Samsung is set to unveil its new flagship lineup, the Galaxy S23 series, on February 1st, and it looks like the company is already preparing its software for the new devices. A leaked version of the Game Launcher app, which is expected to be part of the upcoming One UI 5.1 update, is now available for download.
First possible One UI 5.1 app is now available for download!
The new version of the Game Launcher app, version 7.0.00.5, is said to not bring any new features, but it does put gaming recommendations at the forefront, which is a slight improvement over the current version. However, it’s unclear if this version of the app will be part of One UI 5.1 or if it will be released as a separate app update for existing Galaxy devices.
The Galaxy S23 series will run on Android 13 out of the box, with One UI 5.1 on top. In addition to new software, the devices are also expected to feature hardware upgrades such as a 200MP camera on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, new Snapdragon chip on all phones and bigger batteries on the base Galaxy S23 and Plus model.
It’s worth noting that this is an unofficial version of the app, and as such, it may not work properly on all devices. If you decide to download and install the leaked version of the Game Launcher app, it’s best to do so at your own risk.
In conclusion, Samsung is gearing up for the release of its new flagship devices and with the leak of the Game Launcher app, it appears that the company is also preparing its software for the new devices. While the leaked version of the app doesn’t seem to bring any new features, it does put gaming recommendations at the forefront, which is a slight improvement. It’s unclear if this version of the app will be part of One UI 5.1 or if it will be released as a separate app update for existing Galaxy devices.
Just a couple of days ago, we had reported on the Realme V30 being spotted on various certification websites. Now, another such online listing hints at the V30 series launch being just around the corner.
The Chinese smartphone maker’s upcoming devices were now spotted on the Google Play Console. Looking at the listings, we can see that there are two models in the works that carry the RMX3618 and RMX3619 model numbers. Although, they appear to have similar specifications and appearance. Meaning, these two handsets are likely a part of the same lineup, which is the Realme V30 series. The RMX3618 model was spotted receiving Google Play certification with the MediaTek Dimensity 700 SoC.
In other words, the launch of the V30 series could be right around the corner. Prior to this report, the TENAA listing also revealed that the device will sport a 6.51 inch LCD panel that has a HD resolution. Under the hood, a large 5,000mAh battery pack will power the device. For optics, it will offer a 13 megapixel primary rear camera and a 5 megapixel selfie shooter on the front. Other aspects include an 8.1mm thickness, 186 grams in weight, a side mounted fingerprint scanner, and Android 12 OS out of the box.
As of right now, finer details are still at large but the Dimensity chips signify that the new budget phones will be 5G enabled. We can also expect to see a 3.5mm headphone jack as well. Unfortunately, this is all the information we have at the moment so stick around for more updates regarding this matter.
In December 2021, iQOO unveiled the iQOO Neo 6 and the iQOO Neo 6 SE in China. The SE model was rebranded as the iQOO Neo 6 in India in 2022. In recent months, the company has launched the iQOO Neo 7, Neo 7 SE, and Neo 7 Racing Edition phones in China. These devices are powered by the Dimensity 9000 Plus, Dimensity 8200, and Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipsets, respectively. It appears that the Neo 7 SE will be rebranded as the iQOO Neo 7 5G in the Indian market.
iQOO India has confirmed that it will be announcing the iQOO Neo 7 5G on Feb. 16, and it will be sold through Amazon India. It will be the first Dimensity 8200-powered satellite to land in India. Here is a look at the specifications of the iQOO Neo 7 SE 5G (Chinese edition). The same specs are likely to be available on the Indian version of the iQOO Neo 7 5G.
iQOO Neo 7 5G India launch date
The Neo 7 SE 5G has a 6.78-inch flat AMOLED panel. It offers a Full HD+ resolution, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and an under-display fingerprint sensor. On the front, it has a 16-megapixel selfie camera.
The rear camera setup of the iQOO Neo 7 5G is headlined by an OIS-enabled 64-megapixel camera. It is paired with a 2-megapixel macro camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The OriginOS 3.0-based Android 13 OS. Its rebranded version is likely to offer a FunTouchOS 13 experience.
iQOO Neo 7 SE
The Dimensity 8200 chipset, LPDDR5 RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage power the iQOO Neo 7 SE. In China, the device is available in multiple variants, such as 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB, 12B + 256GB, 16GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 512GB. The device’s base model costs 2,299 Yuan (~$343; ~Rs 27,900).
The iQOO Neo 7 SE has a 5,000mAh battery, which supports 120W fast charging. It offers other features like 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC, an IR blaster, and a USB-C port.
The OPPO A78 5G has been launched in India. The 5G-ready midrange phone from the brand offers key features, such as a 90Hz display, Dimensity 700, a 50-megapixel dual-camera setup, and a big battery. Here is all the information on the specifications, features, and price of the A78.
