iQOO 8 rumor roundup: Specs, Price, Colors & More – What to Expect!

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Aug 16, 2021

Earlier this year, Vivo’s subsidiary iQOO launched the iQOO 7 series featuring flagship specs at an affordable price. Now, just after 8 months of its release, the Chinese phone maker is slated to launch its successor dubbed iQOO 8.

The smartphone arrived in the leaks a few times and it was only recently when iQOO officially started teasing the device. Amidst these leaks, iQOO confirmed the launch of the device for August 17 in China. Today, we’re rounding up all the details we’ve learned so far about the upcoming iQOO 8 series.

iQOO 8 Rumor Roundup: What to Expect?

The iQOO 8 series was first surfaced last month where the company posted a teaser for the phone’s launch. It confirmed the moniker of the smartphone and also enticed all the iQOO fans around the world. Soon after its first leak, the phone was teased at the ChinaJoy 2021 event held late last month.

Display and Design

As of now, it is confirmed that iQOO will launch two devices in the series – the iQOO 8 and iQOO 8 Pro. Both phones will boast similar designs and the overall look is expected to be identical to the predecessor iQOO 7.

According to a teaser, the smartphones will feature a punch-hole display panel that will sport a high 120Hz refresh rate. Now, a freshly leaked image straight from the iQOO has surfaced online which meticulously revealed entire display details.

The iQOO 8 Pro is expected to feature a 6.78-inch Samsung E5 LTPO display panel with a 10-bit color depth. The screen is touted to have support for 2K resolution. On the other hand, the iQOO 8 is expected to feature a smaller 6.56-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 92.76 % screen-to-body ratio.

Cameras on the iQOO 8 series

Moving to the cameras, the smartphone series is expected to feature a triple rear camera system and a single front camera setup. The rear camera system of the Pro model will be led by a 50MP primary lens, a 48MP ultra-wide sensor, and lastly a 16MP telephoto sensor. iQOO teased that the phone will come with Vivo’s VIS five-axis stabilization for videos.

The vanilla iQOO 8 is touted to come with the same triple camera system with a 48MP main sensor, and two 13MP lenses for ultra-wide and portrait shots.

Hardware and Software

iQOO 8 series is rumored to come powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ chipset. Recently, the Pro model appeared on the Geekbench portal where the phone scored a whopping 1118 single-points and 3572 multicore points. It was seen in two configurations – 8GB LPDDR5 RAM + 256GB UFS 3.1 storage variant and 12GB LPDDR5 RAM + 512GB UFS 3.1 storage variant. It will run on Android 11 out of the box.

The smartphone series just appeared on China’s 3C confirming the phone’s 120W flash charging feature. It is also touted to have a 4,500mAh battery phone with 50W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging support.

Moreover, the iQOO 8 is expected to have an optical fingerprint scanner, whereas, the Pro model is touted to feature an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

Pricing, color variants, and availability

The smartphone series will launch tomorrow i.e. August 17 in China and is expected to come under the CNY 5,299(~$818) range. It is expected to come in standard Grey color and is also touted launch in special BMW edition.

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Chuwi ‘Back to School Season Promotions’ now live with hefty discounts on Notebooks

By

Simranpal Singh

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Aug 16, 2021

The popular notebook manufacturer is here with ‘Back to School Season Promotions’ providing exceptional discounts on the new NoteBooks. The company is even facilitating buyers with free handbags, free shipping and other services. Chuwi CoreBook X Pro is now available at a special offer from August 15 to 31. Several other new and old Chuwi products are on sale.

Must See: Deal: Buy Chuwi Hi-Pad Pro Tablet for $195

Here’s the list of products on sale:

Chuwi CoreBook XPro

The metal-clad notebook having a lightweight body with a 15.6-inch full HD display comes with an Intel i5-8259U processor, 8GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD. The Notebook offers dynamic performance while optimizing for the best standby time. It is value for money notebook which is available for $549. The price is inclusive of a special $50 discount from Chuwi.

Grab Now

Chuwi CoreBook Pro

It is a purely lightweight notebook with a magazine like portability. The Chuwi CoreBook Pro comes with a 2K ultra-clear resolution which is bundled along with an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage and high-speed solid-state drive. Further, it houses a long battery life, high performance while working. For a limited time, it is available for the price of $359.

