Xiaomi to release Commemorative Edition of Mi Router on September 19, costs 999 RMB (162.89 USD)

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Sep 12, 2014

This afternoon, Xiaomi announced that on September 19, 12:00 PM, they would release the “Mi Router Commemorative Edition” which will cost 999 RMB. Purchases would still be made via pre-ordering. Unlike the regular version, the Commemorative Edition would come in a re-issued wooden case with the router’s components inside, allowing the user to set up the router by himself or herself.

The Commemorative Edition has the same specs as the regular version. It will use the 1.0GHz BCM4709 Cortex-A9 dual-core processor, has 256MB DDR3-1600 RAM and 16MB RAM, as well as a 2.5-inch 1TB hard-disk. It will also support 2.4G/5G dual-frequency Wi-FI and comes with two dual-frequency antennas. It also supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and has a USB 2.0 port.

Snapshots: The China Mobile M812

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Frank Tu

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Sep 11, 2014

China Mobile is about to release their new phone called the “China Mobile M812.” It sports a 5.5-inch HD IPS screen and supports touch recognition. It also has a 8mp rear camera with F/2.0 aperture and blue optical filter and 5mp front camera. Of course, it also supports 4G internet. Take a look at these photos!

KitKat now on almost 25 percent of all Android devices

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 11, 2014

Google is ruling the mobile OS category and it was able to pull of the strong contenders and was the reason for their downfall with edge of being an open source OS and letting developers to take full control on it. Now it has grown so big and their OS is being updated on regular basis. Let us have a look at the percentage shares of different versions currently.

Revealing the latest statistics for its mobile OS on its Android Developers Dash board page on Wednesday, Google claimed that about 24.5 percent of Android smatphones/tablets runs on KitKat version. This data is of all devices recorded at the Google Play store over the seven-day period that ended September 9.

The latest pie-chart shows the rise for KitKat. But still Jelly bean is the King. Most of the OEMs have been working to roll out v4.4 but it is still lagging behind.

Android Jelly Bean has a collective share of 53.8 percent with all its versions. Second position is in the name of KitKat with a share of 24.5 percent as told earlier. Gingerbread is holding 11.4 collective percent and is in third spot. ICS is in 4th place with 10.6 percent and Froyo ends with 0.7 percent share.

Huawei P7 Sapphire Collector’s Edition hits stores on September 12

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Frank Tu

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Sep 11, 2014

News that Apple would release a version of the iPhone 6 with a sapphire screen shook the industry. Cellphone companies in China like E-Life and Huawei have expressed interest in using a sapphire screen.

Huawei introduced the Huawei P7 Sapphire Collector’s Edition at the IFA and recently announced that it will go on sale on September 12.

Besides its use of a sapphire screen, the P7 Sapphire Edition is also the result of Huawei’s goal to make their brands more luxurious and glamorous. According to reports, this edition’s has undergone hardness tests, TP/LCD tests, and others. Most of the results are pretty much within industry standards although it is harder than the regular edition’s screen. Other changes include its use of a porcelain rear cover where users can carve their name to personalize their phone. The color combinations are different as well. The Sapphire Edition has a gold mid-frame. This edition also comes with a Charge Pal, case, and earphones.

Its other specs are the same. It sports a 5-inch 1080p screen, uses a HiSilicon octa-core chipset, and has an 8mp/13mp dual-camera. Its OS is the EMUI. Expect this version to be more expensive than the regular version.

Cube Talk8 H has 2mp camera and G+P touch screen, costs 499 RMB (81.40 USD)

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Frank Tu

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Sep 11, 2014

Cube has enjoyed success in the phablet market with its Talk flagship series due to their great features and affordable prices. Early June, Cube released the Talk8, a qud-core phablet with an 8-inch screen that only costs 599 RMB (97.71 USD), and now they will release a new cheaper version, the Talk8 H.

The Talk8 H is a watered down version of the original. The Talk8’s G+G touchscreen has been replaced with a G+P but both are still made of the same material. Furthermore, the Talk8’s 5mp AF rear camera has been replaced with a 2mp one.

Other than these two, the rest of this phablet’s specs remain the same. It is still white and its measurements are 220 x 123 x 9.5mm. It still uses a Samsung PLS display screen with 1280 x 800 resolution and its processor is the 1.3GHz MTK8382 quad-core chipset. It also has 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM. Its front camera is still .3mp and it is powered by a 4500mAh battery. Its OS is based on the Android 4.42. It also supports WCDMA internet and WiFi-Display.

The Cube Talk8 H is much cheaper than the Talk8, costing only 499 RMB.

OONE releases promotional poster for student-aimed OONE Youth Edition phone

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 11, 2014

When the OONE O1 first came out, it was one of the most expensive cellphones in China, costing 5160 RMB (841.50 USD).