OPPO A78 5G specifications and features
OPPO A78 5G
The OPPO A78 5G has a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a teardrop notch. It offers an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate. The screen supports 96 percent NTSC color gamut, 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut, and up to 600 nits of brightness. For security, it has a side-facing fingerprint scanner.
Under the hood, the OPPO A78 5G features the Dimensity 700 chipset. The phone comes in a single configuration that offers 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage. It offers up to 8 GB of virtual RAM.
The A78 5G houses a 5,000mAh battery that supports 33W SuperVOOC charging. The company claims that it can achieve a full charge in 67 minutes. It ships with the ColorOS 13-based Android 13 OS.
OPPO A78 5G
The A78 5G has an 8-megapixel camera for shooting selfies. On its back, it has a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and an LED flash. Other features of the A78 5G include Panda Glass protection for the display, a multi-cooling system for heat dissipation, face unlock, dual stereo speakers, dual SIM, 5G, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
OPPO A78 5G price in India
The OPPO A78 5G has been launched with a price tag of Rs 18,999 (~$233). The device can now be pre-ordered through OPPO India’s website and Amazon India. It will go on sale in the country on Jan. 18. Buyers can purchase it in Glowing Black and Glowing Blue color options.
Samsung recently confirmed that it will be holding a launch event on Jan. 18 in India to announce the new A-series of smartphones. It did not, however, confirm the names of the phones that will be available on the specified date. Over the weekend, the company released a couple of teasers to reveal that it will be unveiling the Galaxy A14 5G and the Galaxy A23 5G on Jan. 18. A few social media posts released by the brand have also confirmed the key features of the A23.
The Galaxy A14 5G and the Galaxy A23 5G are set to launch at 12 pm (local time) on Jan. 18 in India. It is now confirmed that the A23 5G will feature a waterdrop notch display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The other poster confirms that the device will support optical image stabilisation (OIS). It appears that the company will roll out a few more teasers before the upcoming launch.
The Galaxy A23 5G that is heading to India appears to be the same device that has been available in the global market since August 2022. The A23, which is available in other markets, features a 6.6-inch PLS LCD panel that offers an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It has an 8-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel (main) + 5-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 2-megapixel (depth) + 2-megapixel (macro) quad-camera unit.
The Snapdragon 695-powered device comes with up to 8 GB of RAM and up to 128 GB of storage. It has a 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support. It is equipped with a side-facing fingerprint sensor. According to a recent report, the 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage model could cost Rs 23,999 in India.
The Galaxy A14 5G is expected to feature a 6.6-inch IPS LCD 90Hz display, a Dimensity 700 chip, up to 6 GB of RAM, up to 128 GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 18W charging support. It has a 13-megapixel camera on the front and a 50-megapixel (main) + 2-megapixel (macro) + 2-megapixel (depth) triple camera unit on the back. It also features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. The variant offering 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage is likely to cost Rs 16,499.
In October, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a fine of Rs. 1337.76 crores ($161.95 million) on Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., for abusing its monopoly over Android. The CCI also requested that Google lift its prohibitions on smartphone manufacturers pre-installing apps.
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) refused to grant a stay, thus on January 11 the Supreme Court agreed to hear Google’s appeal for a hearing regarding the delay of a further Rs 1,337 crore penalty order by CCI on January 16.
Google has now produced a statement in advance of the court proceedings that enables users and stakeholders to fully grasp the significance of the issues at hand. The company said that the CCI’s antitrust decision “strikes a blow” to the ecosystem-wide initiatives to hasten the adoption of digital technology in the nation.
With more and more people going online, Google believes that its open-source and free Android is playing a critical role in lowering the cost of cell phones and accelerating India’s digital transformation. In relation to the app issue, Google states:
“For a country like India, where the cost of adoption is the biggest barrier to digitisation, this has had profound implications. More users have incentivised more developers, and each of those developers achieve immediate scale by writing a single app for Android.“
The availability of Play Services APIs to OEMs, app developers, and rivals for the development of forked Android versions was also addressed by Google in response to CCI remarks. Google claims that the Android remedies mandated by the CCI will expose users to more privacy and danger online. The company said:
“Devices built on incompatible ‘forks’ would prevent Google from securing those devices, as these versions will not support the security and user safety features that Google provides. Lack of robust and consistent security upgrades will leave the users of those devices exposed to cybercrime, bugs, and malware – which is most troubling for the millions of new internet users who are especially vulnerable.”
Last month, the Xiaomi 13 series smartphones officially made their debut in China. The devices are said to debut globally at MWC next month. While the series currently consists of the vanilla Xiaomi 13 and the Xiaomi 13 Pro, rumors about a Xiaomi 13 Ultra are also floating around online.
