MWC 2019: Nokia 9 PureView launches February 24, brings along punch-hole Nokia 6.2/Nokia 8.1 Plus

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Updated Jan 28, 2019

HMD Global already confirmed it will be attending this year’s edition of Mobile World Congress. One of the phones we expect the Nokia licensee to unveil is the Nokia 9 PureView. Official posters have surfaced and they confirm the arrival of the flagship along with the manufacturer’s first phone with a punch-hole display said to be the Nokia 6.2 or Nokia 8.1 Plus.

MWC 2019 begins officially on the 25th of February and runs until the 28th but manufacturers usually schedule their launches a day or two before the show begins. HMD Global will be doing the same this year as the Nokia 9 PureView will be unveiled on Sunday 24th February based on the details on the poster.

We know it is the Nokia 9 launching on that day because the poster shows the multiple camera sensors of the phone. The Nokia 9 PureView will have five rear cameras though the poster shows just four.

The second poster shows the silhouette of a phone with a punch-hole camera on the left corner of the display. At the moment, there are two Nokia phones said to have this type of display. Popular leaker, OnLeaks shared 3D renders of a phone said to be the Nokia 8.1 Plus a few weeks ago. However, another leaker claims it is not the Nokia 8.1 Plus but the Nokia 6.2 a.k.a. Nokia 6 (2019).

The Nokia 6.2 is said to pack a 6.2-inch display, a Snapdragon 632 processor, 4GB/6GB of RAM, 16MP dual rear cameras with Carl Zeiss lens, and Nokia OZO Audio. The leaker, @Nokia_Leaks also said it will launch end of January or February.

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Vivo V15 Pro could launch soon with pop-up selfie camera and triple rear cameras

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 27, 2019

Recent reports have suggested that Vivo may launch the successor of Vivo V11 Pro as early as February in India. While some publications have called it Vivo V12 Pro, others have claimed that the company may skip the Vivo V13 Pro moniker since 13 is considered as an unlucky number in some nations. Hence, it is speculated that the Vivo V11 Pro’s successor may hit the market as Vivo V15 Prov. The company has been using odd numbers for its V-series of smartphones. Hence, the V14 Pro name is not being considered. The speculation may come true as a case leak of the phone has revealed that it will be called Vivo V15 Pro. Moreover, the case leak has revealed that the smartphone will be equipped with triple rear cameras and a pop-up selfie shooter.

The images of the Vivo V15 Pro’s case reveals that its top-left corner has an elongated vertical cutout which suggests that it could be equipped with triple rear cameras. When view from the front, the case has a slightly larger cutout at the right side which suggests that the V15 Pro will be equipped with a pop-up selfie like the Vivo NEX flagship phone from last year. Fresh information reveals that Vivo India may have discontinued the Vivo NEX to make way for the cheaper V15 Pro smartphone with pop-up selfie shooter.

There is no fingerprint reader on the backside of the Vivo V15 Pro. Hence, it can be said that the phone will be featuring an in-screen fingerprint scanner like the V11 Pro. The right edge of the case has a single cutout which may belong for the power key. The left edges have cutouts placed together and there is another one towards the bottom of the same edge.

The Vivo V15 Pro appears like a promising smartphone in terms of design and features. However, there is no information on its specifications. Since it is tipped to debut next month, the rumor mill may leak more details on it in the coming weeks. The smartphone is expected be priced Rs. 26,000 and Rs. 30,000.

(via)

HydrogenOS 9.0.1 brings Android Pie to the OnePlus 5T

By

Habeeb Onawole

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Jan 26, 2019

After more than a month since the OnePlus 5T received the Android Pie update, OnePlus is just rolling it out to the Chinese variant. The update comes as HydrogenOS 9.0.1 and brings along some new features.

The update is 2077MB in size. It brings new Android features including a new UI design and new navigation gestures. It also brings December’s security patch, fixes some bugs, and improves stability. There is also an improved Do Not Disturb mode and a new Game Mode (Game Mode 3.0).

The OnePlus 5T was released in 2017. It is the first OnePlus device with an 18:9 display. The taller display led to the fingerprint scanner moving to the back of the phone.

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Xiaomi Redmi Go vs Samsung Galaxy J2 Core vs Moto E5 Play: Specs Comparison

By

Michele Ingelido

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Jan 26, 2019

Android Go is the most important effort by Google to make users enjoy entry-level phones even after spending a ridiculous amount of money. Thanks to this enlightened version of the operating system, phones sold for less than $100 with cheap hardware do not need outdated Android versions in order to run smoothly with basic usages. Thanks to Android Go, the new Xiaomi Redmi Go, Samsung Galaxy J2 Core, and Motorola Moto E5 Play are among the cheapest last-generation smartphones out there. This is an in-depth comparison of their specs.