Grab Now

CoreBook X

It is a 14-inch Notebook which usually retails for the price of $539 is now available with a $50 discount for $489. It features a 14-inch metal body along with support a high-performing i5-8259 processor with 8GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD storage. The notebook is a 140inch 2K display having a 3:2 aspect ratio.

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Chuwi GemiBook Pro

The all-metal body is currently on sale for $369 with a $50 discount. Chuwi GemiBook Pro weighs 3.3 pounds and bundles a 14-inch 2K display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. It houses an Intel Gemini lake refresh J4125 quad-core processor, 12gB RAM and a 256GB SSD. You can enjoy the fastest networking speeds with its WiFi 6 wireless network.

There are several other marvellous discounts on the Chuwi notebooks. Under the ‘ Back to School Program’, the buyer will get a free laptop bag, and free shipping around the globe worth $150. International Warehouses will confirm fast shipping around the globe. The European buyers will get a free keyboard protective film along with a yearly warranty service.

Interested buyers can enjoy the discounts and other goodies via Chuwi’s online store from 16 August. You can head over to the Chuwi Back to School page for all discounts information.

Kumi smartwatch maker brings ‘Seasonal Sale’ for top products via AliExpress

By

Simranpal Singh

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Aug 16, 2021

A popular Chinese smartwatch maker – Kumi is offering massive discounts on its top smartwatch products. In a bid to offer free gifts on the occasion of the Seasonal Sale, the company also introduced a giveaway where 10 lucky participants can test different Kumi products. However, the Seasonal Sale on AliExpress will be live from August 24-28 with top-line smartwatches including Kumi KU2 Plus, GW16T, GTS, and N8.

Must See: Huami unveils the Amazfit Pop Pro smartwatch designed for kids

Here’s a sneak peek into the Kumi Smartwatches which are on sale this month.

Kumi KU2 Plus

It is a beautiful 1.69-inch curved display smartwatch carrying real-time SPO2 monitoring, body temperature and 24 sports mode. It is bundled with a 200 mAh battery which is sufficient for 5-7 days of continuous use.

Kumi GT5

Kumi GT5 is an ideal smartwatch for fitness freaks who often do a lot of physical activity. The smartwatch also support calls and message, heart rate and SPO2 monitoring, etc. It is well-protected with the IP68 protection while offering customizability with interchangeable duals.

Kumi GW16T

It is a popular smartwatch in China with outstanding quality and design. the GW16T smartwatch model offers a waterproof case and all other modern amenities are onboard the smartwatch. Kumi GW16T houses a 1.3-inch HD IPS display with 240 x 240 pixels resolution. there’s a 220 mAh battery on board with up to 7 days of standby time.

Kumi N8 – A distinctive smartwatch with excellent features are the part and parcel. It carries a 0.96-inch HD AMOLED display. It features a 160 x 8 pixels resolution, a 220 mAh battery, 7 Days standby, and support for multiple sports modes.

Interested folks can head over to AliExpress from August 24-28 to get massive discounts via their official AliExpress store. Kumi GW16T will be retailing for $25.86, and the KU2 Plus for $33.71. Get notified once the sale starts by adding your favourite smartwatch to your shopping cart. Moreover, enter the giveaway to test new brand products for free. Additional information is present on the KUMI official website.

Related: Smart wearable brand KUMI to expand its AIOT ecosystem globally with new products

ZTE Axon 30 5G gets a global release date, price revealed too

By

Habeeb Onawole

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Aug 16, 2021

After launching in China late last month, ZTE is ready to bring the Axon 30 5G to global markets. The manufacturer has set the launch date for September 9, and if you are among the early buyers, you can score a nice deal too.

The Axon 30 5G will be available in two configurations – 8+128GB and 12+256GB. The former will be priced at $499 in the U.S., €499 in Europe, and £439 in the U.K..

ZTE is offering a discount and free gift for those who pre-order between today and September 8. They have to pay a $10 deposit fee but get a $30 coupon towards the purchase of the phone and a free pair of ZTE livebuds worth $39 in return.

The Axon 30 has a 6.92-inch FHD+ 120Hz OLED screen that houses a 16MP under-display camera. The area of the screen that houses the camera has a special OLED that allows for better transmittance when taking pictures. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 870 processor and it is paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.