Xiaomi‘s CEO Lei Jun recently confirmed that the brand will launch the Xiaomi 13 Ultra as its main flagship device for both the Chinese and the global market. This gave rise to many rumors claiming that the launch could occur at the MWC event. However, popular tipster Digital Chat Station has released some contradictory information.
Xiaomi 12S Ultra
According to Digital Chat Station, both the OPPO Find X6 and Honor Magic5 series will be released shortly after Chinese New Year. The Chinese New Year is on January 22. Given the length of the celebrations, both lineups should debut in the middle to end of February. But the leaker is adamant that the Xiaomi 13 Ultra won’t launch until later.
It is unlikely that the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will be unveiled at MWC, which starts in late February. The global release of the premium Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro devices has been confirmed, though. If rumors posted on Chinese websites are to be believed, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra may be ready for a late March or early April release in Xiaomi’s home market. However, it is unknown whether the flagship will make its appearance simultaneously everywhere.
So far, information available on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra states that it could bring a quad-camera setup featuring a 1-inch Sony IMX989 50-megapixel primary camera. All four cameras may have PDAF autofocus, and the primary camera is likely to allow gimbal optimization. It might use a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and provide up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 500GB/1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.
Samsung is gearing up to launch the Galaxy S23 series of smartphones on the first day of February 2023. As usual, the generation will consist of three devices – Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S23 Ultra. Ahead of the launch, tipster Evan Blass has shared images of the protective cases of the Galaxy S23 Ultra which will be directly sold by Samsung and its retail partners.
The images shared by Evan Blass revealed that the brand will offer two kinds of protective covers for the galaxy S23 Ultra. The first will be the regular snap-on shell, while the other will be a classic-style flip case.
Both types of covers will be available in the following colors: Phantom Black, Cotton Flower (cream), Botanic Green, and Misty Lilac (pink or lavender).
Samsung Galaxy S23 series specs
All three variants of the Galaxy S23 Ultra series are rumored to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, per leaks and rumors. A huge 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a QHD+ resolution is anticipated for the Galaxy S23 Ultra. With a brightness of 2200 nits, the display is also claimed to be more bright than the iPhone 14 Pro series.
Along with a new 200 MP main camera, two 10MP telephoto cameras with 3x and 10x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide camera, the S23 Ultra will also sport a quad camera system. The S23 Ultra’s battery is anticipated to have a capacity of 5000 mAh and support 25W fast charging and at least 15W wireless charging.
The triple camera combination on the rear of the S23 and S23 Plus, which has a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with a 3x optical zoom, is equally noteworthy. The 6.1-inch and 6.6-inch screens on the S23 and S23 Plus will offer Full HD+ resolutions and AMOLED panels that support a 120 Hz refresh rate, respectively.
In addition to supporting 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging, the S23 and S23 Plus will have cutouts for the front-facing camera. The S23 is speculated to feature a battery capacity of 3900 mAh, while the S23 Plus is anticipated to have a battery capacity of 4700 mAh. Additionally, all three phones will ship with Android 13 already pre-installed and a layer of One UI 5.0 on top, providing a user-friendly and feature-rich experience.
During CES 2023, Lenovo finally announced the laptop-inspired Thinkphone by Motorola. The rugged smartphone packs a powerful chipset and comes with a military-grade rating. The phone is reported to be sold only to B2B clients, which is definitely a bummer for those who were eager to try it. However, a popular tipster has claimed that the Thinkphone will also be available for non-business customers in some countries. Here are the details.
Roland Quant says the Thinkphone by Motorola will be sold to non-business consumers as well. However, only folks in “certain” countries would be able to get their hands on the smartphone. Quant didn’t mention the name of the countries or the stores but revealed that the 8/256GB version of the handset will be priced at €999 ($1,080). Apparently, it will be available for purchase by the end of this month.
To recall, the ThinkPhone by Motorola has a rugged design with an aramid fiber-made back panel and aircraft-grade aluminum frames. There’s Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the front.
It comes with a 6.6-inch OLED display with a 2400x1080px resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+ support. The handset is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, which is very capable. The processor is paired with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage.
The handset packs a 5,000mAh battery that supports 68W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. It’s MIL-STD 810H and IP68 certified and packs a 32MP selfie camera with autofocus. On the back, there’s a 50MP f/1.8 main camera with both PDAF and OIS accompanied by a 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide with Macro Vision. The smartphone features various interconnectivity features as well.
A new Chromecast with Google TV could be featured on the Google Home app. A new leak points to this feature just months after its release. The new dongle was featured in a preview update for the Google Home app.
