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Google Assistant Enabled Headphones Codenamed as Bisto Rumored to be in Works

Google has released the latest version of Google app on the Play Store. The APK teardown of the latest Google app with version 7.10 has revealed that Google could be working on Google Assistant enabled headphones. The alleged headphones are codenamed as Bisto

The Bisto codename had first appeared in April in the strings of the beta version of 7.0 Google app. At that time, it was speculated as portable audio device. Its references were removed, but it returned again earlier in this month which suggested that it could be referring to a pair of headphones. Here is a reference from the code of the latest Google app that clearly hints the upcoming Google Assistant enabled headphones codenamed as Bisto.

<string name=”bisto_magic_pairing_assistant_prop_text”>”Your headphones have the Google Assistant. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It’s your own personal Google, always ready to help.”</string>

Google Assistant 1

Read More: Android 8.0 Oreo OTA Update Now Available for Android Beta Program Devices; How to Get it Now?

Its seems that users will be able to ask queries through the mic of Bisto headphones and Google Assistant will provide answers along with their alerts. Users will be also able to reply to notifications through verbal responses. The headphones are also expected to come with a Google Assistant button as well as another button at the top.

One of the strings provides some information on directions by stating: “To hear them, press the Google Assistant button. Press the Google Assistant button. To hear them, press and hold the top button. Press and hold the top button.” The Google Assistant button can be long pressed to talk to the headphone and the top button can be used to for enabling verbal alerts.

Another string reveals some troubleshooting information: “Your headphones won’t be available for a few minutes. Try restarting your headphones. To troubleshoot, visit the Help Center. Can’t update headphones. Bisto firmware update New features and fixes are available. Your headphones have been updated and are ready to use,” Other strings contain information for setup and update process for Google Bisto headphones.

There is no information on the release date of the Google Bisto headphones. Also, it is not known how much the Google Assistant enabled earphones would be costing.

It seems that the Google Assistant enabled Bisto may run on Android Wear. Speculations are rife that the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 smartphones would be unveiling in October this year. The search engine giant is expected to announce an advanced Chromebook and mini Google Home. It is likely that Google may announce Bisto headphones in October alongside the Pixel 2 duo. More information on the rumored headphones from Google are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.

(source)

 

Android 8.0 Oreo OTA Update Now Available for Android Beta Program Devices; How to Get it Now?

Android 8.0 Oreo is now official and its system images have been made available by Google for devices such as Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player and Google Pixel C. The flashing instructions are available here. Users are required to perform the backup of their devices before installing Android 8.0 Oreo through system images. The search engine giant has also released Android 8.0 Oreo OTA updates for the devices that have enrolled in Android Beta Program.

Installing Android 8.0 Oreo manually through system images may not be convenient for all even though Google is offering a hassle-free installation process now. The easiest way to get the Android 8.0 Oreo before it is officially released by the carrier or the smartphone vendor is by joining the Android Beta program.

Android Beta Program Android 8.0 Oreo

Users of Google Pixel XL have claimed that updating to Android O from Developer Preview 4 has been unsuccessful. However, Google seems to have resolved the issue. The OTA update is available without any problem for Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X smartphones enrolled in Android Beta Program.

Read More: Google Pixel 2 Receives FCC Approval; Reveals Features Like Active Edge, Snapdragon 835, Android 8.0

Users can now get Android O by visiting this page and signing in with a Google account. Users can then click on “Enroll Device” button present next to the image of the device. It will then check for an available update. At any time, users can unenroll by visiting the same page to unenroll the device if they wish to go to back a stable build.

As far as Android 8.0 Oreo OTA updates without Android Beta Program is concerned, Google has confirmed that carriers have started testing the software update for Google Pixel, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P phones. Once the carriers are done with testing process, the update will be soon made available to these devices. The OTA update process will begin in phases and it will be gradually coming to supported devices from various brands. The Android O update for Google Pixel C and Nexus Player will be also made available soon.

Google will be also releasing AOSP build for Android 8.0 Oreo that will allow developers to prepare custom ROM. The search engine giant has also confirmed that devices from various OEMs like Essential, General Mobile, HMD Global Home of Nokia Phones, Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp and Sony will be getting the Android 8.0 Oreo update before the end of 2017.

(source)

 

Motorola Moto X4 Appears in Two Images Along with Specs Sheet

Homatelecom, an official distributor of Motorola Mobility and Lenovo in Iran has revealed two images of the what appears to be Moto X4 smartphone. The alleged smartphone is expected to get unveiled on Thursday this week.

The first image shows the backside of the alleged Moto X4 with its dual cameras and the M logo. The two camera lenses can be sitting in a horizontal design inside a circular camera housing along with dual-LED flash. The previous images of the Moto X4 have revealed that the smartphone features a glossy body. However, the alleged Moto X4 in the new images shared by Homatelecom appears to have a matte finish. The smartphone does not feature pins for connecting MotoMods accessories.
Motorola-Moto-X4-Homatelecom-Instagram-1

Motorola-Moto-X4-Homatelecom-Instagram-1

Read More: New Images Show The Moto X4 In Blue Ahead of August 24 Release

The other image shows the smartphone sitting on a stand alongside a brochure of the phone. The image shows a card that lists the specifications of the alleged Moto X4. It reveals that it will be a dual SIM smartphone that will come with support for nano-sized SIM cards and dual stand-by.

It features a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display that supports a full HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels and a pixel density of 424 ppi. The listing does not clearly mention the name of the chipset present inside the phone. However, it reveals that the phone is powered by Cortex A53 octa-core processor that features a 2.2 GHz. It seems that the smartphone is driven by Snapdragon 630 chipset. It features an internal storage of 32 GB and it will be coming in 3 GB and 4 GB RAM variants.

The specs sheet does not mention another storage model for the Moto X4.  Rumors have revealed that the Moto X4 would be also available in 64 GB model. It is likely that Iran may not be receiving the 64 GB Moto X4.

It features 12-megapixel dual rear cameras sensors that is coupled with features like autofocus, touch focus, face detection, panorama, auto HDR and full HD video shooting at 30 fps. The frontside of the smartphone features 16-megapixel camera that also supports full HD video recording at 30 fps. It will be packed with a 3,000mAh battery.

Motorola has confirmed that it would be holding a launch event on Aug. 24 in Brazil. Speculations have it that the Moto X4 would be getting official at the upcoming launch event.

(source|via)

 

Huawei Mate 10’s First Official Video Teaser Shows Off Leica-branded Dual Cameras

Last week, we came across an image teaser that points to an October 16 launch for the Huawei Mate 10 which will likely take place in Munich, Germany. Now, yet another teaser has emerged, this time a video which projects the features of the Mate 10. Both the first image teaser and this video teases the unnamed model with the caption ” Meet the device worth waiting for”. Which means they both refer to the same model.

Although no mention of the Mate 10 was made in the video, there is no doubt the teaser is for the flagship. It was mentioned in the video that the device belong to the Mate series and ordinarily, the Mate 10 is the only expected model in the series. The source of the leak also disclosed that the video is for the Mate 10.huawei mate 10 launch event

Specifically, the video focuses on the Mate 10’s dual camera which would still be co-engineered with Leica just like on the Mate 9. The camera setup will still be a 12MP main sensor teaming up with a 20MP monochrome sensor in the same manner it was featured on the Mate 9 and Huawei P10. The pictures showcased inside the video could possibly be camera samples of the flagship Mate 10 and they show the possibility of some improvements in the camera quality.

Read More: Huawei Mate 10 Release Nears as Mate 9 Price Gets Slashed

The Mate 10 is expected to feature the EntireView design which Huawei recently patented. The display could be a bezel-less design with an 18:9 ratio like the LG G6. The Mate 10 is expected to have a 6-inch display with 2160 x 1080 pixel resolution and would be powered by a Kirin 970 chip, which would be Huawei’s first 10nm chip.

