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Poco C85 5G unveiled as the latest entry-level 5G contender in India, starts at Rs 11,999

Poco C85 5G has been introduced in India as the latest entry-level 5G smartphone in the company’s C-series. The announcement highlights its large screen, substantial battery life, promise of software support, and a decent camera setup. Here’s everything you need to know about the new C85.

Poco C85 5G specifications and features

Poco C85 5G
Poco C85 5G

The Poco C85 5G comes with a 6.9-inch HD+ display that delivers a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and peaks at 810 nits brightness, a setup meant to offer decent visibility outdoors. It carries certifications for low blue light, flicker reduction and circadian comfort. Photography needs are met via a 50-megapixel primary rear camera with a secondary lens and an 8-megapixel front camera for selfies and video calls.

Under the hood is a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, supported by LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, and there is microSD expansion on offer. Power comes from a 6,000 mAh battery, with 33W wired fast charging and 10W wired reverse charging. There’s a 4G version of the device equipped with the Helio G81 Ultra chipset. This variant is available in a few global markets.

On the software front, it runs HyperOS 2.2 based on Android 15, with the maker committing to two Android upgrades and four years of security updates. A side-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5 mm audio jack, dual-SIM 5G, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C connectivity, and an IP64 dust and splash resistance rating add to the practical features.

Poco C85 5G price in India, availability

In India, the Poco C85 5G is offered in three memory variants: 4GB + 128GB, priced at Rs 11,999 (~$133); 6GB + 128GB at Rs 12,999 (~$145); and 8GB + 128GB at Rs 14,499 (~$160). The phone will be on sale starting December 16. It will be available in three colors: Power Black, Spring Green and Mystic Purple. As part of launch offers, there are discounts for buyers using HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and SBI credit or debit cards.

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TikTok’s Parent ByteDance is Now Making Phones and Challenging Industry Giants in AI

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • ByteDance and ZTE are developing a second-generation Agentic AI, Doubao phone, for a planned late-2026 launch.
  • The first AI phone sold out quickly but was limited to around 30,000 units as an engineering test.
  • ByteDance aims to expand Doubao AI across third-party smartphones rather than build its own hardware long-term.
  • The company’s OS-level agentic AI ambitions position it as a potential challenger to Apple, Huawei, Xiaomi, and other major smartphone ecosystems.

Early Prototype Sold Out After Limited Release

ByteDance’s first AI-powered smartphone, built with ZTE and running the company’s Doubao agentic assistant, sold out rapidly in China. The device, ZTE Nubia M153, was marketed as an engineering prototype rather than a commercial product. According to industry sources, the initial batch consisted of roughly 30,000 units, designed mainly to test real-world performance. Despite the limited supply, consumer interest was strong, with resale prices rising more than 40% above retail.

Why ByteDance Released a Prototype Instead of a Full Product

The company intentionally treated the first phone as a market experiment. The goal was to evaluate Doubao’s system-level automation, including cross-app operations such as ticket booking, restaurant reservations, price comparison, and complex task coordination. The feedback from this early batch will inform the design and capabilities of future devices.

App Restrictions After Privacy and Control Concerns

Shortly after launch, the phone faced nationwide pushback from major Chinese apps. Several high-usage platforms blocked or limited the Doubao assistant, citing concerns over fairness, data access, and the device’s ability to control apps at an OS level. This reflected growing industry unease about agentic AI performing actions across apps without traditional API permissions, an issue that drew wide scrutiny in earlier reporting.

New Second-Gen AI Phone Targeted for Late 2026

ByteDance and ZTE are now jointly developing a second-generation smartphone, with a planned launch window in late 2026. This upcoming version is reportedly more mature in both hardware and AI integration. The shift to next-generation development has led to the halt of production for the current prototype.

Online order page for the ByteDance ZTE Nubia M153 – 1st Gen Prototype

ByteDance’s Long-Term Hardware Strategy

Despite entering the smartphone market with these early models, ByteDance says it does not plan to become a long-term phone manufacturer. Instead, it wants Doubao to operate as an OS-level AI layer that other smartphone makers can adopt. However, analysts at Morgan Stanley and IDC warn that partnering with major OEMs may be challenging, as brands like Apple, Huawei, and Xiaomi are expected to rely on their own AI systems.

Why ByteDance Is Entering the AI Phone Market

ByteDance, best known worldwide for TikTok and its Chinese counterpart Douyin, is not a traditional hardware company. Its push into AI phones is driven by the need to test and scale agentic AI directly at the operating-system level. Working with partners like ZTE allows ByteDance to control the device environment, sharpen Doubao’s automation features, and demonstrate its capabilities to potential OEM collaborators, all without any plan to become a permanent phone manufacturer.

Future Opportunities and Challenges 

IDC predicts ByteDance may struggle to secure top-tier hardware partners by 2026, potentially limiting Doubao’s reach despite 159 million MAUs. Still, the company sees strong opportunities for app developers and enterprise vendors, particularly in e-commerce, travel, payments, and food delivery sectors that can benefit from Doubao’s cross-app orchestration. 

On the other hand, ByteDance’s Volcano Engine, already handling nearly half of China’s public-cloud LLM API calls, positions the company well for broader AI ecosystem expansion.

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REDMI Note 15 5G global variant appears in retailer listing confirming specs

Xiaomi looks ready to go big with its next mid-range lineup. Multiple retailer listings in Europe have now confirmed that at least five REDMI Note 15 models are headed to global markets.