Xiaomi Redmi Go vs Samsung Galaxy J2 Core vs Motorola Moto E5 Play

	Xiaomi Redmi Go	Samsung Galaxy J2 Core	Motorola Moto E5 Play
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT	140.4 x 70.1 x 8.4 mm	143.4 x 72.1 x 8.9 mm, 154 grams	151 x 74 x 9 mm, 150 grams
DISPLAY	5 inches, 720 x 1280 pixels, 294 ppi, 16:9 ratio, IPS LCD	5 inches, 540 x 960p (HD), 220 ppi, 16:9 ratio, PLS TFT	5.2 inches, 720 x 1280 pixels, 282 ppi, 16:9 ratio, IPS LCD
PROCESSOR	Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, quad-core 1.4 GHz	Samsung Exynos 7570, quad-core 1.4 GHz	Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, octa-core 1.4 GHz or Snapdragon 427
MEMORY	1 GB RAM, 8 GB – micro SD dedicated slot	1 GB RAM, 8 GB – micro SD dedicated slot	2 GB RAM, 16 GB – micro SD slot
SOFTWARE	Android 8.1 Oreo, Android Go	Android 8.1 Oreo, Android Go	Android 8.1 Oreo, Android Go
CONNECTIVITY	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS
CAMERA	8 MP f/2.0 5 MP f/2.2 front camera	8 MP f/2.2 5 MP f/2.2 front camera	8 MP f/2.0 5 MP front camera
BATTERY	3000 mAh	2600 mAh	2800 mAh
ADDITIONAL FEATURES	Dual SIM slot	Dual SIM slot	Hybrid Dual SIM slot

Design

One of the weakest points of Android Go devices is definitely their design, which usually looks ugly and outdated. Xiaomi Redmi Go, Samsung Galaxy J2 Core and Moto E5 Play come with very thick bezels, but at least they are compact and lightweight compared to midrange and flagship phones. I would personally pick the Motorola Moto E5 Play because it offers a better build quality. Indeed, its body is splash resistant, a very hard feature to find on entry-level phones. Further, it is the only with a fingerprint reader. With its Gorilla Glass display, Samsung Galaxy J2 Core has a resistant front side. Xiaomi Redmi Go does not provide any protection.

Display

With this below-average resolution (not even HD) Samsung Galaxy J2 Core disappoints when it comes to the display quality, guaranteeing an insufficient level of detail compared to modern smartphones. Xiaomi Redmi Go has a cool HD display, but I prefer the Moto E5 Play as its HD screen is bigger, with a diagonal of 5.2 inches. However, if you like compact devices that you can easily use with one hand and keep in your pocket comfortably, then Xiaomi Redmi Go may be a better choice for you. Due to modern apps and their advanced features, I personally prefer a bigger display than just 5 inches.

Specs and software

Xiaomi Redmi Go and Samsung Galaxy J2 Core both come with just 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage, but it is not a huge problem given that Android Go can run smoothly even on devices with just 512 MB of RAM, and it needs less space in the internal storage. However, Motorola Moto E5 Play comes with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage, that is an excellent configuration for a device equipped with Android Go. It is better for multi-tasking and for people who install a lot of apps on their device. The processor is the Snapdragon 425, just like the Redmi Go, while Samsung Galaxy J2 Core has a quad-core Exynos chipset which guarantees more or less the same performance.

Camera

The camera I liked more is the one of the Moto E5 Play. Its bright aperture guarantees sufficient shots when it is not so dark, and it can record videos with resolutions up to 1080p. Further, it is the only to have a front camera equipped with a front-facing LED flash, so it can take decent selfies even in the dark. The second place goes to Samsung Galaxy J2 Core with a decently-optimized rear camera that remains sufficient for emergency shots. Xiaomi Redmi Go is not disappointing given its price, but it is all but a camera-focused device.

Battery

With its bigger 3000 mAh battery, Xiaomi Redmi Go should be able to last a bit more than both its rivals. But we still did not test it, so we can not tell it for sure. Samsung always used to optimize the battery on its affordable devices very well, so the Galaxy J2 Core may effectively be at the same level. Also, consider that the J2 Core has a more efficient display due to its lower resolution.

Price

Xiaomi Redmi Go just debuted in the Philipines with a very affordable €60/$70 price tag, Motorola Moto E5 Play (the winner of this comparison) is priced about €80/$90 and Samsung Galaxy J2 Core carries a €100/$115 price tag. Which one would you pick?

Read More: Motorola launches Moto E5 Play Android Go Edition

Xiaomi Redmi Go vs Samsung Galaxy J2 Core vs Motorola Moto E5 Play: PROs and CONS

Samsung Galaxy J2 Core

PROs

Compact design
Nice cameras
Affordable price
Good build quality

CONS

Worse display

Xiaomi Redmi Go

PROs

Compact design
Nice display
Very affordable
Bigger battery

CONS

Average camera

Motorola Moto E5 Play

PROs

Best hardware
Bigger display
Splash resistant
Front-facing LED flash
Affordable

CONS

Below-average battery

Android Oreo update will affect Nokia 2’s performance

By

Habeeb Onawole

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Jan 26, 2019

The Nokia 2 should be an Android Go phone based on its specs. It has 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage and a Snapdragon 212 processor. However, the phone launched with Android Nougat and isn’t even on the list of devices that will get the Android Pie update. That shouldn’t be surprising since it has not even been updated to Android Oreo. HMD Global has confirmed it will update it to Oreo but it will come at a cost.

Like we said above, the Nokia 2’s entry-level specs is better suited for Android Go but it already launched with regular Android and it isn’t possible to “downgrade it” according to Nokia’s chief product officer, Juho Sarvikas. Those specs will run regular Android Oreo but not well enough as the requirements are more than Nougat.

…we’ve done extensive work together with Google & Qualcomm to enable Android Oreo for Nokia 2. Given that Oreo requires more from the system than Nougat, there is a trade off on snappiness of the experience. …

— Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) January 25, 2019

… This is why we give consumers 2 options: 1) Stay on Nougat with slightly better UI performance or then 2) upgrade to Oreo with latest features. We will enable option 2 shortly via a web page.

— Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) January 25, 2019

Mr. Sarvikas says nevertheless, they have worked with Google and Qualcomm on making Android Oreo available for the phone. However, the extra system power required by Oreo will affect the phone’s performance since its specs are entry-level.

So users will have to choose between remaining on Nougat where performance is great or updating to Oreo when it is available which will bring new features but be less snappy. The Oreo update will be available shortly according to Mr. Sarvikas.

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Specs and render of Nokia 1 Plus leaked, may launch at MWC 2019

By

Habeeb Onawole

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Jan 26, 2019

HMD Global has two Android Go phones at the moment. The first is the Nokia 1 which was released in February last year and then there is the Nokia 2.1. A new leak has revealed the Nokia 1 will be getting a successor which will launch as the Nokia 1 Plus and there is a chance it may be announced at MWC 2019.

The Nokia 1 Plus leak includes its specs and a render showing the front of the device. The source of the leak is TigerMobiles and they claim it is from a reliable insider.

The Nokia 1 Plus will have 1GB of RAM. The storage capacity isn’t stated but we don’t expect anything other than 8GB with a MicroSD card slot for expansion. The processor is still from MediaTek but it’s now an MT6739WW – a 1.5GHz quad-core CPU with a PowerVR GE8100 GPU.

The display size is also not stated but the resolution is given as 480 x 960 which translates into an 18:9 aspect ratio. Its predecessor, the Nokia 1 has a 4.5-inch 480 x 854 16:9 display. There is also no info of the phone’s cameras and battery specs.

The Nokia 1 Plus will run Android Pie out of the box. HMD Global already revealed the Nokia 1 will get updated to Android Pie too but that is until early Q2 2019.

TigerMobiles say the Nokia 1 Plus will retain the connectivity features of the Nokia 1 including Dual-Sim support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a MicroUSB port.

With respect to design, the render shows the Nokia 1 Plus still has pretty thick bezels even though its display has an 18:9 aspect ratio. The top bezel is home to the front camera and earpiece and there is a Nokia logo on the right corner. The chin is bare.

Unfortunately, there is no photo of the rear. The Nokia 1 launched with a removable battery and Xpress-On covers. The latter lets you change the phone’s rear cover to a different one to give the device a new look. We don’t know if HMD Global will keep that design or ditch it for a non-removable back.

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LG G8 ThinQ first press renders leaks with notch display and round edges

By

Simranpal Singh

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Jan 26, 2019

Every big manufacturer is working on their respective new flagship devices for 2019. Even LG is also working on the LG G8 ThinQ as leaked by various rumors and reports. It is reportedly coming with a unique “Sound on Display” technology. Further, there will high-quality display, Snapdragon chipset and a huge battery intact. Today, it has been captured from different angles in the first ever LG G8 ThinQ renders. The design falls in the same line as witnessed in the recently leaked CAD designs.

After looking at the renders, you will notice a display notch carrying round edges. Its notch seems to house various sensors such as a dot projector, IR camera and Time of flight camera. It is speculated that LG is looking to eliminate the fingerprint authentication as no fingerprint sensor can be seen on either rear or the front sides. They are mending ways to introduce more secure facial recognition.

Unlike LG G7 ThinQ, the press renders showcase LG G8 ThinQ without an earpiece in the notch. It is raising speculations that they are replacing earpiece with the “Sound on Display” technology.

On the rear side of the device, there’s a dual camera with an LED flash and a fingerprint sensor. We can see the metal body engraved with G8 ThinQ branding on the backside. On the right side, there’s a power button with SIM card tray and antennae bands visible. While volume up/down keys and Google Assitant key has got a place on the left side of the device. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a glimpse of its bottom and the top sides.

LG G8 ThinQ specs

In the recent leak, it has been suggested that LG G8 ThinQ will carry 6.1 inches 19.5:9 aspect ratio display. Purportedly, it will measure 152 x 72 x 8.4mm and will be shorter and thicker than the LG V40 and G7. It is also coming with all new “Sound on Display” technology which will replace earpiece on the front side of the device.

There are many other rumors which state the presence of dual displays on the device. Even, LG plans to announce a 5G flagship device at Mobile World Congres 2019. LG’s 5G device will carry Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, and a huge battery of 4000 mAh.

Read More: LG Premier MWC 2019 teaser video hints at LG G8 touchless gesture navigation feature

As of now, nothing is confirmed regarding the LG G8 ThinQ and LG’s 5G smartphone. All the specs are just mere speculations and have been originated from leaks and rumors. We suggest you take them as a grain of salt in the ocean.

(Source)

Nokia returns to the US via Cricket and Verizon Wireless

By

Simranpal Singh

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Jan 26, 2019

HMD Global owned Nokia has finally stepped into the US market after many years. Nokia has partnered with a couple of major US carriers such as Verizon Wireless and Cricket. Even though, they are also making a comeback in Canada via Rogers telecom operator.

It’s a welcome move from Nokia, and the company plans to announce various smartphones in the US. Currently, they have launched Nokia 3.1 Plus via Cricket and low-end Nokia 2 Von the Big Red (Verizon Wireless).

