Advertisement

OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T are now receiving Android Pie beta update

Although quite late, keeping its promise, OnePlus has now started rolling out Android 9 Pie beta update for the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T smartphones. This will be the third major Android release for the OnePlus 3-series smartphones.

Launched in 2016, OnePlus 3 and 3T were launched running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow operating system out-of-the-box. In 2017, the devices received Android 7 Nougat update and further received Android Oreo update last year.

OnePlus 3/3T Android Pie Beta

The new development comes as the China-based company has already guaranteed Android security updates for the phones till November 2019.

As the newly released update is the first beta update, you’ll need to install the Community Beta build manually by downloading the OTA ROM for the OnePlus 3 or the ROM for the OnePlus 3T. To install the update, place the downloaded file in the internal storage root folder and Open Settings -> System update -> Click top right setting icon and Choose Local update to update.

Further, the company has said that the phone’s boot loader should be locked before installing the ROM. It added that those who download the Community Beta build will get OTA update when the stable build is released. Those who are on the Open Beta will have to update the phone using the recovery, which will wipe the device’s data.

Read More: Pete Lau shares first OnePlus 7 official teaser, QHD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate for Pro model

While the stable version release date is not yet known, we are expecting the company to start rolling out Android Pie stable version for the OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T before the launch of its OnePlus 7 series smartphones next month.

  • Download Community Beta for OnePlus 3
  • Download Community Beta for onePlus 3T

(Source)

Get Great Discounts On Sharp Aquos S2, Sharp B10, Aquos S3 (D10) And Other Top-Branded Phones On Banggood

As part of its recently kicked-off ‘Sharp Brand Sale’, the Japanese electronics giant is offering the Aquos S2, Sharp B10, Aquos S3 (D10), Sharp R1 smartphones at lowered prices on Banggood.

The Aquos S2 usually retails for $189.99, but you can now buy it for just $161.99. This 15 percent discount will be valid for the phone’s black color version until April 22nd on Banggood. Note that there were only 99 pieces left for the promo.

Lucky Banggood users will also qualify for a free toughened membrane. This offer will be valid on the first come, first serve basis.
Alternatively, you can pre-order the global version of the Sharp B10 smartphone for a lowered price of just $141.36. This is a noteworthy 12 percent reduction in the device’s original asking price of $141.36. Note that the discount will specifically be valid for the black color version of the phone.
The Aquos S3 Global Version now carries a considerably lowered price tag of just $173.99 on Banggood. This is a significant 13 percent drop in the phone’s original asking price of $199.99. With only 99 pieces remaining, this promo is slated to end on April 22nd.

Those ordering the Aquos S3 from the promotion page will be eligible for receiving a free charging data cable. It is worth noting that this offer will be on the first come, first serve basis only. The Sharp R1 Global Version would normally set you back $119.99, but Banggood is giving its users a chance to get their hands on this feature-rich smartphone for a reduced price of just $99.99.

This 17 percent discount will be specifically available for the gold color version of the phone. There were only 99 pieces left for this promo, which will end on April 22nd.

In addition to the aforesaid Sharp-branded smartphones, the promotion page features a myriad of other well-received mobile phones under the ‘Must Have Phones’ category. More importantly, the devices included in the aforesaid section are available at heavily discounted prices.

Moreover, you can avail noteworthy discounts on a wide selection of mobile phone accessories as well. Aside from discounts, select items have been assigned coupons that can be used to save a considerable amount of money at checkout. You can click here to visit the promotion page and check out the rest of the products.

Buy DJI Mavic Series Drones At Lowered Prices [Coupons]

It looks like drones enthusiasts who have been waiting with bated breath to get their hands on the coveted DJI Mavic Series without spending a lot of money are in for a treat.

Here are top 4 drones from the DJI Mavic series that you can buy without emptying your pocket from China’s leading online stores. We’ll show how you can save a considerable amount of extra money at the time of checking out in just a bit.

DJI MAVIC 2 RC Pro Drone – Gray DJI MAVIC 2 PRO Only

The Mavic 2 Pro would normally set you back a pretty penny on both online as well as offline stores, but you can buy it for $1499 on Gearbest. This is a noteworthy 16 percent drop in the device’s original asking price of $1783.79.

Moreover, you can use coupon code GBDJIPRO5 to get an extra $161.01 off.  In other words, you can bring the already reduced selling price of the MAVIC 2 RC Pro Drone to just $1366.67 before placing your order.

You can visit this link to avail the discount and take advantage of the coupon, which is slated to expire on April 30th.

DJI MAVIC 2 Zoom RC Drone – Gray DJI MAVIC 2 Zoom Only (China standard plug)

The DJI MAVIC 2 Zoom RC Drone usually carries a steep $1418.61 price tag but much to the delight of cost-conscious buyers, Gearbest is now offering it for a lowered price of just $1299. In addition to availing the aforesaid 8 percent discount, you can use coupon code GBDJIZOOM5 and get an extra $233.01 off.

As a result, you can now get your hands on the DJI MAVIC 2 Zoom RC Drone for just $1095.37. Regrettably, the promo will only be valid for a limited period of time. You can visit this link to grab the discount and use the coupon and save extra money without breaking a sweat.

DJI Mavic Pro OcuSync RC Drone Quadcopter – Mavic Pro Fly More Combo

This small, yet powerful drone from DJI boasts an impressive array of features that justify the steep $2,299.99 price sticker it usually carries. In a bid to make it available to cost-conscious drone lovers, DJI is now offering it for a lowered price of $1,715.58 on Banggood.

If this 29 percent discount doesn’t impress you much, you can use coupon code ae5b0e to reduce the already slashed original asking price of the DJI Mavic Pro to just $1,021.99. The coupon helps you save $693.59 at checkout. Note that the coupon will lapse on April 30th.

You can head straight to this link in order to take full advantage of the discount and use the coupon.

 

DJI Mavic Air Foldable RC Drone

This foldable RC drone strikes a perfect balance between top-notch engineering and awe-inspiring design. The DJI Mavic Air delivers high-end flight performance, coupled with superior functionality.