The lineup now confirmed for international release includes:

  • REDMI Note 15 4G
  • REDMI Note 15 Pro 4G
  • REDMI Note 15 5G
  • REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G
  • REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G

The latest sighting comes from German retailer Sim.de, which has put up the REDMI Note 15 5G for €299 (~$350) in a 6 GB + 128 GB configuration — complete with pre-order availability. The listing matches the version launched in China earlier this year, packing a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, a 6.77-inch 120 Hz AMOLED display, and a 108 MP main camera inherited from its REDMI Note 14 5G predecessor.

There are a few regional differences, though. The global model drops to a 5,520 mAh battery and carries IP65 resistance instead of IP68. It also ships with HyperOS 2, rather than the newer HyperOS 3 rolling out in China. Still, at 178 g, the phone remains a relatively lightweight option for its class.

What’s most surprising is timing: Xiaomi typically waits until late Q1 for its major global Note launches, but with both the Note 15 5G and Note 15 Pro 5G already spotted in EU retailer systems, the refresh could land far earlier than expected.

For anyone eyeing an upgrade from the REDMI Note 14 lineup or an older REDMI Note series phone, this wave of listings leaves little doubt — a full five-model REDMI Note 15 push is coming to global shelves soon.

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Oppo Pad Air 3 key specifications leak reveals familiar details

To recall, the Oppo Pad Air 2, which debuted in November 2023 in China, was a rebranded version of the OnePlus Pad Go that was released in other markets. A new leak by tipster Bald Panda reveals that Oppo is gearing up to launch the Oppo Pad Air 3 in China. It appears that the device will be a rebranded version of a OnePlus tablet.

Oppo Pad Air 3 leaked specifications and features

OnePlus Pad Go 2
OnePlus Pad Go 2

According to tipster Bald Panda, the Oppo Pad Air 3 is expected to feature a 12.1-inch LCD panel with a 2.9K resolution. The display is said to reach up to 900 nits of peak brightness and support Dolby Vision for an enhanced viewing experience.

The tablet may pack the Dimensity 7300 chipset and carry a substantial 10050mAh battery with 33W charging support. The leak also hints at a black, purple finish, though details about additional colors remain unknown.

These early specifications indicate a major jump over its predecessor and position the tablet as a strong option within the entry-level and mid tier tablet space in China.

Rebranded OnePlus Pad Go 2 tablet?

OnePlus is preparing to introduce the OnePlus Pad Go 2 on Dec. 17 in several global regions, followed by sales starting on Dec. 18. The officially confirmed information suggests that the device includes a tall 12.1-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 900nits peak brightness, a 7:5 aspect ratio and Dolby Vision.

The Pad Go 2 will be powered by the Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset and supported by a 10,050mAh battery with 33W wired charging. It also comes with the first stylus for the Go series and features such eye care certification and Open Canvas software enhancements for multitasking.

In related news, the Dec. 17 launch event will also see the arrival of the OnePlus 15R, a performance-focused flagship phone and the OnePlus Watch Lite.

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Why U.S. Startups Are Dumping Western AI for China’s Open-Source Models

Highlights:

  • Chinese open-source AI models have surged to nearly 30% of global usage, up from just 1% a year earlier.
  • Major U.S. tech leaders and startups are adopting Chinese models due to lower costs, fast iteration, and strong performance.
  • Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang warns that China’s rapid infrastructure growth and energy capacity give it a structural advantage in AI scaling.

A new set of industry reports shows that Chinese open-source large language models (LLMs) are reshaping the global AI landscape. Once considered secondary players, Chinese models have now reached almost 30% of worldwide usage and are gaining traction among developers, startups, and major companies in the U.S.

Explosive Growth in Global Adoption

Chinese open-source models grew from just 1.2% of global usage in late 2024 to nearly 30% in 2025, according to a study covering 100 trillion tokens. While Western proprietary systems such as OpenAI’s GPT-4o and GPT-5 still dominate with about 70% market share, Chinese models now match the usage of all other non-Chinese open-source models combined.

Key drivers include Alibaba’s Qwen series, DeepSeek V3, and Moonshot AI’s Kimi K2, all of which have seen rapid update cycles and widespread adoption among developers worldwide.

Strong Endorsements From Silicon Valley

Several high-profile U.S. technology leaders are publicly shifting toward Chinese LLMs. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said the company prefers Alibaba’s Qwen because it is “fast and cheap.” Investor Chamath Palihapitiya also moved key workflows to Moonshot’s Kimi K2, calling it more performant than alternatives.

On platforms such as Hugging Face and OpenRouter, Chinese models now dominate trending charts and usage rankings, replacing many U.S. systems.

Why Startups Prefer Chinese AI

Cost is a major factor. Chinese models often operate at one-fifth the price of Western models. MiniMax’s M2, for instance, offers performance similar to Claude Sonnet 4.5 at just 8% of the cost.

Open-weight licensing is another benefit, allowing companies to access model weights, fine-tune systems, and build custom versions more easily than with closed U.S. models. Alibaba reports more than 170,000 derivative models built on Qwen alone.

Geopolitical Concerns and Regulatory Tensions

The surge of Chinese AI tools has sparked debate in Washington. U.S. authorities warn of potential security risks associated with foreign AI systems, placing firms such as Zhipu AI on trade blacklists. Analysts say the rise of Chinese open-source AI could challenge long-standing U.S. dominance if current trends continue.

Despite concerns, a recent global survey shows 82% of users would adopt Chinese models if hosted outside China, indicating broad openness to using these systems.

