 10.36-inch IPS LCD panel that produces a 2K resolution and a 5:3 aspect ratio. I felt that the tablet should have offered at least up to 90Hz refresh rate and higher peak brightness for using it outdoors.
The 1-cm bezels around the Nokia T21’s display do not appear obtrusive and offer a good viewing experience. Since there is support for 2K resolution, the image quality is quite good. Users can choose from color profile options, such as natural, boosted, and adaptive. The T20 only supported Widevine L3, meaning it could only stream 480p resolution content on OTT platforms. With the Widevine L1 certification, the T21 supports HD content.
Nokia T21
According to the brand, the tablet has dual stereo speakers that support OZO spatial audio recording. Regarding audio playback, it can deliver up to 96 decibels of volume. While the bass is missing, the sound output is quite loud, clear, and distortion free. The decent display and good audio performance make the Nokia T21 a good tablet for content consumption.
According to Nokia, the tablet is built to last since it is made from durable materials and has software support for up to 3 years. The retail package for the tablet does not include any accessories. However, the tablet does support a Wacom Active ES 2.0 pen (stylus), and users can also try using third-party Bluetooth keyboards.
Performance and Software
Unisoc T612
8,200mAh battery
4 GB of RAM
18W charging
64 GB of eMMC storage
Android 12 OS
Nokia T21Nokia T21 Nokia T21 with second screen feature
Under the hood, the Nokia T21 has the 12nm Unisoc T612 that works at 1.8GHz. While it is the only tablet to feature this chipset, a couple of mid-range smartphones, such as the Realme C33, C31, C30, Narzo 50i, and Narzo 50A Prime. do feature it. The tablet comes with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of native storage. The external storage slot supports up to 512 GB of microSD card.
The tablet packs an 8,200mAh battery, which is the largest in size as compared to its competitors. When used for work and entertainment, the tablet was able to easily last for two days. The company claims that the tablet can last up to 3 days on a full charger, which is possible if used conservatively. The retail package in some regions, including India, includes an 18W charger. It took over 3 hours for the tablet to achieve a full charge. I did not encounter a heating issue while using the device.
The Nokia T21 comes with Android 12 OS preinstalled. The tablet is promised to receive two years of OS upgrades and three years of monthly security updates. The review unit came with the Android security patches up to December 2022 preinstalled.
Nokia T21 homescreenNokia T21 preloaded appsNokia T21 preloaded apps
The T21 offers a near-stock Android experience and comes with some third-party apps, such as Prime Video, Netflix, Spotify, and Express VPN. The following are some of the apps that cannot be uninstalled. These include Entertainment Space, Kids Space, My Device app (by Nokia), Sign Pro PDF, Bamboo Paper, and Wacom Notes for taking notes and drawing, and Second Screen for use as an extra display for a Windows PC.
The performance of the tablet is good enough for web browsing, watching movies, casual gaming, and taking notes. If you wish to play games with high graphics and powerful software, it would be better to invest in a more powerful tablet. Here is a look at how the tablet performed on benchmarking apps.
Photography and Other Features
Rear Camera
Other features
8MP Hynix Hi846 camera
Face unlock
LED flash
MicroSD card slot
SIM slot
Wi-Fi 802.11ac
GPS
NFC (region-specific, N/A on Indian variant)
Bluetooth 5.0
Front Camera
Dual stereo speakers
8MP Hynix Hi846 camera
3.5mm audio jack
Nokia T21 (camera)
There is an 8-megapixel camera on the front of the Nokia T21. Its back panel has an 8-megapixel camera with an LED flash that offers autofocus and 8x digital zoom. The front camera is good enough for video calling or Zoom meetings. The rear camera offers decent performance for still shots when there is enough light. Both cameras support video recording at 30 fps.
portrait selfie
The Nokia T21 tablet has all the important connectivity features, except 5G support. The SIIM tray has two slots, one for the microSD card and the other for the SIM. In the absence of a fingerprint scanner, the tablet offers security features like screen lock and face unlock. Aside from the dual stereo speakers, users can enjoy music via a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Verdict
I hope Nokia fixes the slight lag issue on the Nokia T21 through a software update. Otherwise, the tablet is worth considering a purchase as it comes with some impressive features like a 2K display, a sturdy build, 4G connectivity, good sound output, a near-stock Android experience, a microSD card slot, long battery life, and stylus support.
For the 4G variant, there are only a few competitors, such as the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (Gen 3) and the Moto Tab G62. However, there are many rivalling products, such as the Redmi Pad, Oppo Pad Air, and Realme Pad X, if only the Wi-Fi variant is taken into consideration.