(source)

 

Latest Rumor Tips Samsung Galaxy S9 To Feature A Modular Design

Samsung launched the flagship Galaxy S8 in April this year with a design that is spectacular, to say the least. The Galaxy S8 utilised a design bezel-less infinity display which has now turn to the rave of the moment and indeed the S8 has received loads of positive reviews. As the year draws to a close gradually, attention naturally would shift gradually to the Galaxy S9 which would be next year’s flagship in the Galaxy S-series. A new rumour has emerged that the Samsung Galaxy S9 would feature a modular design. This is coming quite early, though, considering that Samsung is yet to launch the Galaxy Note 8.

Galaxy S8_
Galaxy S8

The rumour emanated from a Russian blogger @eldarmurtazin (Eldar Murtazin) who is also the editor-in-chief of mobile-review.com. According to the tipster, the Galaxy S9 may come with a modular design that would enable users to attach some accessories such as battery or camera just like the MotoMod on Motorola models. He didn’t reveal many details about this but also pointed out that the design is yet to be approved, meaning it might not see the light of day. 

Apart from Motorola, the recently launched Essential Phone 1 came with a bezel-less screen and also has a modular design for attaching accessories. It, therefore, is plausible that Samsung would add such feature to its next-gen flagship. The Galaxy S9 is also tipped as coming with a new generation of chips – a 7nm Snapdragon 845 processor and an 8nm Exynos SoC. An earlier rumour had also tipped the Galaxy S9 to feature similar screen sizes as their predecessors which include a 5.77-inch display for the Galaxy S9 while the Galaxy S9 Plus will come with a 6.22-inch display. Both models are also rumoured to feature in-display fingerprint sensors, 6GB / 8GB RAM, and perhaps dual cameras at the rear.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Pre-orders in the U.S. to Begin on August 24, Release Date Could be September 15 [Update]

We don’t know how true Mr Murtazin’s disclosure his, so we’ll treat it as just another rumour. But one thing is certain if indeed the Galaxy S9 would have a modular design, we expect lots of leaks on that before it is launched early next year.

(source)

Nokia 8’s Customized Edition May Arrive in the U.S. and China Later This Year

After the launch of the Nokia 8, Florian Sieche, the acting chief executive of HMD Global had claimed that the Nokia 8 will not be arriving in major markets like the U.S. and China. However, a report that surfaced yesterday that China may receive the Nokia 8 soon. Also, a new report suggests that the U.S. and China will be getting a customized edition of the Nokia 8.

The new report comes from sources that are familiar with the plans of the company. However, there is concrete way to confirm the accuracy of the report. The U.S. is likely to get a version of the Nokia 8 that will be compatible with all the major carriers or at least the GSM networks in the U.S. However, it appears that HMD Global will giving more priority to the Chinese market over the U.S. audience as far as Nokia 8 launch is concerned.

When HMD Global had debut the Nokia 6, it had arrived in China first six months before the release of the global variant. China had received the Nokia 8 with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage whereas the global edition features 3 GB of RAM. Hence, the Nokia 8 with higher RAM and storage combination may hit the Chinese markets.

Nokia 8 polished blue

Read More: Nokia 8 vs Competition: Where Does It Stand? An In-Depth Analysis

It is likely that the China may get the Nokia 8 with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage as well as some features that are customized for the Chinese audience. There is no information available on the U.S. variant of the Nokia 8.

The internals of the Nokia 8 are on somewhat on par with other Chinese flagship smartphones like the OnePlus 5, Xiaomi Mi 6 and ZTE Nubia Z17. However, the appearance of the smartphone is not that appealing as it does not feature thin bezels or full-screen design. Hence, in order to compete well other flagship phones, the Nokia 8 may also hit the Chinese markets with a price tag that is lower than the pricing of Nokia 8 in Europe. The smartphone will be available in the European markets for around 600 euros (~$705). However, the Nokia 8 is rumored to arrive in China with a lower pricing of around 3,699 Yuan (~$555). There is no confirmation on whether this pricing belongs to the rumored 6 GB / 128 GB customized edition for China.

(source)

 

Sharp FS8008, a Possible Sharp Aquos S2 Variant Receives TENAA Certification

The recently launched Sharp Aquos S2 has met with amazing response in China and now the Japanese company seems to be working on a variant of the same phone. The Sharp FS8008 that has a similar appearance like the Aquos S2 has been certified by China’s TENAA regulatory body. The specs of the FS8008 that has been revealed by TENAA suggests that it will be quite similar to the Aquos S2.

One major difference that can be seen through the images of Sharp FS8008 made available through the TENAA listing is that it does not feature a bezel-less design like the Aquos S2. Moreover, it does not seem to feature a metal unibody design as its body appears to be made up of plastic. Like the Aquos S2, it also features a vertically aligned dual rear cameras at the top-left corner of the back panel.

The Sharp logo is present not only on the backside of the phone but also below the display. The chin of the phone features two capacitive buttons. The fingerprint scanner may be embedded under the Home button. The right edge of the Sharp FS8008 features the Power button as well as the volume controllers. The TENAA documents show only the white variant of the smartphone. However, the Japanese firm is likely to introduce it in multiple colors like the Aquos S2. It measures 141.8 x 72.04 x 7.9mm and its weight is 145 grams.

Sharp-FS8008-TENAA

Read More: Mysterious Sharp Aquos Phone with Full-Screen Display, Front-Bottom Selfie Camera Appears in Leaked Images

According to the TENAA listing of the Sharp FS8008, the smartphone features a 5.5-inch display that produces a resolution of 2,040 x 1,080 pixels. It is driven by an octa-core processor that clocks at 2.2 GHz which suggests this smartphone could be powered by Snapdragon 630 or 660 chipset. It is expected to arrive in two models. The 64 GB Sharp FS8008 may feature 4 GB of RAM whereas the other model with 128 GB of storage may come with 6 GB of RAM. Both models also feature a microSD card slot.

A pair of 12-megapxiel camera sensors are available on the rear side of the Sharp FS8008. The frontside will be featuring an 8-megapixel selfie camera. It will arrive preinstalled with Android 7.1.1 Nougat OS and a 2,390mAh battery will be present to keep the lights on. There is no information on the launch of the Sharp FS8008. However, since it has been certified by TENAA, it should not take much time to get official.

(source|via)

 

iPhone 8 Without Touch ID May Offer Topnotch Accuracy Through Face ID

The u-shaped top bezel that is expected to arrive on the iPhone 8 is rumored to house a pair of iris sensors. The rumor mill has revealed that both the sensors will work together as 3D face recognition feature. Speculations are rife that this feature will be called Face ID. According to a South Korean publication, the Face ID feature will offer topnotch accuracy that will function at speed of millionths of a second.

iPhone 8 screen protector

The Microsoft Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL smartphones from October 2014 came with iris scanners. However, the Windows 10 powered smartphone did not achieve much popularity. The feature gained recognition when it arrived on Samsung Galaxy series smartphones, but since the speed and accuracy is not up to the mark, these devices come with iris scanners as well as fingerprint readers.

Previous reports have revealed that Apple has been struggling to place the Touch ID sensor under the display of the upcoming iPhone 8. Hence, it seems that the Cupertino company has decided to ditch the Touch ID sensor on the iPhone 8 and instead offer a 3D face recognition feature that functions accurately. If the iPhone 8 will not feature a Touch ID sensor as it is pegged to replace it with Face ID, Apple will have to explain the accuracy and security of the new feature that will be used not only for unlocking the iPhone 8 but also to authenticate payments made through it.