There are four cameras on the back of the phone – a 64MP Sony IMX682 main camera, an 8MP 120° ultrawide angle camera, a 5MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth camera. ZTE ships the Axon 30 5G with a 4200mAh battery with support for 65W fast charging and Quick Charge 4+ and Power Delivery.

The Axon 30 5G weighs 189 grams and measures 7.8 millimeters in thickness. It runs MyOS based on Android 11 out of the box.

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Deal: Buy iPad Pencil 9th Generation for $24 (Retail Price $30)

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Daily Deals

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Aug 16, 2021

iPad Pencil 9 Generation which generally retails for $30 is now available at a discounted price of $24.32 only at AliExpress.

WHERE TO BUY

iPad Pencil 9 Generation at $24.32 (after discount)@AliExpress

iPad Pencil 9th Generation

Key Features:

Compatible with iPad 2018 to 2021
Supports most Apple App Softwares
Palm rejection technology
1.2mm fine tip
Aluminum alloy body
No lag
Precise and sensitive
Smooth writing
Upgraded chip: Quick charge
20 hours work time
Charging interface: Type-C
No Bluetooth required: Directly start writing
Auto sleep: after 30 minutes of idle time
Magnetic attachment
Two extra replaceable nibs

Generally retailing for $30, you can now buy iPad Pencil 9 Generation at a discounted price of $24.32 only at AliExpress. This deal is applicable to Black, Green, Pink, and White color variants. So place your order asap.

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Amazfit Happya Children’s Health Watch now available for ¥799 (~$123)

By

Habeeb Onawole

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Aug 16, 2021

Earlier this month, we reported that Zepp Health (formerly known as Huami) is entering the children’s smartwatch market. The smartwatch which is called the Amazfit Happya Children’s Health Watch is now available for purchase in China.

Amazfit Happya Children’s Health Watch Design

The design of the smartwatch clearly shows that this is a product for kids. It has a rugged design that can survive the not-so-gentle handling of an average child. The smartwatch has a square display with a camera above it all packed in a polycarbonate body and attached to colorful 20mm food-grade straps.

Amazfit Happya Children’s Health Watch Specs and Features

The Amazfit Happya Children’s Health Watch has a 14-inch 240 x 240 TFT display. It is powered by Huami’s own Huangshan No. 1 chipset and it draws power from a 700mAh battery.

One of the main features of the smartwatch is its Myopia prevention reminder. Myopia is a common occurrence in kids and one of the major contributing factors is the increased use of mobile devices for long durations. The smartwatch will remind the kid to take a break and suggest a physical activity. It is able to do this by measuring how much a kid spends outdoors from recorded sunlight and environmental data.

The Amazfit Happya Children’s Health Watch will track activities such as skipping, running, and sit-ups. Children will also get rewards for completing goals. The BioTracker 2 PPG sensor allows for 24-hour heart rate monitoring. There is also support for sleep tracking.

The smartwatch has a 2MP f/2.4 88° ultrawide angle camera for video calls and photos. There is also a shortcut key on the right for quickly contacting a guardian. Other security features include geofencing, SOS, alerts when a child leaves an area, and a three-mode location that uses GPS, compass, and base stations. There is also a SIM slot and it supports China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom 4G bands.

The Amazfit Happya Children’s Health Watch also has Xiaomi’s XiaoAI built-in. It will answer questions, recite rhymes, and read stories to kids. There is also support for Alipay. Parents will be able to monitor spending habits and also set a spending limit.

The smartwatch has a battery life of 4 days and charges via a magnetic stand. The spec sheet says a full charge takes 2 hours.

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Amazfit Happya Children’s Health Watch Price and Availability

The Amazfit Happya Children’s Health Watch is now available for purchase on the Amazfit China website for ¥799 (~$123). Buyers can pick it up in blue and pink. There is no news of a global release yet.

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Deal: Get Baseus 20000mAh Power Bank for $25 (Retail Price $40)

By

Daily Deals

-

Aug 16, 2021

Baseus 20000mAh Power Bank (PD 20W fast charging) which generally retails for $40 is now available at a discounted price of $25.34 only at AliExpress. This super deal ends tomorrow.