You’d normally end up shelling out $1219 for the DJI Mavic Air Foldable RC Drone, but GeekBuying is giving its users an unmissable chance to buy the high-end drone for only $949. But that’s not all.

You can use coupon code ZOXLXUUN to extend this 22 percent discount. The coupon helps you save $10 more at the time of checking out and bring your grand total down to just $939 during the checkout process.

You can click here to visit the promotion page and avail the discount. It is worth mentioning here that the promo was on the verge of wrapping up at the time of writing.

Buy Durable, Stylish Protective Cases For Xiaomi Mi 9 At Unbeatable Prices

Following in the footsteps of its well-received predecessors, Xiaomi’s Mi 9 became an instant hit among smartphone lovers after hitting the store shelves in March this year.

Thanks to the Xiaomi Mi 9’s skyrocketing popularity and undying demand, the market is rife with the accessories including various phone cases that not only protect your handset but also enhances its overall appearance. Here are the Xiaomi Mi 9 phone cases that you buy without emptying your pocket.

Bakeey Flip Smart Sleep Mirror Window View Bracket Protective Case For Xiaomi Mi 9 on Banggood

Designed exclusively for the Mi 9 and Mi 9 Transparent Edition, this Bakeey branded protective case is ultra thin and sports a curved design for a comfortable grip. On top of that, this durable protective case can resist water and oil stains.

Moreover, you can choose between multiple eye-catching color options including royal, rose gold, sky blue, silver, gold, and black. While you’d normally associate a steep price tag with a high-end protective case offering comparable features, the Bakeey Flip Smart Sleep Mirror Window View Bracket Protective Case is available for only $12.08 on Banggood.

You can follow this link to check out more details and order your favorite color version of this beautiful protective case for the Xiaomi Mi 9.

Luxury Anti-Drop Soft TPU Case for Xiaomi Mi 9 on Gearbest

Made using high-quality TPU material, this ultra soft case for the Mi 9 repels fingerprints, scratches and is shock absorbent. The device efficiently protects the backside of the phone, while providing a comfortable and tight grip.

The Luxury Anti-Drop Soft TPU Case is currently up for grabs in black and cadet blue color versions bearing a $3.76 price tag on Gearbest. You can follow this link to buy this amazing case that offers complete edge protection to your Xiaomi Mi 9 smartphone.

NILLKIN Frosted Shield PC Hard Back Protective Case on Banggood

Compatible with the Mi 9 / Mi 9 Explorer Edition smartphones, the NILLKIN Frosted Shield PC Hard Back Protective Case is available in multiple color options including black, gold, white, red, blue and green.

This simple, yet stylish protective case carries a $12.08 price tag on Banggood. An absolute steal at this price, the NILLKIN Frosted Shield PC Hard Back Protective Case adopts a salient point design for a more comfortable grip. Moreover, it is wear-resistant, anti-skidding, dust-proof, anti-fingerprint and quite easy to clean. The protective case offers high rigidity, ensuring it doesn’t break off easily.

You can follow this link to check out more details and purchase this protective case from NILLKIN for your Mi 9 / Xiaomi Mi9 Transparent Edition phones.

 

For Xiaomi Mi 9 Case Armour Shock Proof on Gearbest

The Xiaomi Mi 9 Case Armour Shock Proof full body case is made using high-quality TPU material. Sporting the Novelty style, the phone case has dimensions of 6.18 x 2.95 x 0.3 inches and it weighs in at just 0.0400 kg.

The Xiaomi Mi 9 Case Armour Shock Proof usually retails for $5.83, but Gearbest users can now buy it for just $5.33. This is a noteworthy 9 percent reduction in the phone case’s original asking price. You can choose between blue-gray and black color versions. Aside from availing the aforesaid discount, you can get 10% off if you order 2 items and 20% off if you order three items. Those who spend $20 will also be eligible for receiving an add-on item for just $0.99.

You can visit this link to check out more details about the promo, which will be valid only for a limited period of time.

 

Bakeey Luxury Fabric Splice Soft Silicone Edge Shockproof Protective Case on Banggood

Designed to provide full corner protection, this Bakeey Luxury Fabric Splice Soft Silicone Edge Shockproof Protective Case adopts a unibody button protection design. On top of that, it is anti-slip and anti-fingerprint as well.

The Bakeey Luxury Fabric Splice Soft Silicone Edge Shockproof Protective Case is compatible with your Mi 9 / Xiaomi Mi9 Mi 9 Transparent Edition smartphones and it is available in grey, navy blue, blue & yellow, and black & grey color versions.

You can buy this durable back color which is made using high-quality carbon fiber, PC, silicone, and PU Leather on Banggood if you are willing to shell out $8.88. In order to check out more details and place your order, simply follow this link without wasting time.

Nubia Red Magic 3 will launch on April 28

Nubia Red Magic 3 is officially confirmed to launch on April 28 in Beijing, China. The brand’s general manager, Ni Fei made this announcement earlier today via a Weibo post. The event will be held at the RNG eSports Center in Beijing.

Nubia Red Magic 3 launch teaser

 

The Red Magic 3 has been in the news for the past few weeks. Many of the features have been directly revealed by Nubia’s executives, including a battery capacity of more than 5000mAh. This should be supported by a 30W charger. Other highlight features include Snapdragon 855 chip with up to 12GB RAM on board. Given that this is a gaming flagship, the company is handling the cooling department with the help of a combination of liquid and air cooling.

As for the display, the Red Magic 3 is said to feature a screen with a high refresh rate. While it may not be as high as 120Hz as seen on the Razer phone, but anything close to this figure should elevate the gaming experience on the device. As for gaming controls, the phone will come with shoulder buttons as well as 4D vibration motors for a complete gaming experience.

Expect a lot more details in the next few days.

 

(Source)

Lenovo Z6 Pro confirmed to feature quad cameras capable of taking 100 MP photos

Lenovo recently confirmed that the Chinese company’s upcoming flagship smartphone — Lenovo Z6 Pro will be officially launched in its home country on 23rd April. Ahead of the phone’s launch, a lot of details have been revealed online.

