Google shipped 7.2 million units of Pixel smartphones in 2019: IDC

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Jun 10, 2020

Recent reports have revealed that Samsung is working on the Galaxy Tab S6. It is speculated that the upcoming Galaxy Tab S7 series could be coming in two screen sizes and they are named as Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy Tab S7+. The 5G version of the Galaxy Tab S7+ that has a model number of SM-T976B was approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance authority in May. The same model has received approval from the Bluetooth SIG certification platform. Moreover, the battery capacity of the Galaxy Tab S7 has seemingly appeared on the 3C authority of China.

The Bluetooth SIG certification of the SM-T976GB confirms that it will be debuting as Galaxy Tab S7+ 5G. It also reveals the support for Bluetooth 5.0 on the device. Based on the past reports, it can be said that its Wi-Fi only version has SM-T970 model number whereas its 4G variant has SM-T975. The 5G version of the Galaxy Tab S6 was only available in South Korea. It is being said that the Galaxy Tab S7+ 5G could be coming to markets like Europe and the U.S.

The Galaxy Tab S7+ is rumored to be equipped with a big display of 12.4 inches. The S-AMOLED screen could be integrated with a fingerprint reader. The Wi-Fi certification of the device revealed features like support for dual-band Wi-Fi and Android 10 OS. It could be coming with a 9,800mAh battery.

Editor’s Pick: Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 unlikely to feature S Pen stylus

The SM-T870 and SM-T875 model numbers are rumored to be associated with Galaxy Tab S7. These could be Wi-Fi and 4G editions of the device. The Tab S7 is expected to come with a smaller battery. A 7,760mAh rated capacity battery (EB-BT875ABY model number) has been spotted at the database of China’s 3C authority.

The 3C listing does not clearly mention which Samsung device will feature the EB-BT875ABY battery. However, it appears that this battery could be present inside the Galaxy Tab S7 which is expected to arrive with an 11-inch display. The Tab S7 and Tab S7+ are both expected to come with S Pens stylus support.

(source|via 1, 2)

LG Velvet 4G with Snapdragon 845 and 6GB RAM could be coming soon

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Jun 10, 2020

Last month, LG introduced the LG Velvet 5G smartphone. The Snapdragon 765 SoC powered 5G-ready mid-range phone comes with an impressive design. A Persian tech site Toranji revealed that LG is working on a 4G edition of the LG Velvet. The publication has revealed that the LG Velvet 4G is driven by the Snapdragon 845 mobile platform that powered many Android flagship phones in 2018. The handset that has LM-G910 model number has also surfaced on Geekbench benchmarking platform.

The Persian website claimed that the 4G version of the LG Velvet will be heading to the markets in the Middle East. The handset is expected to arrive with 20 percent cheaper pricing compared to its 5G variant. LG Iran is yet to confirm on the existence of the LG Velvet 4G. Since the device is also certified by Anatel, a wireless regulator from Brazil, the LG Velvet 4G could be also releasing in other markets. 5G networks are yet commercialized in Iran and Brazil.

Editor’s Pick: LG Dual Screen case technology used on the V50 ThinQ revealed

The above-shown snapshot of the LM-G910 handset with AIDA64 benchmarks running on it reveals that its SD845 SoC is coupled with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of UFS 2.1 storage. The device supports Bluetooth 5.0. Below shown is screengrab of the Geekbench 5 listing of the LG-G910.

The Geekbench 5 appearance of the LG Velvet 4G once again confirms the presence of Snapdragon 845 chipset and 6 GB of RAM. The device is loaded with Android 10 OS. It scored 440 and 2090, respectively on the single-core and multi-core tests of Geekbench.

The 4G edition of the LG Velvet could be borrowing some of its specs from its 5G counterpart. The key specs of the LG Velvet (LM-G900 model number) include 6.8-inch P-OLED Full HD+ notch display, up to 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of UFS 2.1 storage, 16-megapixel selfie camera, 48-megapixel + 8-megapixel + 5-megapixel triple camera system and 4,300mAh battery with 25W fast charging support.