WHERE TO BUY

Baseus 20000mAh Power Bank at $25.34 (after discount)@AliExpress

Baseus 20000mAh Power Bank

Key Features:

Two-way fast charging
PD 20W fast charging
LED display for battery level
Dual inputs – Micro USB and Type – C
Triple Outputs – USB x 2 and Type -C
Charging Time – 6 to 7 hours for full charge
Lightweight and portable
Supports Huawei and Samsung fast charging protocols
Simultaneous multiple device charging
High-quality polymer lithium battery
Multiple safety features
NTC temperature protection
Smart current distribution – according to the requirements of the device

You can now buy Baseus 20000mAh Power Bank for $25.34 only at AliExpress. Please note that this deal ends tomorrow. So grab your discounted power bank asap.

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 comes with a brighter and power-efficient Eco² OLED display

By

Abhinav

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Aug 16, 2021

Earlier this month, South Korean electronics giant Samsung announced its next-generation foldable, the Z Fold 3. The new Samsung foldable brings Snapdragon 888, IPX8 water-resistant rating, a much resilient chassis, and S-Pen support. Further, the Z Fold 3 uses a newer energy-efficient display dubbed Eco² OLED.

The Eco² OLED was announced earlier today by the Samsung display. The new panel, which debuted with the Galaxy Z Fold 3, is 25% more power-efficient than Z Fold 2‘s OLED panel. The Eco² OLED uses a new panel laminate structure instead of a conventional polarizer. The laminate structure blocks the external light reflection and increases the light transmittance by 33%. To sum things up, the Eco OLED is a brighter screen with less power consumption.

samsung eco2 oled — Source: Samsung Display

Sungchul Kim, President and Head of Mobile Display Business for Samsung Display, said, “In addition to the Eco² OLED, Samsung Display will continue to optimize technologies and produce organic materials that reduce battery drain.”

The Eco² OLED is one of the first displays to replace the polarizer. So, the polarizing plate, usually used in OLED panels, decreases the brightness by 50% as it tries to increase the visibility by blocking the light from outside the panel. The new panel also enables the Under Panel Camera on the Z Fold 3, giving users a seamless experience.

Source: Samsung Display

“The Eco² OLED panel not only optimizes the pixel density, but with the added benefit of eliminating the polarizer, more light is exposed to the UPC, thereby increasing transmittance on the camera module. And with minimal pixels applied on top of the camera hole, the Eco² OLED provides a true full-screen design and increases viewable area so users have an unbroken canvas to access their favourite apps, entertainment, and games,” the company said in a press release.

Samsung has patented the Eco² OLED panel in seven markets, including South Korea, UK, US, China, and Japan.

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Deal: Buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Global Version for $171

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Daily Deals

-

Aug 16, 2021

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Global Version is now available at a discounted price of $171.49 only at AliExpress. This is a limited stock offer.

WHERE TO BUY

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Global Version at $171.49 (after discount)@AliExpress

The 6.53-inch FHD+ Punch-hole Dot display smartphone is powered by an Helio G85 Octa-Core processor and comes in multiple storage variants viz: 3GB + 64GB and 4GB + 128GB. The smartphone features 48MP+8MP+2MP+2MP rear cameras and a 13MP selfie camera. This means great Instagram shots and videos and a better presence on social media. The phone is fueled by a massive 5020mAh battery and supports 18W fast charging.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Global Version is available in Green, White, and Grey colors. The smartphone is available for $171.49 at AliExpress. Please note that this is a Global Edition smartphone. The deal is applicable only on the 3GB + 64GB with NFC variant, ordered from the China warehouse. This is a limited stock offer. So place your order asap.

For more information on such exciting deals and offers check out our deals hub.

* Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Poll of the Week: Should the Xiaomi MIX 4 get a global release?

By

Habeeb Onawole

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Aug 16, 2021

Last week was packed with several key announcements, and among them was the launch of the Xiaomi (Mi) MIX 4, the second MIX phone to launch this year. The new flagship packs a lot of features one of which is an under-display camera which Xiaomi has dubbed Camera Under Panel (CUP).

Prior to the launch of the flagship, we reported that Xiaomi has no plans to launch the device outside China. Now, that the device is official and we know its full specifications and how much it costs, we want to know what our readers think.

So for this week, we want to know if our readers want the Xiaomi MIX 4 to get a global release. Please take the poll and also let us know what you think about the new device.

[yop_poll id=”94″]

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Oppo sets up Camera Innovation Lab in Hyderabad, India

By

Abhinav

-

Aug 16, 2021

The Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo has announced a new camera innovation lab at its R&D facility in Hyderabad, India. The camera lab will work towards developing features tuned for Indian and South Asian markets. Further, Oppo will be working on fine-tuning the camera solutions using AI and improve imaging software for a richer user experience.