The new Google Chromecast dongle, according to the app preview, includes a new Google TV device with the YTC moniker. As a trend, the original Chromecast with Google TV was codenamed YTV, while the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) had the YTB codename. The inference to draw from the leaked codename is that the product will be another iteration of the Chromecast with Google TV.
Little is still known about the upcoming dongle outside the Google Home app preview. It could still be under development and is expected to be a high-end product higher than the HD variant of Chromecast. Moreover, there is a need to refresh the current Chromecast released in 2020. It is speculated that the new dongle will support AV1 decoding as a new Google standard. The device will also likely come with a more powerful chipset than its predecessor. There will also be improvements in storage and other features.
Google hasn’t made any announcement yet on the leaked Chromecast with Google TV. This is not the first time when a Google product will leak before its release. We, therefore, expect more release details for the upcoming dongle in the coming weeks. The price and availability details of the new device will also be available later. The mystery however remains that the specific release date for the product is not known. In addition, this could well be a rumor that the company doesn’t have any plans to pursue.
Motorola is expected to soon launch a new mid-range smartphone, dubbed Moto G53, in the global market. It is rumored that the Moto G73 will also tag along. The two smartphones have been making rounds on various certification sites recently, however, there’s no official confirmation from the brand yet. While we wait, The Tech Outlook has leaked the promotional materials as well as the specifications of the upcoming devices. Let’s look at the details.
Moto G53
The Moto G53, not to be confused with the Chinese version of the same name, is reported to have a 6.5-inch LCD display with 1600 × 720-pixel resolution, 269ppi pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate. It could feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ processor under the hood, paired with 4GB/6GB RAM and 64GB/128GB storage.
For photography, the handset may feature a 50MP primary sensor with a 2MP macro shoot. There could be an 8MP selfie snapper. Backed by a 5000mAh battery unit, the smartphone is said to support only 10W charging. The 5G phone will be equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a stereo speaker setup. It could measure 162.7 × 74.66 × 8.19mm and weighs 183 grams.
Moto G73
The Moto G73 6.5-inch is also said to have a 120Hz LCD display but with a Full HD+ (2400 × 1080 pixel) resolution and 405ppi pixel density. It could get a more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 930 processor with up to 8GB of RAM. The handset could be offered in two storage options – 128GB and 256 GB. On the software front, the handset is reported to run Android 13.
This one also features a dual-rear camera setup with a 50MP primary shooter but the macro sensor is replaced with an 8MP ultrawide. For selfies, there’s a 16MP snapper. The handset could draw power from a 5000mAh battery unit with 30W charging support. It features stereo speakers as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack.
FiiO has unveiled its M11S Digital Audio Player. The portable audio player is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset and runs Android 10 OS. It also has a decent 5,300mAh battery to deliver spotless audio for extended periods. The FiiO M11S supports high-fidelity Bluetooth and wired connectivity options. It is also compatible with Apple AirPlay and DLNA. The M11S is already on sale in some markets.
The new FiiO digital audio player was leaked in 2022 and joins a widening market of digital audio players. The Sony Walkman models are still the pick of the crowd but the M11S could offer a competitive pricing advantage. The M11S has a 5-inch display with a resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels. For comparison, the recently released Sony NW-ZX707 has the same screen parameters as the M11S.
The FiiO M11S weighs up to 50g above the Sony NW-ZX707, tipping the scales at 271g. It measures 125.2 x 74 x 18.5mm. Its Snapdragon 660 chipset pairs with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The audio player’s 5,300mAh battery delivers up to 14 hours of playback. It can play music via its 2.5mm, 4.4mm and 3.5mm jacks and supports aptX HD/ LDAC/ LDHC Bluetooth codecs.
The audio player can stream lossless audio via Tidal apart from its Apple AirPlay and DLNA support. The FiiO M11S is priced at $499.99 and can be ordered from Amazon. It is available in black and titanium color options currently, but other colorways may be added later.
Premium accessories maker, TAG Heuer has announced the Connected Calibre E4 lineup of smartwatches. The Connected Calibre E4 series has three models added to the lineup. This comes after the 2022 debut of the lineup. The smartwatches, as usual, target the high end of the consumer spectrum and come with hefty price tags.
The three new Connected Calibre E4 models are the Sports Edition, 42mm Golf Edition, and standard 42mm Calibre E4 smartwatch. The 42mm model has a 1.28-inch display and an almost bezel-less panel with Sapphire Dome glass protection. The screen is an OLED with a display resolution of 416 x 416 pixels. The body of the smartwatch is made of grade 2 titanium and has a black veneer. The 42mm is the lightest smartwatch from TAG Heuer and the least expensive of the three models.