The South Korean publication has claimed that the 3D sensors will be present on the front as well as the backside of the iPhone 8’s to support the new augmented reality (AR) platform from Apple. Fresh information suggest that the Cupertino company will be making use of a flat AMOLED screen instead of a curved edge display. An AMOLED screen is slimmer than an LCD panel.

iPhone 8 Leaked render

Read More: iPhone 8 Rumors: 7 New Features Include Face ID Apple Pay, OLED Status Bar, Tap to Wake, SmartCam &amp; More

The flat AMOLED screen will be boasting a bezel-less design on all four sides. Rumors have it that the Apple will be holding a launch event in early September to announce three iPhones. Two of them could be the iPhone 7S and iPhone 7S Plus that may arrive as successor models for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. And the third one will be iPhone 8 that will mark the tenth anniversary of Apple iPhones. Also, Apple is also expected to debut an Apple Watch 3 that will carry support for 4G LTE connectivity.

(source)

 

Want The OnePlus 5 128GB Version in Slate Gray? You Can Buy It Now

The OnePlus 5 comes in three colors: Slate Gray, Soft Gold and Midnight Black. When it first launched, you could only get the 8GB RAM variant in Midnight Black, but starting today, the high-end version now comes in Slate Gray too.

OnePlus 5 Slate Gray 8GB RAM version

The new development means the OnePlus 5 comes in 4 variants now:

  1. Slate Gray with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage
  2. Soft Gold with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage
  3. Slate Gray with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage
  4. Midnight Black with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage

The price still remains $539 for the 8GB RAM version and it ships immediately.

READ MORE: No Android P for The OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T

Google Unveils Android 8.0 Oreo: Safer, Smarter, More Powerful and Sweeter

It is official, the latest version of Android is Android 8.0 Oreo!!! Yassss!!! Months after the first unveiling, Google finally makes it official.

Android 8.0 Oreo brings a ton of new features and we can’t wait to experience them all. Do note that the UI hasn’t changed from what we have on Nougat.

Android 8.0 Oreo

Faster Performance

Android Oreo is faster. According to Google, it is even 2x faster when booting up than what is available on Android Nougat. Google does mention that the speed test was carried out on the Pixel. So it may vary on other devices.

To also increase overall speed of your device, Android Oreo limits background activity in least used apps, so that all those resources are available to your most used ones.

Autofill

With Autofill, you don’t have to start entering login details for your favorite apps. Usernames and passwords are entered in an instant.

Picture-in-Picture

Minimize that video call while you do other things like reply mails or set calendar appointments. Whenever you are ready, you can switch back to full screen for the minimized app by tapping on it.

Notification Dots

To quickly view the notification for an app, long press on the app icon and you can view the notification and clear them by swiping away.

New and More Emojis

Goodbye to blob-face emoji. Android 8 Oreo brings redesigned emojis and also more than 60 new ones.

READ MORE: Google Pixel 2 Receives FCC Approval; Reveals Features Like Active Edge, Snapdragon 835, Android 8.0

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A’s Variants Differ Significantly: Key Specs Differences

Today, Xiaomi announced the latest super low-end smartphone in its Redmi Note series — the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A. We have already covered the launch in detail and you can read more about the phone from here. But here, let’s talk about the Redmi Note 5A variants. There are two major variants announced, a 2GB + 16GB model and a 3GB + 32GB model. The third variant just adds an extra RAM and storage — 4GB + 64GB to the 3GB RAM version.

Redmi Note 5A Base model

So, what are the differences between Redmi Note 5A’s Low vs High version? As a matter of fact, quite a lot! In fact, given the differences, you can even consider them to be totally different models rather than just variants. It’s like the Redmi 4A vs Redmi 4, but instead of treating the two as different models, here Xiaomi has differentiated them as variants.

 

Redmi Note 5A Low version vs High version: Key Differences

To make things simple, I have made a table highlighting the differences between these two variants. The models have slight differences in thickness, weight, cameras, displays, memory and even design (due to the fingerprint sensor at the back of the high version). The processors are also different with a quad-core SD425 powering the low version vs a faster octa-core SD435 inside the high-version.

Check out all the differences down below.

 Redmi Note 5A
(LOW VERSION)
Redmi Note 5A
(HIGH VERSION)
DIMENSIONS | WT.
153 x 76.2 x 7.55mm
150g
Slightly Thicker & Heavier
153 x 76.2 x 7.7mm
153 grams
CPUSlower Processor
SD425
Adreno 308
Faster Processor
SD435
Adreno 505
MEMORY
2GB+16GB
Dedicated MicroSD Slot: Yes

3GB+32GB | 4GB + 64GB
Dedicated MicroSD Slot: Yes
DISPLAY5.5-inch 720p
450 nits

5.5-inch 720p
450 nits
2.5D curved glass

CAMERA
13MP f/2.2, PDAF, HDR, Real Time Filters
1080p@30fps

FRONT: 5MP f/2.0

13MP f/2.2, PDAF, HDR, Real Time Filters
1080p@30fps

FRONT: 16MP f/2.0 76.4 degree wide-angle
Front Facing FLASH
COMMSBluetooth 4.2
MicroUSB
Wi-Fi n
IR sensor
Bluetooth 4.2
MicroUSB
Wi-Fi n
IR sensor
SPECIAL FEATURESNo Fingerprint

Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum Silver
Fingerprint

Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum Silver
BATTERY FEATURES3080mAh 3080mAh
PRICE DIFFERENCE699 Yuan (~$105)899 yuan (~$135), 1199 Yuan (~$180)

 

For a $30 difference, you get a lot more value from the 3GB RAM model of the Redmi Note 5A. What do you think?

 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A Is Official: 3 Variants, 16MP Selfie Camera & Snapdragon 435

The reign of the fourth is over as Xiaomi announces the first of the Fifth-Gen Redmi Series. After months of leaks, the Redmi Note 5A is now official.

Redmi Note 5A

The Redmi Note 5A can be said to be the successor to the Redmi 4A released in November 2016. The 4A was the cheapest Xiaomi phone ever made but didn’t compromise on quality. The Note 5A is slightly more expensive but has specs that justify the increase.

Redmi Note 5A Design

Xiaomi hasn’t really changed the design of the series. The Redmi Note 5A is just a bigger version of its successor, though it has ditched the polycarbonate body for metal.

The speaker has been moved from the back to the bottom just beside the micro USB port. The rear camera still sits on the antenna line but the LED flash is now on the right.

This is the Redmi series so it is still uses capacitive buttons. Power button and volume rocker are on the right and the SIM tray is on the left. Sitting at the top is an audio jack and an IR blaster.

Redmi Note 5A Specs

The first major change is the display. Instead of the 5-inch size of the Redmi 4A, the Note 5A moves to a 5.5-inch display but keeps the resolution at 720p. Xiaomi says even with the increase in size, it can still be operated with one hand.

We checked out the dimensions since it doesn’t sport thinner bezels. The Redmi Note 5A measures 153 x 76.2 x 7.7 mm. While there is a significant increase in the length and breadth of the phone, it is thinner than the Redmi 4A.

The Note 5A comes in three different variants:

  1. A 2GB RAM + 16GB model powered by the Snapdragon 425 mobile platform and no fingerprint scanner.
  2. A 3GB RAM + 32GB model with a Snapdragon 435 processor and a rear fingerprint scanner. The display is also covered with a 2.5D glass.
  3. A 4GB RAM + 64GB model with a Snapdragon 435 SoC and a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.

The Redmi Note 5A continues with the upgrade with a 16MP front camera and front flash limited to the (3GB and 4GB models only). Seems it is all about the selfies with this device. The camera has a f/2.0 aperture with a 76.4° viewing angle and beauty mode for videos too.