Oppo says that the new camera innovation lab will focus on enhancing the application of beauty solutions using AI facial reconstruction technology. The solutions developed by the Indian team will be used in global markets such as the Middle East, South Asia, Japan, Europe and Africa. Moreover, the lab will also develop new solutions for still photography and videography. The team will further research Full Dimension Fusion (FDF) Portrait Video System technology.

Upon the announcement, Tasleem Arif, VP and Head, R&D Oppo India, said, “While we work towards elevating the overall camera experience for our users, our focus is on localisation of global solutions and developing new solutions which can be globalized. What we will be developing in the India camera lab will end up in the hands of Oppo users across the globe,” in a press statement.

The company will test the cameras in different artificial scenes and analyze the data produced from those samples. The lab will be equipped with specialized machines to test phones cameras under different lighting sources. Oppo states that the camera innovation lab will be directed at optimizing the camera technology, enhancing the overall performance of smartphones.

According to Kaushal Prakash Sharma, Head, Camera Division, Oppo India R&D Facility, “Equipped with AI capabilities, smartphones can now capture spectacular images at the level of professional cameras. The research and innovation in the imaging field at the lab aimed at changing the way people use their phones to record their lives. With the state-of-the-art equipment, we will tune and generate much realistic dataset and provide advance quality imaging and video shooting experience.”

It will be interesting to see how these new camera technologies enhance the camera experience on Oppo smartphones. The latest flagship from the company, Reno 6 Pro 5G, did pretty well in the camera department during our time with it (review), and with Oppo putting in more efforts, things could get much better in the coming years.

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Apple secures majority of TSMC’s 3nm production capacity over Intel: Report

By

Sean

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Aug 16, 2021

While TSMC is on track to bring its 3nm process technology to volume production in the second half of next year, a new report has revealed that the majority of TSMC’s 3nm production capacity has been secured by Apple.

According to a DigiTimes report (Via HardwareTimes), the Cupertino based giant will be the major client of TSMC’s 3nm production in the 2022. The iPhone maker will be followed by AMD and NVIDIA. Unfortunately, Intel won’t be able to offer 3nm chips till 2023. Notably, this news contradicts previous reports, which stated that even Intel has secured majority of TSMC’s 3nm production capacity, and now suggests that the Apple will be its major client for the 3nm process.

As per the latest report, TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker will be unlikely to fulfill any orders for Intel till 2023. In other words, Apple will be the chipmaker’s primary customer for its most advances process technology. As of right now, TSMC’s 7nm and 5nm production capacities are reaching their limits and 3nm is set to begin mass production in the second half of 2022. With Apple being one of its first 3nm clients, iPhones and Apple’s other products like Macs could also benefit by adopting the cutting edge process.

Interestingly, another DigiTimes report had also stated that the iPhone maker accounts for over 20 percent of TSMC’s total wafer revenue. The news arrives from industry sources close to the matter and could also be the reason for Apple being the preferred customer for its upcoming 3nm process technology.

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MIUI iOS-like widgets could be limited to these devices

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

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Aug 16, 2021

Xiaomi is currently testing new iOS-like widgets for MIUI in China. The testing phase will last until October 20. Hence, the new feature will take months to reach the stable channel. Ahead of that, an alleged list of supported devices has emerged.

According to the official announcement for the new MIUI widget system, smartphones running MIUI beta builds based on Android 11 can be used to enroll in the testing program. However, an alleged compatible list only shows a select few premium and upper mid-range smartphones.

Here’s the alleged list of Xiaomi phones that support new MIUI widgets.

MIUI iOS-like Widgets Supported Devices

Mi 11 Ultra
Mi 11 Pro
Mi 11 Youth Edition
Mi 10 Pro
Mi 10
Mi 10s
Mi 10 Ultra
Mi 10 Youth Edition
Mi CC9 Pro
Redmi K40 Pro
Redmi K40
Redmi k40 Gaming Edition
Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G
Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
Redmi K30 Pro
Redmi K30
Redmi k30 Ultra
Redmi K30 5G
Redmi k30i 5G
Redmi 10X Pro 5G
Redmi 10X 5G

Interestingly, the list does not include the older Mi 11 as well as the newly launched Mi MIX 4, Mi Pad 5, and Mi Pad 5 Pro. We believe that these three products should also support new widgets. Anyway, as there’s no proper credible source for this list, we would advise you to consider it with a pinch of salt.