The Connected Calibre E4 42mm Golf Edition has the same body design as the plain 42mm model. It comes with three TAG Heuer-branded golf balls and two straps. One of the straps is made from black leather with green stitchings, while the other is a white rubber strap. The 42mm Golf Edition supports 40,000 golf courses and allows for automatic tracking. The golf courses are spread across the world and the watch can track your score and several other golfing parameters.
The Calibre E4 Sports Edition is the biggest model among the trio. It is 45mm and has a 1.39-inch OLED display with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels. It has a breathable rubber strap so that the watch can be comfortably worn during sports activities. It features a Trail & Hiking application combined with its barometer to assess performance.
All three models will get the Wear OS 3 update when it is released, according to TAG Heuer. The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 smartwatches are priced between $2,350 and $2,600. The least expensive model is the 42mm version while the Sports Edition is the most expensive. The trio of new Calibre E4 smartwatches will be released later this month, according to the company.
Samsung is rolling out a new software update for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and the Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 series. These include the ability to record 360 audio and an improved camera controller. The new updates will enhance the content-capturing capabilities for Galaxy users. Samsung stated that “Paired with a Galaxy smartphone, the latest wearable software updates bring users new ways to capture the world as they hear and see it. These software updates reflect Samsung’s continuous commitment to providing the most up-to-date experiences to existing devices.”
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro’s 360 audio recording allows users to record sound on video as they hear it. This is possible by pairing the TWS earphone with a Galaxy smartphone. Users can capture and record high-quality realistic audio for videos without the need for professional equipment. The feature is possible because it uses a microphone in each earbud to pick up 360-degree sound
The 360 audio recording is said to be the first feature in the Galaxy line that utilises an advanced new Bluetooth audio standard called LE audio. It offers better audio quality, lower latency, and longer battery life. LE audio also enables binaural recording on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 4 series gain new features in its Camera Controller app. The new update for the smartwatches adds zoom capabilities that expand the camera experience when paired with a Galaxy smartphone. Users can control the phone’s zoom camera by pinching the watch’s face or turning the rotating bezel. This eliminates the need to run back and forth to the camera to frame a picture.
The 360 Audio Recording will be released on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Galaxy Z Flip 4, and Galaxy Z Fold 4 through software updates starting today. The updated camera controller feature will be available on the Galaxy Watch 5, 5 Pro, Watch 4 and 4 Classic starting this February.
According to recent reports, Apple is planning to transition the Apple Watch from OLED to a new in-house Micro-LED display. While this move has been widely speculated, a display industry analyst has recently confirmed that the transition is indeed taking place. Here are the details…
Apple Watch’s Transition to Micro-LED: What it Means for Consumers
Apple’s switch to a Micro-LED display for the Apple Watch is a much-discussed topic in the tech industry. It was previously reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman that Apple plans to use Micro-LED displays in the Apple Watch starting in 2024 or 2025, with parts designed in-house rather than by third-party companies like Samsung or LG Display.
We published in our November Capex Report that LGD is building a small line for microLED backplanes for the Apple Watch. It doesn't start production till 2H'24. It is this small line that will likely assemble microLEDs from Apple for '25 launch. Apple won't do the full process.
However, a new report by display industry analyst Ross Young adds further context to this story, stating that LG Display will begin production of Micro-LED parts in the second half of 2024, leaving enough time to produce panels for Apple. The move to Micro-LED technology could allow for improved color reproduction, better contrast, and even brighter displays in the Apple Watch.
While it’s not yet clear which models of the Apple Watch will be the first to make the switch, the high-end Apple Watch Ultra seems like a logical choice given its target audience and price point. The increased brightness could also be a benefit for customers who use the watch outdoors. It’s worth noting that Apple isn’t the only company considering Micro-LED technology for wearables, as a recent report suggests Samsung is also looking into the technology for its own wearables.
The switch to Micro-LED technology is a significant one and will require the help of companies like LG Display to make it happen. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how and when these tech giants will implement Micro-LED into their product lines.
Amazon is testing a new subscription service called Prime Lite for users in India. The service is currently only available to select Prime members in the country as a Beta version, with an introductory price of Rs. 999 per year.
Prime Lite provides nearly identical benefits and services to Amazon Prime, with a few key differences. One significant difference is that the new Prime Lite membership does not include access to Amazon Prime Music. Furthermore, Prime Lite users are not eligible for no-cost EMI, free ebooks, or Prime Gaming.
In terms of delivery, Prime Lite offers Two-Day delivery on products, as opposed to Amazon Prime’s Same-Day or One-Day delivery. Prime Lite users can access unlimited content on Prime Video, but it will not be in HD format and will contain advertisements. The content can be streamed simultaneously on two devices, one of which must be a mobile phone.
It’s worth noting that Amazon raised the annual subscription price of Prime in India from Rs. 999 to Rs. 1,499 in December 2021. The new Prime Lite subscription offer is available at the previous price of Rs. 999 and is a more affordable option for users who do not require all of the benefits of Amazon Prime.