China’s Infrastructure Advantage Raises Alarms

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently warned that China’s ability to build AI infrastructure “at unbelievable speed” is a strategic advantage. He noted that China has double the energy capacity of the U.S., with much faster growth.

Massive nationwide data-center construction, supported by low-cost energy and government initiatives, is accelerating the country’s AI expansion.

Rapidly Shifting AI Balance

With competitive performance, lower prices, and fast iteration, Chinese models are becoming central to global AI development. Industry experts say the momentum marks a shift toward a two-superpower AI race, with China emerging as a formidable peer to the United States.

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How is Vivo X300 Different From Other Compact Phones?

Smartphones with compact footprints often come with compromises. You usually get a smaller battery, trimmed-down camera features, or lower display specs just to squeeze everything into a sub-6.4-inch body. But the Vivo X300 flips that narrative. It’s compact, yes, with a 6.31-inch display, but the rest of its spec sheet reads like a full-sized flagship. That’s what makes it stand out in 2025’s crowded compact flagship space.

Vivo X300 Pro

1. Compact phone with flagship energy

The first thing that sets the Vivo X300 apart is its 6.31-inch LTPO OLED panel with symmetrical 1.05mm bezels on all sides. Even Apple’s iPhone 17 and Xiaomi 17, both compact contenders, don’t offer this kind of uniformity.

Apple finally added 120Hz ProMotion to its base iPhone, but Vivo goes further with a variable refresh range from 1Hz to 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM dimming, full DC-like dimming, and a local peak brightness of 4500 nits. This is brighter than the Xiaomi 17’s 3500 nits and significantly ahead of the Galaxy S25’s 2600 nits.

Under the hood, the X300 packs MediaTek’s new Dimensity 9500 chip, built on a 3nm process and scoring over 4 million on AnTuTu 11. That performance bracket is similar to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 inside the Xiaomi 17.

Unlike the Pixel 10 Pro, which still lags slightly in GPU-intensive tasks with the Tensor G5, the Vivo X300 delivers flagship-level performance without thermal throttling. It also stays cool thanks to an advanced vapor chamber setup.

2. Cameras built for serious results

Here’s where the X300 starts to flex. It doesn’t just throw in a few decent cameras to check the box. It includes a 200MP Samsung HPB primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide shooter, and a 50MP Sony LYT602 periscope telephoto camera with telemacro. That’s a three-lens stack tuned for both zoom and close-ups, with Zeiss optics and the same V3+ imaging chip used in the Pro model.

Compare this to the iPhone 17, which still settles for a dual-camera setup with a 48MP main and ultra-wide. Or the Galaxy S25, which has a 50MP main sensor, but smaller auxiliary sensors and no periscope zoom. Even Xiaomi’s Leica-branded setup on the 17, while solid with its Light Fusion 950 sensor, doesn’t match the sheer resolution or telephoto macro versatility the X300 brings.

Vivo also sells a 2.35x Zeiss teleconverter that clips onto the camera module. It features 13 high-transparency glass elements and ultra-low dispersion coatings. No other compact phone offers anything close to this level of optical flexibility.

3. Big battery in a light body

Despite being smaller and thinner than many of its rivals, the Vivo X300 still manages to pack a 6040mAh battery. It doesn’t match the sheer size of the Xiaomi 17’s 7000mAh cell, but it’s still significantly larger than most other compact phones in its class.

The Pixel 10 Pro comes with a 4870mAh battery, while the iPhone 17 is estimated to have around 3692mAh. The X300 delivers that capacity in a slim 7.95mm body and a manageable 190g weight, which makes the battery-to-weight ratio particularly impressive.

Charging is just as capable. The phone supports 90W wired charging, 40W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. Samsung’s 25W wired charging on the base Galaxy S25 falls far behind in comparison.

4. Compact size without compromise

Vivo doesn’t skimp on materials or extras. You still get an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, IP68 and IP69 dual certification for dust and water resistance, stereo speakers, and support for the latest wireless standards like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

There’s even an infrared sensor, something Google and Apple continue to ignore, and support for NavIC, making it one of the most complete compact devices for India and other supported regions.

5. The Takeaway

In a world where compact phones often feel like stripped-down versions of their bigger siblings, the Vivo X300 feels more like a compressed flagship without compromises.

It is a rare Android phone that delivers strong camera capabilities, battery life, and a premium display in a form factor that fits comfortably in the hand. If you’ve been waiting for a compact phone that doesn’t ask you to settle, the X300 is worth a serious look.

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iPhone 18 series is “confirmed” to be testing under display Face ID, claims tipster

A fresh leak out of China has revived talk of Apple finally cleaning up the iPhone’s front design. According to a well-known Weibo tipster, early iPhone 18 series prototypes are now testing under-display Face ID hardware—something Apple has been working toward for years.

Android-style hole-punch, full UDC, or just a smaller pill?

The leaker, Smart Pikachu, says Apple is experimenting with hiding key Face ID infrared sensors beneath a “micro-transparent glass panel” so they’re no longer visible on the screen. These are the same depth-sensing components that prevent Face ID from being fooled by photos, and getting them under the display would be a major step toward reducing the size of the current pill-shaped cutout.

This latest leak lines up with earlier predictions from display analyst Ross Young, who said back in 2023 that the first under-display Face ID system could arrive with the 2026 iPhone lineup. More recent reports suggested the change might be delayed or limited to a slightly smaller pill on the iPhone 18 Pro, but Smart Pikachu’s post hints that development may be moving faster than expected.