Price and availability
At the time of writing this post, the Nokia T21 is priced at Rs 17,499 (~$211) for the Wi-Fi only edition on Flipkart. The Wi-Fi + 4G version of the tablet costs Rs 18,499 (~$223) in India. Customers who purchase the Nokia T21 via the Nokia India website using the DEAL1000 coupon code can get an instant discount of Rs 1,000 as well as a flip cover worth Rs 1,999 for free. This offer is not available on Flipkart. Both variants are available for Rs 17,999 (~$217) and Rs 18,999 (~$229) on Nokia’s website [same as launch prices].
However, the company did not forget to care for the environment as well because Xiaomi also reminded the audience today of its over 40 eco-friendly products. It was also announced today that going forward, the company will begin product carbon footprint assessment to evaluate the impact of its business towards the environment.
Source: Xiaomi
Xiaomi revealed that it has conducted an LCA carbon footprint analysis on its latest flagship smartphone, in a collaboration with an external carbon data analysis and certification organization which enabled the establishment of a comprehensive process and methodological model for assessing the carbon footprint of smartphone products.
In detail, Xiaomi’s latest flagship, the Xiaomi 13 Pro, has a carbon footprint marked as 62.8 kg CO2e. Xiaomi’s measurements cover the evaluation of carbon emissions from raw materials, manufacturing, storage, transportation, use and end-of-life disposal. This measurement is in accordance with PAS2050 to ensure data accuracy and credibility.
“We are committed to this valuable information to inform our decision-making and prioritize sustainability in everything we do,” a Xiaomi spokesperson stated, “This initiative has allowed us to make significant progress in reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring that our products have a positive impact on the environment. We are proud to continue on this path towards a more sustainable future.”
Besides that, Xiaomi claims that it is a brand that champions sustainable living awareness among its users. Currently, Xiaomi provides over 40 energy-saving products and utilizes the One Paper Box design to reduce packaging by up to 40%. By implementing this LCA carbon footprint management system, Xiaomi takes a critical step towards achieving its sustainability objective and underscores its commitment to developing eco-friendly products that benefit both consumers and the planet.
To learn more about the Xiaomi 13 Pro, visit our review of the device here.
The Samsung Q995GC flagship soundbar has been unveiled in Germany. The premium soundbar is the first Samsung product to come with a built-in SmartThings hub. The soundbar will allow the user to control smart home devices with Amazon Alexa voice commands.
The Samsung Q995GC is an 11.4.2 channel soundbar with 11 channels, a subwoofer, and four speakers. The speakers radiate upwards and deliver a 360-degree audio experience. The soundbar is part of the Q-series Samsung lineup and features Q-Symphony technology for seamless synchronization of the soundbar with other speakers. This helps to optimize the sound from your TV across all the connected platforms. The new soundbar can access the TV’s Neural Processing Unit for enhanced speech clarity. The soundbar is compatible with Dolby Atmos and also features SpaceFit Sound Pro and Adaptive Sound 2.0.
The Game Mode Pro 2.0 helps to optimize the speaker for gaming by suppressing background noise. The soundbar also supports Apple AirPlay 2, so you can cast content using your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
The soundbar will launch in Germany on March 14. Samsung has not released any pricing information yet for the Q995GC soundbar. The Samsung HW-Q990B/ZA is currently priced at around $1,500 in the US. There are no global availability details yet for the new Samsung soundbar. It is however expected to percolate to selected markets. Samsung will also unveil its 2023 lineup of new TVs during the March 14 launch event.
Last year, Qualcomm made a noteworthy announcement by integrating hardware ray tracing support into its latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. This move was significant as it enabled flagship phone users in 2023 easier access to ray tracing technology.
Fast-forward to February 2023, we’ve got an exciting announcement from OnePlus. The brand is partnering with Perfect World Games to bring ray tracing to the gameplay of Tower of Fantasy on the OnePlus 11 5G.
Ray tracing as a technology has been around for the past few years on PCs and consoles, but it is yet to go mainstream on smartphones. Hardware-accelerated ray tracing technology, like the one inside the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 enables smartphones to deliver realistic graphics while gaming. Given how ray tracing brings dynamic in-game lighting, reflections, and shadows, the gameplay becomes a lot more immersive with significantly better visuals than traditional rendering techniques.
