Samsung to unveil S-Foldable, a multi-fold display panel at SID 2021

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May 17, 2021

Last Infinix confirmed that it will be announcing the Infinix Hot 10S smartphone in India on May 20. It is not an entirely new phone since it has already debuted in some other markets. Ahead of the Indian launch, a landing page of the phone has appeared on Flipkart retailer site. The listing has revealed the key specifications and features of the Hot 10S.

The Infinix Hot 10S can be seen sporting a waterdrop notch display with a slightly thick chin. The display carries support for a 90Hz refresh rate and the device is powered by the Helio G85 chipset. The company claims there will be no screen tearing or heating while playing games on the Hot 10S.

The back panel of the Hot 10S has a fingerprint scanner and a 48-megapixel quad-camera system. It will offer photography features such as video bokeh, 240fps slow-motion video shooting, and timelapse videos. The smartphone will be available in three colors such as blue, green, and violet. It is expected to arrive with sub Rs 10,000 (~$136) pricing.

Infinix Hot 10S specifications

The Infinix Hot 10S has a massive 6.82-inch HD+ display that supports an HD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a 180Hz touch sampling rate. It has a front camera of 8-megapixel and its rear camera setup has a 48-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and an AI camera.

The Hot 10S is backed by a massive 6,000mAh battery and it runs on Android 11 OS. In Indonesia, the handset arrived in variants like 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage and 6 GB RAM + 128 GB storage. The country received it with a starting price of $130 (~Rs 9,500).

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OPPO Reno5 A spotted at Google Play supported devices list

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May 17, 2021

Last month, reputed leakster Evan Blass shared press renders of the upcoming OPPO Reno5 A. It appears that the smartphone will be launching soon as it has appeared in the list of Google Play supported devices.

The Google Play supported devices listing shows model numbers A101OP and CPH2199 are both associated with the Reno5 A smartphone. According to an S-Max Japanese publication, the Reno5 A could be heading to Japan. The A101OP model could be available through SoftBank, whereas the CPH2199 model could be a SIM-free edition. Hence, Reno5 A is expected to debut soon in Japan.

The Reno5 A is expected to replace the OPPO Reno3 A smartphone, which debuted in Japan last year. The leaked render of the phone revealed that it has a punch-hole screen with a traditional fingerprint scanner on the back. The quad-camera setup placed on the backside of the phone has a 64-megapixel primary camera. It is expected to arrive in black and white color options.

The A101OP model (via) variant had certification from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in March. The listing has revealed that it measures 162 x 74.4 x 8.2mm and weighs 182 grams. The listing also reveals that it runs on ColorOS 11 and is backed by a 4,000mAh battery. The other specifications of this device are under wraps.

Coming back to the Google Play supported devices list, the text “OP4F1BL1” is found to be common for Reno5A and Reno5 5G in the “Device” column. Hence, there is a possibility that there could be some similarities between both handsets.

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LG announces the US pricing and availability of its 2021 Sound Bars

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May 17, 2021

LG Electronics has outlined its rollout plans for its 2021 Sound Bars for the US market as it continues to deliver premium products using innovative sound technology. The 2021 lineup reflects the excellent and environmentally-friendly audio devices that the tech giant has produced. The lineup is a culmination of the impressive LG design philosophy that continues to churn out versatile, convenient, eco-compliant, and excellently packaged devices that remain affordable to a wide array of its customers.

All the products listed for unveiling feature quick connectivity, smart functionality, and high-quality audio, coupled with a general aesthetic appeal. The 2021 Sound Bars are important additions to LG TVs of different hues. The US launch list for this phase of LG’s 2021 Sound Bars includes the following models: SP2, SPD7Y, SP7Y, SP8YA, and SP9YA.

The LG 2021 Sound Bars enable users to seamlessly interface with their LG TVs to play audio via the TV Sound Mode share. The superior audio quality delivered via the Sound Bars, combined with the excellent visuals from the TV, provides a unique viewing and listening experience. Some of the Sound Bar models are compatible with Voice Assistants like Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri, hence they provide easy control options for the user. With support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X available for most of the models, the user is guaranteed a dynamic and refreshing audio experience wherever the products are deployed.

