Casio is releasing a new limited-edition G-Shock, the MRG-B2100HR-1A, this November 2026. Designed to mark the 30th anniversary of the company’s MR-G line, the watch combines traditional Japanese metalworking with modern laser processing.
It will be restricted to a production run of 800 units worldwide, each engraved with a serial number, and carries a suggested retail price of ¥1,100,000 (~$6,928) in Japan.
Design Details
Casio partnered with Hiroto Rakusho, a metal leaf artisan based in Kyoto, to apply platinum leaf to the watch’s latticework dial. Because the foil stamping is done by hand, the texture and light reflection on each of the 800 units will vary slightly.
For the bezel and bracelet, Casio is using a structural color technique rather than traditional pigments or dyes. The company uses an ultrashort-pulse laser to cut microscopic textures into the metal surface. These micro-structures reflect light to create a color-shifting effect that changes depending on the viewing angle, a process similar to how light interacts with certain minerals or butterfly wings.
The watch is constructed from a mix of high-hardness alloys. The top bezel is made of Cobarion, a cobalt-chrome alloy that is significantly harder than standard titanium. The bracelet uses DAT55G titanium, while the main case, case back, and buttons are machined from Ti64 titanium.
To maintain the standard G-Shock shock resistance with a full-metal exterior, the bezel is split into 27 separate components with built-in buffers. The entire exterior is then finished with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating to prevent scratching.
Internally, the MRG-B2100HR-1A functions like a standard connected G-Shock. It runs on Casio’s Tough Solar power system, which provides up to five months of battery life on a single charge under normal use.
The watch uses Bluetooth to automatically sync the time through the Casio Watches smartphone app, while Multi-Band 6 radio control provides another option for accurate timekeeping. It also features 200-meter water resistance, sapphire crystal glass, and an LED backlight.
Vivo X500 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra take different approaches to the premium smartphone formula. Vivo pushes a huge battery, fast charging, a high-resolution display, and an aggressive Zeiss camera setup, while Samsung focuses on long-term software support, S Pen functionality, a versatile quad-camera system, and productivity features. This comparison looks at where each flagship has the stronger overall package.
Major Features:
Category
Vivo X500 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Winner
Design & Build
Glass or glass-fiber reinforced plastic back, aluminum frame, IP68/IP69
Gorilla Armor 2 front, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back, Armor Aluminum 2, IP68, S Pen
Samsung — More premium materials and S Pen support
The Vivo X500 Pro Max combines a glass or glass-fiber reinforced plastic back with an aluminum frame, IP68/IP69 protection and an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. It also adds stereo speakers and an infrared port. Samsung uses Armor Aluminum 2, Gorilla Armor 2 protection, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68 certification, while retaining the S Pen. Samsung’s construction feels more productivity-focused, whereas Vivo’s IP69 rating adds useful protection against high-pressure water jets.
Display Quality
Vivo gets a 6.85-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and up to 4,400 nits peak brightness. Samsung counters with a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 2,600-nit peak brightness and an anti-reflective coating. Vivo’s higher refresh rate and Dolby Vision are appealing for media, but Samsung’s anti-reflective treatment and Privacy Display make the Galaxy more versatile.
Verdict
Samsung offers the more complete design package thanks to S Pen support, Armor Aluminum 2 and anti-reflective display technology, while Vivo stands out with IP69 protection and a faster 144Hz panel.
2. Specifications Including Battery
Performance
The Vivo X500 Pro Max uses the 2nm Dimensity 9600 Pro with up to 16GB RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra uses the 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with up to 16GB RAM and UFS 4.X storage. Both are built for demanding workloads, but Samsung adds DeX and Wireless DeX for desktop-style productivity. Vivo’s newer 2nm platform and larger memory options make it especially interesting for performance-focused users.
Vivo has a major hardware advantage with its 8,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, 90W wired charging and 40W wireless charging. Samsung uses a 5,000mAh battery with 60W wired charging and 25W Qi2.2 wireless charging. The X500 Pro Max is clearly designed around endurance and rapid top-ups, while Samsung prioritizes a more established ecosystem. For heavy daily use, Vivo’s battery capacity is considerably more compelling.
Verdict
Vivo wins the hardware battle with its 8,000mAh battery, 90W charging, and 2nm chipset, while Samsung remains stronger for desktop productivity through DeX and its mature software ecosystem.
3. Camera
Main and Secondary Lenses
Vivo pairs a 50MP main camera with a large 200MP periscope telephoto offering 3.5x optical zoom and a 50MP ultrawide with autofocus. Zeiss optics, T* coating, laser autofocus and advanced Log video features further strengthen its imaging credentials. Samsung uses a 200MP main camera alongside 3x and 5x telephoto cameras plus a 50MP ultrawide. Samsung therefore offers greater native zoom flexibility, while Vivo’s 200MP periscope looks particularly ambitious.
Selfie Camera
Vivo equips the X500 Pro Max with a 50MP autofocus selfie camera capable of 4K video recording. Samsung uses a 12MP autofocus front camera with 4K recording and HDR10+ support. On paper, Vivo has the stronger selfie hardware and should appeal more to users who frequently shoot detailed portraits or video from the front camera. Samsung’s lower-resolution sensor remains sufficient for everyday calls and social content.
Verdict
Vivo gets the edge for selfie hardware and specialized imaging features, while Samsung offers the more versatile rear-camera system through its dedicated 3x and 5x telephoto cameras.
4. Pricing
The Vivo X500 Pro Max is priced around $1,000 / ₹100,000, placing it below the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at approximately $1,300 / ₹140,000. That creates a meaningful price gap between two phones aimed at the same premium flagship segment. Vivo therefore brings substantially more battery capacity and faster charging without reaching Samsung’s pricing level.
Is the price justified?
The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s premium is easier to justify for users who value seven major OS updates, S Pen functionality, DeX, UWB and Samsung’s broader productivity ecosystem. Vivo counters with 8,000mAh battery capacity, 90W charging, a 144Hz display and an ambitious camera setup. For hardware-focused buyers, the X500 Pro Max appears to deliver more flagship specifications for the money.
Verdict
Vivo offers stronger value based on the supplied pricing, combining a huge battery, fast charging, high-end cameras and a 144Hz display at a notably lower price.