OnePlus Is Working Closely With Perfect World Games To Enable Ray Tracing
OnePlus explains that the two companies have co-developed a Real-time Inline Ray Tracing Pipeline and a novel Fast Temporal Convergence Algorithm for Ambient Occlusion, specifically built for the “Tower of Fantasy”. Further, the implementation utilizes Spatio-temporal Oversampling to improve the quality of the rendering.
“We’re excited to cooperate with OnePlus to apply this advanced technology that previously only be seen on PCs in mobile phones,” said Dan Xu at Perfect World Games. “As a leading game developer, our mission is to bring the best experience to gamers, and ray tracing technology will dramatically transform the in-game experience”.
The game publisher has developed techniques such as a distance-based dynamic object frame-updating mechanism and range-based ray tracing culling based on light source perspective, enabling players to experience real-time stable frames while enjoying ray tracing effects. It further adds that ray tracing will enhance the immersive experience of open-world scenes in the Tower of Fantasy, like making the effect of flames more realistic from the surroundings and the hot sand underneath.
For example, look at the two images below, one with ray tracing enabled, and one without.
Perfect World Games’ Tower of Fantasy already supports ray tracing on PC, but we couldn’t confirm if the feature was available on its smartphone app for OnePlus 11 5G devices worldwide. That said, OnePlus will be showcasing the Tower of Fantasy gameplay with ray tracing enabled at MWC 2023.
OnePlus also announced that it will be demonstrating an AR concert using a Tower of Fantasy game character at MWC this year. The demo (Lin’s XR Stage Show) will use the OnePlus 11 5G (our review here), which is the first Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Snapdragon Spaces-ready smartphone, to showcase real-time ray tracings effects like specular reflection and shadow on the complex animated model, with interactive elements like hand tracking and plane detection.
Finally, OnePlus will be announcing its new OnePlus Concept 2023 phone at the big tech event tomorrow. More details about the phone will be available soon.
Alongside the Xiaomi 13, 13 Pro and 13 Lite, Xiaomi has launched the Watch S1 Pro at MWC 2023 which provides a classic spin on the modern smartwatch. With a silver case and brown leather strap, this wearable has a timeless look, perfect for those who prefer analogue watches over digital ones. The circular display can mimic the hands of an analogue watch, providing a seamless transition for those who want a traditional look with modern features.
The 1.47-inch AMOLED touchscreen has a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels and is protected by sapphire crystal glass to prevent scuffs and scrapes. The ultra-thin bezels give the watch a sleek and elegant appearance, while a rotating digital crown and a shortcut button allow for easy navigation through Xiaomi’s MIUI Watch OS interface.
While the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro may not look like a sporty smartwatch, it can track over 100 different sports and activities, making it a great choice for fitness enthusiasts. With 10 running programmes, including interval and endurance training, users can expect all the usual fitness metrics, including step and sleep tracking, GPS mapping, heart rate monitoring, and SpO2 records. The watch case is also 5ATM water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities.
The watch comes in two color options: black stainless steel case with a black fluororubber strap or a silver stainless steel case with a brown leather strap. The TPU strap is adjustable to fit sizes ranging from 140-210mm, while the leather strap can be adjusted from 135-205mm.
Other features of the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro include a built-in speaker for making voice calls, NFC for contactless payments, and a seamless pairing function for anyone with a Xiaomi smartphone. The watch has a battery life of up to 14 days, depending on usage, and can be charged wirelessly in less than 85 minutes. A 10-minute top-up on the bundled charging cradle should provide an additional two days of use.
The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro is available now through the official Xiaomi UK website and retails for £299. Overall, the Watch S1 Pro is a great option for those who want a classic-looking smartwatch with modern features and functionality.
Xiaomi has made some notable changes to the MIUI Gallery in the past. For one, the brand dropped support for the sync feature with Xiaomi Cloud and integrated the gallery with Google Photos backup functionality. Today during the MWC 2023, the brand announced it is taking its partnership with Google Photos even further to bring more features to the MIUI Gallery. Additionally, Xiaomi revealed the latest Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi Pro phones will come with a free 6-month trial of the premium Google One 2 TB plan. Let’s look at the details.
Last year, Xiaomi introduced automatic backup of photos and videos from the MIUI Gallery to Google Photos. Now, Xiaomi and Google are making this integration even smoother by allowing users to view all backed-up content from both platforms directly in the MIUI Gallery and Google Photos apps. This means that users will be able to access all of their media, including the content saved on their phones, in one place, creating a more unified experience.
The seamless integration will make it easier for users to manage their media and access their memories, regardless of where they were originally saved. Furthermore, any edits or deletions made to photos in either the MIUI Gallery or Google Photos will be automatically reflected in the other app. This means that if a user edits or deletes a photo in one app, the changes will instantly appear in the other app as well.