Some other features available in select models in the lineup include Hi-resolution audio content support, 4K pass-through with Dolby Vision support, AI room calibration. Each Sound Bar has received an Eco-Product certification rating, as the materials used were mainly recycled. As for the US pricing and availability, the SP2 100W Sound Bar will retail for $179, while the SPD7Y is priced at $399. The SP7Y is priced at $449, the SP8YA will sell for $799 and finally, the top-end LG SP9YA Sound Bar will retail for $999. Except for the SPD7Y which will be available in mid-June, the other models are already available on the LG US website.

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Casio launches the G Shock GBA900, its most affordable fitness-tracking smartwatch

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May 17, 2021

Casio has released a new watch from its G-SHOCK series, and it is a mix of digital and analog components. The new Casio GBA900 is a fitness watch with several features that make it an all-around exercise and well-being companion.

With Bluetooth connectivity on the device, you can quickly transfer your workout progress to the smartwatch using the G-SHOCK Move app. The G-SHOCK Move app is compatible with Android and iOS devices. The app can display steps, running distance, and other performance metrics tracked by the watch. The watch has in-built sensors which track a few aspects of a user’s fitness regimen. The accelerometers also have several features such as 5-alarm mode, shock and water resistance, 48-city world time, and a double LED light that illuminates the device.

The GBA900 evokes a feeling of the classic Casio G Shock look but has a slim 16.6mm case. It has a large 51.3×48.9mm watch face with an analog dial on the top of the LCD interface for performance tracking, mostly running data. These include speed, running distance, calories expended, and pace. There is a daily steps tracker and an adjustable multi-timer on the LCD.

The Casio GBA900 fitness watch lacks some of the basic functionalities that have been the hallmark of smart wearable devices. It doesn’t have blood-oxygen or heart-rate sensors. The device is a low-price fitness watch and can be pre-ordered at $130 from Casio’s website and other retailers.

Casio has a long history of producing timepieces of different hues, as well as other basic electronic equipment. It is gradually making its way into the fitness devices segment of the industry. However, the company may have to expand its portfolio to have a piece of the market with top-notch products.

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Sony Xperia Ace 2 key specifications emerge ahead of launch

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May 17, 2021

Sony is reportedly working on a smartphone called the Xperia Ace II. The rumor mill had leaked the case renders of the smartphone last week. Now, the Xperia Ace 2 has appeared in the database of the Google Play Console listing (via), which indicates that its launch could be close at hand.

The Google Play Console listing reveals that Sony Xperia Ace II is an entry-level phone from the brand as it is equipped with the Helio P35 chipset and 4 GB of RAM. It will come loaded with the Android 11 OS.

The Xperia Ace II’s image that has surfaced at Play Console reveals that its display has a waterdrop notch. The exact screen is not known, but the listing states that it supports an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1496 pixels. This phone is also listed on Google Supported Devices list with Xperia Ace II moniker and SO-41B model number.

At the beginning of this year, reliable tipster OnLeaks had shared CAD renders of a compact Sony phone. The renders revealed that the phone has a 5.5-inch display and its rear shell has a vertical dual camera setup along with an LED flash. The handset was also found to be equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a dedicated camera button, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Shown above are the case renders of the Xperia Ace II (via) that have surfaced recently Speculations are rife that this device will be exclusively available in Japan. It is expected to replace the Xperia Ace phone, which debuted back in 2019. Japanese carrier DoCoMo will be holding a launch event on May 19 to announce of new phones. The company is expected to launch the Snapdragon 888 powered Sharp AQUOS R6 flagship, Arrows Be5 F-41B, as well as the Xperia Ace II.

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Samsung partners with Hyundai Motors to develop semiconductors for cars

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May 17, 2021

Samsung has joined forces with Hyundai Motor Co. to collaborate with the South Korean government and some agencies to tackle headlong the global chip shortage. The agreement recently signed by both companies and the Korean Electronics Technology Institute, the Korea Automotive Technology Institute, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy will foster a more robust local supply chain for vital semiconductors needed for many production processes within the country.