The base model has a 5MP f/2.0 front camera but skips the flash. The rear camera for all three models is a 13MP f/2.2 sensor with PDAF, HDR, and low-light enhancement.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A is the first of Xiaomi devices in a long while with a dedicated microSD card slot. So irrespective of the version you buy, you get a SIM tray with two SIM slots (nano only) and a microSD slot (128GB max).

The phone ships with MIUI 9 out of the box, bringing features like split-screen multitasking, image search, and an AI assistant. There is a 3080mAh battery under the hood that supplies juice. Check out full Redmi Note 5A specs here.

READ MORE: Xiaomi Mi A1 Could be the Next Android One Smartphone

18:9 Cubot X18 Specs Revealed: MT6737T, Pure Android 7

Ever since Samsung released the Galaxy S8 and LG outed its LG G6, 18:9 displays have become a new fad. And slowly, manufacturers are expected to shift to 18:9 displays, including top companies like Apple, Sony, Huawei, OPPO, and Vivo. But these smartphones won’t be cheap which is where brands like Cubot tries to lure in customers with cheaper, less powerful alternatives.

cubot-x18-iphone-7plus

The company has already released teaser video and images of the Cubot X18, featuring a 5.7-inch 18:9 screen and an impressive 83 percent screen to body ratio. This looks pretty amazing right? But Cubot might be giving a bit too much love to the display, leaving little for the other departments. The Cubot X18 will come with the quad-core MT6737T chip. This is at best an entry level chip and if the screen resolution turns out to be 1080p, we’ll have to wait and see if the chip manages to handle this resolution smoothly.

RELATED: Cubot Magic Review

In the RAM department, you won’t be disappointed though. The phone features 3GB RAM and 32GB of expandable internal storage. At the back, you get a 13MP shooter with LED flash while up front you get an 8MP camera sensor along with an LED flash. There’s 3200mAh battery on board and for software, the phone will lose all bloatware for a pure Android 7 Nougat experience.

x18 cubot

There’s no denying 18:9 displays are the next big thing in the smartphone market and phones like the Cubot X18 will help you get a better display experience without burning a hole in your pocket. It could turn out to be a decent option for part time gamers and video lovers. The Cubot X18 is expected to retail at around $160.

Pre-sale is said to start next week and we’ll keep you updated about the same in the coming days. You can read more about the smartphone and the Cubot brand from here.

New 129 Yuan(~$19) Xiaomi Yeelight Table Lamp With Built-in Battery Launched

Xiaomi’s eco-chain company Yeelight has launched a new smart table lamp which comes with up to five adjustable brightness level and five adjustable colour temperatures. The Yeelight Smart table lamp continues with the simple but classy design which the Xiaomi MIJIA products are known for but has more features than the Mi Smart Table Lamp which was launched last year.Yeelight Smart Table lamp

The lamp features a metal body encased in a skin-friendly silicone hose at the neck which can be rotated up to 360 degrees. The device also comes with 60 built-in high-quality LED lamp beads consisting of 30 warm and 30 cool colours with colour index of up to 88. It can achieve a brightness of up to 260 lumens. Yeelight Smart Table lamp

The Yeelight Smart Table lamp comes in two versions, a standard version which weighs 590g and has a power input rating of 3W. The standard version also has a micro USB port and can be powered using a power bank. There is also a Charging version which features a 2,000mAh built-in battery which can last up to 5 hours, something which wasn’t on the MiSmart Table lamp. The duration of use would depend on the brighness level. The Charging version weighs 650g and has a power rating of 5W.  Yeelight Smart Table lamp

Read More: Xiaomi Smart LED Desk Lamp Review – The Most Beautiful Desk Lamp?

The Yeelight lamp also comes with just three buttons, one for power, brightness, and colour temperature adjustment. The Standard version is presently available on the Yeelight official flagship store on Taobao for 129 Yuan. Purchase of more than two units attracts a 10% discount. Yeelight Smart Table lamp Yeelight Smart Table lamp Yeelight Smart Table lamp Yeelight Smart Table lamp Yeelight Smart Table lamp Yeelight Smart Table lamp

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A Is Built Using Flagship Quality Standards

Xiaomi is expected to announce the Redmi Note 5A later today via a live broadcast which would be hosted by Xiaomi’s president Lin Bin. The Redmi Note 5A falls into the tech giant’s budget offering except that it is touted to come with a build quality whose standard is of flagship category. This assertion was made by Lin Bin himself on his official Weibo account who also shared a list of the quality tests the Redmi Note 5A was subjected to.Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A

Among the quality tests listed include dust test, temperature impact test, SIM card plug test and a host of others which ordinarily are tests conducted on its Mi flagship models. The device is also revealed to be coming with a Corning Gorilla Glass protection. Lin Bin had also earlier revealed that the budget device will come with a front flash. In addition, the Xiaomi president also shared a list of suppliers of the different parts used on the Redmi Note 5A and on the list we can see top companies like Qualcomm, Samsung, Texas instruments, Bosch, Corning, and others.Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A

 

Read More: Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A To Feature A Front-Facing Soft Flash

As a reminder, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A is expected to feature a 5.5-inch HD display and will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 chipset.  The device also features 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage. There may be another variant with a Snapdragon 625 chipset as well as 3GB+ 32GB memory and 4GB + 64GB storage. It is expected to pack a 13-megapixel rear camera and a front-facing camera of 5-megapixels as well as a 3,000mAh battery. We’ll keep you updated here on Gizmochina as soon as the device is launched.

(source)

Andy Rubin Mentions The Sharp Aquos S2’s Striking Resemblance To The Essential Phone, Reveals New Modules

The first time the Sharp Aquos S2 leaked, it was hard to unsee the striking resemblance it shared with the Essential Phone. The teaser was even the same as that of the Essential Phone when Andy Rubin first teased it. While Sharp may use the  “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” excuse, Andy Rubin isn’t happy about it.

Essential Phone Vs Sharp Aquos S2

In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg, the founder of Essential shed some light on the matter. He revealed that Foxconn Industries manufactured the Essential Phone. The manufacturing giant which is also an investor and partner in Essential, also manufactured the Sharp Aquos S2. So while there are advantages in the partnership, there are also disadvantages.

Andy Rubin said in the interview “You should have seen that email!”, referring to the mail he sent to Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou, when he saw the Sharp phone. The details of the mail were not disclosed but we can assume that he gave Mr. Gou a piece of his mind.

In China it isn’t unusual to see phones from different brands look exactly alike. Take the bezel-less display craze that started with the Xiaomi Mi MIX for example. Quite a number of manufacturers made similar looking devices with some even having  “MIX” in their name.

Another example is the jump on the 18:9 aspect ratio train started by Samsung and LG. There are phones that share the same look as the Galaxy S8 and also called the S8 ( see the Bluboo S8).

So Mr Rubin, if Sharp didn’t copy your design, someone else would have done so eventually. However, while Sharp has been making bezel-less devices for years now, they can even be referred to as the pioneers, it will be unfair to pretend we can’t see that the Essential Phone greatly influences the design of the Aquos S2. Sharp does try to make the display look a bit different by making the top corners diagonal instead of curved.

Moving on from there, Mr Rubin also revealed two new modules for the Essential Phone. The Essential phone has two magnetic pins at the back where you can clip on the accessories that give your phone new features. Right now, the only one available for purchase is the 360° cam which will retail for $199 but can be gotten for $50 when you buy it with the phone.