As mentioned, Xiaomi has also announced that the newly-launched Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro will enjoy a free 6-month trial of the Google One 2 TB plan. Additionally, select future Xiaomi phones will arrive with a 100 GB Google One Plan. The plan will include access to features like Magic Eraser, extra Google Meet time, and much more.
Nokia has announced the C22 and C32 phones in the C series of affordable phones. The new phones come with some decent features on top of a three-day battery life.
The Nokia C32 is the first in the C series lineup to come with a 50MP camera and has a glass covering on both its front and back. Both the C22 and C32 are rated IP52 for dust and water spray protection. The two models feature a 6.5-inch HD+ LCD screen with curved glass. They are also both equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that can last up to three days on a full charge. The battery of the Nokia C22 and C32 support 10W charging with battery life being enhanced by AI-enabled battery management.
The Nokia C22 has a plastic rear panel with a built-in fingerprint scanner. The camera setup of the phone includes a 13MP main camera, a 2MP macro, and an 8MP front camera. The front camera of the C22 is capable of face unlock even when the owner wears a mask. The phone offers up to 3GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, expandable via microSD. It is available in two color variants namely Midnight Black and Sand.
The Nokia C32 is signposted by its 50MP main camera with Night and Portrait modes, as well as Auto HDR. It also has a 2MP macro sensor at the rear while the front 8MP camera also supports face unlock while wearing a mask, as in the C22. The C32 is equipped with a UNISOC SC9863A chipset with up to 4GB of RAM and 64GB/ 128GB of storage. It also features a microSD slot for storage expansion. The Nokia C32 runs on Android 13 and will be available in Autumn Green, Beach Pink, and Charcoal color options.
Nokia has pledged two years of quarterly security updates for the Nokia C32. The Nokia C22 is being retailed at 109 Euros (~$115) while the Nokia C32 starts at 129 Euros (~$136).
ZTE unveiled the Axon 40 Pro smartphone in China in May last year, followed by a global launch in July. The handset brings a sleek design with a curved display and quad-camera setup on the back. It appears that the brand is now preparing to release a new smartphone as a follow-up to its previous model. This upcoming device is named Axon 41 Pro and has been listed on the official website with full specifications. Here are the details.
Before we lay down the specs, it is important to note that smartphone looks identical to last year’s Axon 40 Pro. We see a rectangular module on the rear that houses four cameras and an LED flash. The front features a curved display with a punch hole cutout on the top center. Overall, the device looks quite premium but nothing new.
The specifications of the Axon 41 Pro don’t stray far from the Axon 40 Pro either. It features a 6.67-inch AMOLED curved display with a resolution of 2400×1080, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 360Hz touch sampling rate. The panel features an under-display fingerprint sensor and a 32MP shooter for selfies.
Under the hood, the handset is powered by the Snapdragon 870 chip, the same as the A40 Pro. There are graphene multi-dimensional cooling and stereo speakers as well. For photography, the device gets a quad camera unit on the rear, headlined by a 108MP primary sensor with a 1/1.52-inch size. The main sensor is accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 2MP camera with a 4-centimeter focal length, and a 2MP depth sensor.
The ZTE Axon 41 Pro is fueled by a 5000mAh battery with support for 66W fast charging. It weighs 199g and measures 8.46mm thick, making it thinner and lighter than the Axon 40 Pro. Currently, the pricing of the device is not known. We’ll update the article once we get an official confirmation.
Xiaomi is continuing to expand its smartphone family by implementing different strategies for the Chinese and global markets. The company divides its products into different categories. In accordance with this policy, the Xiaomi 13 series, which was introduced in China a while ago, was recently presented to users at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The most striking model in the series was the Xiaomi 13 Lite, which focuses on price/performance. So, what are the specs of the Xiaomi 13 Lite, and how much does it cost? Here are the details…
Price-Performance Focused Xiaomi 13 Lite Launches with Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 and Two Selfie Camera
The rebranding strategy, which is frequently preferred by Chinese companies, also appeared in the Xiaomi 13 Lite model. The smartphone is a rebranded version of the Xiaomi Civi 2, which launched in 2022. Although the design and name are different, it should be noted that they are essentially the same device based on the basic technical features.
The Xiaomi 13 Lite features a 6.55-inch Full HD AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support. Unlike its predecessor, it has a pill-shaped screen design with two front cameras. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, manufactured with a 4 nm fabrication process. The chipset includes a 2.4 GHz ARM Cortex-A710 (Kryo) core, three 2.36 GHz ARM Cortex-A710 cores, four 1.8 GHz ARM Cortex-A510 cores, and an Adreno 662 graphics unit.