Amazon’s Prime Lite service is currently in beta testing and is only available to a limited number of users in India. The company has not stated when or if the service will be available to all users throughout the country.
Android 13 QPR2 Beta is preparing to offer users the ability to change the lockscreen shortcuts on Pixel phones. Currently, Pixel phones offer two lockscreen shortcuts that are locked to Google Wallet and Home. However, with Android 13 QPR2, it looks like users will soon be able to select other functionality for these shortcuts.
So, here's a fun one. Nothing OS 1.5.1 (Android 13 Beta 2) contains various fun features… Including the ability to customize the lockscreen shortcuts!
Google started working on it in their latest beta (QPR2). But Nothing implemented it themselves 🙂 pic.twitter.com/yWj4G0jDiw
According to a recent code review, in addition to Home and Wallet, users will be able to choose from the flashlight, camera, and QR code scanner as lockscreen shortcuts. This is a welcome change as it allows for more customization and convenience for the user.
Furthermore, Google is also introducing a new feature that requires users to “Press and hold to activate” the shortcuts, as opposed to the current simple tap. This is especially necessary for the flashlight and camera shortcuts to prevent accidental, in-pocket activations.
Lastly, there is also a sneak peek at what the Pixel UI change to the lockscreen “Shortcuts” might look like. It is modeled after the existing Wallpaper & style interface and although it doesn’t work yet, it gives users an idea of what to expect in the future.
All in all, the Android 13 QPR2 Beta update is shaping up to bring useful and much-needed changes to Pixel phone users. The ability to change lockscreen shortcuts, new activation method and a new UI design for shortcuts all add up to a more personalized and convenient experience for users.
Redmi recently unveiled the Redmi Note 12 series in India. The lineup has three models: the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G, and the Redmi Note 12 5G. The Xiaomi sub-brand released a lot of phones under the Redmi Note 11 series last year in the country. While it launched the Redmi Note 11 4G, Note 11T 5G, and other models, there was no device named Redmi Note 11 5G in the Indian market. In terms of specs, the Chinese and Indian editions are identical devices. But the Note 12 5G that came out in India is a little different from the one that is available in China. The main difference is that the Chinese variant has a dual-camera setup, whereas the Indian model has a triple camera unit on the back. I have been using the Note 12 5G for nearly 10 days, and here is my review of the device.
Redmi Note 12 5G – What’s in the box?
Redmi Note 12 5G
The Redmi Note 12 5G’s retail package includes these items:
Redmi Note 12 5G handset
33W power adapter
USB Type-C cable
Transparent TPU case
SIM eject tool
Quick Start Guide
Design and Display
Dimensions
Display
Size – 165.88 x 76.21 x 7.98mm
6.6.7-inch AMOLED display
4500000:1 contrast ratio
Weight – 188 grams
1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+)
Widevine L1 support
IP53 rating
20:9 aspect ratio
Gorilla Glass 3
Color variants
Up to 120Hz refresh rate
Matte Black
Up to 1200 nits of brightness
Frosted Green
100% P3 wide color gamut
Mystique Blue
The Frosted Green variant of the Redmi Note 12 5G I received has a matte finish for its polycarbonate back, which I believe may develop scratches later on. Not only the back but also the plastic frame sport the same green color. The camera island has a glossy finish and attracts fingerprint marks. While the design is not bad, it reminds me of Realme phones, and I wish the brand offered a unique design on its next-generation Redmi Note 13 series.
When it comes to durability, the Redmi Note 12 5G offers IP53 dust and water resistance and Gorilla Glass 3 protection for the display. The top edge of the phone has a microphone, an IR blaster, and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the opposite side are another microphone, a USB-C port, and a speaker grille. The left spine houses a SIM slot, whereas its right edge has a volume rocker and a power key, which is integrated with a fingerprint sensor. The handset measures only 8mm in thickness and weighs 188 grams, which I feel is not that bulky.
One of the strengths of the Redmi Note 12 5G is its display. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display has a punch-hole chin and slim bezels on three sides, except for the bottom one, which is a bit thick. Apart from Dark / Light modes, the Note 12 5G display offers 60Hz – 120Hz refresh rate options, Reading Mode, Sunlight Mode, Always-on Display, and colour scheme. The latter offers three options: Vivid, Saturated, and Standard. Each of these has colour temperature options like Default, Warm, Cool, and Custom. There is Widevine L1 support, but no HDR support on YouTube.
Redmi Note 12 5G (front)Redmi Note 12 5G (rear)
The display produces accurate colors and offers a good viewing experience in general as well as under bright sunlight. Except for YouTube and camera apps, where the refresh rate was reduced to 60Hz, most of the native apps ran in 120Hz mode.