In the latest update, the company’s Vice President and General Manager of Lenovo’s consumer business in China has shared a few photos of the phone’s features, confirming its camera capabilities.

Lenovo Z6 Pro Rear Camera

It confirms that the Lenovo Z6 Pro will come with four camera sensors on the back side and the primary sensor will be of 48-megapixels. It also confirms that the phone will be capable of taking 100-megapixel photos, making it the first smartphone powered by Snapdragon 855 SoC to do so.

Recently, it was leaked that the smartphone will come with a waterdrop notch display and will offer 90 percent screen-to-body ratio. Further, the phone will also come with an in-display fingerprint sensor.

Lenovo Z6 Pro Rear Camera

Last week, the company’s executive had posted a screenshot of the phone’s network icons on Weibo, confirming that the upcoming flagship smartphone, Z6 Pro, will come with support for 5G connectivity.

As said, the phone will be powered by Qualcomm’s latest and greatest Snapdragon 855 chipset, making it the company’s second smartphone to be using this chipset after Lenovo Z5 Pro GT, which also offer up to 12GB of RAM.

Read More: Lenovo’s upcoming flagship Z6 Pro is codenamed “Monkey King”, aims to take on Xiaomi Mi 9

Currently, no more information is available about this upcoming Lenovo flagship smartphone. However, the launch date is just a couple of days away, so it isn’t much of a wait before we come to know for sure what the Lenovo Z6 Pro packs, as well as its pricing and availability details.

Ahead of the phone’s official launch on 23rd April, the Lenovo Z6 Pro has been made available for reservations through the company’s official website and JD.com in China.

(Source)

Redmi Y3 could launch as an Amazon exclusive smartphone in India

Redmi, a newly independent smartphone brand that split from its parent company Xiaomi earlier this year, is all set to launch a selfie-centric smartphone in India the Indian market next week, on 24th April.

The upcoming smartphone, which will feature a 32 MP front-facing snapper, is expected to be the Redmi Y3 — the next-generation device in the selfie-focused Y lineup and the successor to the Redmi Y2.

Redmi Y3 32 MP Front Camera Phone Launch Date

Now, ahead of the phone’s launch, the phone has been listed on Amazon India website with a ‘Notify Me’ button, hinting that the device could be available for purchase exclusively via Amazon.in India upon its launch.

The company has confirmed that the smartphone features a 32 MP camera sensor on the front side as it reads “32MP Super Selfie” but does not reveal any other information related to the phone. But, the phone’s landing page on Amazon India confirms that the phone packs Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and will offer two-day battery life.

For the front-facing camera, the company is expected to employ Samsung’s 32-megapixel ISOCELL Bright GD1 image sensor that was announced back in October last year. The phone will be running Android 9 Pie-based MIUI 10 out-of-the-box.

Read More: Xiaomi working hard for 100W Super Charge Turbo technology mass production, claims Xiaomi President

Earlier this month, leaked information had revealed that the company may launch the Redmi Y3 phone in India after the launch of its budget Redmi 7 smartphone in India. So, there’s a possibility that Xiaomi could launch both these smartphones at the same launch event on 24th April in India.

(Source)

Buy Xiaomi Mi 9 SE Global Version For Just $329 on Giztop [$20 Off Coupon]

Xiaomi has launched its new phone dubbed the Mi 9 SE. One of the phone’s USPs includes the Snapdragon 712 processor, making it the only phone that packs this newfangled chipset under the hood. While the Mi 9 SE doesn’t boast top-end specs like its feature-rich precursor the Mi 9, it still boasts a fairly good array of features that justify its position in the premium upper mid-range category.

Before we delve further into the details, it might interest you to know that you can get your hands on the global version of the Mi 9 SE on Giztop without breaking the bank. The Xiaomi Mi 9 SE Global Version would normally set you back $349, but you can save $20 by applying coupon code M9SE20.

In other words, you can bring the original selling price of the Mi 9 SE Global Version down to only $329 simply by applying the aforesaid coupon during the checkout process. The global version is available in black and blue color options that feature 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage capacity. An absolute steal at this price, the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE Global Version sports an appealing 5.97-inch Samsung AMOLED display, FHD+ display with a screen resolution of 2340×1080 pixels. The phone is powered by 10nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 AIE 2.3GHz processor and it uses a competent Adreno 616 610MHz GPU for a superior viewing experience.

On the optics front, the Mi 9 SE Global Version houses a Sony IMX 586 48MP+13MP+8MP triple camera set up at the back. Up front, there’s a 20MP AI camera for selfies and video chats. The phone ships with 6GB LPDDR4x RAM and offers 64GB/128GB UFS2.1 storage capacity for you to save your favorite multimedia content.

The phone runs MIUI 10.2 based on Android 9.0 Pie operating system and draws its juices from a robust 3070mAh battery that supports 18W Fast Charge. For additional protection, the Xiaomi Mi 9 SE Global Version features a 5th generation In-Display Fingerprint Scanner.

You can head straight to this link in order to check out the full specifications and use the coupon for a $20 off before it expires.

Top 5 Air Purifiers That Don’t Cost A Bomb [Coupons]

There’s no dearth of options when it comes to choosing air purifiers. If you’re in the market for a cost-effective air purifier that doesn’t disappoint in terms of performance, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are the top 5 air purifiers from leading brands that you can now buy without emptying your pocket:

Alfawise P1 HEPA Mini Desktop Air Purifier on Gearbest

The compact Alfawise P1 is a great choice for small bedrooms and offices. It delivers 4 times air purification for rooms 8.5 sq. meters or smaller with 80 cubic meters per hour CARD rate.

The Alfawise P1 HEPA Mini Desktop Air Purifier usually retails for $53.72, but you can now buy it for just $49.99 on Gearbest. This is a noteworthy 7 percent reduction in the device’s original asking price.