That said, a completely clean, hole-free display — like what you get on the RedMagic 11 Pro and its predecessors — still isn’t happening yet. With Face ID finally moving under the display, it’s tempting to expect an Android-style hole-punch next year. But Apple will likely save any truly “groundbreaking” change for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary lineup in 2027. So, the cutout may shrink on the iPhone 18 series, but it’ll probably keep its pill shape for now while Apple continues fine-tuning image processing for an under-display selfie camera.

Suppliers are said to be ramping up work on the new under-panel modules, though it’s unclear whether the tech will be reliable enough for mass production in time for next year’s launch. If Apple does pull it off, the iPhone 18 Pro would see the first meaningful change to the front-facing cutout since the introduction of the Dynamic Island.

For iPhone users who’ve been waiting nearly a decade for a cleaner display, this leak is the strongest sign yet that Apple might finally be ready to make the jump soon.

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(Source | Image: Samuel Angor on Unsplash)

ByteDance’s Agentic AI Phone Sparks Panic and Nationwide App Bans

Key Highlights:

  • ByteDance’s new agentic AI smartphone faces major pushback from major Chinese apps over security and fairness concerns.
  • The company has restricted its AI agent, Doubao, after reports of blocked logins, account freezes, and privacy worries.
  • The launch reveals both the promise and risks of fully autonomous AI systems that can control a device like a human.

ByteDance’s Agentic AI Smartphone Faces Major Pushback Across China

ByteDance’s ambitious new AI smartphone, the Nubia M153, is drawing significant resistance from major Chinese platforms, prompting the company to roll back several of its most advanced features. Powered by Doubao, an agentic AI capable of operating the phone like a human, this device was meant to showcase the future of autonomous mobile computing. Instead, it has triggered a wave of concerns over security, fairness, and user privacy.

Major Chinese Apps Push Back

Leading platforms, including Alipay, Pinduoduo, and Taobao, have restricted or blocked Doubao’s automated operations. These companies cite issues such as unfair engagement, potential misuse, and risks to financial security. Some users reported that their accounts were frozen shortly after the AI performed tasks inside sensitive apps, even when they logged in manually.

Only a handful of major apps, including Meituan and ByteDance’s own Douyin, continue to work normally with the AI assistant.

ByteDance Restricts Doubao’s Powers

In response, ByteDance has scaled back Doubao’s capabilities. The AI can no longer interact with financial apps, claim user incentives, or operate competitive games where automated play could offer unfair advantages. The most significant restriction concerns WeChat: users experienced app crashes and suspensions, leading ByteDance to temporarily disable Doubao’s ability to control it.

The company says it is now working with developers to set clearer rules to avoid blanket bans.

Privacy Concerns Add to User Hesitation

ByteDance insists that the phone does not store screen data on its servers and that users’ activity is not used to train AI models. Still, many early adopters remain cautious. Doubao’s “global memory,” which allows it to remember tasks across apps, has heightened worries about device-level surveillance and unintended data exposure.

Real-World Challenges

The Nubia M153 made headlines after viral demos showed Doubao navigating apps visually, scrolling, typing, posting content, and completing multi-step tasks without step-by-step commands. The system’s full-stack control surpassed traditional assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, which rely on limited API calls.

But the same power that excited AI enthusiasts also alarmed regulators, app developers, and ordinary users.

Future Plans and Industry Impact

ByteDance stresses that the Nubia M153 is a “technology preview” priced at 3,499 yuan, mainly for industry professionals. The company plans to license Doubao to more smartphone brands after refining safety controls. The episode highlights a larger industry shift as tech companies worldwide, like Apple, Google, and OpenAI, race to build action-capable AI assistants.

For now, ByteDance’s phone demonstrates both the potential and the pitfalls of giving AI near-human control over a device. As the debate continues, the industry faces a defining question: how much autonomy should AI really have?

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Oppo A6L debuts in China with 6.8-inch AMOLED display, 7,000mAh battery

Oppo’s A6 series in China already includes models like the A6, A6i, A6 Pro, A6 GT and A6 Max, and the company has now expanded the lineup with the Oppo A6L. The new device stands out with IP69 grade water resistance, a large AMOLED display and a long-lasting 7000mAh battery. Below is a detailed look at its full specifications, features and pricing.

Oppo A6L specifications and features

Oppo A6I
Oppo A6L

The Oppo A6L carries a 6.8-inch OLED flat display with FHD resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1600nits peak brightness. The screen is covered with Crystal Shield Glass for improved durability, while the extremely narrow 1.68mm bezels enhance its visual presence.

Powering the OPPO A6I is the older Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 platform, paired with 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The handset is equipped with a 7000mAh battery and supports 80W wired fast charging. It runs ColorOS 15, based on Android 15.

The Oppo A6I includes an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel main rear camera and a 2-megapixel auxiliary lens. It is equipped with a 32-megapixel front camera for selfies. Other features of this device include an in-screen fingerprint sensor, dual speakers, 5G, Wi Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, USB, an IP68/69-rated body and military-grade durability. It has a thickness of 7.86mm and weighs around 204 grams.

To sum up, the Oppo A6L is a rebranded version of the existing Oppo K13s and A6 GT/Max.

OPPO A6L price and availability

The OPPO A6I arrives in a single 12GB+256GB variant priced at 1799 Yuan (~$255). It comes in Magnolia White, Begonia Pink and Ocean Blue color options. The device is now available for purchase through official channels in China, with early buyers eligible for select launch offers depending on the region.