There are two 32-megapixel selfie cameras on the front, and the rear has a triple camera consisting of a 50-megapixel main, 20-megapixel ultra-wide, and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. The device offers 8/12 GB RAM and 128/256 GB internal storage options. It also features a 4,500 mAh battery that supports 67W charging speed. Out of the box, it will run the MIUI 14 interface based on Android 13.
Xiaomi 13 Lite Specs:
Display: 6.55-inch Full HD resolution AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support
At a pre-MWC launch event in Barcelona, Spain, Xiaomi has unveiled a host of new products for the global markets. The Chinese brand has launched the Xiaomi 13 series smartphones, Watch S1 Pro, MIUI 14, Xiaomi CyberDog, CyberOne, and more. The Xiaomi 13 series comprises the regular, pro, and lite models. The former two debuted in China in December last year whereas the lite variant is a rebranded version of the Xiaomi Civi 2.
The Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro arrive as the successors to the last year’s Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro. They pack significant upgrades over their predecessors and the specifications of the global variants are the same as their Chinese counterparts.
Beginning with the display, the Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro boast an AMOLED screen integrated with a fingerprint scanner and a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout. Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate, 1,900 nits peak brightness, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG support. The regular variant features a 6.36-inch flat screen bearing an FHD+ resolution whereas the Pro model comes with a 6.73-inch QHD+ display with curved edges.
Design-wise, the Xiaomi 13 sports a boxy form factor whereas the Pro variant has a slim profile. Both devices have a square camera module on the back panel and they are IP68-certified water and dust-resistant. The smartphones feature a nano-skin technology that is said to make the back panel easier to clean. In terms of audio, the Xiaomi 13 duo are equipped with stereo speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos.
On the imaging front, the Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro feature Leica-branded triple rear cameras and pack the legendary camera maker’s technology for enhancing imaging capabilities. These include Leica filters, a master-lens system with four focal lens up to 75mm, HperOIS, 4K recording etc. The Pro model has a 1-inch Sony IMX989 50MP primary lens paired with 50MP ultra-wide, and 50MP telephoto lenses. The regular variant has a toned-down setup of a 50MP OIS-enabled Sony IMX800 sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 10MP telephoto unit. Up front, the Xiaomi 13 duo is fitted with a 16MP selfie snapper.
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro are equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor coupled with up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage technology. There is a VC liquid cooling heat dissipation system onboard. The regular and pro variants draw their power from 4,500mAh and 4,820mAh battery units with support for 67W and 120W wired charging respectively. Both phones come with support for 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging with the help of a Surge G1 charging protection chip.
Software-wise, the Xiaomi 13 duo run on MIUI 14-based Android 13 OS out of the box. The smartphones will receive 3 years of Android OS updates and five years of security patches. Connectivity options on the devices include 5G, 4G, WiFi-7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, IR Blaster, and USB-C port.
The Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro are offered in Ceramic White and Ceramic Black colours. The regular model is also offered in Flora Green paintjob. The former starts at EUR 999 for the 8GB + 256GB option while the latter carries a starting price tag of EUR 1,299 for the 12GB + 256GB variant. The pricing for the Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro’s 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB has not been announced. The availability dates and pricing will vary for different regions.
The long-awaited MWC Barcelona 2023 event has finally started. On the first day itself, multiple brands started showcasing and launching their product. Xiaomi will also unveil the Xiaomi 13 series. In the upcoming days, we will see launches like Honor Magic 5 series, and much more. Anyway, Motorola has also showcased its rollable concept smartphone at the MWC event. The rollable phone lands in its classic Motorola Rizr branding. The device has got several exciting features to display!
The Motorola Rizr series of smartphones is a legendary vintage line from the company that mainly introduces sliding phones. The Motorola Razr Z3 was the name of the first product in this series when it was released back in 2006. The phone had a sliding keypad. When it is opened, the top section slides up to reveal the standard keys. These keys are concealed when the phone is closed, however, once the keypad is unlocked, the other keys, including the side keys, can be used normally.
Image Credit – Ben Wood (Twitter)
Although this time it includes an automated rollable display mechanism, the new Motorola Rizr continues its legacy. This eliminates the need for us to manually stretch and roll the display, and the automated system is really cool-looking. Ben Wood, a Twitter user, posted pictures and videos of the smartphone that was showcased during the MWC 2023 event. The video demonstrates its small size while the display is in its usual state, and when it is rolled up, it resembles a typical smartphone very much.