5. Conclusion
The Vivo X500 Pro Max differentiates itself with an 8,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, 90W wired charging, 144Hz LTPO AMOLED display, Zeiss camera technology and a 200MP 3.5x periscope camera. Samsung answers with the S Pen, Privacy Display, DeX, Wireless DeX, UWB and seven major Android updates. These features reveal two very different flagship philosophies: Vivo emphasizes hardware and endurance, while Samsung emphasizes productivity, software longevity and ecosystem integration.
Verdict
Vivo X500 Pro Max is the overall winner for its combination of battery endurance, charging speed, display hardware, camera capabilities, and lower price. Galaxy S26 Ultra remains the better fit for S Pen productivity and long-term software support.
FAQs
1. Which phone has the better camera zoom? The Galaxy S26 Ultra offers more versatile zoom with dedicated 3x and 5x telephoto cameras.
2. Which phone is faster for gaming? Both deliver flagship performance, but the Dimensity 9600 Pro gives the Vivo X500 Pro Max a strong performance-focused profile.
3. Which phone charges faster? The Vivo X500 Pro Max supports 90W wired charging, compared with 60W on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
4. Which phone offers better value for money? The Vivo X500 Pro Max offers more hardware for its lower price, particularly in battery capacity and charging speed.
5. Which phone is better for long-term software support? The Galaxy S26 Ultra supports up to seven major OS updates, exceeding Vivo’s five-update commitment.
Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, and availability may vary by region and retailer. Recommendations in this article are based on editorial opinion, feature-based value, and market positioning at the time of writing. Readers are advised to do their own research before making a purchase.
Digital Chat Station has shared two charts comparing this year’s flagship mobile chips, bringing together the latest silicon from Qualcomm, MediaTek, Apple and Xiaomi.
The comparison includes the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, Dimensity 9600 Pro, Apple A20 Pro and Xiaomi XRING O3. Last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is also included as a reference point. The first chart covers Geekbench 7 and 3DMark Steel Nomad Light (SNL), while the second looks at performance in three games.
CPU: A20 Pro leads single-core, XRING O3 tops multi-core
The Apple A20 Pro takes the lead in Geekbench 7 single-core testing with a score of 4,033. That’s about 18% higher than the Dimensity 9600 Pro, which comes next with 3,426.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 is close behind at 3,419, followed by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 at 3,308. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 scores 3,047, while the Xiaomi XRING O3 comes in at 3,034.
The multi-core results look different. Xiaomi’s XRING O3 takes the top spot with 12,259 points, followed by the Dimensity 9600 Pro at 11,563 and the A20 Pro at 11,547. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 scores 11,155, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 score 10,368 and 9,836, respectively.
The XRING O3 uses a 10-core CPU and is built on a 3nm process, while the new Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Apple chips are all based on 2nm manufacturing. The chart also notes that the XRING O3 was tested with LPDDR6 memory. Our earlier comparison between the XRING O3 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 has more details about Xiaomi’s chip.
Compared with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 is about 12% faster in single-core and 13% faster in multi-core testing. That is close to the 13% CPU improvement Qualcomm quoted in its Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 launch details.
The standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 scores about 3% lower than the Extreme version in single-core and around 7% lower in multi-core testing.
Graphics: XRING O3 has the highest score, while A20 Pro uses the least power
The XRING O3 also records the highest score in 3DMark Steel Nomad Light, reaching 4,604 points. It draws 18W during the test, however, which is the highest power consumption among the chips in the chart.
The A20 Pro and Dimensity 9600 Pro are close behind, scoring 4,255 and 4,238 points while using 14W and 16W, respectively. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 scores 3,688 at 17W, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 reaches 3,579 at 14W. The older Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 scores 3,015 at 13W.
Looking at performance per watt changes the order. The A20 Pro delivers roughly 304 points per watt, followed by the Dimensity 9600 Pro at around 265 points per watt. The XRING O3 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 are both near 256 points per watt.
Where to buySnapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 phonesBrowse the range on AmazonShop now →
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 works out to about 217 points per watt, which is lower than the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at around 232 points per watt. Based on the raw SNL scores, the three Snapdragon chips sit behind the A20 Pro, Dimensity 9600 Pro and XRING O3.
Gaming: frame rates are close, but power and temperatures differ
The second chart compares four chips in Honor of Kings, Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. It includes the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, Dimensity 9600 Pro, and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The A20 Pro and XRING O3 are not included in the gaming tests.
In Honor of Kings, all four chips stay around 120fps, with results ranging from 119.7 to 120.1fps. Power consumption varies more, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 using 2.7W, followed by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 at 3.0W, Dimensity 9600 Pro at 3.2W, and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at 3.4W. The chart does not include temperature figures for this game.
Genshin Impact produces similarly close frame rates, with all four chips landing between 59.2 and 59.8fps. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 uses the least power at 3.8W. The Dimensity 9600 Pro records the lowest temperature, ranging from 42.8°C to 43.2°C, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is the warmest and uses 4.5W.
Wuthering Waves shows a larger gap between the chips. The Dimensity 9600 Pro records the highest frame rate at 58.3fps while using 5.3W. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 reaches 57.2fps at 5.6W, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 delivers the same 57.2fps at 5.4W.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 records 55.2fps at 4.7W, the lowest power consumption but also the lowest frame rate in this test. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 reaches the highest temperature in Wuthering Waves, with the chart listing a range of 46.6°C to 45.5°C.
What to keep in mind
Digital Chat Station hasn’t said which phones ran these tests. Cooling design, power limits, and software tuning all change results from one phone to the next, so treat these numbers as a rough guide and wait for reviews of shipping phones before you decide. Several phones with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 are already confirmed, and you can check the full list of upcoming phones with the chip to see what’s coming.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Casio has officially expanded the availability of its G-Steel GST-B1000 series, bringing two new analog models to the US market. Originally launched in Japan this past August, the GST-B1000-1A and GST-B1000-2A are now available stateside directly through the company’s website.
Design Details
The watch features a slimmer and lighter design, with Casio reducing the thickness to just 11.6mm through adhesive glass bonding and a more compact internal module. It combines a stainless steel bezel with Casio’s Carbon Core Guard structure for added durability.
Instead of a metal bracelet, the GST-B1000 models use a bio-based resin (urethane) band, which helps keep the overall weight down to just 58 grams while supporting Casio’s growing use of bio-based plastics.
The release includes two visual variants. The GST-B1000-1A features a standard black dial, while the GST-B1000-2A opts for a blue dial treated with a vapor deposition finish that shifts depending on the lighting.