Essential camera accessory prototype
Essential Camera Accessory Prototype

The new modules he mentioned are a device that allows you send high quality audio to your car stereo while your phone charges via its main port. If you have forgotten, the Essential Phone doesn’t have a 3.5mm jack that you can plug an auxiliary cable into.

The second gadget is said to be the world’s smallest 3D laser scanner. he didn’t disclose the function of the scanner though. Another device he revealed is a standalone product called Home.

Essential Home Prototype

Home will work like Google Home or Amazon Echo but will have support for Google Assistant and Alexa. It will also run a special OS called AmbientOS which focuses on privacy.

A prototype unit shown reveals it has a circular display. We can make out a music widget, a widget that shows a list of smart devices (there is Nest and Chromecast on the list) and a third widget that has Spotify and AT&T icons.

Official images on the website reveals it will have a black body with a gold chrome base. The display is inclined so you don’t have to stand directly over it to see what is on the screen.

READ MORE: Essential Phone Goes On Sale Starts At $699, Promises Updates For 2 Years

The official website describes Home as a device “that plays well with others”. You can activate it by asking a question, tapping it or even glancing at it. Some of the functions shown include asking it to play  song, set a reminder or even dim the light. It will remind you about your appointments too.

There was no mention of when any of these products will hit the market.

[envira-gallery id=”145921″]

(Sources: 1, 2)

 

New Images Show The Moto X4 In Blue Ahead of August 24 Release

Motorola has released a phone for nearly all its series save for two, the X and the M series. Although the Moto M series was created just last year and has only device, folks are more excited about the Moto X series. Up until 2015, the Moto X was Motorola’s flagship line and has now been replaced by the Moto Z. After a one year break, Lenovo is bringing back the series with the Moto X4.

Moto X4

The Moto X4 will launch as an upper mid-range smartphone, boasting features found in flagships. It will have a metal and glass body, dual rear cameras and even an IP68 rating. The release date for the Moto X4 is put at August 24. Just a few days before that, live photos of the device have been posted online.

The variant in the images is navy blue and looks pretty good. The first image shows the front of the device. The Moto X4 has a pill-shaped home button that doubles as a fingerprint scanner. It also has on-screen buttons. The UI is nearly stock Android like other Moto phones.

Moto X4

The back is a little more exciting as we can see the dual rear cameras. The camera housing is similar to that of the other Moto phones released this year with its circular but raised design. The sensors are positioned side by side and the LED flash is at the top.

Beneath the cameras lie the Moto logo under a layer of glass that is curved at the sides.

READ MORE: Patent Reveals Motorola Is Working On A Self-Healing Display

Meizu M6 Note Real Photos Leaked Revealing Some Interesting Features

Meizu will be launching the M6 Note on August 23, just two days away and ahead of that event, we have got what is likely Note 6’s real photos showing the mid-ranger from different angles. This is the first time the M6 Note’s real photos are making the rounds and quite aptly, it doesn’t look too spectacular but there are some interesting features coming on the mid-range smartphone. Meizu M6 Note

One major thing we can take out of the leaked photos is the dual camera setup at the rear which makes the M6 Note only the second Meizu device to have such after the Pro 7. We have already seen the sample photo shot by the Note 6’s rear cameras and it shows potentials of a setup with a fast focus. Another unique design is the LED flash at the rear which is a similar quad-LED flash as used on the Meizu E2. The LED flash is located directly on top the antenna band line. This sort of confirms an earlier leak that the device would feature the same flash as the E2.Meizu M6 Note

Read More: Meizu EP52 Wireless Headphone Launching Alongside The M6 Note

The leaked photos only capture the rear view of the device but we have already seen the front view of the device in an earlier leak and it looks very much like the M5 Note and previous Meizu model. Another thing we can take out of the leaked shots is the presence of the 3.5mm audio jack, a non-removable back cover and the USB port which isn’t a USB-C port.meizu note 6

The M6 Note is expected to feature a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with Full HD resolution and will be powered by MediaTek’s latest mid-range Helio P25 chip with the Mali-T880 GPU firing up the graphics. The processor will be backed by 3GB of RAM on some models while others will have 4GB of RAM coupled with either be a 32GB and 64GB storage variant respectively. A device purported to be the M6 Note was spotted on Geekbench recently with a Snapdragon 625 processor. We can’t say for sure if the device is real or not but if that is launched, it would be an interesting addition.

(source)

Nokia 8 vs Competition: Where Does It Stand? An In-Depth Analysis

Behold, the Nokia 8 is here —  Nokia’s first flagship grade smartphone in 3 years and 10 months (considering Lumia 1520, the last flagship model under Nokia branding, launched in 2013). But this phone marks an even bigger milestone — it’s the brand’s first-ever Android flagship, making it one of the most anticipated launches of 2017. Well, not just of 2017, it probably has been the most anticipated product of the decade. And now, the phone we’ve waited for so long is here and before our fanboyism takes over, let’s take a look at how the Nokia 8 stands against its nearest competitors.

Nokia 8 Copper

Considering its placement as a premium flagship, top rated phones like Galaxy S8, LG G6, Moto Z2 Force, Xiaomi Mi 6, and even the Nubia Z17 are direct rivals to the device. However, before we check out the competition, let’s first see where the phone stands as a flagship grade smartphone in 2017.

 

Nokia 8: How Does It Look As A Premium 2017 Flagship

On first glance, the Nokia 8 feels like a well-built flagship. The phone has all the bells and whistles that you would expect in a top-end smartphone, including the powerful Snapdragon 835 chipset. It’s a bit low in the RAM department (that is, if you are a power hungry user), with just 4GB available on the base €599 version. Many cheaper models lure you in with a 6GB of RAM base variant but do note that there are still a few flagships that start (and even end) with just 4GB RAM, like the Galaxy S8 and the Huawei P10, so the Nokia 8 isn’t alone.

In the camera department, Sony’s IMX258 (unconfirmed) is most likely inside the 12MP+12MP setup, which is a pretty good sensor. This may not be the best Sony sensor we have seen in a smartphone (like the IMX362 inside the HTC U11 with its large 1.4µm pixel size), but experience tells us that camera optimization plays a large part in the quality of images and videos captured than the sensor model. The setup is impressive with Carl Zeiss lens, Laser Focus, and OIS but the phone lacks any kind of lossless zoom. Even phones which are way cheaper than the Nokia 8 come with optical zoom, so it was probably a bad decision to skip this feature. But I’m sure Nokia could be forgiven for excluding it, provided the camera quality with Carl Zeiss lens is exceptional.

Nokia 8

Coming to the pricing, the Nokia 8 isn’t cheap. It starts at €599, which comes to over $700. That’s Galaxy S8, HTC U11 territory, which isn’t going to help its chances for success. Nokia OZO Audio and Dual Sight does try to give it an edge, but is it enough for consumers to choose the Nokia 8 instead of some of the best-rated phones in the market today?

Let’s find out.

Please note that choosing a phone has, and always will be a personal choice. I understand for some users 2K screen will matter more than say water proofing and vice versa. So the conclusions drawn from the comparison below doesn’t aim to be definitive. It’s just to show which phone we would personally pick and why. So, don’t be offended or alarmed just because we picked one phone over the other.

Another thing, we still don’t have a very good idea about Nokia 8’s camera quality. So, I won’t be commenting about the phone’s camera quality in detail in the comparison. But you’ll get camera specs, sensor models, and other details right in the specs comparison table.

So, let’s get on with it.

 

Nokia 8 vs Competition: Which One’s Better?

Let’s start with the industry leader —  Samsung Galaxy S8.