Buy Nokia 3.1 Plus from Cricket

Nokia has debuted with Nokia 3.1 Plus in the US market via Cricket for the price of $160. Nokia has tweaked it with a Snapdragon 439 chipset replacing MediaTek processor. Further, they have even switched the micro-USB port for proper Type-C interface. Other specs are same as like of the standard variants. It packs 6 inches 18:9 HD+ display with 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage. In the camera department, Nokia 3.1 Plus holds 13/5MP dual camera on the rear side while an 8 MP camera is placed on the front side. Although Nokia offers it in various colors globally but on Cricket you will get Blue colored 2/32GB storage option only. You can get your hands on the device from today at the price of $160.

Buy Nokia 2V from Verizon Wireless

Unlike the Cricket’s Nokia 3.1 Plus, Nokia 2 V does not carry any change. It features the same specifications as like for the international variant of the Nokia 2.1. Particularly, it carries 5.5 inches 16:6 aspect ratio display. It is powered by Snapdragon 425 SoC with a 1 GB RAM and 8 GB internal storage. In the camera department, you will get an 8-megapixel rear camera while a 5-megapixel sensor sits on the front side of the device. It carries a huge battery of 4000 mAh.

Users can buy it from Verizon offline and online retail stores starting January 31st. The pricing details are not yet out but it is expected to be priced less than Nokia 3.1 Plus.

Meanwhile, Nokia is also making a comeback in Canada via Rogers. Currently, no more details have been given about its return to Canada. We hope in the next few days we get some details.

(Via)

Buy KUGOO S1 Folding Electric Scooter For $325.99 On GeekBuying [Coupon Inside]

By

Vinay Patel

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Jan 26, 2019

Designed primarily for a short predictable commute, electric scooters are not only quieter but also more efficient than regular motorbikes.

While the market is brimming with e-bikes that boast an impressive array of features, these electric powered scooters aren’t easy on the pocketbook.

If you’ve restlessly been looking for a cost-effective electric scooter that doesn’t compromise on quality, the KUGOO S1 might just fill the bill.

This feature-laden folding electric scooter from KUGOO has now gone up for sale bearing a heavily discounted price tag on GeekBuying.

Moreover, we’ll be revealing how you can save a considerable amount of more money during the checkout process in just a bit.

The S1 folding electric scooter would normally set you back a pretty penny on both online as well as offline stores, but you can now buy it at a dropped price of just $338.99 on GeekBuying.

Aside from this 52 percent reduction in the e-bike’s original selling price of $699.99, there’s more for you to cheer about.

After proceeding to checkout, you can apply coupon code GIZ_JYKPOYXO and save $164 more.

In other words, you can bring the already lowered retail price of the S1 electric scooter further down to only $325.99 before placing your order simply by applying the aforesaid coupon.

An absolute steal at this price, the KUGOO S1 is a great choice for all types of roads. It uses 8-inch solid rear anti-skid tires and has 3-speed running modes, allowing the rider to adjust the speed with one key.

The easy-to-operate electric bike runs smoothly on different road surface conditions. It features a single key for braking system along with a monitor that shows the control information.

Aside from allowing the rider to check the speed, the LCD display screen shows a slew of other details including mileage, time, power, stop, and voltage.

The KUGOO S1 electric scooter draws its juices from a robust 350W motor that can efficiently deliver a running distance of 30km.

There are bright LED lights placed on the front and back of the KUGOO S1 for a safer ride, particularly at night.

The bike adopts front and back shock mitigation system to ensure your ride is safe as well as comfortable. Its folding handle and adjustable height make the S1 an easy-to-carry electric bike.

You can follow this link to check out more details about the KUGOO S1 folding electric scooter and grab the discount, which will be valid for the black color version of the bike.

Alternatively, you can get a 51 percent discount on the white and blue-tinted KUGOO S1 e-bike that usually retail for $699.99 but have now gone up for sale carrying a lowered price of $339.99.

It is also worth noting that the Poland stock will comprise duty-free and Poland local after-sale service. Regrettably, the promo is slated to end in just four days.

Get Up To 52% Off On KUGOO S1 Folding Electric Scooter

Buy The Alfawise G70 And Alfawise Junsun Car DVR Dash Cams At Lowered Prices On GearBest

By

Vinay Patel

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Jan 26, 2019

Known for offering exhilarating, yet affordable home technology at every price point, Alfawise has now teamed up with GearBest to make its G70 and Junsun Q5 car DVR dash cams available to cost-conscious buyers.
Alfawise G70 F1.5 Car DVR Dash Cam

Designed to give you security in terms of recording, the Alfawise G70 comes without a battery that usually tends to explode.

It adopts a safer and more eco-friendly capacitor that surpasses the battery by delivering quick charging/discharging time and it is over thirty times more durable.

Moreover, it packs the powerful NOVATEK 96658 chipset, under the hood and houses a Sony 323 1/2.7” image sensor with F1.5 Super large aperture for brighter deeper images.

A top-branded car DVR dash camera that boasts comparable features would normally set you back a pretty penny, but the Alfawise G70 can now be yours if you are willing to shell out just $38.99 on GearBest.

This is a noteworthy 48 percent reduction in the device’s original asking price of $75.26.

You can follow this link to avail the discount, which will be valid for the remaining 197 pieces of the black-tinted Alfawise G70 car dash camera. Note that the promo is slated to end in four days.

Get Up To 48% Off On Alfawise G70 F1.5 Car DVR Dash Cam

Alfawise Junsun Q5 Car DVR Dash Cam

The Alfawise Junsun comes with a slew of useful functions including a 140-degree wide angle, night vision, parking mode, loop recording, G-sensor and temp protection to ensure you feel in your car.