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Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold arrives in China for 19,999 Yuan (~$2,830), rivals Huawei Mate XTs

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is now available for pre-order in China, marking the company’s entry into the tri-fold category for the local market. Here’s a look at the variants, pricing, and specifications of the device.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Price and variants

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold price in China

The Galaxy Z TriFold is offered in two memory configurations for China. The 16GB+512GB variant is priced at 19999 yuan (~$2,830), while the 16GB and 1TB model is priced at 21999 Yuan (~$3,110). Pre-orders are underway through Samsung’s online store, with the device arriving in a single black finish.

Naturally, the Galaxy Z TriFold enters the same category as Huawei’s Mate XTs, which launched in September and marked Huawei’s debut in the tri fold segment. The Mate XTs comes in three variants, with the 16GB+256GB model priced at 17,999 Yuan (~$2,550). Its 16GB+512GB and 16GB+1TB versions share identical pricing with Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold, placing both devices head-to-head in the ultra-premium foldable market.

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold specifications

Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold images
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold

Samsung uses an inward fold setup that shields the main display and enables smoother movement across the hinge. Once unfolded, the device presents a 10-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with QXGA resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and 1600 nits peak brightness. The screen real estate equals the combined area of three 6.5-inch smartphone displays, supporting multiple apps side by side. The outer screen measures 6.5 inches with high brightness levels up to 2600 nits for outdoor viewing.

The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy platform and carries a 5,600mAh battery divided across the three panels for even weight distribution and stable thermal behaviour. Charging supports 45W speeds.

The rear camera array includes a 200-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens. Both the inner and outer displays hold 10-megapixel front cameras for video calls and quick capture.

Samsung’s updated hinge features a dual-rail mechanism that addresses varying component loads across the body. The frame uses reinforced aluminium and a ceramic fibre back to enhance durability while keeping the folded thickness close to 12mm and the overall weight around 309 grams.

The Galaxy Z TriFold runs One UI 8 based on Android 16 and aligns closely with Galaxy AI features such as generative editing, photo tools and browser assistance. The device also introduces a standalone version of Samsung DeX, allowing desktop-style productivity directly on the 10-inch display without an external monitor. Users can work with up to four desktops and run multiple windows simultaneously.

The Chinese variant adds satellite calling through Tiantong, offering direct connectivity during emergency situations when conventional networks are unavailable.

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What can we expect from Vivo S50 series: Design, Display, Camera, Performance, and Battery

Vivo is preparing to introduce the S50 series on December 15th in China. The lineup includes two models: the standard Vivo S50 and the smaller S50 Pro Mini. 

Both devices have already been revealed through certifications, benchmark listings, and official teasers from the company, providing a fairly complete picture of what is to come. 

But if you’ve missed reading through separate stories, here’s a full roundup of what we can expect from the Vivo S50 series. 

1. Vivo S50 is the big brother

Vivo S50 - Confession White
Vivo S50 – Confession White

The S50 will feature a 6.59-inch OLED display, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1.5K resolution. It recently appeared on Geekbench with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. This is a slightly toned-down version of the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 but is still powerful enough for high-end workloads. 

The listing showed 16GB of RAM paired with Android 16, along with solid benchmark scores: 2,044 points in single-core and 5,851 in multi-core.

Vivo has already stated that the S50 series will ship with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. And its storage and RAM combination will include:

  • 12GB + 256GB
  • 16GB + 256GB
  • 12GB + 512GB
  • 16GB + 512GB

Cameras and Design

Vivo is opting for a 50-megapixel front camera and a triple lens setup on the rear, led by a 50-megapixel Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto lens. 

The phone comes in Space Black, Confession White, Serene Blue, and Inspirational Purple shades. As for the design itself, the phone takes a more traditional approach than the S50 Pro Mini. 

Vivo S50
Vivo S50

Instead of a horizontal camera bar of Mini, the S50 uses rounded camera rings on a raised squircle module, paired with a flat rear panel and subtle curves along the edges. 

Vivo says the frame uses aerospace-grade metal, with both IP68 and IP69 ratings. Inside the chassis will fit a 6500mAh battery that will support 90W fast charging. 

2. Vivo S50 Pro Mini

Vivo S50 Pro Mini
Vivo S50 Pro Mini

While the naming might imply a toned-down variant, the Vivo S50 Pro Mini is actually expected to include stronger hardware in several areas compared to the regular S50. 

Vivo has confirmed that the Pro Mini will ship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, Qualcomm’s most recent SoC, which sits above the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in performance. 

Geekbench results show the chip paired with 16GB of RAM, scoring 2,778 in single-core and 9,344 in multi-core tests. 

Camera and Design

The S50 Pro Mini features a 6.31-inch flat AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is flat with rounded corners and includes an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor. 

The rear of the S50 Pro Mini features a horizontal camera bar, similar in style to the one seen on the iPhone Air. The bar holds three cameras: 

  • A VCS light-sensitive primary sensor
  • A Sony IMX882 50MP periscope telephoto lens
  • An ultra-wide lens

On the front, the phone uses a 50MP anti-distortion selfie camera.

The S50 Pro Mini houses a 6,500mAh battery, which is large for its size. Vivo pairs this with 90W wired and 40W wireless charging.

Storage Options and Colors

The S50 Pro Mini will come in three memory configurations:

  • 12GB + 256GB
  • 12GB + 512GB
  • 16GB + 512GB

Colors option includes:

  • Space Black
  • Confession White
  • Inspirational Purple
Vivo S50 Pro Mini
Vivo S50 Pro Mini

3. Shared Features Across the Series

Both phones will share several hardware characteristics, including:

  • LPDDR5X RAM
  • UFS 4.1 storage
  • Android 16 with OriginOS 6
  • IP68 and IP69 certification
  • Aerospace-grade metal frames
  • X-axis linear motors
  • Dual speakers

These shared elements show that Vivo wants the entire lineup to present a consistent premium feel, even if the models differ in size and chipset choice.