The analog display is straightforward, utilizing a three-hand setup alongside two sub-dials that indicate the 24-hour time and the day of the week, plus a standard date window. For visibility in low light, the hands are treated with Neobrite, supplemented by a white LED Super Illuminator.
On the technology front, the GST-B1000 relies on the Tough Solar charging system, which can power the watch for about five months on a single charge under normal use, or up to 18 months with the power-saving feature enabled.
They also include Bluetooth connectivity. By pairing the watch with the Casio Watches smartphone app, you get automatic time adjustments, easy access to alarm and timer settings, and a built-in phone finder tool.
Standard G-Shock durability metrics remain intact, including 200-meter water resistance and standard shock resistance. The watches also feature a mineral glass crystal, a screw-lock crown, a 30-minute countdown timer, and a daily alarm.
Pricing and Availability
Both the black dial GST-B1000-1A and the blue dial GST-B1000-2A are priced at $385. They are available for purchase now through the Casio US website.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
The Mivi One 5G runs Android 16 with a stock Android interface. Mivi says the phone will receive software updates up to Android 18. It has a 6.745-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate and 2.5D cover glass.
Powering the phone is the 4nm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Mivi claims the phone can score around 490,000 points on AnTuTu, although this figure comes from the company and has not been independently verified.
For photography, the phone has a 50-megapixel main rear camera with PDAF. There is also a second rear camera, although Mivi has not shared its specifications. An 8-megapixel camera on the front handles selfies and video calls.
Mivi has also included a ClearTalk feature powered by its Neural Voice Engine. It is designed to reduce background sounds such as traffic, wind, conversations, and music during calls, making it easier for the other person to hear your voice.
The Mivi One 5G packs a 6,000mAh battery with support for 18W charging. The phone measures 9.15mm in thickness and weighs 210 grams. It also has an IP64 rating for protection against dust and water splashes.
Mivi One 5G price and availability in India
The Mivi One 5G is available in three RAM configurations, with 128GB of storage included in all three models:
Where to buyMivi One 5GLatest price on AmazonCheck price →
4GB RAM: Rs. 14,999
6GB RAM: Rs. 15,999
8GB RAM: Rs. 16,999
The phone comes in Blue, Burgundy, Pink, Green, and Navy Blue. The first sale will begin on Flipkart on October 8.
During the Flipkart Big Billion Days sale, the effective prices will drop to Rs. 11,999 for the 4GB model, Rs. 12,999 for the 6GB model, and Rs. 13,999 for the 8GB version. These prices include the applicable sale discounts and bank offers, so the final amount will depend on the payment card used.
Mivi is offering the usual one-year warranty with the phone. The company says it has more than 500 service centres across India and offers free pickup and drop service across more than 19,000 PIN codes.
Honor has revealed the price of the Magic 9 just days before its September 28 launch. Li Jian, CEO of Honor, announced the pricing this afternoon as the company marked the tenth anniversary of the Magic series.
Li Jian described the Honor Magic 9 as an example of the company’s approach to trying new ideas in technology. He also presented it as a product for both new and longtime Magic series users as Honor marks a decade of the lineup.
Where to buyHonor Magic 9 Super EditionBrowse the range on AmazonShop now →
There are three prices to keep in mind. Honor lists the Magic9 at 6,499 yuan (about $961), which the company calls the “lowest price in the industry.” This is likely the phone’s regular starting price. A special price marking the Magic series’ 10th anniversary brings the cost down to 5,999 yuan (about $887).
Buyers who qualify for China’s national subsidy can get the phone for 5,499 yuan (about $813). That’s 1,000 yuan (about $148) less than the regular starting price.
The Magic 9 lineup is expected to include some significant hardware upgrades. According to reports, the Super Edition will have a built-in active cooling fan to help maintain performance during demanding tasks. The phones are also expected to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processor alongside Honor’s in-house H1 chip.
Moments after Qualcomm unveiled the powerful 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, major smartphone brands rushed to announce their upcoming flagships rocking the same chipset. Xiaomi didn’t waste any time launching the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max in China just a few hours after the chip was announced.
If you’re planning to get your hands on a Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6-powered phone, we’ve compiled a list of devices confirmed to ship with this chipset.
Every phone confirmed to launch with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 SoC
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is the first phone to get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset. It’s built around a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with 4000nits of peak brightness. The smaller 2.9-inch AMOLED screen on the rear side also offers the same peak brightness and LTPO support.
As for the optics, the Xiaomi phone offers a triple camera setup, featuring a 200MP primary shooter, a 200MP periscope telephoto lens with 3.2x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide unit. It has a 50MP selfie camera, though you can also use the rear camera and secondary display to capture much better selfies. The device packs an 8,500mAh battery with support for 100W wired, 50W wireless, and 27W reverse wireless charging.
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max has been launched in China, and the brand has confirmed it will be available globally, including in India. Xiaomi India’s X account also confirms this, with a global launch teased to be “coming soon”.
That’s when the Magic9 Pro Max will launch in China, but the global launch has not been announced yet. That might happen soon after it’s launched in China.
The smartphone will feature a brand-new triple rear camera layout that includes two 200MP sensors: a 1/1.28-inch primary sensor with an f/1.57 aperture and a 1/1.4-inch super-night telephoto sensor with an f/2.6 aperture. The camera has been developed in partnership with ARRI (the legendary German cinema camera maker) to bring professional film-style color science and video tools to the device. Details about the third sensor haven’t been announced yet.
The smartphone could carry a 55MP selfie camera, a 6.8-inch OLED screen, and an 8800mAh battery. Honor has confirmed that the phone will be offered in four memory/storage combinations: 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, 16GB+512GB, and 16GB+1TB. The color options will be: Moss Green, Silver, and Shadow Black.
The upcoming iQOO 16 will launch in China next week, featuring Qualcomm’s powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 mobile chipset. The brand has revealed some of its specs through teasers, and leaks have spilled the rest of the details.
The iQOO 16 will feature a reworked camera island design, featuring three sensors. According to recent leaks, the camera island will have three 50MP sensors. The company says iQOO 16 will be the first phone to offer a 2K resolution panel with a 165Hz refresh rate, developed jointly with Samsung. The screen size is tipped to be 6.85 inches.
The smartphone is said to have a Q4 gaming chip, with upgraded vibration motors and speakers for a better gaming experience. It could come with an 8,400mAh battery and support for 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.
OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus 16 will launch soon with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 SoC, but it hasn’t announced a launch date yet. Rumors suggest the phone could be unveiled in China later this month, with a global launch likely to happen next month.