The Junsun car DVR dash cam features a crystal clear 3 inch TFT HD screen with a high resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. On top of that, it houses a 2MP camera with a 1.5mm lens.

The DVR dash cam uses the loop-cycle recording in a bid to save the storage space and it supports TF 32GB external card so that you don’t have to worry about running out of storage space all the time.
It has auto power on feature so that you do not have to operate it using your hands. The device draws its juices from a built-in 200mAh battery and can work continuously with charging.

While the aforesaid features completely justify the $50.68 price tag, the Alfawise Junsun usually carries; you can now buy it at a dropped price of $29.99 on GearBest.

This 41 percent discount, which will be valid for the black color version of the car DVR dash camera, can only be availed on the remaining 98 pieces.

With the promo slated to end in just four days, you can visit this link to grab the discount without wasting time.

Get 41% Off On Alfawise Junsun Q5 Car DVR Dash Cam

Check Out 2019 GearBest 5 Days Arrival Deals

Buy Makibes A4 4G LTE Smartwatch Phone At A Dropped Price Of $114.99 On GeekBuying [Coupon Inside]

By

Vinay Patel

-

Jan 26, 2019

Fitness purists who fancy leading a healthier lifestyle usually use various gadgets including fitness bands and smartwatches that not only keep a track of their health but also monitor their activities.
On the downside, these fitness gadgets are not easy on the pocketbook. In fact, a top-branded smartwatch would normally set you back a pretty penny whether you are buying it in an online or an offline store, but GeekBuying is bent on changing that.

Keeping in line with that, the Chinese online store has teamed up with Makibes in a bid to make their feature-laden smartwatch dubbed the Makibes A4 available to the cost-conscious buyers.

Aside from receiving the aforesaid discounts, there’s a way GeekBuying users can save a considerable amount of extra money during the check out process. We’ll talk about that in just a bit.

Makibes A4 4G LTE Smartwatch Phone

Equipped with an easily readable 1.39-inch screen with a high resolution of 400×400 pixels, the Makibes A4 display crystal clear information even in sunlight.

The watch comes with an IP67 professional protection level so that you can carelessly wear it while washing hands and even in the rain.

It runs Android 7.1 Nougat with an enhanced interface and offers improved power management, supplementing the security of this latest operating system.

The A4 is equipped with a heart rate monitor and a slew of other functions like a pedometer, distance analysis, camera, remote camera/music, Search phone and lots more.

The Makibes A4 ships with 1GB of RAM and offers a hearty 16GB of internal storage capacity while drawing its juices from a 530mAh battery.

You’d normally end up spending a lot of money on a smartwatch offering comparable features, but the Makibes A4 smartwatch phone can be yours for a lowered price of just $129.99 on GeekBuying.

This is a 35 percent reduction in the device’s original selling price of $199.99.

In order to extend this discount, all you need to do is to apply coupon code GIZ_MWFICDGI during the check out process.

The aforesaid coupon helps you get an extra $15 off by reducing the retail price of the watch to just $114.99.

You can follow this link to avail the discount, which will be valid for the black color version of the Makibes A4 for a limited period of time.

Realme C1 new variant likely to debut soon with big display, storage and battery

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 25, 2019

Flipkart has recently started a dedicated page to tease the arrival of an entertainment-centric notched phone. The handset is packed with “mega battery, mega screen and mega storage” claims the teaser. While the rumor mill has been speculating that it could be the Realme A1 smartphone, an Indian publication has learnt from Realme that the upcoming entertainment-focused will be a new variant of the Realme C1 smartphone.

The Realme C1 smartphone that was announced in September is packed with modest specs. It comes with a 6.2-inch IPS LCD display. The notched screen produces HD+ resolution and 19:9 aspect ratio. The rear panel of the Realme C1 is made from glass.

The Snapdragon 450 chipset powers the phone with 2 GB of RAM. It comes with 16 GB of internal storage. The Android 8.1 Oreo OS is preinstalled on the device along with ColorOS 5.1. It comes with a microSD card slot for additional storage. The handset receives power from 4,230mAh battery. For photography, the Realme C1 features 13-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual camera setup and a 5-megapixel selfie camera. The smartphone was introduced with a price tag of Rs. 6,999. In November, its price was hiked to Rs. 7,999. Currently, the Realme C1 is selling with a price tag of Rs. 7,499.

Read More: Smartisan’s XiaoPeng joins Realme as design director

Probably, the company could be gearing up to launch a variant with Realme C1 with better specifications. The company is expected to launch the Realme 3 smartphone in the first quarter of this year. Recent rumors had suggested that the company would be releasing a smartphone with 48-megapixel camera. Realme India CEO Madhav Sheth has confirmed that the company will be not launching such a phone with higher megapixel camera. Instead, it will focus on improving the camera experience through software optimization.

(source)

Xiaomi Redmi Go vs Nokia 2.1 vs Huawei Y5 Lite: Android Go Comparison

By

Michele Ingelido

-

Jan 25, 2019

The wisest choice to get the cheapest entry-level handset is opting for an Android Go device because Android Go is a lite version of the operating system suitable for devices with low-end or outdated components. Unlike the standard Android version, it can run smoothly even on smartphones with less than 1 GB of RAM. Finally even Xiaomi, that is one the most known manufacturer of budget phones, released an Android Go handset: the Redmi Go. Here, we compared it with the other best phones with this version of the operating system: the Nokia 2.1 and the Huawei Y5 Lite.