(source 1, 2)

Rumored Samsung Galaxy A01 variant with removable battery spotted on Geekbench

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Jun 10, 2020

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy A01 entry-level smartphone in December 2019. With a pricing of $110 is available as the most affordable Galaxy A-series smartphone. Rumors have it that the South Korean company is planning to launch a cheaper version of the Galaxy A01 smartphone. The device is expected to arrive with a removable battery and could be called Galaxy A01e. The unannounced handset has appeared on the Geekbench benchmarking platform with some of its key specs.

The alleged Samsung Galaxy A01e with model number SM-A013F has surfaced on Geekbench 4. The model number of the Galaxy A01 that debuted last year is SM-A015F. The Geekbench listing reveals that the purported Galaxy A01e is powered by MediaTek MT6739 quad-core chipset from 2017 that works 1.5GHz.

The SoC is coupled with 1 GB of RAM. The device is loaded with the latest Android 10 OS and is expected to feature the latest version of One UI skin from Samsung. In the single-core test, the device scored 542 points. It recorded a score of 1468 in the multi-core test. Apart from the news that it could be coming with a removable battery, nothing else is known about the device.

Editor’s Pick: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Note 20, Fold 2 and Watch 3 to debut on August 5

Samsung Galaxy A01 specifications

The Samsung Galaxy A01 has a 5.7-inch IPS LCD notch display that offers 720 x 1520 pixels HD+ resolution. The One UI 2.0 based Android 10 OS runs on the smartphone. The Snapdragon 439 SoC along with 2 GB of RAM powers the device. The phone comes in 16 GB and 32 GB storage versions and has a dedicated microSD card slot.

The plastic rear of the phone features a 13-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual camera setup. It has a front camera of 5-megapixel. The device is backed by a 3,000mAh battery and it lacks a fingerprint reader.

(via 1, 2)

Nokia 9.3 PureView, Nokia 7.3 and Nokia 6.3 launch date reportedly postponed to Q4

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Jun 10, 2020

Recent reports had claimed that HMD Global will hold a mega launch event in Q3 2020. Devices such as Nokia 9.3 PureView, Nokia 7.3, and Nokia 6.3 was expected to get unveiled through the event. However, a fresh report on Nokia Power User states that the event has been postponed to Q4.

The report states that the development work on the above-mentioned phones is on track. However, the COVID-19 outbreak may force the company to push the launch event to early Q4. The exact timing of the launch event will still depend on the COVID-19 situation across the world.

The publication further mentions that the Finnish firm is testing the prototypes of Nokia 9.3 PureView, Nokia 7.3, and Nokia 6.3, and the progress seems to be on track. Rumors surrounding the Nokia 7.3 have revealed that one of its prototypes carries support for 5G connectivity. Hence, the device is expected to arrive as the most affordable 5G-ready Nokia phone. It could be coming with a 64-megapixel or 48-megapixel quad-camera system.

Editor’s Pick: Official teaser for the Nokia 5310 points to imminent India launch

The Nokia 6.3 mid-ranger could be powered with Snapdragon 67X SoC. Contradictory reports have claimed that it could be featuring Snapdragon 730. The handset is expected to flaunt a quad-camera setup on its back.

The Nokia 9.3 PureView is expected to arrive with features that will allow it to rival with flagship phones from other brands. It is likely to 120Hz refresh rate supporting display and it could be powered by Snapdragon 865 mobile platform. Its improved penta-lens setup could feature a 108-megapixel camera with ZEISS optics.

Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 unlikely to feature S Pen stylus

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Jun 10, 2020

Last year in August, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Fold foldable smartphone along with Galaxy Note 10 series. Rumors have it that the company will be holding an online-only Unpacked launch event on Aug. 5 to announce multiple devices including the Galaxy Note 20 series and Galaxy Fold 2. The original Galaxy Fold did not feature an S Pen stylus. As far as the Galaxy Fold 2 is concerned, some reports have claimed that it will come with a stylus while other reports have stated that the device will continue to lack stylus support. A fresh report on a South Korean publication The Elec states that the Galaxy Fold 2 is unlikely to feature an S Pen.

Samsung-Galaxy-Fold-2-Render--Benjanim Geskin — Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 render by Benjamin Geskin

The report states that it is due to the durability issues associated with the displays that Samsung decided to omit the inclusion of S Pen stylus on the Fold 2. It further mentions that the thickness of the Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) is less than a tenth of that of Corning’s Gorilla Glass 6 which is overlaid on the display of Galaxy Note 10. The thickness of the Note 10’s screen along with Gorilla Glass 6 layer is between 0.4mm to 1.2mm.

The durability of the UTG for Galaxy Fold 2 is said to be poor and it could be prone to scratches. The UTG used on the Galaxy Z Flip is 0.3mm only. The same UTG could be made available on the Galaxy Fold 2.

Editor’s Pick: Samsung to use UTG developed by Corning for its foldable phones next year

The original Samsung Galaxy Fold supported only a 60Hz refresh rate. Rumors surrounding the Galaxy Fold 2 have revealed that it could be coming with a larger 7.7-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate support. It is likely to come with a larger battery and better cameras. The Galaxy Fold came with 512 GB built-in storage. Speculations are rife that the Galaxy Fold 2’s base model will have 256 GB of native storage.

Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy Fold 2, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Watch 3 on Aug. 5. These devices are expected to release in the market on Aug. 20.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Note 20, Fold 2 and Watch 3 to debut on August 5

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Jun 10, 2020

A South Korean publication had recently reported that Samsung may hold the Unpacked unveil event on Aug. 5 to announce Galaxy Note 20 series and Galaxy Fold 2. Another South Korean publication has revealed the names of other devices that are expected to go official alongside the above-mentioned devices. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, Samsung will be holding an online event to announce its new devices.

According to The Korea Herald, Samsung will be launching Galaxy Z Flip 5G and Galaxy Watch 3 along with Galaxy Note 20 series and Galaxy Fold 2. Even reliable tipster Jon Prosser tweeted that the company would launch Galaxy Z Flip 5G on Aug. 5. The tipster believes that the Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy Fold 2, and Galaxy Z Flip 5G will be available for purchase from Aug. 20.

The South Korean publication has not revealed any information on the specs of the Galaxy Z Flip 5G. Samsung had launched Snapdragon 855 powered Galaxy Z Flip clamshell phone with foldable display earlier this year. The elegant device did not carry support for 5G connectivity. It is unclear which processor will be driving the Galaxy Z Flip 5G. Some rumors have claimed that the upcoming 5G edition will have a base storage of 256 GB and it may come in a new brown color.

Editor’s Pick: Samsung patents a new clamshell-like dual folding smartphone design

The Galaxy Note 20 is expected to come with a 6.4-inch flat S-AMOLED display whereas the Galaxy Note 20+ will have a curved 6.9-inch S-AMOLED screen. They are expected to come with respective batteries of 4,300mAh and 4,500mAh capacities. The Note 20 Plus is rumored to feature a 108-megapixel main shooter in its rear-mounted triple camera setup. The Galaxy Fold 2 is expected to come with a larger inner display of 7.7 inches.

The online Unpacked event is expected to be live-streamed across different platforms such as Samsung’s official site, Samsung Newsroom, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

TSMC announces a new 4nm process, an enhanced version of the 5nm process

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Jun 9, 2020

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has officially revealed the existence of a new 4nm manufacturing process which has remained unannounced before now. The manufacturing process falls between the 5nm and 3nm nodes that are already on the company’s roadmap.