Last but not least, since the feature is expected to officially arrive a couple of months later, there’s a chance that it may debut alongside MIUI 13 although it is enabled via system apps like App Vault and MIUI Gallery, and not the operating system itself.

India PC market retains growth momentum in Q2 2021, with over 50% YoY rise

By

Sean

-

Aug 16, 2021

The PC market has managed to maintain its strong growth rate in India into the second quarter of this year. This includes desktops, notebooks, and workstations, which saw shipments rise by 50.5 percent year on year.

According to an IDC report, the India traditional PC market shipped a total of 3.2 million units in Q2 2021. During this time, all products within the category saw a robust double digit growth rate. Furthermore, this report arrives despite a lack of large education and government deals in the region, which also marked the second consecutive quarter in which India’s shipments crossed the 3 million mark. This is also indicative of the underlying growth in the enterprise and consumer sectors.

In this category, the notebooks segment still accounts for more than three quarters of the entire market’s total shipments. Notebook PCs saw a growth of 49.9 percent year on year in the second quarter of 2021. This period also marked the fourth consecutive quarter that registered shipments crossing 2 million units. Similarly, desktop PCs also saw recovery, with shipments rising by 52.3 percent year on year after recording lowest shipments in the decade back in Q2 of last year.

The report adds that the second wave of Coronavirus had delayed the opening of schools, colleges, and other education based institutions, which in turn, strengthened the demand for PCs for home learning/online education. Back in Q1 2021, the consumer segment alone saw a whopping 118.4 percent growth year on year and 5.9 percent sequentially. Brands were also quick to prepare channels in anticipation for stronger demands. During this time, HP lead the market, while Dell and Lenovo arrived second and third. While Acer took the fourth spot, Apple and ASUS were tied for the fifth position.

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ASUS ROG Phone 5s & 5s Pro launched with up to 18GB RAM, Snapdragon 888+

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Aug 16, 2021

Taiwanese tech giant ASUS has officially unveiled its latest flagship gaming smartphone in Taiwan. The ASUS ROG Phone 5s comes along with the ROG Phone 5s Pro, both emerging as the best gaming smartphones yet. Not only do they pack an FHD+ AMOLED screen with support for a 144Hz refresh rate, the Pro version equally packs the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ chipset, and up to 18GB RAM.

The smartphones succeed the ROG Phone 5 that made its entrance earlier this year. The two models retain the 6.78-inch Full HD+ Samsung’s E4 AMOLED HDR display with a 144Hz refresh rate on board the ROG Phone 5. The smartphones’ displays support up to 300Hz touch-sampling rate, 24.3ms touch latency. The processor is backed by up to 18GB of RAM on the ROG Phone 5 Pro and there is up to 512GB of storage.

In terms of the design, the ROG Phone 5s features the same design as the ROG Phone 5, sporting an RGB illuminated ROG logo. On the other hand, the ROG Phone 5s Pro adopts a ROG Vision Color PMOLED display. The ROG logo at the back is also RGB backlit. The display on both models is protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.

For photography, there is a 64MP rear camera with a Sony IMX686 sensor, 0.8μm pixel size, f/1.8 aperture, paired with a 13MP 125˚ ultra-wide camera with f/2.4 aperture, a 5MP macro sensor with f/2.0 aperture. For selfies, there is a 24MP front-facing camera with 0.9µm pixel size and f/2.0 aperture.

The ROG Phone 5s and 5s Pro run on the latest Android 11 OS with ROG UI. The phone features dual SIM support (nano + nano) and packs dual 7-magnet Linear 12x16mm front-facing speakers with GameFX & Dirac HD sound powered by dual Cirrus Logic CS35L45 Mono AMP. It also comes with Quad microphones with OZO Noise Reduction Technology. There is also a 3.5mm audio jack for those who would love to plug in a wired gaming headphone.

Furthermore, the phone utilizes an in-display fingerprint sensor, ultrasonic sensors for AirTrigger 5, and grip press detection. It also comes with support for Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, and NFC. Under the hood, the ROG Phone 5s and 5s Pro pack a 6000mAH battery with 65W HyperCharge fast charging via USB Type-C port.