 

Nokia 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S8

Nokia 8 vs Galaxy S8 1

The Nokia 8 vs Galaxy S8 comparison is a pretty easy one on the basis of plain specifications and features. Both have Snapdragon 835 (or equivalent) processors on board but the S8 beats the Nokia 8 in multiple departments like the display, dimensions, special add on features as well as the pricing. Right now, the S8 can be bought at a cheaper price tag than the Nokia 8, at just around €559 on sites like Amazon in Europe. It offers much more value for its cheaper price tag, making the comparison rather straight forward. So, unless you dislike the infinity display, you would get more value with the S8.

 Nokia 8Galaxy S8
DIMENSIONS | WT.Larger body profile
151.5 x 73.7 x 7.9mm
160g
Smaller body profile
148.9 x 68.1 x 8mm
155 grams
CPUTop-end Processor
[email protected]
Top-end Processor
[email protected] /
Exynos 8895@ 2.3GHz
MEMORYSAME Config.
(4GB+64GB)
SAME Config.
(4GB+64GB)
DISPLAY
5.3-inch 2K LCD
GG5
Better Display (Infinity)
5.8-inch 2K
GG5
AOD, 18:9 Screen

CAMERADual Cameras
13MP + 13MP f/2.0 (1.12um pixel)
OIS, Laser + PDAF
Carl Zeiss Optics
dual LED flash
(Sony IMX258?)
FRONT: 13MP 4K
Single Camera
12MP f/1.7, 1.4um,
OIS, PDAF, LED Flash
Sony IMX333
FRONT: 8MP 2K
COMMSBluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
SPECIAL FEATURESIP54
Nokia OZO Audio
Carl Zeiss Lens
Dual Sight
IP68
Iris Scanner
S-Voice
Wireless Charging
PRICE DIFFERENCE599 Euros559 Euros (41 Euro Cheaper!)

Our Pick: Galaxy S8

 

 

Nokia 8 vs LG G6

Nokia 8 vs LG G6
Nokia 8 vs LG G6

While the LG G6 is a pretty decent smartphone, you already know which phone you’d pick in this comparison on the basis of specifications alone. The processor inside the G6 is old now, and so are the connectivity standards used. The display might be the only key feature that’ll lure in customers along with its cheaper €414 price tag. But if you are willing to shell out more, Nokia 8 is likely a better buy.

 Nokia 8LG G6
DIMENSIONS | WT.Larger body profile
151.5 x 73.7 x 7.9mm
160g
Smaller body profile
148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9mm
155 grams
CPUTop-end Processor
[email protected]
Slower Processor
[email protected]
MEMORYSAME Config.
(4GB+64GB)
MicroSD: Yes
SIMILAR Config.
(4GB+32/64/128GB)
MicroSD: Yes
DISPLAY5.3-inch 2K LCD
GG5
Better Display
5.7-inch 2K LCD
GG3
AOD, HDR10, 18:9 Screen

CAMERADual Cameras
13MP + 13MP f/2.0 (1.12um pixel)
OIS, Laser + PDAF
Carl Zeiss Optics
(Sony IMX258?)
dual LED flash

FRONT: 13MP 4K
Dual Cameras
13MP f/1.8 (1.12um) + 13MP f/2.4
OIS, PDAF, LED Flash
Sony IMX258
FRONT: 5MP 1080p
COMMSBluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC

Bluetooth 4.2
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
SPECIAL FEATURESIP54
Nokia OZO Audio
Carl Zeiss Lens
Dual Sight
IP68
AOD
Wireless Charging
BATTERY FEATURES3090mAh QC 3.0 3300mAh QC 3.0
PRICE DIFFERENCE599 Euros414 Euros (185 Euros Cheaper)

Our Pick: Nokia 8 

 

 

Nokia 8 vs HTC U11

Nokia 8 vs HTC U11
Nokia 8 vs HTC U11

It’s much harder to pick a winner in the Nokia 8 vs HTC 11 comparison. Both are equally good, with great 2K displays and similar body profiles. In fact, I couldn’t pick one model as a clear winner in any department. Note that there’s no headphone jack on the HTC U11, which might be unacceptable for some, but with the superior audio that you get via the USB Type-C connector (thanks to a dedicated DAC), most shouldn’t mind its absence.

Nokia OZO Audio and Dual Sight does give Nokia 8 a slight edge but with HTC’s unique Edge Sense gestures, it becomes a matter of preference rather than whose tech is simply better. So, it really comes down to the camera department and the quality of Nokia 8’s dual sensors over HTC U11’s single 12MP shooter. We already know the U11 has an amazing camera but without any knowledge of Nokia’s camera prowess, it’s hard to pick a winner. Still, I would personally pick HTC for its unique Edge Sense that I would use on a daily basis, rather than Dual Sight or Nokia OZO that would probably be rarely used.

 Nokia 8HTC U11
DIMENSIONS | WT.Similar body profile
151.5 x 73.7 x 7.9mm
160g
Similar body profile
153.9 x 75.9 x 7.9mm
169 grams
CPUTop-end Processor
[email protected]
Top-end Processor
[email protected]
MEMORYSIMILAR Config.
(4GB+64GB)
MicroSD: Yes
SIMILAR Config.
(4GB+64GB)
MicroSD: Yes
DISPLAY5.3-inch 2K LCD
GG5
5.5-inch 2K LCD
GG5
CAMERADual Cameras
13MP + 13MP f/2.0 (1.12um pixel)
OIS, Laser + PDAF
Carl Zeiss Optics
(Sony IMX258?)
dual LED flash

FRONT: 13MP 4K
Single Camera
12MP f/1.7
OIS, PDAF, LED Flash
Sony IMX362

FRONT: 16MP 1080p
COMMSBluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
3.5mm Headphone Jack
Bluetooth 4.2 (~5.0 after Android O)
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
No 3.5mm headphone jack
SPECIAL FEATURESIP54
Nokia OZO Audio
Carl Zeiss Lens
Dual Sight
IP67
HTC Edge Sense
Wireless Charging
Exceptional Audio
BATTERY FEATURES3090mAh QC 3.0 3000mAh QC 3.0
PRICE DIFFERENCE599 Euros (20 Euros Cheaper)620 Euros

Our Pick: HTC U11

 

 

Nokia 8 vs Sony Xperia XZ Premium

Nokia 8 vs Sony Xperia XZ Premium
Nokia 8 vs Sony Xperia XZ Premium

Barring the amazing 4K resolution screen and the 960 fps super slo-mo video recording feature, the Xperia XZ Premium fails to impress. Its bulky profile doesn’t help to get a comfortable grip and neither does its 195g weight. The camera is just above average, not up to Sony’s exceptional standards. So, unless you are a huge fan of 4K smartphone displays, the Nokia 8 should be good enough of a flagship for most customers.

 Nokia 8Xperia XZ Premium
DIMENSIONS | WT.Smaller body profile & Lighter
151.5 x 73.7 x 7.9mm
160g
Larger Body Profile & Way Heavier
156 x 77 x 7.9 mm
195 grams
CPUTop-end Processor
[email protected]
Top-end Processor
[email protected]
MEMORYSIMILAR Config.
(4GB+64GB)
MicroSD: Yes
SIMILAR Config.
(4GB+64GB)
MicroSD: Yes
DISPLAY5.3-inch 2K LCD
GG5
5.46-inch LCD 4K
GG5
HDR10

CAMERADual Cameras
13MP + 13MP f/2.0 (1.12um pixel)
OIS, Laser + PDAF, dual LED flash
Carl Zeiss Optics
(Sony IMX258?)