TSMC Fab 6 — Source: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd

TSMC CEO Liu Deyin is reported to have announced at the company’s shareholders meeting, Tuesday, that the Taiwanese foundry will launch a 4nm process “N4”. The N4 process is an enhanced version of its most advanced 5nm process “N5P”, and is expected to enter mass production in 2023.

TSMC is obviously repeating the old routine of the 6nm process N6. It is an upgraded version of the strongest 7nm process N7+ . The advantage is that while performance and power consumption continue to be optimized, the design is compatible with each other. Customers can easily migrate and obtain it at a lower cost.

TSMC’s mobile chipset routine started at 16nm and it strictly adhered to the technical standards at that time but Samsung’s similar process was called 14nm. From the paper, TSMC’s 16nm process fell behind Samsung’s 14nm, so it strengthened and upgraded its 16nm node and that gave birth to the 12nm process. The rest, as they say, is history.

According to the plan, TSMC will mass-produce the first generation of 5nm in the fourth quarter of this year. The company has also completed the design framework of the 3nm process. The 3nm process is expected to enter trial production in the first half of 2021. The Taiwanese semiconductor giant is also accelerating the 2nm process.

(via)

Vivo X60s 5G powered by Snapdragon 765 appears on Geekbench

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Jun 9, 2020

The Vivo X50 series launched last week in China. The trio includes the Vivo X50, the Vivo X50 Pro, and the flagship Vivo X50 Pro+. Now Vivo is set to announce a new phone called the Vivo X60s 5G.

The Vivo X60s 5G has model number V2006 according to its Bluetooth certificate. Ahead of its release, the device has been spotted on Geekbench and the benchmark result reveals some key specs.

Benchmarked as the “vivo vivo 2006”, the phone runs Android 10, has 8GB of RAM and is powered by a Qualcomm processor said to be the Snapdragon 765 5G Mobile Platform.

There is a lot we still do not know about the phone including its design. Its launch date is also unknown but we do not think Vivo will announce the X60s 5G in its home country seeing as the X50 series just launched.

(Sources: 1, 2 |Via)

OnePlus TV 32-inch & 43-inch models with their remotes are Bluetooth certified

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Jun 9, 2020

OnePlus CEO Pete Lau earlier today confirmed that the company would launch the much-touted OnePlus TV on June 2. The smart TV has now reportedly been certified by Bluetooth SIG ahead of its launch.

The certification reveals the presence of two models – a 32-inch model and 43-inch variant. The remote controls for the two smart TVs were also certified. The 32-inch model comes with the model number 32HA0A00 while the 43-inch version has model number 43FA0A00 from which we infer the screen sizes.

Pete Lau also hinted that the smarter TV will come with an affordable pricing. This isn’t OnePlus’ first smart TV as the company took the veil off the OnePlus Q1 and Q1 Pro premium smart TVs last year in India. The Q1 is priced at INR69,900 while the Pro model carries a price tag of INR99,900. But Amazon India posted a landing page for the upcoming launch and subsequent sale, revealing prices will be starting from INR1X,999. There are rumours it could start at INR15,000 but if it goes higher, the highest it could get is INR19,999 (~$265).

There are speculations that OnePlus TV may share hardware with the Realme TV which also features a 32-inch and 43-inch model. This may be true since both companies are BBK subsidiaries.

Xiaomi launches the MIJIA T500C Sonic Electric Toothbrush

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Jun 9, 2020

Xiaomi has launched the MIJIA T500C Sonic Electric Toothbrush in China. The toothbrush is now on sale on Xiaomi Youpin for 269 yuan (~$38). The toothbrush is an upgraded variant of the T500 Sonic Electric Toothbrush launched last year.

The MIJIA T500C comes with a high-frequency vibration motor, supports IPX7 waterproof rating, overvoltage sensor reminder and wireless induction charging. The toothbrush can be customized through the Mijia app to personalize the cleaning mode.