ASUS ROG PHONE 5s & 5s Pro PRICING & AVAILABILITY

As for the pricing , the ASUS ROG Phone 5s 16GB + 256GB version starts at NT$ 29,990 (~$1,077) while the 18GB + 512GB version costs NT$ 33,990 (~$1221). It comes in Phantom Black and Aurora White colors.

On the other hand, the ASUS ROG Phone 5s Pro will retail for NT$ 37,990 (~$1,365) for the 18GB + 512GB version. It will be available in Phantom Black color only. The Pro version also bundles an AeroActive Cooler 5 in the box. The models are already on sale in Taiwan and will start shipping from August 24.

RELATED:

realme C21, C25s, narzo 30, 8 5G India price hiked by ₹500

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

-

Aug 16, 2021

Smartphone prices are going up in India for the past few months due to the shortage of components. The latest handsets to receive price hikes are four realme devices, namely realme C21, realme C25s, realme narzo 30, and realme 8 5G.

realme 8 5G Colors Featured — realme 8 5G

According to reports by 91Mobiles and MySmartPrice, realme has increased the price of the above-mentioned phones by ₹500. The price hike is applicable to all the available storage configurations and colors. Also, it is worth noting that this is not the first price increment for these models.

The realme C21 is the cheapest of the lot. It had been selling for ₹8,499 and ₹9,499 for the 3GB + 32GB and 4GB + 64GB variants respectively. With the latest price hike, the phone now costs ₹8,999 and ₹9,999 for the same storage configurations.

The realme C25s is the second most affordable on the list. It was retailing for ₹10,499 (4GB + 64GB) and ₹11,499 (4GB + 128GB). But now, it sells for ₹10,999 and ₹11,999.

Then, the popular realme narzo 30 was being sold at ₹12,499 (4GB + 64GB), ₹13,499 (6GB + 64GB), and ₹14,499 (6GB + 128GB). The same handset now carries price tags of ₹12,999, ₹13,999, and ₹14,999.

Lastly, the realme 8 5G now retails at ₹14,999 (4GB + 64GB), ₹15,999 (4GB + 128GB), and ₹17,999 (8GB + 128GB) instead of ₹14,499, ₹15,499, and ₹17,499.

Having said that, do you think these smartphones are still worth buying at their new price tags, which are at least ₹1,000 more than what they were introduced at? Do let us know in the comment section below.

Galaxy S22 series to largely feature Snapdragon 898 over Samsung’s AMD chip: Report

By

Sean

-

Aug 16, 2021

A new report from South Korea has suggested that the Galaxy S22 series will feature the Snapdragon 898 more prominently, over the company’s next gen Exynos SoC that has AMD graphics.

According to a Lanzuk report (Via PhoneArena), the South Korean tech giant’s next gen flagship for 2022 will feature the AMD powered Exynos 2200 processor. Although, it will only be available in few select regions across the globe. In other words, the Snapdragon variant will be more widely available to customers. Apparently, the reason for this is not due to the performance of the latest Exynos processor, rather its due to the low yield of the new chipset and other mass production related issues.

From what we have heard so far, the new Exynos chip is quite capable both in graphics, thanks to AMD’s RDNA2 architecture, and even overall processing. Some reports have even suggest performance rivaling or even beating the Apple A14 Bionic chipset found in the iPhone 12 series. For those unaware, Samsung had typically launched its flagship models in a Snapdragon and Exynos variant. Although, the former was usually considered to be slightly superior in performance.

Now, it seems that the roles might switch as the upcoming powerful Exynos chip could possibly outperform even the Snapdragon 898. Notably, the news of low yield and production rate of its own chips arrives as the company is also working with Google for its proprietary Tensor chips for the Google Pixel 6 series, which reportedly has similarities to the new Exynos processors. Unfortunately, this is still an unconfirmed report so take it with a pinch of salt for now and stay tuned for more updates.

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Redmi Note 10S Starlight Purple India launch teased officially

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

-

Aug 16, 2021

The Redmi Note 10S is an intermediary model between the Redmi Note 10 and the Redmi Note 10 Pro. It was first announced at the Redmi Note 10 series global launch event. Recently, this smartphone got a new ‘Starlight Purple’ color variant in Malaysia. This version of the handset is now being teased to launch in India.