With only 100 pieces remaining, this promo is slated to end in five days. You can follow this link to grab the discount, which is available for the white color version of the air purifier.

Xiaomi MiJia Car Air Purifier on GeekBuying

Equipped with double fans, the Xiaomi Car Air Cleaner delivers accelerated air cleaning process. It is capable of cleaning car air about 3-7 times and has a mute mode that covers 60 sq. meters per hour.

The Xiaomi Car Air Cleaner would normally set you back $99.99, but GeekBuying users can now buy it for only $79.99. This 20 percent discount can be expanded further with the help of coupon code NSLMKKYZ.The aforesaid coupon helps you save $14 more by reducing the already lowered retail price of the Xiaomi MiJia Car Air Purifier to just $65.99 before placing your order. You can visit this link to grab the discount.

 

VIOMI From XIAOMI Youpin Aromatherapy Diffuser Ultrasonic Humidifier Led Light Air Purifier on Banggood

This Aromatherapy Diffuser releases a fragrant mist that provides a calming effect without making a lot of noise. It adopts an advanced ultrasonic vaporizing diffusion technology to ensure your home smells better all the time.

In order to get your hands on the XIAOMI Youpin Aromatherapy Diffuser Ultrasonic Humidifier, you’d normally end up shelling out $65.04, but Banggood is for a lowered price of just $56.25.

Aside from availing this 14 percent discount, Banggood users can get KCASA KC-DKA1 bar drinking turntable as a free gift. You can follow this link to get the discount and stand a chance to win a free gift before the promo wraps up!

 

Mini Air Purifier Smart Living Space Cleaner on GearVita

The Mini Air Purifier Smart Living Space Cleaner comes with multiple filters including the EPA air filter that ensures your room is free from dust particles and other impurities. This plug-and-play Mini air purifier is designed to help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
The Mini Air Purifier is available in two appealing color versions including gray and green. You can buy this feature rich air purifier for just $31.99 on GearVita by visiting this link.

 

Original Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier Filter (Enhanced Version) on Gearbest

This enhanced version of the Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier Filter can efficiently remove formaldehyde, PM2.5, peculiar smell, and other impurities. It adopts a three-layer filter that comprises Primary filter net, H11 high-efficiency filter net, and activated carbon filter.

The Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier Filter carries a $47.89 price tag, but cost-conscious buyers who aren’t willing to shell out that kind of money on an air purifier can use coupon code GIZMOGB02 and get it at $40.99 which limited 20 times.

You can visit this link to use the coupon before it expires.

The affordable Nokia 1 Plus makes its debut in the UK

HMD Global’s Nokia unveiled the Nokia 1 Plus during the Nokia 9 PureView launch event at MWC 2019. The company also announced the Nokia 210 feature phone alongside the Nokia 3.2, and Nokia 4.2. Nokia 1 Plus has now become available in the UK from Carphone Warehouse and it carries a price tag of £89.99. According to TechRadar, the phone will also soon become available from other retailers such as Amazon and Argos.Nokia 1 Plus

The Nokia 1 Plus is an entry-level device that is light on the pocket. The major highlight of the model is the pure Android OS it offers, running Android 9 Pie Go Edition. The device features a 5.45-inch IPS LCD screen with 18:9 aspect ratio and support for a resolution of 480 x 960 pixels.nokia 1 plus

Read Also: Redmi Go vs Nokia 1 Plus vs Asus Zenfone Live L1: Specs Comparison

It is powered by a MediaTek MT6739 chipset paired with 1 GB of RAM.  There is 8GB of internal storage onboard. You also get an external microSD card slot in case you need to ramp up the storage. The Nokia 1 Plus packs an 8MP camera with autofocus and an LED flash at the rear. For selfies, there is a 5MP shooter. The handset crams a 2,500mAh batttery under its hood. The phone comes in Black, Red and Blue colours.

(source)

Samsung allegedly behind theft of ASML’s electronic chips production software, not China

Chinese tech companies have been accused of many things in recent times, one of which is intellectual property theft. Recently, it was reported that some persons suspected to Chinese nationals stole software from Dutch chip manufacturer ASML. In no distant time, the news was carried by Dutch newspaper Financieele Dagblad. Some local politicians even suggested that it might be state-sponsored espionage. All that has changed as ASML CEO Peter Wennink has finally revealed who they discovered was responsible for the intellectual property theft.Samsung

In an interview on Dutch television, the CEO refuted the earlier rumour that China was responsible. Wennink instead reportedly disclosed that the heist was carried out by its biggest Korean customer. That happens to be Samsung even though the CEO left off short of mentioning the name of the company, even when prodded by the interviewer. Wennink also hinted that the company was able to reach that damning conclusion through the aid of an external independent investigator to unravel who was behind the theft. This rules the espionage as ordinary business espionage and not state espionage.

The theft was apparently executed by former Chinese employees of the chip giant who stole the software to set up their own company named Xtal based in the US. The company was aimed at taken on ASML and to provide Samsung with a cheaper alternative. Samsung allegedly holds a 30% share in the startup. The software in question is a vital tool for setting up chip machines for optimum production of electronic chips.

An official statement from Samsung sent via e-mail to LetsGoDigital read; “Samsung makes it a top priority to protect and respect the intellectual property rights of others. We are deeply disappointed at media reports that had widely assumed or even suggested of Samsung’s involvement in any wrongdoing against ASML, which are not true. While we cannot disclose details of our business deals, Samsung had made precautions so as to adhere to all laws and regulations with its development contract with Xtal, including a clause that specifically prohibits the illegal use of 3rd-party IPs. All products that have resulted from our partnership with Xtal do not interfere with ASML’s IPs. We would also like to clarify that, unlike media reports, our partnership with ASML has remained strong without discontinuation”.

Read Also: Leak shows Samsung Galaxy A60 has a punch hole display and Snapdragon 675 processor

Samsung still remains one of ASML’s major clients and we don’t know how this damning allegation will affect their partnership.

(source)

Huawei P30 Review – Better Than the P30 Pro?