4. Possible International Variant

Reports have mentioned that Vivo is preparing a Vivo V70 for international markets, which may draw heavily from the S50’s design and hardware. Vivo often uses its S-series as the foundation for global V-series models, so this wouldn’t be surprising.

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Xiaomi unveils new Mi Home Super Energy Saving 1.5 HP Air Conditioner

Xiaomi has rolled out an upgraded version of its popular Mi Home air conditioner in China — and while the launch wasn’t exactly flashy, the hardware improvements are worth noting for anyone building a smart home around the brand.

The new model keeps the familiar 1.5 HP form factor but bumps the cooling power to 5,300 W and heating to 6,820 W. Airflow has also been boosted to 900 m³/h thanks to longer 118 mm cross-flow fan blades, helping air reach every corner of the room with both vertical and horizontal swing.

Efficiency is where Xiaomi is really pushing things this time. There’s a revamped algorithm inside that aims to cut power use by as much as 30% compared to the previous generation. The unit now carries a top-tier Level 1 efficiency rating in China, posting an APF value of 5.45 — a number usually reserved for pricier models from traditional appliance brands. For context, a Level 1 energy-efficient device is one that meets the highest standard of energy performance within a given rating system, indicating it consumes the least amount of electricity to perform its function, making it the most efficient choice

Since this air conditioner is part of the Mi Home ecosystem, everything hooks up to the Xiaomi Home app. Owners get remote control, timers, and power usage info right on their phone. It can even ping you if the filter needs a clean. Self-cleaning modes are built into both units, and Xiaomi says the system will keep running in extreme climates — anywhere from –35 °C winters to 60 °C summer heat.

The indoor unit sticks to the clean white look and comes in at 855 × 328 × 219 mm, so it shouldn’t be hard to fit in most setups.

Pricing starts at CNY 3,199 (roughly $450), with pre-orders currently available for CNY 2,199 on Xiaomi Youpin. There’s no word on international availability yet, but considering Xiaomi already sells some of its ACs overseas, this one might not stay China-only forever.

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OriginOS 6 December experience upgrade brings 3D Space Wallpaper and new lock screen widgets

vivo has started pushing its December experience upgrade for OriginOS 6 in China, and while it’s not a giant overhaul, there’s a lot here that makes the phone feel more fun to use. The star of the show is a new beta feature called 3D Space Wallpaper, which can turn a normal photo into a 3D lock screen — no fancy glasses required. It’s one of those changes that you’ll probably end up showing off to people.

The visual tweaks don’t stop there. vivo is refreshing the look of cards and layouts across the UI so things you need to see first actually stand out. Seven new “text statement” themes are also available.

The update brings a few convenience upgrades too. Quick-access widgets for QR codes, payment, and transit cards now sit right on the lock screen, making daily tasks feel faster. And Shake to Share gets way more useful — you can now shake to send a batch of photos in group scenarios on any vivo or iQOO phone running Android 13 or newer.

A handful of smaller quality-of-life improvements are sprinkled throughout:

  • Showstart ticketing now hooks into Atomic Island, displaying show reminders and ticket details
  • Better flight status tracking and alerts
  • An upgraded 12306 train card layout that puts seat and gate info front and center
  • DingTalk calls pop up directly on Atomic Island for quicker response
  • A cleaned-up Blue Heart Little V interface that organizes conversations and smart assistants more clearly
Eligible models for OriginOS 6 December experience upgrade

The update began rolling out on December 4th and will be completed by the end of December, covering eligible devices in batches. For people who enjoy personalizing every inch of their phone, this one should feel like a nice end-of-year upgrade — especially once the lock screen starts showing a little depth.

OriginOS 6 (built on Android 16) is also expanding beyond China. The latest vivo and iQOO flagships are already running the update, and the rest — including mid-range and budget models — are set to follow before mid-2026. The full rollout timeline can be found here.

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Xiaomi launches Mijia Washer Dryer Set Pro with 12kg + 12kg capacity & HyperOS

Xiaomi has announced the Mijia Washer Dryer Set Pro, a high-capacity smart laundry system featuring a 12kg washer and 12kg heat pump dryer. The combo is priced at 8749 yuan ($1,237). The set will be available starting December 11 in China.

Xiaomi Mijia Washer Dryer Set Pro

Mijia Washer Dryer Set Pro Specs

The washer uses Xiaomi’s proprietary Ultra Electrolysis Technology to remove up to 20 difficult stains, including soy sauce and juice, and restores yellowed white clothing in a single wash. It promises 4× better anti-color transfer performance, a 1.3 wash ratio, and 99% sterilization of the full water path. Xiaomi combines high-temperature steam with cold-water electrolysis, which it says results in 99.999% bacteria and virus elimination, along with full mite removal.

Xiaomi includes 30 fabric-specific washing programs in the system. These include support for delicate wool, down jackets, pet hair removal, and steam-based deodorizing. The washer also comes with dual-path smart dosing, automatically dispensing detergent and softener based on load weight. One refill can last up to a month. It also features a 36-minute Quick Wash mode that cuts water use by 33% and power consumption by 40%, while delivering the performance of a standard 69-minute cycle.