Xiaomi Redmi Go vs Nokia 2.1 vs Huawei Y5 Lite

	Xiaomi Redmi Go	Nokia 2.1	Huawei Y5 Lite
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT	140.4 x 70.1 x 8.4 mm, 137 grams	153.6 x 77.6 x 9.7 mm, 174 grams	146.5 x 70.9 x 8.3 mm, 142 grams
DISPLAY	5 inches, 720 x 1280 pixels, 294 ppi, 16:9 ratio, LCD	5.5 inches, 720 x 1280p (HD), 267 ppi, 16:9 ratio, IPS LCD	5.45 inches, 720 x 1440 pixels, 295 ppi, 18:9 ratio, LCD
PROCESSOR	Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, quad-core 1.4 GHz	Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, quad-core 1.4 GHz	Mediatek MT6739, quad-core 1.5 GHz
MEMORY	1 GB RAM, 8 GB – micro SD dedicated slot	1 GB RAM, 8 GB – micro SD dedicated slot	1 GB RAM, 16 GB – micro SD dedicated slot
SOFTWARE	Android 8.1 Oreo, Android Go	Android 8.1 Oreo, Android Go	Android 8.1 Oreo, Android Go
CONNECTIVITY	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS
CAMERA	8 MP f/2.0 5 MP f/2.2 front camera	8 MP 5 MP front camera	8 MP f/2.2 5 MP f/2.2 front camera
BATTERY	3000 mAh	4000 mAh	3020 mAh
ADDITIONAL FEATURES	Dual SIM slot	Dual SIM slot	Dual SIM slot

Design

Android Go devices always come with outdated hardware components and the same happens with the aesthetics. Xiaomi Redmi Go and Nokia 2.1 still come with 16:9 display that nowadays are rarely used in the smartphones market. So their bezels are all but narrow and the phones do not look so attractive. Huawei Y5 Lite has an 18:9 display, so it has a slightly better look thanks to its slimmer bezels and a taller design. But Nokia 2.1 has the best build quality thanks to its aluminum frame and the Gorilla Glass protection for the display. It is even the only Android Go phone to feature loud stereo speakers.

Display

Nokia 2.1 has the most interesting display because it is the biggest one, so also the most suitable for productivity. But you won’t get a better display quality than its opponents; more or less, these handsets feature the same level of detail and color reproduction. In my opinion, Nokia 2.1 a better device to watch videos and for productivity because of its bigger display paired with stereo speakers. Note that even though Huawei Y5 Lite has a 5.45-inch display (Nokia 2.1 is 5.5-inch), it has a way inferior display surface than Nokia 2.1 due to its taller aspect ratio.

Specs

Coming to specs, Xiaomi Redmi Go and Nokia 2.1 are the ones with the most reliable chipset: the Snapdragon 425 by Qualcomm that is an entry-level but it can provide very smooth performances even on the standard Android version. Huawei Y5 Lite has a worse SoC in my opinion, but it doubles the internal storage from 8 to 16 GB and this may be important for you if you usually record a lot of videos or install a lot of apps. Note that all of these devices have a micro SD dedicated slot, but installing apps on SD cards is not recommended as it slows down their performances. And this counts a lot on an entry-level device. So if you plan to install a lot of apps, then go for a higher amount of storage. The operating systems of all these handsets are based on Android 8.1 Oreo and we already know that Nokia 2.1 will get the update to the next major version Android Pie, despite being one of the most affordable devices from Nokia.

Camera

The cameras of all these handsets are mediocre, but Xiaomi Redmi Go seems to have a slightly better sensor on the back, at least on the paper. It features an 8 MP snapper with an f/2.0 aperture which is bright enough for sufficient photos when light conditions are not so bad. If selfies are your main concern, then Huawei Y5 Lite is a definitely better handset because it offers a front-facing LED flash allowing to shoot selfies even in the dark. Nokia 2.1 is the most disappointing one, it does not even come with Carl Zeiss lenses unlike most of the devices from HMD Global’s line-up.

Battery

With Xiaomi Redmi Go and Huawei Y5 Lite offering just 3000 mAh of battery capacity, Nokia 2.1 is the handset with the longest battery life. It has a huge 4000 mAh battery which powers very efficient components. With an HD display and an efficient Snapdragon 425 chipset, this handset can last more than two days even if you stress it, on a single charge. However, just like its rivals, it does not feature a fast charging technology, so it will take a while to fully charge it. But once you charged it completely, you can forget the charger.

Price

The price is the strongest point of Android Go handsets and that is the main reason because people recommend them. You can grab a unit of the Xiaomi Redmi Go for just €50/$60 in Asia, while Nokia 2.1 and Huawei Y5 Lite cost about €100. Even though it costs 2x more than the Redmi Go, I would personally choose the Nokia 2.1 and it is the winner of this comparison. The main reason is the bigger battery, that I define a very important thing on entry-level devices. Its bigger display, the stereo speakers and the better build quality are three other reasons that would make me go for the Nokia 2.1 without thinking twice.