Now, OONE will release a new version called the “OONE Youth Edition.”

Recently, OONE released a promotional poster for the OONE Youth Edition which looks similar to the O1. The design of the receiver in the front as well as thefront camera, and menu button is similar to the O1’s design. The Youth Edition may still retain the original’s 5-inch screen. If no changes are made in the side, it may still weigh 99g and have a thickness of 5.5mm.

“Youth editions” of phones are watered-down versions of the original aimed at students. As such, it has weaker specs. The original O1 sports a 5-inch 720p screen covered by Gorilla 3 glass, and has 2G RAM and 16G ROM. It also sports a 8mp camera and is powered by a 2000mAh battery. Its processor is the MT6592H and supports dual-3G networks. For the youth edition, OONE may upgrade it to 4G and will probably still use an MTK processor.

No price has been announced for the OONE Youth Edition but it is set to come out on September 15.

The Doov iSuper S3 has 8mp front camera, beauty enhancement and photo taking can be done by voice command

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 11, 2014

The iSuper series is Doov’s line of fashion-oriented phones targeted at women. It has already released two phones, and the next one is coming soon.

The iSuper S3’s design is completely different from the S2. Its edges are more curved and it has a more flat surface. Photos show that it has a narrow screen frame and that its SIM card slot is located on the side.

Its camera specs are the S3’s main selling point. It sports an 8mp front camera with a sensor from Sony and dual-flashlights. Its main camera also has 8mp. It also uses Doov’s Cam 2.0 software which lets the user take photos and do beauty enhancement by voice command.

Of course, the iSUper S3 is also a 4G phone that supports LTE internet. It uses the MT6582 and MT6290 and supports TD-LTE China Mobile 4G, TD-SCDMA, and GSM. It also sports a 5.3-inch 720p Sony screen and has 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM. It is also powered by a 2460mAh battery and uses the Android 4.42.

The Shenzhou HL8015506, Shenzhou’s first 4G phone, receives MIIT authentication, has 5.5-inch screen and 2GB RAM

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 11, 2014

Last year, Shenzhou completed their move from the PC world to the cellphone world, releasing many new cellphones. Soon, they will release their first 4G phone. The HL8015506 has already received certification from the MIIT’s website and its launch is supposed to be this month. The phone in the MIIT screenshot looks exactly the same as the recently leaked photos of Shenzhou’s new phone. The inverse-shaped receiver should leave a lasting impression, and same goes with the curved design of its back and sides.

The Shenzhou HL8015506 is said to sport a 5.5-inch 720p OGS screen. It has 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM. It also sports a 5mp/13mp dual-camera but no specific information about it has been released. It is also powered by a 2500mAh battery and use the kitkat OS which is common among MTK 4G phones. Regarding its 4G networks, this phone can support TD-LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM and its processors are the MT6592 octa-core chipset and the MT6290 Modem.

Snapshots: Huawei Mate 7, the first Chinese cellphone with a fingerprint scanner

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 11, 2014

Last week, Huawei formally launched its newest flagship phone, the Mate 7, in Berlin, Germany and it looks fantastic. It is also the first Chinese cellphone to have a fingerprint scanner.

The Mate 7 sports a 6-inch 1080p display screen, uses the Kirin 925 octa-core chipset, and has 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM (high-end edition has 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM). It also sports a 5mp/13mp camera and is powered by a 4100mAh battery. Its OS is the Android 4.4-based EMUI 3.0 and it supports dual-SIM card.

Of course, we also can’t forget that the Mate 7 also sports a fingerprint scanner, the first Android phone to do so. It reacts to human touch in one second as opposed to the iPhone 5S’ 1.8s.

Giveaway: 10,000 Units FREE Case For iPhone 6 At Oppomart

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 10, 2014

Now that the iPhone 6 is official, buyers will look out for various cases and covers for their new phone. Of course, both the models won’t hit the markets till September 19th, still I am sure, there will a number of buyers who would like to take a look at the options they have.

Continue

Qualcomm unveiled upgraded version of Snapdragon 200 SOC

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 10, 2014

Qualcomm has been leader of SOC in current days, now it extends the benefits of LTE to Entry-Level phones and tablets with introduction of Snapdragon 210 the successor of Snapdragon 200.