The toothbrush is equipped with a high-precision acceleration sensor which can monitor the user’s brushing posture, angle and range. The brush supports smart overpressure reminder when the brushing force is too strong. When this happens, the toothbrush power indicator flashes automatically reduces the vibration intensity.

In addition, the MIJIA T500C is equipped with a second-generation magnetic suspension sonic motor that supports 31,000 vibrations per minute. The brush features three modes; standard mode for daily cleaning. There is a soft mode suitable for sensitive gums and a default novice mode that can be customized inside the MIJIA app.

Realme X3 SuperZoom to launch on June 26 in India

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Jun 9, 2020

It is no news that the Realme X3 SuperZoom will be launching in India but the date has not yet been officially released. However, we do not have to wait until the official announcement.

The Indian blog, 91Mobiles, has revealed that the Realme X3 SuperZoom will be announced on June 26. The info is reported to have come from retail sources.

The launch date is exactly a month after its debut in Europe. There is no mention of other devices launching alongside but there is a chance there will be at least one other phone.

Another product that may launch at the event is the Realme Buds Q. The TWS earbuds already launched in Europe and China last month, and have been confirmed to arrive in India with a price tag under INR 2000 (~$26). The Realme X3 SuperZoom launch event will be the perfect chance to announce the earbuds.

The Realme X3 SuperZoom has a price tag of €499 (~INR 42,738) in Europe. While India usually gets a lower price tag for a lot of phones, we expect it to be priced under INR 40,000 when it launches. It may even launch for significantly less if it comes with a different processor as hinted by the company’s CMO.

The phone has a 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Its screen has a punch hole for two selfie cameras – a 32MP + 8MP ultrawide angle camera. There is a Snapdragon 855+ processor under the hood along with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

The Realme X3 SuperZoom also has 64MP quad cameras with 5x optical zoom and 60x digital zoom. It has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB Type-C port. Its battery capacity is 4200mAh and there is support for 30W fast wired charging. Realme ships it with Android 10 out of the box.

(Source)

Timex partners with Huami to launch two Metropolitan smartwatches priced at $179

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Jun 9, 2020

Timex began manufacturing watches in 1854 and has over the decades built a reputation for itself as a world leader in watchmaking. The brand in 2018 announced a partnership with Huami that would help its foray into the smartwatch business. The Timex R300 was the brand’s first smartwatch launched in February 2020.

Timex Metropolitan R in Gunmetal (PRNewsfoto/Timex)

The US watchmaker is now set to launch its second smartwatch on June 10. The product will fall under the lifestyle-focused Metropolitan smartwatch collection and will feature software that was developed in partnership with Huami.

The Timex Metropolitan models feature an impressive high-resolution AMOLED touch display with vibrant colors that look bright under any ambient light condition. The watch also promises two weeks of battery life, making it a standout among competitors. The Metropolitan offers all the functionalities of a smartwatch, without sacrificing style, and continues the Timex Smart mission to provide accessibly priced, high-quality and durable smartwatches for people who live an active lifestyle.

Timex’s watchmaking expertise, combined with Huami’s enhanced sports, healthcare and AI technology, brings cutting-edge wearable technology to consumers around the world. The appetite from consumers for this wearable technology has been an influence in future launches from the brands that consumers will see over the next 12 months.

“We are excited to introduce another edition to our Timex Smart franchise. This new collection delivers on performance and one of the longest battery life on the market today. The Metropolitan collection for men and women combines the ease of soft-touch navigation and performance monitoring, delivering beauty and brains, as is expected for today’s smartwatches,” said Shawn Lawson-Cummings, SVP Advanced Technology & Sports, Timex Group.

Timex Metropolitan series is made up of the Metropolitan R with a round watch face and the Metropolitan S with a square-shaped watch face. The collection delivers always connected, smart technology, with elevated, sleek designs and notifications to stay on top of a busy lifestyle. Custom dials add an extra layer of personalization with over 20 dials to choose from. The water-resistant watch has on-board GPS, optical heart rate sensor, a 24/7 activity and sleep tracker for health and fitness goals and one easy to use app. The Metropolitan has all the bells and whistles of a truly substantial smartwatch.