Performance and Software
Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
5,000Ah battery
4GB / 6GB of LPDDR4x RAM
33W fast charging
128GB of UFS 2.2 storage
Android 12 OS with MIUI 13
5GB of virtual RAM
Dual graphite sheet
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, a 6nm chipset that comes with support for 5G connectivity, is present under the hood of the Redmi Note 12 5G. The iQOO Z6 Lite, which has a 120Hz LCD panel, is the only other phone that features the same chip. In terms of specs, the SD4G1 is almost identical to the Snapdragon 695, which offers slightly higher clock speeds of up to 2.2GHz. In comparison, the SD4G1 offers processing speeds of up to 2.0GHz. In the 60-minute CPU throttle test, throttling was observed around the 25-minute mark, but the chip gradually gained its performance, as seen in the screenshot below. I tested games like Free Fire Max and Shadow Fight 4 on the device for around an hour, and it became moderately warm. For enhanced gaming, it offers the Game Turbo feature. The phone is equipped with dual graphite sheets for thermal management.
The review unit that I have has 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. Its 4 GB RAM edition also offers the same storage. The phone packs a 5,000mAh battery that can last for the entire day on a full charge. It took around 70 minutes to charge it completely using the 33W in-box charger. While the device allowed me to run AnTuTu, Geekbench, and CPU Throttle tests, it did not connect to the servers of 3D Mark and GFXBench benchmarking apps.
The Redmi Note 12 5G runs on the Android 12 OS with the MIUI 13 skin on top. In my opinion, Redmi should have offered Android 13 OS on the device. The handset is promised to receive two years of OS upgrades and four years of security updates. Apart from native and Google apps, the device comes preloaded with apps like Amazon, Prime Video, Netflix, LinkedIn, Bubble Shooting Relaxing, Zili, and a few more. The good news is that all these additional apps can be uninstalled.
Photography and Other Features
Rear Camera
Other features
48MP OmniVision OV48B2 main camera
Side-facing fingerprint scanner
8MP OmniVision OV08D10 ultra-wide less
Face unlock
2MP OmniVision OV02B10 depth sensor
7 5G bands: n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n40, n78
LED flash
Hybrid SIM slot
Wi-Fi 802.11ac
Front Camera
Bluetooth 5.1
13MP Samsung S5K3L6 front camera
IR blaster
3.5mm audio jack
Redmi Note 12 5G
The Redmi Note 12 5G can capture good shots with natural colors in daylight through its main and ultra-wide cameras. The camera interface offers photography modes, such as Pro, Documents, Video, Photo, Portrait, Night, and More. It took me time to find the macro mode, which is not available in the “More” section or in the Pro mode. The More section has other options like 48MP mode, Short Video, Panorama, Slow Motion, Time-lapse, and AI Watermark. The macro mode is available through the hamburger icon in the Photo mode. It can only capture passable macro shots when there is a lot of light.
The portrait mode adds a decent amount of blur to the background of shots captured via the main camera on the back and the selfie camera. The front camera offers options like beauty modes, filters, and HDR. The performance of the Redmi Note 12 5G suffers in indoor and low-light conditions. The indoor shots are okay if there is enough light.
main camera2x zoomUltra-wideregularultra-wideRegular shotWith Night modenight modemacro shotselfieportrait selfieportrait modeportrait mode
The Redmi Note 12 5G supports up to 30fps Full HD video recording through the main and ultrawide cameras. It supports HD quality slow-motion videos at 120fps. To sum up, the Note 12’s camera capabilities are good enough for uploading content on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. Lastly, I think Redmi should modify the camera and clock app icons. While I am not sure about others, I frequently ended up opening the clock app instead of the camera app a couple of times!
The Redmi Note 12 5G has a single bottom-firing speaker. The Note 11 offered a dual speaker system. So, I was expecting the same on the successor model. The audio features available on the device include a 3.5mm audio jack, Smart PA, and High-Res Audio. The biometric recognition features, such as face unlock and a side-facing fingerprint scanner, work fine. It offers other sensors, such as an ambient light sensor, a proximity sensor, an e-compass, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope. When it comes to 5G connectivity, I achieved up to 940 Mbps download speeds on Jio 5G outdoors. Indoors, it peaked at 880 Mbps.
Verdict
To recall, the Redmi Note 11 4G was available for Rs 13,499 (~$166) at launch. The main things that set the new model apart from its predecessor are its impressive 120Hz AMOLED display, a new chipset, and 5G connectivity. The battery performance of the device is also good. The camera performs fine when there is good light. It would be good if there was some software to enhance the low-light photography.