When the Xiaomi India Twitter account was busy teasing the upcoming Smarter Living 2022 event, the Redmi India Twitter handle quietly dropped a teaser video titled ‘Paint The Town Purple’. This video could be for nothing but the Redmi Note 10S Starlight Purple.

The Redmi Note 10S Starlight Purple recently launched in Malaysia is priced at RM 899 ($212). The handset comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. If the Indian version also arrives in the same memory configuration, it should cost more than the current top model 6GB + 128GB, which retails for ₹15,999 ($216).

Apart from color, the new variant of the Redmi Note 10S is identical to the regular version in terms of specs of features. Hence, it has a 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display, a MediaTek Helio G95 chipset, a 64MP quad-camera setup, dual stereo speakers, IP53 rating, a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support, and more.

With that being said, since Xiaomi is known for naming the colors of its products differently for India, there’s a chance that the Redmi Note 10S Starlight Purple could be called something else in the country.

POCO continues to be India’s fastest growing smartphone brand

By

Sudarshan Ravichandran

-

Aug 16, 2021

On one hand, realme is the world’s fastest-growing smartphone brand ever. On the other, POCO continues to be India’s fastest-growing smartphone brand in yet another quarter. The brand announced its achievement on social media.

According to the official Twitter account of POCO India, the brand registered a whopping 865% growth in the second quarter of 2021. This data comes from research firm IDC.

Back in May, POCO India announced similar attainment. At that time, IDC data showed a 300% YoY growth. This time around the brand does not mention whether the 865% growth it achieved is either YoY or QoQ. Either way, it still continues to be the fastest-growing smartphone brand in India.

Xiaomi spun off POCO into an independent brand at the beginning of 2020. Since then, the brand has released limited products in India, unlike Redmi. None of the POCO smartphones compete with each other. Even their pricing doesn’t overlap with one another.

With a streamlined portfolio ranging from entry-level POCO C3 to upper mid-range POCO F3 GT, POCO offers a smartphone at every popular price segment in India. This could be one of the many reasons for the brand’s success in the country, in addition to its fan following and other factors.

What are your thoughts on POCO’s journey in India so far? Do you think the brand should enter more categories like realme? Do let us know in the comment section below.

Samsung announces Galaxy Z Fold3, Z Flip3 launch date and pricing for India

By

Sean

-

Aug 16, 2021

During the Galaxy Unpacked 2021 event, Samsung had unveiled its highly anticipate third generation of foldable smartphones, namely the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3. Now, the company has officially revealed the pricing and launch date for the devices in India along with special introductory offers as well.

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G sports a 7.6 inch Infinity Flex Display and is the first device from the company to feature an under display camera technology. Its display also supports 120Hz adaptive refresh rate on both the primary and external screen. The Fold is also supports S Pen functionality as well. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip3 retains its clamshell design, with a sleek and compact form factor. Both handsets are powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 888 SoC and feature other top notch specs and features.

Aditya Babbar, Director & Head, Mobile Marketing, Samsung India added that “Over the last year, our reliance on technology has grown more than ever before and now, as we reshape our lives, it is critical that we reshape the technology that we use every day. With many firsts like the first under display camera and S Pen on a foldable, as well as IP rated water resistance, the devices are the perfect combination of cutting edge technology and unmatched style.”

Pricing & Availability

Samsung is launching both the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 in two storage variants. This includes:

Galaxy Fold3 5G (12+256GB): INR 149999 or 2,022 US Dollars (Phantom Black and Phantom Green)
Galaxy Fold3 5G (12+512GB): INR 157999 or 2,130 US Dollars (Phantom Black and Phantom Green)
Galaxy Flip 3 5G (8+128GB): INR 84999 or 1,146 US Dollars (Phantom Black and Cream)
Galaxy Flip 3 5G (8+256GB): INR 88999 or 1,200 US Dollars (Phantom Black and Cream)

Both devices will be available for pre booking starting from 24th August 2021 to 9th September 2021 on the company’s official website and other leading retail stores in India. The first sale is set to begin from September 10. For introductory offers, the devices will also be offered with promotional deals like an upgrade voucher of up to 7,000 INR (roughly 95 US Dollars) or HDFC Bank cash back offer of 7,000 INR. Notably, customers who have already pre reserved the Galaxy Z Fold3 or Galaxy Z Flip3 in India will also be eligible for all pre booking offers along with a free Galaxy SmartTag.

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