The OnePlus 16 is confirmed to feature a triple-camera setup with a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The selfie camera will also have a 50MP resolution. The phone will also get new shooting modes for better control over the final output.
Leaked specs include a 6.78-inch flat AMOLED display with a 185Hz refresh rate, up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, and a 9,000mAh battery.
The phone will launch in China in October. We’ll have the exact launch date soon, but the global launch hasn’t been announced yet.
RedMagic has teased several details of the RedMagic 12 Pro+, such as ultra-narrow 0.96mm bezels and RedMagic’s ninth-generation Under-Display Camera (UDC) system. The phone will shift to softer, rounded corners for improved handheld ergonomics during extended gaming sessions.
The smartphone is said to house an 8,400mAh battery with 120W wired and 80W wireless charging. It could feature a triple-camera setup on the rear, led by a 50MP main sensor. The device is expected to be available with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage.
Motorola unveiled the Signature 27 at the Snapdragon Summit, marking a big shift in the company’s approach. The brand has largely avoided bringing top-tier chips to its phones, but that has now changed. The Signature 27 is just the start. We believe future Signature phones will continue in this direction.
Motorola has revealed key details about the device, but the exact global release date and pricing details are due to be announced later this year. The Signature 27 features an unusual rear camera design, with a 50MP main camera and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens. Details about the other two sensors and the selfie camera haven’t been announced yet.
The phone will have an ArcticMesh cooling system featuring a vapor chamber that is 40 percent larger than the previous generation. Audio gets a premium boost through a partnership with Bang & Olufsen.
Next year will bring a lot more smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, including the Galaxy S26 Ultra. We’ll continue to track the latest developments on the topic and post them on this website.
Alongside the latest VR, Meta unveiled the Muse Charm at today’s Connect event. Mark Zuckerberg introduced it as a small, always-on handheld device for talking to Muse, Meta’s AI assistant. It’s aimed at people who don’t wear Meta’s smart glasses, and Zuckerberg described it as a quick way to reach Muse without putting on a pair. Meta’s glasses lineup includes the Meta Ray-Ban Display, which it launched last year.
Meta says it will release the Muse Charm before the December holidays. It hasn’t announced a price and says it will share more details later.
Meta also announced several updates to Muse itself. You’ll be able to make video calls with a customizable AI avatar that responds in real time. The Muse agent is also getting its own email address, so it can complete tasks and communicate with you directly.
Who made it and how it looks
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Muse Charm came out of Meta’s new design lab, which is reportedly led by Alan Dye, Apple’s former UI design chief.
The Muse Charm looks like a 90s electronic pet. It has a roughly 2-inch OLED display and runs a new operating system. When you power it on, a virtual Muse avatar appears in the center of the screen, and you can change its appearance, clothing, and voice.
You can wear the Muse Charm on a wristband, keep it in your pocket, or attach it to a bag or keychain with a lanyard. The casing is semi-transparent, so you can see the internal circuitry through the back and sides. One interesting feature is that two Muse Charm devices recognize and interact with each other when their owners are close together.
Inside, the Muse Charm has a 5G modem, so you can reach Muse even if you don’t have Wi-Fi. According to the report, it works like a phone in other ways but can’t make phone or video calls. It has a fingerprint sensor for unlocking.
You get cameras on the front and back for photos and videos. Their main job is to give Muse visual information to analyze, and you can view what you’ve captured on the device. The Muse Charm also plays music and video, and it has a speaker, a microphone, and a USB-C port for charging.
Timing and price
Meta originally planned to release the Muse Charm in 2027. Sources say Zuckerberg pushed the team to move it up to 2026 so it would be available by the end of the year. The same sources say it will be priced similarly to a smartwatch. Meta hasn’t finalized the details for mobile carrier access.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Meta has announced the Meta VR Glasses at its Connect conference. The headset weighs about 100 grams, costs $1,299.99, and goes on sale in spring 2027.
The weight is roughly one-fifth of the Meta Quest 3, which comes in at around 515 grams. The Apple Vision Pro is more heavier at over 600 grams. The Meta VR Glasses look a lot like the lighter Vision Pro that Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman described, a project Apple has reportedly shelved in favor of smart glasses. Meta now has a product in that space before Apple does.
Two pieces, not one
The Meta VR Glasses are split into the glasses and a separate computing unit. The glasses hold the display and sensors. The computing unit holds the processor, storage, and battery, and it connects through optical cables. You can clip it to a pocket or drop it in a bag, which is how Meta keeps the weight on your face so low.
The screen is a 5K Micro-OLED panel with 37 pixels per degree, paired with small pancake lenses. The Meta Quest 3 launched with LCD panels at 2064 × 2208 per eye, so Meta has moved to the same panel type the Apple Vision Pro uses. Meta also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos spatial audio.
Inside the computing unit is Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon Reality Elite processor. The battery plays high-resolution media for up to 3 hours and charges at 45W.
You control the Meta VR Glasses with your voice, your eyes, and hand gestures, and Meta has built its AI agent into the operating system. You can ask it to start a movie, open an app, rearrange your workspace, or run a search.
What you can do with it
The Meta VR Glasses are the first VR device with IMAX Enhanced certification. Starting in November, Disney+ subscribers in select regions can watch 3D versions of films like The Avengers and Black Panther. Viewing environments include Tatooine and Avengers Tower. The Disney Immersive Cinema by ILM app adds VR-enhanced versions of Avengers: Infinity War and Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Prime Video, YouTube, DIRECTV, AMC+, Crunchyroll, Plex, and ESPN are also on board.
Where to buyMeta Quest 3Browse the range on AmazonShop now →
Sports fans get an “Immersive Sports” experience built with ESPN, with 8K live streams and a 180° view. Meta says you’ll have access to more than 100 events a year from partners including MLB, NBC Sports, TNT Sports, and UFC.
For work, you get a large virtual screen and can open several screens at once. Any flat surface can become a keyboard and touchpad, and full-color passthrough lets you keep seeing your desk, your phone, and the room around you.
More than 75 games with gesture-only controls will be available at launch, and Xbox Cloud Gaming will let you stream more. Meta also announced holographic calls, which create an avatar that follows your facial expressions and movements and places the other person with spatial audio. For now, this only works in select apps such as WhatsApp and Zoom.