👀 Wow! Think I've found my favourite gadget at #MWC23 before it even starts. This concept rollable is really impressive and @Moto was confident enough to let us have hands-on time. Interesting to watch the road to commercialisation on this one… pic.twitter.com/EDgkWsOm1t
AndroidAuthority further reports that the device has a 5-inch POLED display in a 15:9 aspect ratio and a small form factor. It transforms into a 6.5-inch screen with a 22:9 aspect ratio when it is rolled up. The entire user interface varies depending on the device’s current stage. The manufacturer has included a built-in wallpaper with some interesting effects that trigger when the device is shifting.
Image Credit – Ben Wood (Twitter)
The smartphone’s rollable display offers a variety of uses for which it has been tuned. The display rolls and extends to its expanded shape whenever a user double-taps the power button. Also, it adjusts the display size accordingly. For instance, the display will automatically adjust its size anytime you view a video in landscape mode. The smartphone has two rear cameras, a metal gold-like colour, and device branding on the back panel.
Hence, that was all we had to say about the Motorola Rizr concept smartphone. We are excited to put the device to the test in real life because it does look absolutely fantastic. It won’t be possible, though, until the product has been formally launched. As of yet, there has been no official news about the device’s commercial availability. The introduction of a product could happen soon or not. What do you think about this? Please let us know by leaving a comment below in your own words. I appreciate you reading this article all the way through.
It’s been a pretty busy day for Nokia. It looks like the once legendary phone maker is finally making the long-awaited changes. One of them takes place in the identity of the company. Nokia finally created the iconic iconic logo known to everyone. Here are the details…
Nokia changes iconic logo
Nokia has unveiled a new brand identity that includes a refreshed logo, as part of its efforts to accelerate growth in the market. This marks the first time in nearly six decades that Nokia has updated its logo. The new logo is made up of five different shapes that form the word “NOKIA”. Unlike the previous blue color scheme, the new logo features a range of colors depending on its intended use.
The shift in Nokia’s branding is reflective of the company’s new focus on the business technology market. CEO Pekka Lundmark explained that the previous association with smartphones is no longer the company’s main priority. “Nowadays we are a business technology company,” he said in an interview with Reuters. Based on this, we can say that the company will not return to the smartphone market.
Some of you may think that Nokia is still in the phone market, but that is not true. Phones sold under the Nokia brand are manufactured by HMD Global and the name Nokia is just a brand.
Sakuu, an innovative startup headquartered in Silicon Valley, has introduced a game-changing 3D printer that has the potential to transform battery production as we know it. By leveraging the printer’s capabilities, the company can create solid-state batteries that can fit into any shape or size. From smartphones to household appliances and e-bikes, these batteries can power a range of devices, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
Image source: Sakku
Traditionally, battery manufacturing involves laminating and stacking sheets of material, which are then rolled into cylinders or other shapes. This method, however, is not feasible for solid materials that can break easily. Sakuu’s 3D printer utilizes powder to maintain thin layers and ensure optimal performance. The technology behind the printer was developed at MIT, and it minimizes material waste, making it cost-effective.
Image source: Sakku
Sakuu’s 3D printer is not only cost-effective but also space-efficient, requiring only around 400 square feet to manufacture 100 megawatt hours of batteries per year. In contrast, older machinery takes up 16,000 square feet and produces only 2.5 megawatt hours. The increased efficiency of Sakuu’s 3D printer is expected to reduce battery production costs by nearly 50%.
The company is presently working with aviation industry clients to develop airplane batteries in customized shapes to manage heat. It has also demonstrated the printer’s ability to produce functional batteries using different materials and designs, and it claims to be the first company in the world to do so. Scaling up production equipment is the next phase for the company before it licenses the technology to clients in the battery, automobile, and other sectors.
Xiaomi 13 series will be unveiled in just a few hours and we are ready to bring you all the details about it. But while we wait, some interesting information about the pre-orders of the upcoming lineup has surfaced online. According to a tipster, Xiaomi is planning to give a free 43-inch smart TV to those who’ll pre-book the vanilla Xiaomi 13 and the higher-end Xiaomi 13 Pro. The offer seems to be limited to shoppers in France. Here are the details.
Tipster @billbil_kun has managed to get the pre-order details for the imminent Xiaomi 13 series. As per the screenshots shared by the tipster, those who’ll pre-order the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro will enjoy a free 43-inch version of the TV P1, which is listed in the Eurozone with a price tag of €449. This offer is even better than the Xiaomi 12T Pro, whose pre-order deal included a complementary Redmi Pad.