It seems that no one is talking about the Huawei P30 – a slimmed down version of the P30 Pro. The phone is significantly cheaper, more compact and it even has some advantages over its bigger brother. For example, it has a headphone jack and the phone is more compact. Learn more in the full Huawei P30 review. 

VIDEO REVIEW

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnfbbA-jFGs[/embedyt]

UNBOXING

The phone ships with all the usual stuff and some extras include a soft TPU case and a pair of earphones. However, the set of accessories may vary, depending on where you buy the phone from.

DESIGN and DISPLAY

Design-wise, the P30 does look similar to the P30 Pro but there are a few key differences.

First, it’s more compact and comfortable to hold in the hand.

The build quality is equally great as we have a sturdy metal frame, very nice buttons, and glass on the front and rear.

That compact size has to do with a smaller OLED display that I found to be really nice and sharp overall. Also, the panel is flat, so if you are a hater of curved screens, you will appreciate that.

Flip the phone to the back and you will find a triple camera setup instead of 4 cameras found on the Pro model. However, this is a pretty powerful imaging system and it consists of 40 MP (f/1.8, 27mm) wide lens, 16 MP (f/2.2, 17mm) ultrawide sensor and 8 MP )f/2.4, 80mm) telephoto snapper. 

On the front, we have the same beefy 32MP selfie shooter. Unfortunately, the phone does not have an LED notification light.

One really important downgrade – the P30 is just IP53 certified whereas the Pro model has IP68 certification. That means that the P30 can survive only accidental water splashes and the P30 Pro can be submerged under water.

Other key features include the in-display fingerprint scanner that so far has been working really well. Also, facial recognition is fast and accurate. The phone also has a headphone jack, expandable Huawei’s nano-memory slot, dual-SIM support and a bottom firing loudspeaker that is really good. In fact, the quality of sound is so good that it can rival dual stereo speaker systems on other phones. Here is a quick audio sample.  

HARDWARE and PERFORMANCE

[envira-gallery id=”248145″]

When it comes to hardware, the P30 uses the same Kirin 980 chipset as the P30 Pro model. You also get plenty of RAM and storage (64/128/256 GB, 8 GB RAM or 128 GB, 6 GB RAM).

As you may expect, gaming performance is excellent as the device can handle all 3D games you throw at it.

USER INTERFACE

[envira-gallery id=”248154″]

The EMUI is Huawei’s skin that offers plenty of features and customization options and it is built on top of the latest Android 9. Whether you like the EMUI or not, it’s up to you.

I personally love its feature set but my favorite thing about the UI – it’s speed and fluidity. I’ve used plenty of Huawei phones over the years and the P30 continues the tradition of being one of the fastest devices out there. Great overall performance.

IMAGE QUALITY

[envira-gallery id=”247980″]

The overall image quality is really good and it’s comparable to most of the flagships out there. Pictures are sharp, detailed and dynamic range is usually on point. If we compare the quality to the P30 Pro, you will see that the image processing is a bit different but in general, both camera systems take comparable pictures whether you use the main or wide angle lens.

The P30 has 3x optical and 5x hybrid zoom that lets you take high-quality telephoto pictures. However, the P30 Pro is simply better in this department as it offers more zoom range and better quality. See the video review for comparison

[envira-gallery id=”248084″]

Low light image quality is really good. What’s even more impressive is that the P30 goes toe to toe with the P30 Pro. You can take really nice pictures using the main, wide angle and even telephoto lens in low light. The dedicated night mode takes one of the best low-light pictures out there.

[envira-gallery id=”248120″]

Selfies look really nice and sharp too both in auto and portrait modes.

[envira-gallery id=”248137″]

Portrait pictures taken with the main camera look pretty good too.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B_lV5jcyi8[/embedyt]

The 4K video looks pretty good overall as there is a good amount of detail and sharpness. Also, the footage is quite stable even though there is no OIS. However, once you start switching between different cameras, they may struggle with autofocus.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBk9XtHFCUs[/embedyt]

1080p selfie video looks quite good but sound recording quality does not impress.

CONNECTIVITY

The P30 uses a traditional earpiece and the call quality is really good. I also found signal reception to be great, GPS is accurate and Wifi is fast. There are also plenty of sensors onboard.

BATTERY LIFE

The phone ships with 3650 mAh power bank. The battery life has been excellent. On average, you should expect to get from 8 to over 10 hours of screen-on, depending on how you use the device.

You can fully charge the phone in just over 1 hour. Unfortunately, there is no wireless charging feature that is found on the Pro model.

CONCLUSIONS

The Huawei P30 is a solid all-around flagship that costs significantly less than the competition and its bigger brother – the P30 Pro.

I love a compact design, great build, nice and sharp display, great overall performance, battery life and obviously, a compelling camera setup that can compete with the P30 Pro.

I do miss wireless charging and I think this phone should have IP68 certification. Huawei also removed an IR blaster and there was no space for the LED notification light.

Other than that, the Huawei P30 is a solid flagship smartphone that has plenty of premium features and it costs less than the P30 Pro. Therefore, we can easily recommend it.

Pete Lau shares first OnePlus 7 official teaser, QHD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate for Pro model

OnePlus‘ CEO, Pete Lau, has shared the first official teaser for the OnePlus 7. The new flagship is said to be “Fast and Smooth”.

The teaser doesn’t reveal much but shows a part of the phone. We want to believe this is the OnePlus 7 Pro as the screen is curved.

OnePlus is expected to launch three variants of its next flagship. The OnePlus 7 itself has been reported to have a flat display while a Pro model will come with a larger curved display. A 5G variant is also expected to launch.

While OnePlus itself has kept a tight lip on features, a leaker has spilled more details on the upcoming OnePlus 7 Pro.

Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24) revealed in a tweet that the Pro version will actually have a Quad HD+ display. This will be the highest resolution on a OnePlus device. The panel will be Super AMOLED and will have a refresh rate of 90Hz according to the leaker.