Price and availability
At $1,299.99, the Meta VR Glasses cost more than twice the Meta Quest 3’s $499.99 launch price and far less than the $3,499 Apple Vision Pro. You’ll have to wait until spring 2027 to buy one.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
OnePlus is gradually revealing details about the OnePlus 16, which is set for an October announcement in China. So far, the brand has confirmed details about its display and chipset, and its latest teaser has now revealed the camera specifications and professional imaging modes. This suggests the OnePlus 16 could be a significant upgrade over the OnePlus 15 in terms of imaging capabilities.
OnePlus 16 camera gets a major upgrade
The OnePlus 16 will feature a 200-megapixel primary camera with a large 1/1.4-inch sensor and an f/1.6 aperture. It will be joined by a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera offering 3x optical zoom and 6x lossless zoom, while another 50-megapixel sensor will serve as the ultra-wide camera with a 116-degree field of view. The front camera will also use a 50-megapixel sensor with autofocus.
This represents a notable change from the OnePlus 15, which uses a triple 50-megapixel rear camera setup. The move to a much larger 200-megapixel primary sensor gives the OnePlus 16 a different hardware approach, while the company is also adding new shooting options designed to give users greater control over the final image.
OnePlus has confirmed three new imaging modes for the phone. Master Mode is designed to produce a film-inspired look with more natural light rendering, while High-Pixel Mode focuses on maximum detail and clarity. The 65:24 Widescreen Mode takes a much wider aspect ratio for a more cinematic presentation.
OnePlus 16 specifications
The OnePlus 16 recently appeared on AnTuTu with a score of 5,384,433 points. The tested configuration featured the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, and Android 17-based ColorOS 17, with the benchmark identifying an 185Hz display refresh rate.
Battery capacity is set to reach 9,000mAh, based on current information, while China’s 3C certification has confirmed support for 100W wired charging. The phone is also expected to support 50W wireless charging, which would retain the wireless charging capability of its predecessor while delivering a considerably larger battery.
With its upgraded camera hardware, new imaging modes, high-end chipset and larger battery, the OnePlus 16 appears to be a substantial step forward from the OnePlus 15. The phone is expected to debut in China in October, with details about its availability in other markets still to be confirmed.
Xiaomi has introduced the Supreme Edition of its TV S Pro RGB-Mini LED 2027 lineup. It serves as a hardware revision to the standard 2027 models announced alongside it, focusing specifically on increasing peak brightness and expanding the built-in speaker system.
Xiaomi TV S Pro RGB-Mini LED 2027 Supreme Edition Specs
The television uses an RGB-Mini LED panel with individual red, green, and blue light sources. Xiaomi claims it covers 100% of the BT.2020 color gamut while reducing power consumption by around 30% in single-color scenes.
The Supreme Edition increases peak brightness by 500 nits over the standard version, reaching 5,500 nits. The screen also includes a 0.5% low-reflection coating to reduce glare in bright rooms. Picture processing is handled by the company’s XM9000 chip, which manages color accuracy and contrast between the backlight and LCD layers.
For audio, the Supreme Edition replaces the standard model’s 130W 2.1.2-channel system with a 170W 4.1.2-channel setup. This adds dedicated left and right surround channels to the upward-firing speakers and subwoofer. The system is tuned by Harman and supports Dolby Atmos.
Where to buyXiaomi TV S Pro 2027Browse the range on AmazonShop now →
For gaming, the panel has a native 4K 180Hz refresh rate, which can operate at 360Hz in a specific competitive mode. It supports VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and includes four HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which supports eARC.
The TV runs on a quad-core Cortex-A73 processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, using HyperOS 4. It also includes a millimeter-wave radar that detects viewer position to adjust picture and audio settings automatically. The remote connects via Bluetooth, charges via USB-C, and includes NFC for casting.
The metal chassis measures 49.7mm thick on the 65-inch model and 54.9mm on the 98-inch model. Both are compatible with a flush wall mount that leaves a 5mm gap.
The TV S Pro RGB-Mini LED 2027 Supreme Edition is launching in China with the following pricing:
Xiaomi has launched its new TV S Pro RGB-Mini LED 2027 lineup, marking the debut of the company’s first RGB-Mini LED TV. The new series is available in four screen sizes, ranging from 65 inches to a massive 98 inches.
Xiaomi TV S Pro RGB-Mini LED 2027 Specifications
Instead of using a traditional white backlight that passes through a color filter, these new models rely on separate red, green, and blue light sources. Xiaomi says this hardware adjustment allows the display to cover 100% of the BT.2020 color space. This direct RGB lighting approach reduces power consumption by about 30% in single-color scenes when compared to its previous 2026 models.
The panels are built for high brightness and precise local dimming, with a rated peak brightness of 5,000 nits. The 65-inch model includes 2,160 local dimming zones, while the 98-inch version increases that count to 4,860 zones. To help manage glare in bright rooms, the screens feature a low-reflection coating, which brings the overall screen reflection rate down to a stated 1.8%.
For gaming and video playback, the TVs support a 4K resolution at a native 180Hz refresh rate. They include standard features expected for modern consoles and PCs, such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), MEMC motion smoothing, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Connectivity options include four HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC support), Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, and standard USB inputs.
Inside, the televisions are powered by a quad-core Cortex-A73 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, running on HyperOS 4 software. The system also integrates a millimeter-wave radar sensor designed to detect where viewers are sitting to adjust the picture accordingly.
For audio, the TVs feature a 130W 2.1.2-channel speaker system with upward-firing channels and a built-in subwoofer, along with Harman tuning. The included Bluetooth remote also features NFC for casting and supports USB-C charging.
The design is straightforward, featuring a metal frame and a relatively thin profile, the 65-inch model is 49.7mm thick, while the 98-inch is 54.9mm. Both are compatible with a slim wall mount that leaves a 5mm gap from the wall.
The Xiaomi TV S Pro RGB-Mini LED 2027 is available now in China. Pricing for the four configurations is as follows:
Xiaomi has announced a new variant in its wearable lineup, the Watch S5 Transparent Edition, which launched today alongside the standard 41mm Watch S5. The new model is priced at 2,499 yuan ($372) and will be restricted to a production run of just 5,000 units.
The differentiator for this model is its casing. Instead of the usual aluminum, titanium, or stainless steel chassis found on most smartwatches, Xiaomi has built the 47mm octagonal watch body using a transparent material it refers to as Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0.
The design allows light to pass directly through the middle frame, exposing the internal structural elements of the device. To provide necessary structural rigidity and a bit of visual contrast, a brushed stainless steel bezel is embedded directly into the glass case.