While the local automotive industry will be the primary beneficiaries of the new collaboration between Samsung and Hyundai, there are possible global implications if the partnership is successful. Samsung and Hyundai will develop next-generation super-efficient semiconductors, battery management chips, image sensors, and application processors for in-car entertainment/ information systems.

The semiconductor industry is a long-term and capital-intensive industry. Therefore the dividends from the partnership, if sustained, could take several years to become visible. Samsung is already pursuing research in an alternative wafer production template, with a focus on 12-inch wafers. This could also revolutionize chip making across different types.

The moves by both companies are long-term efforts to shore up the development of the automotive industry. They could be a culmination of the corporate social responsibility initiatives of both companies. The goal remains to establish a strong supply base for the local production of semiconductors for the automotive industry in its home market.

In line with its desire to bridge the supply gap in global chip shortage, Samsung Electronics had announced expansion plans for its existing chip manufacturing plants. The company has also made progress in developing innovative solutions like the new PixCell LED intelligent headlight technology, which is being deployed specifically to the automotive industry.

The fine details of the Samsung Hyundai collaboration including timelines and deliverables will be unveiled soon.

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Redmi Note 8 (2021) receives Bluetooth certification, launch seems near

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May 17, 2021

Xiaomi is reportedly working on a phone named the Redmi Note 8 (2021) for select markets. A variant of the phone with model number M1908C3JGG was recently spotted at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification site. The same device has now received approval from the Bluetooth SIG authority. The listing yet again reveals that it is a new device.

The Bluetooth SIG listing of the M1908C3JGG mentions it as the Redmi Note 8. The older Redmi Note 8, which debuted in 2019 carried support for Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. However, its newer version that has appeared at Bluetooth SIG is equipped with Bluetooth 5.2. Hence, it appears to be the 2021 edition of the Redmi Note 8. At present, there is no official information available on its existence.

Rumors surrounding it have claimed that the Redmi Note 8 (2021) could be sporting an IPS LCD waterdrop notch screen that offers a 120Hz refresh rate. The device could be equipped with the Helio G85 chipset and 4 GB of RAM. It may arrive in the market in storage editions such as 64 GB and 128 GB.

The Redmi Note 8 (2021) could be powered by a 4,000mAh battery that may support 22.5W rapid charging. For photography, it may feature a quad-camera system headlined by a 48-megapixel camera. The FCC listing of the Redmi Note 8 (2021) will come loaded with the latest MIUI 12.5.

The Note 8 (2021) is expected to arrive in markets like the EU, Russia, and few other regions. Now that the smartphone has received important certifications, it appears that it may go official later this month or in early June.

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Google Pixel 6 to pack a Periscope camera, concept renders of the sensors leak

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May 17, 2021

Google is expected to update its Pixel smartphone line with the Pixel 6 series soon. Just a couple of days back, noted tipster Jon Prosser shared some renders of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, giving us a clear glimpse of the design. The design shows the Pixel 6 series will come with a spectacular design different from the previous models.

Right now, the camera lens of the Pixel 6 models has appeared in another leak. The images are said to be concept ones but they are based on insider information that could have emerged out of the production line. The images reveal the presence of three camera sensors onboard the Pixel 6 models. One of the sensors is noticeably a periscope lens. There is what looks like a fourth sensor which the source says is a Spectral/Flicker Sensor.

This Is What I Talked About Raven Aka Pixel 6 Pro's (Ya Pixel 6 Pro Cause There Are Rumours Of That There's No Pixel 5a or 5pro but can't say 100% sure about it) Camera. In 2nd pic. It's something Look Like Microphone Hole on upper of Flash Light But Not Sure What It is. pic.twitter.com/7Ol45OEsQO

— Mayur Gadhiya (@MayurGadhiya6) May 14, 2021

Going by Jon Prosser’s renders, the Pixel 6 series camera will be housed in a wider module that extends from the left to the right sides and aligned horizontally. This is different from the square-shaped design on the previous models.