Most phones have a 60Hz refresh rate. A higher refresh rate means animations and overall interactions will be smoother. This is probably the feature OnePlus is most hyped about.

He also mentions that the OnePlus 7 Pro will have triple rear cameras which includes a wide-angle camera and a telephoto camera for zoom. It will also have stereo speakers, support for USB 3.1, and pack a 4,000mAh battery with Warp Charge 30.

We are pretty excited about the bigger battery and with warp Charge 30, you should be able to recharge it pretty quickly too.

READ MORE: OnePlus jets into the Top 5 premium phone brands globally for the first time

Galaxy A40s and Galaxy A60 launched in China

Samsung has announced new Galaxy A smartphones in China today. The lineup includes the Galaxy A40s, the Galaxy A60 with a punch hole display, the Galaxy A70, and the Galaxy A80 which has triple rotating cameras.

Galaxy A40s, Galaxy A60, Galaxy A70, and Galaxy A80

Galaxy A40s

The Galaxy A40s, which is actually a rebranded Galaxy M30 for China, has a 6.4-inch FHD+ Infinity U display. The notch houses a 16MP selfie camera. The phone is powered by the 14nm Exynos 7904 processor and it is paired with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

The A40s comes with triple rear cameras – a 13MP primary camera, a 5MP super wide-angle camera, and a 5MP depth sensor. The phone also packs a 5000mAh battery with 15W fast charging and a fingerprint scanner on the back.

The Galaxy A40s will sell for ¥1499 (~$224).

Galaxy A60

Galaxy A60

The Galaxy A60 is also official now. Apparently, the images from this morning was from the event. The phone has a 6.7-inch FHD+ punch hole LCD (not AMOLED) display with a 32MP selfie camera. Samsung says the phone has a screen-to-body ratio of 92% and the punch hole is smaller at 4.8mm than that of the Honor View 20 and Galaxy A8s. It also ditches the traditional speaker at the top for sound-on-display technology just like the Galaxy A80.

The A60 has triple rear cameras – a 32MP primary camera, an 8MP super wide-angle camera, and a 5MP depth sensor. It is powered by the Snapdragon 675 processor and has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It packs a 3,500mAh battery and a fingerprint scanner too and is priced at ¥1999 ($299).

READ MORE: Samsung launches Galaxy A2 Core Android Go phone in India

Honor 20i vs Samsung Galaxy M30 vs Redmi Note 7 Pro: Specs Comparison

Huawei officially launched the Honor 20i, that is the Chinese variant of the imminent device which will hit the global market under the Honor 20 Lite moniker. It is nothing more than a typical Huawei mid-ranger, but it will be offered at a very interesting price tag. That is what it will put it in competition with some of the most affordable mid-rangers which catalyzed the public’s attention. Among these, two devices which deserve a lot of attention are definitely the Redmi Note 7 Pro by Xiaomi and the Galaxy M30 by Samsung. If you are looking for a new mid-range phone to buy in this first half of 2019, here is a specs comparison between the new Honor 20i and these two very affordable handsets.

 

Huawei Honor 20i vs Samsung Galaxy M30 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro

Huawei Honor 20i Samsung Galaxy M30 Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT 154.8 x 73.6 x 8 mm, 164 grams 159 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm 159.2 x 75.2 x 8.1 mm, 186 grams
DISPLAY 6.21 inches, 1080 x 2340p (Full HD+), 415 ppi, IPS LCD 6.4 inches, 1080 x 2340p (Full HD+), 394 ppi, Super AMOLED  6.3 inches, 1080 x 2340 pixels, 409 ppi, 19.5:9 ratio, IPS LCD
PROCESSOR Huawei Hisilicon Kirin 710, octa-core 2.2 GHz Samsung Exynos 7904, octa-core 1.8 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, octa-core 2 GHz
MEMORY 6 GB RAM, 64 GB  – 4 GB RAM, 128 GB – 6 GB RAM, 128 GB –  6 GB RAM, 256 GB – micro SD slot 4 GB RAM, 64 GB  – 6 GB RAM, 128 GB – micro SD slot  4 GB RAM, 64 GB – 6 GB RAM, 128 GB – micro SD slot
SOFTWARE Android 9 Pie, EMUI Android 8.1 Oreo  Android 9 Pie, MIUI
CONNECTIVITY Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS  Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS
CAMERA Triple 24 + 8 + 2 MP f/1.8 and f/2.4 and f/2.4
32 MP f/2.0 front camera
Triple 13 + 5 + 5 MP f/1.9 and f/2.2 and f/2.2
16 MP f/2.0 front camera
Dual 48 + 5 MP f/1.7 and f/2.4
13 MP front camera
BATTERY 3400 mAh, fast charging 10W 5000 mAh, fast charging 15W  4000 mAh, Fast Charging with Quick Charge 4
ADDITIONAL FEATURES Hybrid Dual SIM slot Hybrid Dual SIM slot Hybrid Dual SIM slot

Design

There is definitely no challenge, at least in my opinion: Honor 20i is the most beautiful device here. It sports a stunning reflective back made of glass, as well as a borderless display with a waterdrop notch which reaches a very high screen-to-body ratio, even higher than Redmi Note 7 Pro. It is even more attractive if you consider that it is lighter and thinner than both Redmi Note 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy M30. On the other hand, Redmi Note 7 Pro comes with very nice build quality as it is water resistant (even though it does not have an IP certification) and it sports the Gorilla Glass 5 protection for its display.

 

Display

While Honor 20i wins the design comparison, Samsung Galaxy M30 comes with a definitely better display. The Super AMOLED technology guarantees more vivid color as well as deeper blacks, and it is present on most of Samsung devices, while almost every midrange phone from the concurrency comes with a standard IPS LCD display. Samsung Galaxy M30 also has a slightly wider panel than Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro and Huawei Honor 20i.