Using glass for a watch chassis raises practical questions about durability, given that wrist-worn wearables are frequently subjected to accidental bumps and scrapes against doors and desks. Xiaomi claims to have addressed this by using a single piece of glass that undergoes a particularly lengthy manufacturing process.
Where to buyXiaomi Watch S5Browse the range on AmazonShop now →
According to the company, each case requires 20 distinct manufacturing steps, which include 240 minutes of CNC precision machining and 800 minutes of multi-stage polishing to achieve the clear finish.
The resulting glass has a Vickers hardness rating of 810 HV0.05. This specific material is designed to resist scratches and daily wear. Furthermore, the company says that unlike clear plastics, silicones, or resins that are sometimes used in transparent tech products, this glass will not discolor or turn yellow over time.
On the interface side, the watch ships with a custom red watch face designed to look like a traditional mechanical timepiece. This aesthetic choice is a direct nod to the company’s smartphone lineup, specifically mirroring the design language of the Xiaomi 18 Pro series Transparent Special Edition.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Alongside the 18 Pro series, Xiaomi has introduced the 41mm version of its Watch S5, offering a smaller alternative to the 46mm model released earlier this year. The new smartwatch is the first device to ship with HyperOS 4 for wearables and includes an updated WeChat application. Pricing starts at 1,299 yuan ($194) for the standard fluoroelastomer strap models, while a genuine leather strap version is priced at 1,499 yuan ($224).
The watch features a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. Xiaomi says the screen can reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, which is intended to improve visibility in direct sunlight.
The case itself measures 9.9mm thick and weighs 36 grams without the strap. It is constructed with a stainless steel body, a ceramic bezel, and a textured crown. Color options include Black, Sea Salt Blue, and Ceramic White.
For health tracking, the Watch S5 41mm uses a four-LED, four-photodiode sensor array for heart rate and blood oxygen measurements. It also includes three wrist temperature sensors that the company says operate with an accuracy of ±0.1°C.
Where to buyXiaomi Watch S5Browse the range on AmazonShop now →
The temperature sensors are mainly used to track menstrual cycles and predict ovulation periods. The watch also features dual-band UVA and UVB monitoring, which measures ultraviolet intensity and provides more detailed information about sun exposure.
The Watch S5 41mm comes with more than 150 workout modes, covering a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. It equips a dual-frequency GNSS chip for precise route tracking and supports full-color offline maps for navigation.
Xiaomi has also included a dedicated skiing mode that tracks distance, altitude, maximum slope, and other activity data. For added safety, the watch can detect falls while skiing and automatically sound an alert or reach out to emergency services when the wearer fails to respond.
On the software side, HyperOS 4 brings an upgraded WeChat app with voice-to-text and quick replies. The watch also integrates with Xiaomi’s ecosystem, allowing users to control smart home devices, view smart doorbell feeds, and access Xiaomi vehicle features. It supports iOS and Apple Health syncing, although some features remain exclusive to Android or Xiaomi devices.
The device is powered by a 590mAh battery. Xiaomi estimates up to 14 days of battery life in a restricted usage mode, eight days with standard health monitoring, and five days when using the always-on display alongside regular monitoring.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Xiaomi has launched the Xiaomi Pad 9 and Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro in China. The Xiaomi Pad 9 starts at 2,999 yuan (~ $447), and the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro starts at 3,799 yuan (~ $566). The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max, which uses the Xring O3 chip, launched earlier this month, and you can read about it here. These two tablets use Snapdragon chips instead and cost less.
You get an 11.2-inch 3.2K LCD with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 144Hz and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. It covers the DCI-P3 color gamut, supports 12-bit color, and carries hardware-level low blue light and flicker-free certifications.
Xiaomi Pad 9
The processor is the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, which is the same chip the Xiaomi Pad 8 uses. The battery is 9,720mAh with 45W wired charging. Xiaomi rates it for up to 14.5 hours of short video playback or 20 hours of online meetings.
The tablet is 5.75mm thick and weighs 485g. It has four speakers with Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, a 50MP rear camera, and a 13MP front camera. It comes in Peach Pink, Spruce Green, Black, and Silver, and it runs HyperOS 4.
Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro moves up to a 12.5-inch 3.2K LCD with a 144Hz refresh rate, P3 color, and 1,000 nits of peak brightness. It also supports full-brightness DC dimming and carries TÜV Rheinland eye protection certification. The Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro had an 11.2-inch screen with 800 nits, so this is a larger and brighter panel.
Inside is a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and Xiaomi says it scores over 3.4 million in AnTuTu. The cooling system uses graphite over a total area of more than 22,000 mm². The battery grows to 11,000mAh, up from 9,200mAh on the Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro. It supports 67W wired charging and 22.5W reverse charging, so you can top up a phone from it.
Audio also changes. The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro has six speakers, compared with four on its predecessor, plus a four-microphone array for meetings. It is 5.8mm thick and weighs 580g.
For work, the tablet runs HyperOS 4 with PC-level apps such as the full version of WPS and CapCut Pro. It supports the Xiaomi Focus Stylus Pro and a keyboard accessory. Color options are Spruce Green, Black, and Silver.
Pricing
The Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro costs 800 yuan (about $119) more than the Xiaomi Pad 9 when you compare the 8GB+128GB models. The Soft Light Edition adds 200 yuan (about $30) to both tablets.
Xiaomi has announced a Transparent Special Edition for its Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max smartphones. The new models are priced at 9,999 yuan ($1,492) for the 18 Pro and 10,999 yuan ($1,642) for the 18 Pro Max. Both versions are available in a single configuration featuring 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.
The phones feature a red colorway with a textured finish, which Xiaomi says is achieved using a micron-level film process to create a three-dimensional embossed effect on the back panel.
To match the hardware, Xiaomi includes custom software wallpapers on both the primary display and the secondary rear screen that display a digital representation of the phone’s internal components. The retail packaging also includes color-matched transparent red accessories, specifically the charging brick and data cable.
Aside from the cosmetic changes, the internal hardware is identical to the standard Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max models. Both devices are built around a 1-120Hz OLED display that includes hardware-level privacy protection, alongside a smaller secondary screen on the back.
The camera system carries Leica branding and consists of three lenses. The setup includes a 200-megapixel main camera, a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens capable of 3.2x optical zoom, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera.
Processing is handled by Qualcomm’s 2nm chipsets. The 18 Pro uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, while the Pro Max is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. Memory and storage are standard across the special editions, utilizing LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, with a circular cold-pump cooling system for thermal management.