However, the offer appears to be limited to the purchase of either the Xiaomi 13 or Xiaomi 13 Pro and does not apply to the less expensive Xiaomi 13 Lite. To provide context, the Xiaomi 13 Lite is anticipated to have a starting price of €499, while the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro are priced at €999.90 and €1,299.90, respectively.
It is worth noting that Xiaomi hasn’t officially announced the pre-order period for the two devices. According to the leaked information, Xiaomi is expected to start accepting pre-orders for the Xiaomi 13 series on the same day as its official launch. However, it seems that the pre-ordered devices won’t be shipped until after the first week of March.
Panasonic is set to launch pure hydrogen fuel cell generators in China starting from April. The aim is to develop global demand for the technology as a 24-hour alternative to solar panels for factories and offices. This move comes as the company looks to establish itself as a leader in the industry, having already started sales of stand-alone fuel cells in Europe and Japan. Here are the details…
Panasonic to sell pure hydrogen fuel cell generators in China
Shigeru Dohno, President of Panasonic Holdings’ China & Northeast Asia unit, announced the move at the company’s battery plant in the city of Wuxi. He emphasized that Panasonic is ahead of the pack in developing this technology and will continue to lead the way in sales. The factory in Wuxi will be used as a showroom for the technology.
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The process emits no carbon dioxide and has several advantages, such as the ability to generate power at all hours and a smaller space requirement than solar panels. However, the high cost of hydrogen fuel remains a challenge, although prices are expected to fall as demand grows.
The Chinese market for hydrogen fuel cell businesses is already quite competitive, with about 100 companies operating in the industry. However, most of them are involved in automotive fuel cells rather than stand-alone types for homes or businesses, as noted by Dohno. Thus, the launch of pure hydrogen fuel cell generators by Panasonic presents a unique opportunity for the company to make an impact in the industry.
Panasonic’s stand-alone fuel cells have already begun sales in Europe, where the company is working with German heating systems maker Viessmann to bring the first systems online in April. Similarly, the fuel cells were launched in Japan in October 2021 and have been installed in a housing development in the Harumi district of Tokyo, among other facilities such as research laboratories.
Despite the high cost of hydrogen fuel, the adoption of fuel cells for power generation is growing globally. The International Energy Agency predicts that hydrogen demand could increase by a factor of 10 by 2050. Furthermore, governments worldwide are investing heavily in hydrogen technology as a clean and reliable source of energy, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve sustainability goals.
Innovation is often lacking in modern smartphones. Manufacturers tend to produce similar phones and struggle to differentiate new models with innovative features. However, there are some exceptions. Recently, the Chinese tech giant Huawei introduced its Kunlun glass technology, which it claims is “unbreakable.” Now, the durability of the Huawei Mate 50 Pro, the first phone to use this technology, has been put to the test. Here are the details…
How did Huawei’s “unbreakable” Kunlun glass perform in a concrete drop test?
Huawei Mate 50 Pro has received a lot of attention for its Kunlun glass. The company claims Kunlun is “unbreakable” due to its unique manufacturing process. The glass reportedly handles impacts ten times better than other smartphone glasses and has been given a five-star rating by SGS certification company. But how does it perform in a real-world scenario?
A YouTube channel calls “PBK Reviews” put Huawei Mate 50 with Kunlun glass a drop test to see phones durability. The first drop was from waist-high on the phone’s AMOLED display, resulting in some scrapes on the corners and sides of the frame. However, the glass held up well. On another attempt to drop the phone on the screen from head-high, the glass did touch the concrete, but there was no damage to the display.
The fourth and final drop was a waist-high fall on the phone’s back, resulting in a hairline crack on the front glass. Overall, the Kunlun glass held up well during the drop test, but it wouldn’t be right to say that the screen is unbreakable. Still Kunlun is much more successful than Gorilla Glass Victus 2. For example, Victus 2 protected displays on the Galaxy S23+ and S23 Ultra. In a similar test, both phone cracked on the first drop. You can watch the videos of the tests below.
Huawei P60 series will be the next phone using Kunlun Glass
The Huawei P60 series, expected to be released next month. The phone is also to feature Kunlun glass, along with other innovations such as Huawei’s XMAGE photography system and Low battery emergency mode. Huawei’s ability to innovate and develop technologies like Kunlun glass despite the US restrictions on exports is noteworthy. However, the company still faces challenges, including the potential loss of the ability to obtain even handicapped chipsets following the Biden administration’s decision to get tougher on approving export licenses for shipments to Huawei.