 

Specs & Software

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro is the fastest and performing device of this trio. It is powered by the upper-midrange Snapdragon 675 chipset that Xiaomi defines even better than the Snapdragon 710 due to its high CPU power. Honor 20i comes in a variant with more internal storage (256 GB), but its SoC is not at the same level as the Snapdragon 675; just to give you an idea, the Kirin 710 can be compared to the Snapdragon 660 as it offers very similar daily and graphics performance. Samsung Galaxy M30 is the less suitable one for people searching for high performance. Each device comes with a customized Android version, but while Honor 20i and Redmi Note 7 Pro have Android Pie out of the box, Samsung Galaxy M30 still comes with Android Oreo.

 

Camera

Despite it is the only to still come with a dual camera, Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro should provide the most impressive photo quality thanks to its main 48 MP sensor. It manages to shoot pretty nice photos in low light conditions and it captures a high level of detail. On the other hand, Honor 20i comes with a triple camera setup including a useful ultrawide lens. Further, it comes with a way better selfie camera sporting a 32 MP resolution. Samsung Galaxy M30’s camera is definitely not its strongest point, but it is still above-average for a midrange device like this.

 

Battery

Samsung Galaxy M30 wins the battery comparison due to a much bigger battery with a 5000 mAh capacity. But Redmi Note 7 Pro remains a great battery phone with its 4000 mAh. Honor 20i is just average with a 3400 mAh unit.

 

Price

Honor 20i debuted with a €210/$238 price tag, Redmi Note 7 Pro costs about €200/$225 and Samsung Galaxy M30 starts from about €250/$282. Overall, Redmi Note 7 Pro is the most balanced and interesting device due to its very good rear camera, big battery and better chipset.

 

Huawei Honor 20i vs Samsung Galaxy M30 vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro: PROs and CONS

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro

PROs CONS
  • Better hardware
  • Affordable price
  • Great camera
  • Big battery
  • Nothing particular

 

Samsung Galaxy M30

PROs CONS
  • Bigger battery
  • Nice display
  • High screen-to-body ratio
  • Micro SD dedicated slot
  • Still Android Oreo

 

Huawei Honor 20i

PROs CONS
  • Good design
  • Nice cameras
  • Affordable price
  • Good hardware
  • Smaller battery

 

TSMC unveils its 6nm process, a cost-effective enhancement of its industry-leading 7nm tech

Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturing giant TSMC has announced a new 6-nanometer (N6) process for the manufacture of mobile phone processors. The new 6nm process provides a significant enhancement of its industry-leading 7nm technology and offers customers a highly competitive performance-to-cost advantage as well as fast time-to-market with direct migration from N7-based designs.http://en.ctimes.com.tw/DispNews.asp?O=HK34GBZ57EISAA00NV

The new 6nm technology will leverage the capabilities of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography gained from the N7+ technology. Recall that TSMC recent unveiled its N7+ process which involves the incorporation of EUV on TSMC’s 7nm. The process will be used on Hisilicon Kirin 985 and is said to have entered risk production.

Read Also: Redmi AirDots vs QCY T1: Which TWS Earphones You Should Pick

The new 6nm process delivers 18% higher logic density over the 7nm process despite having design rules that are fully compatible with TSMC’s proven N7 technology. This compatibility allows its comprehensive design ecosystem to be reused. This gives the advantage of a seamless migration path with a fast design cycle time. The engineering resources needed to push this new process out to customers are also very limited, thus it will be a cost-effective upgrade. The cost-effective benefits of the 6nm process, while extending the industry-leading power and performance from the 7nm famil, range from improvement in AI, consumer applications, networking, 5G infrastructure, GPU, and high-performance computing.

(source)

Xiaomi announces Mi 9 SE is getting a global release

The Mi 9 SE launched as the first phone powered by the Snapdragon 712 processor. Actually, it is still the only phone powered by the chipset.

Even though it is a less powerful version of the Mi 9, the Mi 9 SE still packs some pretty impressive specs that put it in the premium upper mid-range category. It rocks an AMOLED display, has an in-display fingerprint scanner, and has the same exquisite finish as the Mi 9. It also has triple rear cameras, albeit of a different configuration.

Its predecessor, the Mi 8 S, didn’t get a global release but Xiaomi has officially confirmed today that the Mi 9 SE will be available outside China.

This isn’t actually news as third-party retailers have been selling a global version of the Mi 9 SE already. However, what this means is that you will soon be able to purchase this from Xiaomi or official distributors in your home country.

Xiaomi hasn’t revealed which countries will be getting it yet but that should become public knowledge in the coming weeks.

The Mi 9 SE has a 5.97-inch 1080 x 2340 Super AMOLED waterdrop display covered with Gorilla Glass 5. Its Snapdragon 712 processor is paired with 6GB of RAM with 64GB or 128GB of storage. There is a 48MP f/1.8 camera on the back of the phone which is paired with a 13MP f/2.4 ultra-wide angle camera and an 8MP f/2.4 telephoto camera. Its selfie camera is a 20MP sensor

It has a 3070mAh battery under its Gorilla Glass back which supports 18W fast charging but skips the Mi 9’s wireless charging. It also doesn’t have an audio jack. The Mi 9 SE runs Android Pie out of the box.

READ MORE: Xiaomi suspends Redmi 6, Redmi 6A and Redmi S2 Android Pie update

Honor 20i Review: A Middle Range Phone Simply Irresistible

In a bid to tighten their grip in the smartphone market, leading handset manufacturers are diverting their focus from performance to photography. Taking this into consideration, renowned evaluation agency DxOMark started listing mobile phones’ self-timer scores individually.

Honor 20i

While non-flagship phones are usually loaded with basic features in order to keep its price tag low, some manufacturers are also focusing on self-timer. As a result, regular models end up housing front shooters that offer only elemental features, leaving very few options for selfie addicts who are living on a tight budget.

Today, April 17th, Honor officially unveiled the first smartphone in its hotly-anticipated Glory 20 lineup. Dubbed as the Honor 20i, the phone was launched at the D Live Living Hall in the 751 East District of Beijing. The phone retains the youth-oriented style, adding a 32MP pre-camera. Here’s what the Honor 20i offers in terms of appearance, photography and other specifications.