The battery specifications differ between the two sizes. The 18 Pro is powered by a 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, and the Pro Max uses an 8,500mAh unit. Both phones support 100W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 27W reverse charging. The devices run on HyperOS 4 with Super XiaoAI 2.0 and include standard hardware features like UWB, NFC, an IP water resistance rating, and Dolby Atmos audio support.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
In September 2025, Xiaomi unveiled the Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. While the standard model was released globally, the Pro variants remained exclusive to the Chinese market. Now, the brand has taken the covers off the Xiaomi 18 Pro series in China. And the good news is that it is going global. Xiaomi has confirmed that the Xiaomi 18 Pro series will launch globally this year, marking a major change from the previous generation.
Xiaomi 18 Pro series global launch confirmed
Xiaomi 18 Pro Series is going global this year.
The world's first smartphones powered by @Snapdragon Dual 8 Elites.
Xiaomi announced the global availability through its official X account, stating that the Xiaomi 18 Pro series is “going global this year”. The company’s global post also teases the phones as the world’s first smartphones powered by Qualcomm’s new “Dual 8 Elites,” referring to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series.
Xiaomi India has separately posted that the Xiaomi 18 Pro is “going global” and is “coming soon”, suggesting that India could be among the markets targeted for the global rollout. However, it is unclear whether the Indian market will receive the Pro Max edition.
It appears that the Xiaomi 18 Pro series will take on the Oppo Find X10 series and Vivo X500 series, as these are also expected to break cover globally in the coming days.
Xiaomi 18 Pro series specifications
Xiaomi 18 Pro series
The Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max feature 6.4-inch and 6.9-inch AMOLED displays, respectively, with a 1-120Hz LTPO refresh rate, 4,000 nits peak brightness and 300Hz touch sampling. Both models also feature secondary rear displays.
The Xiaomi 18 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, while the Pro Max gets the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. Both phones feature LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. The Pro packs a 7,000mAh battery, while the Pro Max gets an 8,500mAh cell. Both support 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.
For photography, both models feature dual 200MP Leica cameras, comprising a 200-megapixel main sensor and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. Both phones also have a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera on the back and a 50-megapixel front-facing camera. Both models run on the latest HyperOS 4-based Android 17.
With the Pro models now confirmed for a global release, more details about their international launch should emerge in the coming weeks.
Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, alongside a more affordable but very capable Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 at the Snapdragon Summit 2026. The “Extreme” version packs a much stronger CPU that can reach a peak speed of 5.0 GHz – the first smartphone chipset to achieve this feat. Plus, it brings massive upgrades to graphics performance, power efficiency, and agentic AI processing to power the next generation of premium Android smartphones.
A closer look at the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6
Breaking the 5 GHz barrier
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 uses an advanced 2nm process from TSMC to achieve top-tier performance and greater power efficiency. It brings a fourth-generation Qualcomm Oryon CPU, featuring two prime cores clocked at up to 5.0 GHz and six performance cores running at up to 4.0 GHz.
Qualcomm says the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme delivers a 13% uplift in CPU performance and a 37% jump in CPU power efficiency compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
The new Qualcomm chip supports up to 24 GB of LPDDR5X/6 RAM at up to 5,300 MHz and UFS 5.0 storage.
Adreno GPU with AI-dedicated cores
Apple and MediaTek recently unveiled their new chips, the A20 Pro and the Dimensity 9600 Pro, featuring dedicated AI cores in their GPUs, now joined by Qualcomm.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 integrates dedicated AI matrix cores featuring Adreno Neural Fusion – Qualcomm’s proprietary solution to AI-driven super resolution and frame generation. Qualcomm claims it unlocks “console-quality visuals at low power with AI-powered super resolution, frame generation, and advanced image reconstruction.” The GPU has 18MB of dedicated Adreno High Performance Memory (HPM).
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 promises 44% improved GPU performance and a 40% uplift in the GPU power efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
AI, Imaging, & Connectivity
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 puts a strong focus on the on-device AI performance. The upgraded Hexagon NPU delivers 35% better performance and 33% improved power efficiency than its predecessor.
The chipset can run Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) models exceeding 30 billion parameters directly on the device, with support for up to 32K context windows. Furthermore, it supports INT2, INT4, INT8, INT16, FP8, and FP16 precisions including mixed precisions.
The upgraded Qualcomm Sensing Hub features dual micro-NPUs, offering an 85% boost in compute and 20% better efficiency. Plus, it features dual always-sensing ISPs. The Qualcomm Sensing Hub supports 200M parameter models and powers Personal Scribe, which uses your messages, emails, and conversations to create a private local knowledge graph.
In terms of optics, the chip introduces a new triple 20-bit Spectra AI ISP with support for triple 64MP cameras, for the first time in a smartphone chip. It can record 8K videos at 60 fps and super slow-motion 4K videos at 240 fps. For professional videographers, the Extreme chip offers native hardware support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, Elite Color Engine with real-time 3D LUT support, and hardware decoding for Versatile Video Coding (VVC/H.266).
On the connectivity part, we have a new Qualcomm X105 5G Modem (3GPP Release 19) with peak download speeds of 14.8 Gbps and peak upload speeds of 4.2 Gbps. The Qualcomm FastConnect 8800 brings support for Wi-Fi 8 (11.6 Gbps peak speed) and Bluetooth 6.0.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 offers 6-antenna support for devices along with integrated quad-band (L1, L2, L5, and L6) GNSS, and built-in satellite communication supporting both NB-NTN for messaging and high-bandwidth NR-NTN for voice, data, and video.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 benchmark numbers
It will take some time for brands to launch phones powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. Meanwhile, some people got access to a Qualcomm reference device powered by the same chipset and have shared the benchmark results.
Folks at Trakin Tech posted the results, which show the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 with 4291 points in the single-core test, higher than the Dimensity 9600. Apple’s A20 Pro still dominates the chart despite the Snapdragon chip’s 5 GHz peak CPU speed.
The multi-core performance results are largely similar, with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 scoring 12,686 points, higher than Dimensity 9600 Pro’s 12206 points, but slightly lower than Apple A20 Pro’s 12746 points.
On AnTuTu v12, the chip posted a total score of over 5.57 million. As for the breakdown, the CPU gets 1,465,243 points; the GPU gets 2,002,387 points, the memory gets 1,008,084 points, and the UX gets 1,098,574 points.