Xiaomi Mijia Washer Dryer Set Pro

The system runs cloud-based smart wash algorithms that detect fabric type, ambient temperature, and humidity to optimize wash settings. It integrates with Xiaomi HyperOS Connect, supports full remote operation via the Mi Home app, and responds to voice commands through Xiao Ai. The washer includes 95°C drum cleaning, antibacterial door seals, interior lighting, and a premium brushed metal design.

The 12kg Heat Pump Dryer Pro uses a dual cylinder compressor that supports low temperature drying while improving energy efficiency. It completes a quick dry cycle in 35 minutes for small loads and finishes a 3kg daily load in 59 minutes. The 36°C gentle mode protects delicate fabrics like wool and silk, and the dual sensor system monitors moisture levels in real time to stop the cycle once the clothes are dry.

Xiaomi has also added 33 drying programs, multi-layer filtration for lint and dust, and ion purification to remove odors and mites. The system uses 1:1 forward and reverse tumbling to prevent tangling and improve airflow. The unit supports rack drying for shoes and toys and operates at sleep-grade noise levels due to upgraded insulation and sound-damping.

In related news, Xiaomi has recently launched a $50 upright vacuum with 22,000Pa suction power, along with a new gas water heater that solves the cold shower problem.

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(JD)

India’s Proposed Constant Phone Location Tracking Raises Serious Privacy Concerns

The government of India is apparently reviewing a contentious new proposal from telecom lobbyists that has raised alarms over privacy concerns. It seems that the proposal wants the government to mandate always-on satellite based location tracking, which can’t be manually switched off by the users.

Smartphone Location Tracking For All? What India’s New Proposal Means for You

According to a recent Reuters report, the proposal was put forward by the COAI (Cellular Operators Association of India), and it seems to replace the current system. As of right now, the telecom operators rely on cell tower data and offer a rough estimate location. But the COAI wants the government to push A-GPS tracking.

India Phone Location Tracking
Image via TheNextWeb

If this goes through, the smartphones in India might operate as permanent tracking devices with location services always being enabled, with no options to switch them off. Although, in an odd turn of events, major brands that have been caught harvesting private user data have pushed back against this proposal. This includes three tech giants, namely Apple, Google, and Samsung. These brands are protesting that this is an overreach with serious legal, security, and privacy implications.

This is especially true for individuals whose roles require confidentiality, like journalists, activists, judges, security personnel, and others. The timing of this proposal arrives just after the Indian government was rolling out a controversial order that would have all new smartphones come pre-installed with a “cyber-safety” app, which was also met with pushback owing to privacy concerns. If the proposal moves forward, India could become one of the first countries to enforce mandatory, always-on GPS tracking on consumer smartphones

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Gets a Big Discount in India: Here’s the Deal

If you’ve been eyeing a new smartwatch purchase for a while now, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 might be a choice worth considering right now. The company’s latest premium wearables have just received a notable discount in the Indian market, so here’s how you can avail this deal.

Galaxy Watch 8 Price Slashed: What You Should Know

The new offer for Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 is currently live on Flipkart, which is a popular e-commerce platform in the region. Flipkart’s Buy Buy Sale is running right now, bringing massive discounts and attractive deals for various tech products, including the Samsung flagship smartwatch. To recall, the Galaxy Watch 8’s Bluetooth version was first announced for Rs 32,999 for the 40mm variant.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Meanwhile, the larger 44mm size option is listed for Rs 35,999. The South Korean tech giant is now offering a Rs 5,000 bank discount through select bank card holders like HDFC, Axis, Kotak, ICICI, and Bank of Baroda. Keep in mind, this deal is also available on the brand’s official Samsung India website. But that’s not all, SBI Credit card holders get an even higher Rs 6,500 discount, which brings the effective price tag down to just Rs 26,499.

Looking at the official listing on Samsung’s website, the brand aims to run the bank discount only till the 31st of December 2025. On the other hand, Flipkart’s Buy Buy Sale ends tomorrow (10th December 2025). For those interested, you can also click here to read why the Galaxy Watch 8 could be the ultimate smartwatch for Android users.

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Realme 16 Pro Series’ Big Leak Reveals Launch Date, Massive Battery, & More

While the Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Limited Edition just made its debut in China, the next-gen Realme 16 Pro is arriving in India soon. A fresh leak has just revealed a bunch of crucial details regarding the Realme 16 Pro. So here’s everything we know about its specs, features, and release timeline.

Realme 16 Pro Series Leak: What to Expect

The latest information arrives from known tipster Sanju Choudhary. It appears that the Realme 16 Pro and Realme 16 Pro+ will be launching in the Indian market on 6th January 2025. The tipster claims that the standard Realme 16 Pro will have an 8GB + 128Gb storage configuration for the base model. On the other hand, the Realme 16 Pro+ will also have a similar starting version, along with an 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 512GB options as well.

Realme 16 Pro front and back
Realme 16 Pro front and back

The higher end Realme 16 Pro+ will reportedly launch in three color options, namely Master Gray, Master Gold, and Camellia Pink. In the latest leak, Sanju also claims that the Realme 16 Pro+ will arrive with a telephoto lens for zoomed shots. Based on what we know so far, the Realme 16 Pro may be powered by a massive 7,000mAh battery pack, which could support 80W wired fast charging.

On the front, the device sports a tall 6.78-inch OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1.5J resolution, and a 50MP camera for selfies and video calls. Meanwhile, the rear has a 200MP main camera along with an 8MP ultra wide angle lens. Apart from the telephoto shooter, the rest of the specs of the Realme 16 Pro+ should be quite similar to the standard 16 Pro.