Honor 20i

Honor 20i

Honor 20i

Awe-Inspiring Appearance

As the first member in the Honor 20 series, the Honor 20i sports an appearance that would sweep smartphone lovers off their feet. It sports an extra large 6.21-inch display and adopts a three-sided narrow bezel design, which paves the way for the 90+% screen ratio the display offers.

 

honor 20i

Top-Notch Photography Performance

Housed in a compact body, the Honor 20i is a great choice for ladies who fancy operating their mobile phones using one hand. Touted as a “self-timer artifact,” the USP of the Honor 20i is concealed in this “black pearl.” The front-mounted 32MP sensor is beautifully blended into the pearl screen design, without eliminating the hidden earpiece.

Honor 20i Selfie Camera sample
Honor 20i Selfie Camera sample
Honor 20i Selfie Camera sample
Honor 20i Selfie Camera sample

 

The phone houses a vertically-arranged 24MP super wide-angle three-shot AI camera at the back that delivers superior word recognition. In terms of unlocking, there’s a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor as well as front face unlocking method to ensure maximum safety of the content stored on your phone.

Honor 20i rear triple cameras sample
Honor 20i rear triple cameras sample
Honor 20i rear triple cameras sample
Honor 20i rear triple cameras sample
Honor 20i rear triple cameras sample
Honor 20i rear triple cameras sample

Moreover, the Honor 20i features a 32MP selfie shooter, which is deemed as one of the highest configurations available in the market as far as smartphones are concerned. This kind of configurations is usually found on top flagship phones, among which one was even listed on the DxOMark selfie line.

Appealing Color Options

The appealing body behind the glare is yet another aspect that’s likely to grab your attention. The phone comes in Gradient Red, Gradient Blue, and Fantasy Black color options. The Honor mobile designers will include a slew of fascinating colors on the back shell of the Honor 20i.

Top-End Specifications

The rest of the specifications include a Kirin process, paired with 4GB/6GB RAM. The Honor 20i offers 64GB/128GB/256GB internal storage capacities. It has an extra large 6.21-inch FHD+ pear screen. It packs a highly efficient Turbo 2.0 GPU, under the hood.

On the photography front, it houses a 32MP AI camera with self-timer and a 24MP super wide-angle camera with three shots. This 4G-enabled phone is backed by a 3400mAh battery. The dual VoLTE Honor 20i runs EMUI 9.0 system based on Android 9 Pie OS.

Conclusion

It looks like high-value self-timer phones aren’t joining the flagship camp. Appearance wise, the Honor 20i features a 32MP AI self-timer, without losing the flagship mobile phone appeal. It with eye-catching color and jaw-dropping design, the Honor 20i is an ideal phone for those looking for fashion wear.

Xiaomi Mi 9 gets the new MIUI 10.9.4.17 beta update: Wi-Fi Probe Box Protection added

Xiaomi Mi 9 has received a brand new beta update, MIUI 10.9.4.17, which adds a few features on the new device. The highlighted feature is Wi-Fi Probe box protection, which basically protects your smartphone’s Mac addresses from hackers scanning public Wi-Fis.

Xiaomi Mi 9 hands on (4)

Apparently, Wi-Fi probe boxes are a big thing in China, where hackers are said to get hold of smartphone user’s information such as Mac addresses via special boxes. These boxes look for smartphones that scan for public Wi-Fi networks and in the process steal their Mac addresses. This year at China’s CCTV 315 Gala, this method of stealing user information was brought into the spotlight.

Xiaomi isn’t the first smartphone to particular address this issue. Huawei revealed last month that its phones running on EMUI 8 and above are already protected. The new update protects the phone by using random Mac addresses when connecting to Wi-Fi networks. Android Pie already has this feature inbuilt, but it’s disabled as default. So, these Chinese companies seem to be keen on activating it on their own skins.

Apart from this, the beta update adds an option to snooze reminders.

According to XDA, the Wi-Fi Probe Protection feature will be available on betas builds running on Android 8.1 Oreo as well as Android 9 Pie. There’s also digital wellbeing like feature being added to MIUI 10 beta build 9.4.15. This special section in the UI will show you the amount of time spent on each app, the number of times you unlock the phone, and number of notifications from each app, on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

 

(via1, via2)

 

Xiaomi crowdfunds the pricey Cosbeauty IPL Photon Hair Removal device

Summer is fast approaching and the need to give our skin a treat under the sun. Xiaomi has just announced a new hair removal device under the crowdfunding platform. The device is dubbed Cosbeauty IPL Photon Hair Removal device priced at 1,499 yuan ($224). The device is useful for male and female folks but the females would find it more useful. The gadget will enable users to enjoy silky skin for just 30 minutes.Hair removal

The Cosbeauty IPL Photon Hair Removal device adopts IPL strong pulsed light hair removal technology. It uses precise filtering technology to select specific IPL light that is only absorbed by melanin. The penetrating pores are selectively absorbed by melanin, thereby accumulating energy to disintegrate melanin and inhibit hair growth. The device comes with skin colour recognition so that the light doesn’t act on the skin instead of the hair follicle alone.hair removal

The gadget comes with three custom lamp holders which can be changed, depending on where the device is to be used. There is a body care head (for large body parts such as underarms, arms, legs, etc.), face care head (for small areas such as cheeks, lip lines, etc.), bikini care head (for use on sensitive parts such as bikini line). According to the details, when it is used between 1-4 times, the hairs around the area it was used will start to fall off naturally. When it is used 5-7 times to delay the growth of new hair. Finally, after used up to 8 times, the skin tone is brightened.

Cosbeauty IPL Photon Hair Removal device

 

Read Also: Leading Online Stores Where You Can Buy Xiaomi Redmi AirDots Wireless Earbuds At Unbeatable Prices

The device adopts an ergonomic design with a shape similar to the laser thermometer. There is an OLED display which shows the mode in use as well as the battery level. The device crams an in-built battery. The display also shows a six-speed energy selection. (source)Cosbeauty IPL Photon Hair Removal device