In the 3DMark’s Steel Nomad Light test, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme is ahead of its biggest rivals. It posts an average frame rate of 32.56 fps, which is higher than the Dimensity 9600 Pro (31.92 fps) and the Apple A20 Pro (27.80 fps).
The Solay Bay Extreme test results were rather disappointing for the Snapdragon chip. The chip achieved an average frame rate of 15.84 fps, which is lower than the Dimensity 9600 Pro’s 21.40 fps and the Apple A20 Pro’s 20.62 fps.
It should be noted that the benchmark tests were performed using a Qualcomm reference device (QRD). This means the results you will get on a real device could be lower. But on some benchmarks, you may get higher numbers as the reference device used for the testing was said not to have the latest hardware, such as LPDDR5X instead of LPDDR6.
We’ll update the benchmark numbers here once we run the tests.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 spec sheet
Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6
Announced
September 2026
Process node
TSMC’s 2nm (N2P)
CPU cores
8-core
CPU cores
2 x 5.0 GHz — Prime 6 x 4.0 GHz — Performance
GPU
Adreno 850 with AI matrix cores Adreno Neural Fusion 18MB of Adreno HPM
Qualcomm Spectra Triple AI-ISP (20-bit) Up to 320MP single camera up to 108MP single camera with zero shutter lag Up to 64MP triple cameras with zero shutter lag 8K/60fps video recording 4K/240fps slow-mo video recording Bayer Massive Multi-Frame Noise Reduction with AI Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec Pro sight video capture Elite Color Engine
Xiaomi has launched the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max in China, two flagship smartphones that combine high-resolution Leica cameras, secondary rear displays, large silicon-carbon batteries, and built-in hardware privacy controls.
Xiaomi 18 Pro & Pro Max Specifications
Both Xiaomi 18 Pro models feature flat OLED displays with 0.99mm bezels, 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rates, up to 4,000 nits brightness, and Xiaomi’s Super Pixel 2.0 and M11 OLED technologies. The 18 Pro has a 6.4-inch 2436 x 1120 screen, while the Pro Max gets a larger 6.9-inch 2624 x 1208 panel.
Both also feature hardware-level privacy protection that limits side viewing and can automatically protect sensitive apps and content. On the back, the 18 Pro sports a 2.7-inch OLED display, while the Pro Max gets a 2.9-inch panel, with both supporting up to 120Hz refresh rates and 4,000 nits brightness.
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 18 Pro features the 2nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, while the Pro Max gets the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. Both use Qualcomm’s fourth-generation Oryon CPU architecture, with the standard chip reaching up to 5GHz.
Both phones come with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. Xiaomi also equips them with its circular cold-pump cooling system, offering a 4,355mm² heat dissipation area on the Pro and a larger 5,513mm² area on the Pro Max.
Both phones run HyperOS 4 with the updated Alive Design interface and Super XiaoAI 2.0, powered by Xiaomi’s MiMo large language model. The AI assistant supports memory, complex tasks, smart home controls, travel planning, and cross-device functionality across phones, tablets, Windows PCs, and Macs.
Both models also feature a customizable AI button for quick access to privacy controls, voice notes, mute mode, and XiaoAI. Their rear displays support more than 100 app cards at launch, including notifications, quick controls, mini-games, and AI-generated custom cards.
In terms of photography, both phones feature a Leica-branded triple-camera system with a 200MP 1/1.28-inch Light Hunter 960 main sensor, a 200MP 1/1.56-inch periscope telephoto, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The telephoto supports 3.2x optical zoom, up to 12.8x lossless zoom, 75mm portraits, and 12cm macro photography. Both phones also feature Xiaomi’s new Legendary Moment imaging system, which combines on-device and cloud processing with three dedicated camera styles.
Talking about the battery life, the Xiaomi 18 Pro packs a 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, while the Pro Max gets a larger 8,500mAh unit. Both support 100W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 27W wired reverse charging. Xiaomi also claims the batteries can retain at least 80% of their original capacity after 2,000 charging cycles.
For connectivity, both phones support UWB, 5G-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, global roaming, and compatible UWB digital car keys. The Xiaomi 18 Pro weighs 203 grams and features Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, while the larger Pro Max starts at 235 grams and gets a three-speaker setup. Both also feature upgraded vibration motors and Xiaomi Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0, along with IP66, IP68, and IP69 protection for water and dust resistance.
Both phones are offered in Black, White, Ice Peach Pink, and Galaxy Blue, with a transparent edition. Xiaomi says sales begin immediately after the launch event.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Rollme has launched the Matrix, a new wearable designed to function as a standalone 4G device on your wrist. Thanks to a dedicated SIM card slot, built-in GPS, and an unusual side-mounted pop-up camera, the smartwatch can operate independently without a smartphone.
Rollme Matrix Specifications
The Matrix features support for global 4G frequency bands, allowing it to work independently from a smartphone for calls, messages, and apps that require an internet connection. It also offers Bluetooth calling when paired with a phone.
Rollme has equipped the watch with a side-mounted pop-up camera that can be extended when needed for photos and video calls. Its positioning gives the camera a more natural angle for video chats compared to the fixed upward-facing cameras used on some earlier smartwatch designs.
Up front, the Matrix sports a large 2.06-inch AMOLED display with a 410 x 502 resolution. Under the hood, it runs on an SL8541E processor paired with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. That provides enough overhead to handle basic app downloads from its ecosystem, which supports video, music, and navigation tools.
Where to buy4G smartwatchesBrowse the range on AmazonShop now →
On the health and fitness side, the Matrix covers the standard bases. It includes 24/7 heart rate monitoring, one-tap blood oxygen (SpO2) measurements, and sleep tracking that breaks down deep, light, and REM cycles. For outdoor use, it features built-in GPS and a geomagnetic sensor for compass navigation, alongside multiple workout modes.
To handle the higher power demands of standalone 4G connectivity and GPS, Rollme has equipped the Matrix with a 1,100mAh battery, which is considerably larger than what is typically found in a smartwatch.
The battery charges through a magnetic cable and takes around 80 minutes to reach 100%. The watch also comes with an IP67 rating for protection against dust and everyday splashes, but it is not intended for swimming.
Pricing and Availability
The Rollme Matrix is available now through the company’s official online store. It is offered in two colors, Midnight Black and Dawn Gold, at a launch price of $89.99.
In related news, Rollme has recently launched the Hero D6 rugged smartwatch with offline maps, dual-band GPS, and up to 15 days of battery life.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