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Color-Changing Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Special Edition Now Arrives in China

Back in October 2025, Realme released a special edition of the Realme 15 Pro which was in collaboration with the legendary Game of Thrones franchise. At the time, the limited edition smartphone was only launched in India. But now, the Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Special Edition is finally arriving in the brand’s home market of China. So let’s check it out.

Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Edition Finally Hits China

For the limited edition model, Realme basically overhauled the design of the regular Realme 15 Pro with elements and themes inspired by the iconic TV show. This is quite evident with the Targaryen sigil, golden accents surrounding the camera module, and dragon claws that highlight the fantasy setting. But one of the highlighting aspects of the design is its color changing rear panel.

Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Limited Edition
Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Limited Edition

When temperatures rise above 44 degrees Celsius, the smartphone shifts from black to dark red. The unique design is more than just skin deep, as it is coupled with a custom user interface, bringing themes inspired by both Fire and Ice. Apart from this, the Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Edition uses a leather panel and a sleek 7.84mm body.

Just like the Indian release, this model also arrives with a special collector’s box that is built using solid wood and carved metal accents. This box has sigils of all nine major houses of Westeros, an introduction to House Targaryen and House Stark, various stickers, postcards, and figures of popular characters like Jon Snow, Daenerys, and Tyrion. The Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones Limited Edition was just announced in China for 2,499 Yuan for the 12GB + 512GB model.

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Xiaomi launches 18L Gas Water Heater with AI, HyperOS & zero cold water tech

Xiaomi has launched the Mijia Smart Gas Water Heater 2 Zero Cold Water 18L in China. It is available for reservation on JD and other major platforms at 2499 yuan ($353), with sales scheduled to start on December 15. The release follows the recent debut of the Mijia Smart Gas Water Heater 2 Constant Temperature Zero Cold Water 16L.

Xiaomi Smart Gas Water Heater 2

Xiaomi Smart Gas Water Heater 2 Specs

The heater features a compact design with dimensions of 575×365×184 mm. It comes with a full-glass front panel that fits into modern kitchen and bathroom spaces. It runs on natural gas (12T) and operates at a rated gas pressure of 2000 Pa. Xiaomi says this setup ensures stable combustion across various household conditions.

The system supports a rated heat load of 34.0 kW, which helps maintain strong hot water output even in winter or multi-point usage scenarios. It also supports a minimum heat load of 3.0 kW, allowing for finer temperature control during low-flow operations. The supported water pressure ranges from 0.02 MPa to 0.85 MPa, making it suitable for both low-rise and high-rise homes.

Xiaomi has equipped the heater with an 8100 rpm TSI booster pump. The company claims it improves water circulation speed and increases water output by up to 170%. It supports a 120-meter circulation loop and delivers a 15-meter lift, which allows rapid hot water delivery in large homes, including duplexes and villas. The system supports a hot-water production capacity of 18 kg per minute with a 25°C temperature rise.

Xiaomi Smart Gas Water Heater 2

The heater offers multiple power modes. It consumes 48W during normal shower use, 66W while running the pump, 80W in antifreeze mode, and up to 114W in boosted shower mode. It supports zero-cold-water functionality by preheating water in the pipes, reducing wastage before showers.

Connectivity features include Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4GHz) and support for Xiaomi’s HyperOS system. The Mijia app allows remote temperature control, scheduling, and smart automation. It also supports smart scenarios such as door-lock linked preheating and automatic coordination with other Xiaomi devices like bathroom heaters.

Xiaomi says the system uses an AI chip to monitor inlet temperatures in real time. The chip adjusts combustion output to maintain a consistent temperature with a claimed accuracy of ±0.5°C.

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(JD)

Lenovo’s leaked Legion Pro Rollable could be the first gaming laptop that physically goes ultrawide

Lenovo is once again preparing to blur the line between laptop and desktop replacement. A new leak reveals the Legion Pro Rollable, a gaming machine that can literally expand its screen horizontally at the press of a button to transform from a standard 16:9 display into a sprawling 21:9 ultrawide canvas.

Alleged Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable

Following the experimental ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 that debuted a rollable OLED panel earlier this year, Lenovo is now bringing the same sliding-screen magic to its Legion gaming brand. According to Windows Latest, the alleged Legion Pro Rollable will let users switch between conventional 16:9 laptop mode and an expanded 21:9 aspect ratio in a matter of seconds.

A leaked image of the device shows a familiar Legion design complete with a built-in numeric keypad, but the real star is the motorized rolling mechanism that extends the display horizontally. The panel itself is reported to run at 120 Hz, while the rollable mechanism confirms the use of OLED technology. So users can expect deep blacks and vibrant colors.

Powering the unusual form factor will be next-generation silicon: an Intel Panther Lake processor paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series laptop GPU. That combination suggests the Legion Pro Rollable will be positioned as a proper high-performance gaming machine capable of driving demanding titles across that massive ultrawide canvas.

ThinkBook-Plus-Gen-6-Rollable
ThinkBook Plus Gen 6

While exact timing remains unconfirmed, the leak’s appearance just weeks before CES 2026 has fueled speculation that Lenovo may unveil the Legion Pro Rollable in Las Vegas next month. Pricing is still unknown, but anyone familiar with Lenovo’s previous rollable experiments knows this won’t be a budget offering.

For gamers who have long dreamed of portable ultrawide immersion without sacrificing laptop convenience, Lenovo appears ready to deliver a solution that physically grows when you need more screen and shrinks back when it’s time to pack up. If the leak proves accurate, the Legion Pro Rollable could be one of the most exciting gaming hardware reveals of the new year.

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(Source)