Google Pixel 6 Pro got a Periscope Lens and Spectral / Flicker Sensor. Here's a rough concept we made a few days back. https://t.co/fjJz7wpB6t pic.twitter.com/CtJI1w8ZNc

— TechDroider (@techdroider) May 14, 2021

The Pixel 6 series is expected to be powered by Google’s custom-made chip codenamed Whitechapel. The models are also expected to arrive with an under-display fingerprint ready. Details of the specs are sketchy at this point but we expect the rumor mill to keep buzzing with new details concerning the Pixel 6. There is also no word yet on when the models will be officially announced.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G could be launching soon

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May 17, 2021

Multiple reports have revealed that Samsung is working on a successor version for the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite. Initial reports claimed that it will be called the Galaxy Tab S7+ Lite. The Bluetooth SIG certification that appeared last revealed that it could be arriving in the market as the Galaxy Tab S7 XL Lite. Fresh information reveals that this device may launch with the Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G moniker.

A Google Play Console listing of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G has been spotted by My Smart Price. The listing reveals that its screen supports a resolution of 1600 x 256 pixels and it runs on Android 11 OS.

The Geekbench listing of the device that was spotted in the recent past suggested that it could be featuring the Snapdragon 750G and 4 GB of RAM. The Play Console corroborates the processor and RAM of the device and it also confirms the presence of a fingerprint scanner.

There is no word on the battery capacity of the Tab S7 FE 5G. While it is expected to support 44.5W fast charging, it may ship with a 15W charger. The tablet is expected to offer other features like a 12.4-inch IPS LCD screen, S Pen support, and a dual-camera system. Other reports have revealed that the tablet will be available in 5G, 4G LTE, and Wi-Fi-only versions. It may arrive in multiple colors like black, silver, pink, and green.

In related news, Samsung is expected to hold a big event on Aug. 19 to announce three new devices such as the Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy Z Fold3, and Galaxy Z Flip3. The Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G may not launch along with these devices. Probably, it may go official with the rumored Galaxy Tab A7 Lite in June.

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POCO M3 Pro 5G’s battery capacity, fast charging. and cameras confirmed

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May 17, 2021

POCO will be announcing the POCO M3 Pro 5G through a global launch event on May 19. Ahead of the launch, the company has been gradually confirming the features of the smartphone. It recently revealed information about its camera and battery.

The POCO M3 Pro 5G will be arriving with a 5,000mAh battery, which will be accompanied by 18W fast charging. For photography, the device will be equipped with an AI-driven 48-megapixel triple camera system.

Last week, it revealed that the POCO M3 Pro 5G has a 6.5-inch FHD+ LCD display that delivers a 90Hz refresh rate. A leaked render of the smartphone that emerged last week revealed that its display has a centrally aligned punch-hole.

POCO M3 Pro 5G Render Leak 01 — POCO M3 Pro 5G | Source: Ishan Agarwal

The POCO M3 Pro 5G will be driven by the Dimensity 700 5G-ready chipset. It will be arriving as POCO’s first M-series smartphone with 5G capabilities. The leaked render also revealed that it will be sporting a unique dual-tone rear design. It will be available in colors like black, yellow, and blue/green.

Several reports have claimed that the POCO M3 Pro 5G will be a rebrand version of the Redmi Note 10 5G, which was announced in global markets in March. Hence, it is expected to offer users 6 GB or 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, up to 128 GB of UFS 2.2 storage, a front camera of 8-megapixel, and its rear camera setup may include a pair of 2-megapixel auxiliary cameras for depth effects and macro shots.

There is no word on the pricing of the POCO M3 Pro 5G. However, it seems that it could be arriving in the market as one of the most affordable 5G smartphones.

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Poll of The Week: Zenfone 8 or Zenfone 8 Flip?

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May 16, 2021

Last week, ASUS announced its new flagship phones – the Zenfone 8 and the Zenfone 8 Flip. Save for the Snapdragon 888 inside these devices, the two phones are quite different.