The 4 GB RAM + 128 GB storage variant of the Redmi Note 12 5G costs Rs 17,999 (~$221), while the 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage variant costs Rs 19,999 (~$246). However, readers should note that the Redmi Note 12 5G is the only phone in its price segment to offer a 120Hz AMOLED screen and 5G for Rs 17,999. Hence, there are not many competitors for the Note 12 5G, except for the Snapdragon 695-powered POCO X4 Pro 5G, which currently costs Rs 17,999 for the 6GB +128GB storage edition.
All in all, the Redmi Note 12 5G is a good package and a terrific deal if buyers avail it for as low as Rs 15,499 (~$191) with ongoing offers.
It is available for purchase across Mi.com, Amazon.in, Mi Home, Mi Studio, and Mi Preferred partners. Customers can either opt for exchange offers or use an ICICI credit card / credit card EMI / net banking to get an extra discount of Rs 1,500 (~$18). With the offer, both variants of the Note 12 can be bought for Rs 16,499 (~$203) and Rs 18,499 (~$228), respectively. Existing Xiaomi/ Mi and Redmi smartphone users can get the Note 12 for Rs 15,499 (~$191) and Rs 17,499 (~$215) by availing extra Rs 1000 off on exchange.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Redmi Note 12 5G review are solely mine based on my experience, and there has been no editorial input from Xiaomi.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 series is one of the most highly-anticipated smartphone releases of the year. The latest leak from Twitter leaker RGCloudS sheds some light on the pricing of the upcoming devices, and it looks like they will be more affordable than previously thought.
According to the leak, the entry-level Galaxy S23 will start at $799 for the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant. The 8GB RAM/256GB storage variant will be priced at $849, which is $50 cheaper than the starting price of the Galaxy S22. However, it’s worth noting that the entry-level Galaxy S23 will not support Wi-Fi 7, which will be exclusive to the Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 Ultra. All three models will support Wi-Fi 6 and UWB (ultra-wideband) technology.
The Galaxy S23+ will be priced at $999 for the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant and $1,049 for the 8GB RAM/256GB storage variant. There’s no mention of the 512GB storage variant in this leak, despite previous rumors of its existence.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra will be the most expensive of the bunch, starting at $1,249 for the 8GB RAM/256GB storage variant. The 12GB RAM/512GB storage variant will be priced at $1,349, and the top-of-the-line 12GB RAM/1TB storage variant will be priced at $1,499. RGClouds notes that shipments of the 1TB storage variant may be delayed by up to six weeks, and colorways exclusive to the Samsung store may also be delayed.
It’s worth noting that these prices are tentative and could change closer to the Galaxy Unpacked event, which is scheduled for February 1. Samsung is also offering a $50 discount for pre-orders of the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 Ultra on its website. Additionally, the price can be brought down even further through Samsung’s exchange program, though the value offered for smartphones, even high-end ones, varies greatly by region.
Overall, the Galaxy S23 series looks set to offer a range of options for different budgets, with the entry-level Galaxy S23 starting at a more affordable $799 and the fully-kitted out Galaxy S23 Ultra reaching up to $1,499. With the release date just around the corner, we’ll have to wait and see if these leaks prove to be accurate.
Realme recently launched the Realme 10 series of smartphones in India, with the latest entry being the Realme 10 4G, which debuted last week. The device has a 90Hz AMOLED display, Helio G99 chipset, and 33W fast charging support.
Now, the device has been made available to purchase in the country. So, let’s take a look at details like the pricing, offers, and more.
Realme 10 price, availability & offers
For the 4GB + 64GB variant, the Realme 10 4G starts at Rs 13,999, while for the 8GB +128GB variant, it costs Rs 16,999. Thanks to an introductory discount that saves you Rs 1,000, the Realme 10 4G 4GB + 64GB model will cost Rs 12,999 for users of ICICI Bank, CITI Bank, and HDFC Bank cards. The device can be purchased from realme.com, Flipkart, and retail stores.
Realme 10 specs
The Realme 10 is equipped with a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 20:9 aspect ratio and a refresh rate of 90Hz. A touch sampling rate of 360Hz is also included. The device runs Android 12 with Realme UI 3.0 and has the Always on Display (AOD) feature.
The phone has an internal storage capacity of up to 128 GB and a MediaTek Helio G99 SoC with up to 4 GB or 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM. It comes with a 5000mAh battery that can be recharged using the 33W charger that is also included. For added security, it has a fingerprint scanner on the side.
The Realme 10 4G has three cameras: a 50MP primary camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a rear LED flash. The phone has a 16-megapixel camera on the front.
The Realme 10 4G comes equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB Type-C connector, a microSD card slot, dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC. The gadget is 159.9 x 73.3 x 7.95 mm in size, and it weighs about 178.5 grams.
There are two color options available for the Realme 10 4G: Clash White and Rush Black.
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