FRONT: 13MP 4K
Dual Cameras
19MP f/2.0 (1.22um)
Laser + PDAF, EIS, dual LED Flash
Sony IMX400

FRONT: 13MP 1080p
COMMSBluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC

Bluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
SPECIAL FEATURESIP54
Nokia OZO Audio
Carl Zeiss Lens
Dual Sight
IP68
960 fps slo-mo video recording
BATTERY FEATURES3090mAh QC 3.0 3230mAh QC 3.0
PRICE DIFFERENCE599 Euros (50 Euros Cheaper)650 Euros

Our Pick: Nokia 8

 

 

Nokia 8 vs Moto Z2 Force

Nokia 8 vs Moto Z2 Force
Nokia 8 vs Moto Z2 Force

Love to get your hands on a super slim device? Then the Moto Z2 Force should be your pick with a razor-thin 6mm body. It weighs just 143 grams, making it lighter than most 5.5-inch phones out there. At what cost though? There’s no headphone jack and the battery is smaller than other models, measuring 2730mAh. Not that bad, right? The Z2 Force does feature Moto’s unique ShatterShield technology but it does come at a cost — scratch prone front. But once again, the front’s replaceable, so don’t panic yet. Moto Style Shells are definitely an added plus, especially when you can add features such as Wireless charging.

So, this was all about why you would pick the Z2 Force. Moving on to Nokia 8, the camera has to be its biggest asset. If the camera is really amazing, your choice becomes easier, with features like dedicated Nokia OZO Audio, Dual Sight tech, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a slightly larger battery, further tempting you to pick the Nokia 8 over Z2 Force. Pricing doesn’t help in the choice as it’s too close.

If I had to make a choice, the camera would be a big deciding factor. Without that information, I would pick the Moto Z2 Force for its slimmer profile and Moto Style Shells.

 Nokia 8Moto Z2 Force
DIMENSIONS | WT.Larger body profile
151.5 x 73.7 x 7.9mm
160g
Super Slim & Lightweight
155.8 x 76 x 6.1 mm
143 grams
CPUTop-end Processor
[email protected]
Top-end Processor
[email protected]
MEMORYSIMILAR Config.
(4GB+64GB)
MicroSD: Yes
SIMILAR Config.
(4GB+64GB)
MicroSD: Yes
DISPLAY5.3-inch 2K LCD
GG5
5.5-inch 2K P-OLED
Shatterproof
CAMERADual Cameras
13MP + 13MP f/2.0 (1.12um pixel)
OIS, Laser + PDAF, dual LED flash
Carl Zeiss Optics
(Sony IMX258?)


FRONT: 13MP 4K
Dual Cameras
12MP + 12MP f/2.0 (1.25um)
Laser + PDAF, dual LED Flash
Sony IMX386

FRONT: 5MP 1080p w/ LED Flash
COMMSBluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
3.5mm Headphone Jack
Bluetooth 4.2 (~5.0 after Android O)
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
No 3.5mm headphone jack
SPECIAL FEATURESIP54
Nokia OZO Audio
Carl Zeiss Lens
Dual Sight
Splash Proof
Shatterproof glass
Wireless Charging (via Moto Style Shell)
BATTERY FEATURES3090mAh QC 3.0 2730mAh QC 3.0
PRICE DIFFERENCE599 Euros (14 Euros Cheaper)614 Euros

Our Pick: Moto Z2 Force

 

 

Now, let’s bring in the flagships from China. Should make the comparison really interesting and probably one sided.

 

 

Nokia 8 vs Xiaomi Mi 6

Nokia 8 vs Xiaomi Mi 6
Nokia 8 vs Xiaomi Mi 6

The Xiaomi Mi 6 is an embodiment of the perfect 2017 flagship, at least on the basis of specs. The phone has SD835, 6GB RAM, large memory option variants, splash resistance, good dual cameras with 2x Optical zoom, and a sufficiently large battery — all inside a compact body profile and affordable price tag.

The Nokia 8 is aiming for a similar place in the market, perhaps, a level higher than the Mi 6. So, you get a 2K display, special features like Nokia OZO Audio and Dual Sight as well as the latest connectivity standards (including a 3.5mm dedicated headphone jack which the Mi 6 lacks). On paper, the Nokia 8 is better but it’s significantly costlier than the Mi 6. Now, all you have to decide is whether a €255 difference is worth the upgrade.

If I had to make a choice, I would personally go with the Nokia 8. Yes, it’s costlier, but the camera is probably going to be better and Dual Sight tech seems like a feature that I would check out every once in a while. Despite doing everything right, I feel, the Mi 6 is a bit too safe for a 2017 flagship.

 Nokia 8Xiaomi Mi 6
DIMENSIONS | WT.Smaller body profile & Lighter
151.5 x 73.7 x 7.9mm
160g
Compact Body
145.2 x 70.5 x 7.5 mm
168 grams
CPUTop-end Processor
[email protected]
Top-end Processor
[email protected]
MEMORY(4GB+64GB)
MicroSD: Yes
BETTER Config.
(6GB+64GB)
MicroSD: NO
DISPLAY5.3-inch 2K LCD
GG5
5.15-inch LCD 1080p
GG
CAMERADual Cameras
13MP + 13MP f/2.0 (1.12um pixel)
OIS, Laser + PDAF, dual LED flash
Carl Zeiss Optics
(Sony IMX258?)

FRONT: 13MP 4K
Dual Cameras
12MP + 12MP f/1.8 + f/2.6 (1.25um+1.0um)
PDAF, OIS, 2x Optical Zoom, dual LED Flash
Sony IMX386 + S5k3m3

FRONT: 8MP 1080p
COMMSBluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
3.5mm Headphone Jack
Bluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C 2.0
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
IR Port
No 3.5mm headphone jack
SPECIAL FEATURESIP54
Nokia OZO Audio
Carl Zeiss Lens
Dual Sight
Splash Resistant

BATTERY FEATURES3090mAh QC 3.0 3350mAh QC 3.0
PRICE DIFFERENCE599 Euros 344 Euros (255 Euros Cheaper!)

Our Pick: Nokia 8

 

 

Nokia 8 vs Nubia Z17

Nokia 8 vs Nubia Z17
Nokia 8 vs Nubia Z17

Unlike the Xiaomi Mi 6, the Nubia Z17 brings a couple of features to spice up its comparison with the Nokia 8. It features a bezel-less aRC 3.0 screen — which looks beautiful, Quick Charge 4.0 support, Dolby Atmos, 6GB RAM with an 8GB RAM option, an IR port, and even 2x lossless zoom while being a good €245 cheaper! Apart from the connectivity department, the Nokia 8 does not have a significant edge over the Z17. Yes, the Nokia 8 gives a tough fight with Dual Sight and Nokia OZO. Also, the screen resolution is higher at 2K, but are these features enough to ignore a €245 price difference? For the additional €245, you do get a faster upgrade promise to Android O as compared to the Z17.

But personally, I like the Z17 and the Nokia 8 does not have enough punch to make me switch over to the model, at least not yet.

 Nokia 8Nubia Z17
DIMENSIONS | WT.Similar body profile but Lighter
151.5 x 73.7 x 7.9mm
160g
152.6 x 72.4 x 7.6 mm
173g
CPUTop-end Processor
[email protected]
Top-end Processor
[email protected]
MEMORY(4GB+64GB)
MicroSD: Yes
BETTER Config.
(6GB+64GB)
MicroSD: NO
DISPLAY5.3-inch 2K LCD
GG5
5.5-inch LCD 1080p
aRC 3.0 bezel-less tech
GG
CAMERADual Cameras
13MP + 13MP f/2.0 (1.12um pixel)
OIS, Laser + PDAF, dual LED flash
Carl Zeiss Optics
(Sony IMX258?)