While the Zenfone 8 is compact and has a design similar to that of the average phone in 2021, the Zenfone 8 Flip is much bigger and keeps the flip camera design of the Zenfone 6 and Zenfone 7 series. There are other differences too such as an IP68 rating, audio jack, dual cameras, and a 120Hz refresh rate on the Zenfone 8 while the Zenfone 8 Flip has a lower 90Hz refresh rate, no waterproof rating or audio jack, but packs motorized triple rear cameras that double as the front-facing cameras, a dedicated MicroSD card slot, and a bigger battery capacity.

For this week’s poll, we want to know which of these two flagships you prefer. Is it the Zenfone 8 or the Zenfone 8 Flip? Please take the poll and also share a comment telling us why you prefer one over the other.

[yop_poll id=”84″]

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LG Velvet 2 Pro with pressure-sensitive power and volume buttons appears online

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May 16, 2021

LG confirmed it was shutting down its smartphone business last month. Following that announcement, we have seen some of the devices it had planned for release surface on the internet such as the LG Rollable and the LG V70. Now, it is the turn of the LG Velvet 2 Pro, a device that should have launched as the successor to the LG Velvet announced a year ago.

The LG Velvet 2 Pro (let’s hope we get to see the standard version soon) is actually a finished device that is being sold only to LG employees in South Korea according to Tron (@FrontTron) who shared images and details of the phone on Twitter. He adds that there are approximately 3000 units available and employees are limited to just two units which they can not resell.

The selling price for the phone is stated to be about $170 which is definitely a fraction of what the phone would have sold for if it actually launched. It will come with 2 official jelly cases.

One of the images shows the LG Velvet 2 Pro has a similar design to the original. The Raindrop camera style has been retained but now all three cameras protrude unlike the LG Velvet that has only one of its cameras protruding. The back is curved and obviously made of glass and we can catch a glimpse of the gold-plated frame. According to the leaker, this color variant is called Beige and there are two others – Black which has a gossy finish and Bimetallic Bronze which has a matte finish.

The LG Velvet 2 Pro has a curved display with a camera in the center. Sorry to (not) disappoint but it is a U-shaped notch like we have on the first-gen model. While the specs of the phone are unknown, it has been revealed that the phone ditches physical buttons (power and volume control) for pressure-sensitive ones.

The source has revealed that LG will not provide software updates for the device which is not surprising considering the device never launched. However, those who purchase it will get about 6 months of after-sales service or for the period parts are in stock.

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New leak reveals the Nord N1 5G will launch as OnePlus Nord CE 5G

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May 16, 2021

Back in February, it was revealed that the successor to the OnePlus midrange phone, the Nord N10 5G smartphone will launch as the Nord N1 5G. Now, the source has posted another leak that says the phone will go by a different name – Nord CE 5G.

According to a tweet by Max Jambor, the Nord CE 5G is the name of the smartphone that will succeed the Nord N10 5G. Apparently, OnePlus decided to do a last-minute name change.

̷N̷o̷r̷d̷ ̷N̷1̷ ̷5̷G̷ pic.twitter.com/2dBSvv77G1

— Max Jambor (@MaxJmb) May 16, 2021

The new name is even weirder as folks will agree that a successor to a phone called the Nord N10 5G should arrive as either the Nord N11 5G or Nord N20 5G. Surprisingly, what we are getting is the Nord CE 5G. The leak didn’t reveal what the CE stands for, so your guess is as good as ours.

The specs of the Nord CE 5G are still unknown but we expect it to be an affordable 5G phone like the Nord N10 5G.

The Nord N10 5G has a 6.49-inch FHD+ 90Hz display with a hole in the screen for the selfie camera. It is powered by a Snapdragon 690 processor and has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage that can be expanded via a MicroSD card slot. The phone has a 64MP quad-camera setup along with a fingerprint scanner on the back, a 16MP front-facing camera, an audio jack, a 4300mAh battery capacity, and support for 30W fast charging. It is sold in a single color variant – Midnight Ice – but we hope its successor comes in more color options.

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Next Week in Tech: Honor Play5, Infinix Hot 10S, POCO M3 Pro, Nubia Z30, Google I/O, and more

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May 15, 2021

While this week had some key announcements, the coming week will be packed with even more as brands such as Honor, POCO, Nubia, Huawei, and Google all have events scheduled. Here is a roundup of what to expect in the third week of May.