As for the pricing, the Timex Metropolitan R is available in rose gold and gunmetal, and the Metropolitan S is available in black and rose gold. Both models are available for $179 at timex.com in the US and Canada as well as in select retailers across North America.

Huawei P50 series already in development; will set a new DXOMark record

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Jun 9, 2020

The Huawei P40 Pro currently sits atop DXOMark’s list of phones with the best cameras. Come next year, Huawei aims to retain the crown with the P50 series which is already in development according to an executive.

Details about the development of the next P-series flagship were revealed by Wang Yonggang, the General Manager of the P-series product line. He said that the time frame from development to launch of the P-series phones takes at least 18 months. This means the P50 series has already been in development even before the launch of the P40 series in March.

Wang stated that the global R&D team meets a year before the launch to discuss innovative technologies and solutions that will make it to the devices. Seeing as we are already in June and assuming the P50 series will launch in March next year, this meeting should already have taken place.

The company executive said the next P-series flagships will boast cutting-edge technologies including new breakthroughs when they arrive next year. Huawei is expected to launch the flagships with the new 5nm Kirin 1000 chipset that will appear first in the Mate 40 series after this year.

(Source)

Samsung to use UTG developed by Corning for its foldable phones next year

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Jun 9, 2020

In the past few years, full-screen design, as well as different styles of screen notch, have been the trend in the smartphone industry. However, foldable phones and 5G took the centre stage last year. Already, a few foldable smartphones have been launched, notably by Huawei and Samsung. The Korean company s now rumoured to have decided to use Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) on the upcoming Galaxy Fold 2 phone.

Last year, Corning was reported to be working on a Gorilla Glass for foldable phones. Samsung and Corning are said to be working to accelerate development and to set up a supply chain in the US. Samsung will reportedly use Corning UTG on foldable phones coming out next year. This will not only reduce costs but also reduce the weight of the UTG solution added to the phone. Corning has been reportedly able to make a glass that’s just 0.1mm thick and can fold to a radius of 5mm. Other details as regards the strength of the glass are still unknown.

Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Fold 2 will be unveiled in August alongside the Galaxy Note20. There is the possibility of the company launching a 5G version of the Z Flip as well.

Xiaomi confirms the Mi Mix 3 5G will get MIUI 12 in October but there’s a catch

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Jun 9, 2020

When Xiaomi announced the Mi Mix 3 5G at MWC 2019, the phone came preinstalled with Android 9.0 Pie-based MIUI 10. Since then, the company has pushed a major Android update, at least to some models and has also updated its custom ROM. The 5G phone missed out on both updates and that recently prompted a fan to float a petition on Change.org in a bid to get the Chinese tech giant to update the software.

Mi Mix 3 5G first 5G phone — Mi Mix 3 5G was Xiaomi’s first 5G phone

More tales of woe for the Mix 3 5G owners as Xiaomi has reportedly confirmed that it would push MIUI 12 update to the Mi Mix 3 5G in October. If you think that is good news, wait for the catch. A spokesperson for Xiaomi revealed this detail while responding to an inquiry by a fan. The Xiaomi spokesperson also hinted that the device will still be stuck with Android9 even with the MIUI 12 update. Thus, it is unlikely that the Mix 3 5G will ever be updated past Android 9.

The decision to push MIUI 12 to the 5G phone may be as a result of the company bowing to pressure from users who are agitating for an update. The phone is yet to get MIUI 11 update and may likely skip that entirely. But Xiaomi may likely never give the Mix 3 5G Android 10 update. The company had hinted that only a few units were sold and so software support were halted.

(via)

Redmi Note 7 Pro finally gets Android 10 stable update in China

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