Read More: Huawei Y5 Lite Android Go phone launched; Specs, features and price

Xiaomi Redmi Go vs Nokia 2.1 vs Huawei Y5 Lite: PROs and CONS

Xiaomi Redmi Go

PROs

Compact design
Affordable price
Good cameras
Micro SD dedicated slot

CONS

Bezels and small display

Nokia 2.1

PROs

Big display
Biggest battery
Affordable
Stereo speakers
Micro SD dedicated slot

CONS

Bezels

Huawei Y5 Lite

PROs

Compact dimensions
Micro SD dedicated slot
Front-facing LED flash
Affordable

CONS

Low-end hardware

Xiaomi’s latest stunt sees the Redmi Note 7 being used as a chopping board

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Jan 25, 2019

Since the Redmi Note 7 was announced by Xiaomi last week, we have seen several promotional videos pointing at a solidly built device. In one of the videos, the Redmi Note 7 was stomped, smashed on a table and even struck with a rolling pin severally. The company also shared another video where the mid-range Note 7 was flung down the stairs and in another instance used as a skateboard. We are already convinced that the Gorilla Glass 5 on top of the display is durable. However, Xiaomi still wants to deliver that killer punch and they just did that.

A new video showing the Redmi Note 7’s display performing the function of a chopping board has been shared by Redmi’s new CEO Lu Weibing. The video shows the CEO chopping some fruits on top of the Redmi Note 7 in a “Fruit Ninja” style. As you would expect, the phone survives without any serious damage. We do hope this is the last video we’ll be seeing regarding the Redmi Note 7 display’s durability. We are convinced already.

Lest we forget, apart from the durable screen, the Redmi Note 7 still comes with a powerful specs lineup. The device is powered by the premium Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset and on the camera end, the device packs a 48MP main camera in a dual camera arrangement.

(source)

Nokia MWC 2019 event officially confirmed; Nokia 9 PureView could be unveiled

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 25, 2019

HMD Global has official confirmed that it will be holding its keynote on Feb. 24, a day before the official start of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2019 tech event. The announcement has come in the form of a simple tweet from HMD Global Chief Product Officer Juho Sarvikas. Hopefully, the Finnish firm will be sending out official invites for the upcoming launch event. The company had launched multiple smartphones at MWC 2018 and MWC 2017. Hence, it is speculated to launch several new phones including the Nokia 9 PureView camera-centric phone on Feb. 24.

Nokia 9 PureView

It goes without saying that the Nokia 9 PureView is the one of the most anticipated smartphones of the recent times since it is heavily pegged to arrive with penta-lens camera setup. Recent reports have revealed that the Nokia 9 PureView will be the first phone from the company to come with an in-screen fingerprint scanner. The device is speculated to be equipped with a 5.9-inch AMOLED display that is expected to produce 18:9 aspect ratio and Quad HD resolution.

The Snapdragon 845 chipset is rumored to power the Nokia 9 PureView smartphone along with 6 GB of RAM. There are some rumors that the company may release its Snapdragon 855 edition later this year.

The Nokia 9 PureView may feature 128 GB of internal storage. It will be loaded with Android 9 Pie OS. It could be packed with a 4,150mAh battery. The phone is also rumored to arrive with wireless charging support. The exact configuration of the penta-lens setup of the Nokia 9 PureView is still under the wraps. In Europe, the smartphone may cost around 749 euros (~$850).

Nokia 6.2 and Nokia 8.1 Plus

Nokia 6.2 is rumored to debut as the first Nokia phone with punch-hole display of 6.2 inches. It could be fueled by the Snapdragon 632 chipset and 4 GB / 6 GB of RAM.

The back panel of the phone will be featuring a dual camera setup with ZEISS branded 16-megapixel primary sensor. It will also carry support for OZO Audio technology. It will be receiving power from 3,000mAh battery. It is expected to land in Europe after it makes its debut in China.

Very less details on the specs of the Nokia 8.1 Plus smartphone have surfaced so far. It is expected to measure 156.9 x 76.2 x 7.9mm and house a 6.2-inch display.

Google Coral with Snapdragon 855 appears on GeekBench, Pixel 4?

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Jan 25, 2019

A mysterious Google device that goes by the name “Google coral” has been spotted on Geekbench. The model is apparently one of the flagship models the company will be releasing this year as it is listed to run the yet to be announced Android Q OS. Android Q is yet to even get into the beta testing phase.

So this could be an Alpha build of the Pixel 4 which will likely be the first device that would feature Google’s next-generation operating system – Android Q. The processor at the heart of the device wasn’t revealed. Instead, it is just listed as “coral”. However, the GeekBench score bares it all as possibly Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 855 chipset. The single core test core of 3296 and multi-core score of 9235 are both up to 10% higher than the Snapdragon 845 chipset on the Pixel 3.

The Google coral is also listed with 6GB of RAM meaning we could see up to 8GB or more on the topmost variant. There are also speculations that this could be a new Chromebook model in the works. We’ll have to wait for an official confirmation to know exactly what this is.

(source)

Royole takes a dig at Xiaomi’s foldable phone, Xiaomi responds

By

Jed John Ikoba

-

Jan 25, 2019

An interesting drama is currently playing out between two of China’s innovative companies, Royole Technology and Xiaomi. A couple of months back, Royole Technology was an unknown company but it blasted into the scene with the unveiling of the first true foldable phone dubbed Royole Flexpai. The company even recently showcased the smartphone at CES 2019. While the company is yet to disclose when the Flexpai will become available, its achievement is about getting overshadowed by Xiaomi’s foldable phone that was outed recently. Even though there are reports that the phone is still a long way from going commercial, the company effectively took the shine off Royole’s Flexpai.