Honor Play5 – May 18

Honor will announce the Play5 in China on Tuesday, May 18. Honor has confirmed that the mid-range 5G smartphone will have quad rear cameras that include a 64MP main sensor. We also know that it will have a waterdrop notch as seen in the official poster above.

Google I/O 2021

Google’s annual developer conference will kick off on Tuesday, May 18. The two-day all-virtual event will see the tech giant announce Android 12 and a bunch of new features and services it has been working on. There are speculations it may also announce the Pixel Buds A wireless earbuds.

POCO M3 Pro 5G – May 19

POCO will announce the POCO M3 Pro 5G at a global online event on Wednesday, May 19. The mid-range 5G phone will have a Dimensity 700 5G processor, an AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, and 48MP triple rear cameras.

Huawei – May 19

Huawei has a launch event scheduled for May 19 during which it will announce a handful of products. Among the lineup are monitors, a smart display, the FreeBuds 4 TWS earbuds, a smart scale, and a children’s smartwatch.

Infinix Hot 10S – May 20

The Infinix Hot 10S will make its way to India on May 20. The Helio G85-powered phone already launched in some other markets such as Indonesia. It has a large 6.8-inch HD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a massive 6000mAh battery, and a 48MP triple camera setup.

Nubia Z30 series – May 20

The Nubia Z30 series will be announced on Thursday, May 20. So far, we expect there will be two devices – the Nubia Z30 itself and the Nubia Z30 Pro. It has been reported that the latter will have an under-display front-facing camera, an AMOLED display, and four rear cameras with 100x hybrid zoom.

Vivo TWS 2 – May 20

Vivo will announce its second-generation earbuds on May 20. The Vivo TWS 2 will launch as the successor to the Vivo TWS that was announced in 2019 and it is expected to bring improvements in multiple areas.

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Huawei and Leica’s partnership will end with the P50 series

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May 15, 2021

The Huawei P9 launched as the first phone borne from Huawei and Leica’s partnership. Since the 2016 flagship was released, both companies have worked together on several more Huawei phones that have set a high standard for mobile phone photography. New info says that the partnership will come to an end this year.

It has been revealed by Teme (@RODENT950) that the upcoming Huawei P50 series will be the last project that will have the German camera company’s branding.

In a separate tweet, the leaker also mentioned that the partnership between both companies has fallen from software and hardware input from Leica to just branding. We can deduce this to mean that there is practically no Leica technology in the upcoming Huawei P50 series phones and all we will be getting is the “Co-Engineered With Leica” tag line we are familiar with. This line will now merely denote that the phone has impressive cameras.

The collaboration between Leica and Huawei is apparently coming to an end P50 series will be last Leica Huawei phone and Leica is looking for a new manufacturer for its brand.
Honor / Xiaomi / Sharp etc https://t.co/QJJ4OdmMDT

— Teme (特米)😷 (@RODENT950) May 15, 2021

Leica's role in Huawei's phones has fallen from software and hardware to just branding.
P9/Mate10 contained classical Leica expertise

P20/P50 began to go in a different direction more efficient and innovative hardware.
RYYB sensors, periscope super zooms
Freeform lenses etc pic.twitter.com/r9pt7QFZN4

— Teme (特米)😷 (@RODENT950) May 15, 2021

Leica is said to be looking for a new phone company to partner with but it seems it has already found. Renders of the upcoming Sharp AQUOS R6 that were leaked last week show that the phone has the “Co-Engineered With Leica” tag line, confirming that Leica and Sharp already have an ongoing partnership. It remains to be seen if this is long-term or a one-time thing.

It is no surprise that Huawei and Leica are parting ways. Huawei’s mobile phone business is on a lifeline already as a result of the US ban. It has also been the worst hit with the ongoing chip shortage. So with a thinning product lineup, there is no sense in the partnership being sustained.

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Mural outside Samsung store mentions the Galaxy Note21 5G

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