FRONT: 13MP 4K
Dual Cameras
12MP + 23MP f/1.8 + f/2.0 (1.4um+1.0um)
PDAF, 2x lossless Zoom, dual LED Flash
Sony IMX362 + IMX318

FRONT: 16MP
COMMSBluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
3.5mm Headphone Jack
Bluetooth 4.1
USB Type-C 2.0 (unconfirmed)
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
IR Port
No 3.5mm headphone jack
SPECIAL FEATURESIP54
Nokia OZO Audio
Carl Zeiss Lens
Dual Sight
IP68
FiT (Interactive Edges)
8GB RAM variant
Dolby Atmos
Quick Charge 4.0 support
BATTERY FEATURES3090mAh QC 3.0 3200mAh QC 3.0
PRICE DIFFERENCE599 Euros 350 Euros (249 Euros Cheaper!)

Our Pick: Nubia Z17

 

 

Nokia 8 vs Huawei P10

Nokia 8 vs Huawei P10
Nokia 8 vs Huawei P10

P10 is known for its Leica dual cameras and that’s definitely going to be a deciding factor. It will all boil down to Leica vs Carl Zeiss and whose dual camera implementation is better. The Huawei P10 has a thinner and lighter body, but in rest of the departments, like display and connectivity, the Nokia 8 has an edge. Add splash resistance, OZO Audio, and Dual Sight tech, and things get harder for the P10. We could bring the larger Huawei P10 Plus into the picture to make things interesting. The Nokia 8 lies in between these two siblings in terms of pricing. Add €40 to Nokia 8’s price for a Huawei P10 Plus and you get a larger 3750mAh battery as well as an IR port. But then you lose on the latest connectivity standards, splash resistance and Nokia’s proprietary OZO Audio and Dual Sight technologies.

So, on paper, for €40 less than the P10 Plus, the Nokia 8 looks better.

 Nokia 8Huawei P10
DIMENSIONS | WT.Larger
151.5 x 73.7 x 7.9mm
160g
Super Compact & Lightweight
145.3 x 69.3 x 7 mm
145g
CPUTop-end Processor
[email protected]
Top-end Processor
Kirin 960 @ 2.4GHz
MEMORYSIMILAR Config.
(4GB+64GB)
MicroSD: Yes
Similar Config.
(4GB+32GB)
MicroSD: Yes
DISPLAY5.3-inch 2K LCD
GG5
5.5-inch 1080p LCD
GG5
CAMERADual Cameras
13MP + 13MP f/2.0 +f2.0 (1.12um+1.12um)
OIS, Laser + PDAF, dual LED flash
Carl Zeiss Optics
(Sony IMX258?)

FRONT: 13MP 4K
Dual Cameras
12MP + 20MP f/2.0
OIS, Laser + PDAF, 2x Lossless Zoom, dual LED flash
Leica Optics
(Sensor Model Unknown)

FRONT: 8MP
COMMSBluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
3.5mm Headphone Jack
Bluetooth 4.2
USB Type-C 2.0
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
3.5mm Headphone Jack
SPECIAL FEATURESIP54
Nokia OZO Audio
Carl Zeiss Lens
Dual Sight
Not Splash Proof
Leica Optics

BATTERY FEATURES3090mAh QC 3.0 3200mAh Fast Charging
PRICE DIFFERENCE599 Euros 554 Euros (45 Euros Cheaper)

Our Pick: Nokia 8

 

Nokia 8 vs OnePlus 5

Nokia 8 vs OnePlus 5
Nokia 8 vs OnePlus 5

The OnePlus 5 is a solid contender to the Nokia 8, featuring similar specs but priced nearly €100 cheaper. In fact, you get 2GB of additional RAM at a cheaper price. But if you are happy with 4GB RAM, and are ready to spend €100 more, the Nokia 8 is also a good option. For the additional price, you get a 2K display, Nokia OZO Audio, and Dual Sight technology. If ‘bothies’ are your thing, then the Nokia 8 is your choice. But given that OnePlus 5 is a solid flagship by itself, even when it comes to the dual camera performance, the quality of Nokia 8’s rear camera would make all the difference. If it’s better than the OnePlus 5, which could easily be possible, then paying €100 extra would probably be worth it. But without the camera performance in the picture, OnePlus 5 seems to be the better pick here.

 Nokia 8OnePlus 5
DIMENSIONS | WT.Larger profile
151.5 x 73.7 x 7.9mm
160g
Smaller body profile & Lighter
154.2 x 74.1 x 7.3 mm
153 g
CPUTop-end Processor
[email protected]
Top-end Processor
[email protected]
MEMORY(4GB+64GB)
MicroSD: Yes
BETTER Config.
(6GB+64GB)
MicroSD: NO
DISPLAY5.3-inch 2K LCD
GG5
5.5-inch AMOLED 1080p
GG5
CAMERADual Cameras
13MP + 13MP f/2.0 (1.12um pixel)
OIS, Laser + PDAF, dual LED flash
Carl Zeiss Optics
(Sony IMX258?)

FRONT: 13MP 4K
Dual Cameras
16MP + 20MP f/1.7 + f/2.6 (1.12um+1.0um)
PDAF, EIS, 1.6x Optical Zoom, dual LED Flash
Sony IMX398 + IMX350

FRONT: 8MP EIS(gyro) 1080p
COMMSBluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C 3.1
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
3.5mm Headphone Jack
Bluetooth 5.0
USB Type-C 2.0
Wi-Fi ac
NFC
3.5mm headphone jack
SPECIAL FEATURESIP54
Nokia OZO Audio
Carl Zeiss Lens
Dual Sight
Dirac HD sound
BATTERY FEATURES3090mAh QC 3.0 3300mAh Dash Charge
PRICE DIFFERENCE599 Euros 499 Euros (100 Euros Cheaper!)

Our Pick: OnePlus 5

 

So, that was Nokia 8 vs competition. The comparison tables should give you a good idea as to where each phone stands in different departments and hopefully, it’ll help you in your buying decision.

 

Coolpad Cool Play 6 Officially Launched in India For INR 14,999(~$234)

Just as was hinted last week, Coolpad has launched the Cool Play 6 in India. The device is being projected as the company’s flagship device in the markets where it is being launched viz a viz India and Dubai. But in the real sense, the Cool play 6 isn’t a flagship product when compared to the Galaxy S8 and others in that league but based on some innovative hardware it packs.Coolpad Cool Play 6

One of the unique features is that it comes with 6GB RAM onboard which makes the Play 6 the only smartphone that would be having such large RAM in the price segment it falls under. The Cool Play 6 has its price pegged at 14,999 Rupees (~$234) which is pretty good for a 6GB RAM phone. Moreso, there is a dual camera setup at the rear, a powerful one at that, made up of a 13MP main sensor and a 13MP secondary sensor. The sleek metal body design is also another spectacular thing about the Cool Play 6.Coolpad Cool Play 6

In addition, the Cool Play 6 features a  5.5-inch Full HD display and a 64-bit Octa-core Snapdragon 653 processor with 64GB of storage space. The mid-range device also comes with an 8MP f2.2 sensor for selfies. A large non-removable 4,060mAh battery also joins the mix, promising hours of usage. The phone comes with Coolpad’s Journey UI based on Android Nougat out of the box and apart from that Coolpad has announced that it will provide the Android 8.0 OTA update by December 2017 for the smartphone.Coolpad Cool Play 6

Read More: Coolpad Max gets €37.74 discount, sells for just €137.99

It is these kinds of hardware which have made Coolpad a popular brand in India, reputed to have a 25% market share on Amazon in the sub-8000 Rupees category. Coolpad is planning to even expand more in India, both offline and online in order to gain more market share and the Cool Play 6 may just be a game-changer for the company. The Coolpad Cool Play 6 comes in Gold and Black colors and will go on sale exclusively on Amazon.in from September 4.