That has apparently not gone down well with Royole as the company’s president recently took a swipe at Xiaomi’s own foldable model. The post didn’t directly mention Xiaomi but the content leaves no one in doubt that Xiaomi was being referred to. The company CEO shared a post by his VP which talked about the patented technology which the company has and how some companies are in the process of imitating its innovation. Obviously, Royole is aware that if Xiaomi goes head to head with it by launching a commercial model at the same time, it won’t survive the competition. The post apparently downplays Xiaomi’s ability to commercialize the concept foldable phone which it believes uses materials that may not be durable.

Xiaomi was quick to respond, that the Xiaomi double folding mobile phone is an innovative product independently developed by Xiaomi. The company went on to state that the flexible folding screen of this phone is the result of joint development by Xiaomi and supply chain partners. The company was also irked by headlines touting Xiaomi to have unveiled the world’s first foldable phone. However, that was clarified in the official response that the double folding design is the first in the industry.

(source 1, 2)

Meizu Zero Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign begins on January 30 in China

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

-

Jan 25, 2019

On Wednesday, Meizu had introduced the Meizu Zero as the world’s first smartphone without any physical buttons or ports. It is also the first ever phone to carry support for 18W wireless charging. The Chinese manufacturer also confirmed on the key specifications of the phone, but its pricing and availability was never revealed. Today, the Chinese manufacturer has confirmed today that it will be starting a crowdfunding campaign for from Jan. 30 in China.

The Meizu Zero features a curved OLED panel of 5.99 inches that carries support for full HD+ resolution of 2160 x 1080 pixels. The mSound 2.0 technology makes it possible for the smartphone to emit sound from the screen which eliminates the need for earpiece and external speaker. The screen of the smartphone is embedded with an in-screen fingerprint reader.

The Meizu Zero is an IP68 certified dustproof and waterproof device. It is equipped with linear motor powered pressure-sensitive virtual buttons for power and volume. The rear panel of the smartphone is made up of ceramic. There is no SIM card slot on the device but carries support for eSIM.

Read More: Meizu Note 9 tipped to release with Snapdragon 675 next month

The 20-megapixel selfie camera and 12-megapixel + 20-megapixel dual camera module present on the backside of the Meizu Zero is exactly the same one available on the Meizu 16th smartphone. It runs on Flyme 7 UI flavored Android 9 Pie OS. The exact size of the battery of the phone is not known yet. At the launch, the company had confirmed that the Meizu Zero phone would be available in Black and White color choices.

Since Meizu is yet to receive approvals from regulatory bodies for the eSIM, it may take some time for the phone to hit the Chinese market. There is no word on the international release of the smartphone.

(source)

Xiaomi ShareSave app lets you buy its crowdfunded products from China

By

Habeeb Onawole

-

Jan 25, 2019

You know all those cool crowdfunded products on Xiaomi’s Youpin store, you will soon be able to get your hands on them if you reside outside China. As a matter of fact, if you live in India, you can purchase some right now thanks to Xiaomi’s ShareSave app.

If you use shopping apps like AliExpress, you should be able to get the hang of the ShareSave app. You can decide to purchase an item right away, pair with a friend to get up to $10 off or join a team of other buyers till the price drops to $0. You can also kickstart a product by contributing $0.2 which will result in a $2 coupon.

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At the moment, there aren’t a lot of exciting products. Current catalog includes CIGA watches, Soocas electronic toothbrushes, Yeelight smart bulbs, the SWDK hand vacuum cleaner, and the SWDK electric mop etc. We expect more products will be added later.

Continue

Huawei eyeing to become largest smartphone manufacturer in 2019

By

Simranpal Singh

-

Jan 25, 2019

Huawei has proclaimed to become the largest smartphone manufacturer in the year 2019. At an event in Beijing China, Richard Yu CEO of Huawei made a statement that they will be number one smartphone brand around the globe. In a statement made out of US ban on Huawei, Richard said, “Even without the U.S. market, we will be number one in the world. I believe at the earliest this year, and next year at the latest.”

Huawei CEO Richard Yu Announcing The Kirin 970

The remarks made by Huawei’s CEO seems genuine as they have performed pretty well in the smartphone industry in the year 2017-18. They stood second after Samsung in the number of smartphone sales last year. Earlier, the second spot was with Apple but due to low demand, the Cupertino giant skipped to the third position in August. Since then, Huawei is doing pretty well in the smartphone market and has gained several gains over Apple and Samsung. In the year 2017-2018, Huawei shipments grew over by 35 percent.

Last year it was challenging for the Chinese giant, as their shipments were banned in the US and few other countries. Furthermore, countries like New Zealand and Australia banned the import of 5G equipment due to allegations of Chinese spying over using the Huawei equipment. Despite proper proofs, the company has gone through huge losses. In response to these feuds, Richard Yu said that “Our customers have trust and confidence in us, It’s only politics guys which are trying to put pressure on us.”

However, Huawei managed to perform very well despite these many hurdles last year.

Read More: Huawei Preparing its Own Voice Assistant to Pitch Against Google Assistant

Huawei also announced some new goodies that will launch in the upcoming few months. Huawei’s CEO Yu confirmed the company’s first foldable smartphone launch at Mobile World Conference by the end of February. It will become available for purchase by April and with Balong 5000 chipset competing against snapdragon X50 modem.

(Source)