Sony’s much-awaited WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds have finally been spotted on the FCC website, hinting at an imminent launch. These earbuds will be the next iteration of Sony’s popular WF-1000XM4 earbuds, which were launched back in June 2021. The FCC listing reveals that the new earbuds will feature Bluetooth 5.3 and Bluetooth LE, along with Qualcomm aptX Lossless support, which should help them compete with other premium earbuds in the market.
Interestingly, the Sony WF-1000XM5 will reportedly reuse the touch panel from its predecessor, which was widely praised for its intuitive controls. It is unclear if the earbuds will receive a complete redesign, like Sony’s WH-1000XM5 over-the-ear headphones. However, it is expected that the new earbuds will receive a battery upgrade and other performance improvements.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra, which was recently leaked, is expected to be a strong competitor to the Sony WF-1000XM5. Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II have already been out for a while, making it even more important for Sony to deliver a compelling offering to stay ahead in the race. While the FCC listing doesn’t reveal much about the new earbuds, it does suggest that the launch is imminent, possibly as early as July 2023.
One area of concern for potential buyers is the price point of the new earbuds. With market conditions being what they are, it is likely that the Sony WF-1000XM5 will come with a higher price tag than its predecessor. However, those on a budget can still get a pair of XM4s, which are expected to be discounted after the new earbuds are launched.
Smartphones have become an essential part of our lives, but they are also constantly evolving. In the next five years, we can expect some major breakthroughs that will change how we use and interact with our devices. Here are the top three technologies that will revolutionize smartphones in the near future:
1. Satellite Connectivity: Imagine being able to send and receive messages anywhere on Earth, even without a cellular network. That’s what satellite connectivity promises to deliver. Several smartphone makers, such as Samsung, Apple and Huawei have already introduced devices that can connect to satellites for emergency purposes, but some are going a step further and enabling two-way SMS messages. This means you can stay in touch with your loved ones, access vital information, and get help when you need it most, no matter where you are.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Satellite Connectivity
2. Solid State Batteries: One of the biggest challenges of smartphone users is battery life. No one likes running out of juice or having to charge their phone frequently. That’s why solid state batteries are so exciting. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolyte solution, solid state batteries use solid electrolyte. This means they can pack more energy in less space, resulting in longer battery life and faster charging times. Solid state batteries are also safer and more stable than lithium-ion batteries, reducing the risk of overheating or exploding.
3. Flexible Displays: What if you could fold, bend, or twist your smartphone screen without breaking it? That’s what flexible displays offer. OLED displays are used for creating flexible screens that can adapt to different shapes and sizes. Smartphones with flexible displays can transform from a compact smartphone to a larger tablet, giving you more versatility and functionality. You can also enjoy better durability, lighter weight, and more multitasking options with flexible phones.
Oppo Find N2
Speaking of flexible displays, our team here at Gizmochina got the chance to review Oppo’s 2023 flagship foldable, the Oppo Find N2. The Oppo Find N2 features Qualcomm’s powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage, alongside its large 7.1-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED inner display.
To know more about the Oppo Find N2, you watch our review video here on YouTube.
Nokia, once a legendary phone brand, is now far from its former glory. The company’s inability to keep up with the rise of smartphones and a series of panicked wrong decisions led to this point. Today, the Finnish manufacturer operates under the umbrella of HMD Global. The latest information suggests that HMD Global plans to start manufacturing Nokia phones in Europe from Q3 2023. Here are the details…
HMD to begin manufacturing Nokia phones in Europe from Q3 of 2023
HMD Global has recently announced that it will begin manufacturing 5G Nokia smartphones in Europe from the third quarter of 2023. This move is significant because it makes HMD the first major smartphone maker to manufacture 5G phones in Europe. The shift towards manufacturing in Europe will be gradual and HMD plans on investing in facilities from now on.
The company has seen an increase in demand for its smartphones in Europe and views this move as a way to reduce its carbon footprint. HMD also noted that its data centers have been located in Finland since 2019, and it believes that having the manufacturing facilities nearby will help it ensure the security and privacy of its devices.
This move is particularly important in the current climate, where data privacy and security are becoming increasingly important issues for consumers. This will undoubtedly help the company to attract more customers who are concerned about data privacy and security. Although the company will attract attention with its new move, its success is not certain.
Unfortunately, Nokia phones under the umbrella of HMD Global were not innovative products and only appealed to a limited user base. This is expected to change in the company’s new era.
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