The focal features are:

Processing	Up to 1.1 GHz quad-core ARM® Cortex™ A7 CPUs
GPU	Qualcomm® Adreno™ 304 GPU
DSP	QDSP6 DSP
Modem	Integrated 4G LTE-Advanced World Mode, supporting LTE FDD, LTE TDD, WCDMA (3C-HSDPA, DC-HSUPA), CDMA1x, EV-DO Rev. B, TD-SCDMA and GSM/EDGE 4G LTE CAT4 speeds of up to 150 Mbps with 2×10 MHz Carrier Aggregation LTE- Broadcast and LTE multimode dual-SIM
RF	Qualcomm RF360™
USB	USB 2.0
Bluetooth	BT4.1 + BLE† Integrated digital core
WiFi	1-stream 802.11n (2.4GHz) †Integrated digital core
GPS	Qualcomm® IZat™ Gen8C
NFC	Supported*
Video/Audio	1080p HD Video playback and capture with H.264 (AVC) 1080p playback with H.265 (HEVC) DASH is supported
Camera	Up to 8MP
Display	Up to 720p
Quick Charge	Qualcomm® Quick Charge™ 2.0 support
Memory/Storage	LPDDR2/LPDDR3@533MHz eMMC 4.5 SD 3.0 (UHS-I)
Process Technology	28nm LP

This SOC can be the heart of entry level smartphones and one can expect a quality product as always from SOC giants.

Meizu MX4 Pro’s measurements are 146 x 78.5 x 8.2mm, uses Kirin 920 chipset, and has 5.5-inch screen

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 10, 2014

Recently, Weibo user, @包子玩机 posted a picture revealing details about the MX4 Pro. According to the picture, the MX4 Pro’s measurements are 146 x 78.5 x 8.2mm, bigger than the MX4, but its thickness is 0.7mm and its weight is 140g.

The Pro version sports a 5.5-inch 2560 x 1536 display screen and uses the 2GHz Kirin 920 octa-core chipset. It also has 3GB RAM and has 32/64/128GB ROM. No information about the battery has been revealed as of now. The MX4’s 20.7mp IMX220 camera was also replaced with a 16mp IMX240 one for the Pro edition. The camera also has an f/1.8 aperture and can take 25 photos per second.

However, one problem with the photo is that this device is supposed to support China Telecom 2G and 3G but the Kirin 920 does not support China Telecom networks. Therefore, if the MX4 Pro does use the Kirin 920 and be China Telecom-supported, it must use a separate baseband chip.

Over 4 million pre-orders for Meizu MX4 made just 72 hours after its launch

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 10, 2014

Everyone has had their eyes fixed towards the Meizu MX4 ever since it was launched. Today, 今天@ posted all kinds of data about Meizu’s new flagship phone such as links to threads discussing the Meizu MX4 and the number of pre-orders made. According to him, over 4 million pre-orders for the MX4 were made just 72 hours since it was launched. Threads about the MX4’s launch in Weibo have also received over 700,000,000 hits.

The number of members in Meizu’s official forums also grew by over 1500 from September 2-4. From September 2-3, more than 1.64 million searched for the MX4 in Baidu.

Huawei Mate 7 high-end edition to cost 3688 RMB (601.71 USD), more expensive than expected

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 10, 2014

There has been a lot buzz surrounding the Huawei Mate 7 since its launch with its price being a hot topic. Even though the official price of the Mate 7 will be announced on September 12, off-line distribution channels have already announced the price of the high-end version. An internet user revealed that the Huawei Mate 7 high-end edition costs 3688 RMB, more expensive than previously reported.

As Huawei’s newest flagship device, there has been a lot of speculation regarding the Mate 7’s specs. Despite the fact that Huawei has only announced the overseas price of the Mate 7 and that they will only announce the official price on the 12^th, an internet user revealed that the high-end version will cost 3688 RMB in off-line distribution channels, more expensive than previously reported (3499 RMB/570.88 USD).

If this is true, then, the low-end version may cost around 3088 RMB (503.82 USD), higher than the reported 2999 RMB (489.30 USD) price.

Although it may seem expensive, we should still check out what Huawei has to offer. The Mate 7’s case is made of a strong alloy and is 95% metal. It sports a 6-inch 1080p display screen and has a thickness of 2.9mm. It also has a 83% screen-to-body ratio.

The Mate 7 uses the Kirin 925 octa-core chipset. The high-end version has 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM while the low-end version has 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM.

The Huawei Mate 7 will be launched on September 12 at 2:30 PM in Shanghai.

Xiaomi Redmi 1S versus Motorola Moto E – Which one to choose?

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 10, 2014

Xiaomi, the Chinese mobile phone manufacturer launched Redmi 1S in India at a price of INR 6,999 which was exactly same as the online price of Moto E. But as the flash sale of Redmi 1S was announced recently the price has been slashed to INR 5,999. A comparative report of the two phones can illustrate their detailed spcefications.

Redmi 1S has a 4.7 inch, 720X1280 p display while the Moto E has a slightly smaller 4.3 inch 540X960 p display. The former is protected by AGC Dragontrail scratch-resistant glass while the latter has a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 shield.
Redmi 1S is powered by a Quad core 1.6 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset while Moto E comes with a Dual core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 200 processor.
On the storage front, Moto E has internal memory of 4 GB expandable to 32 GB while Redmi 1S has 8 GB internal expandable to 64 GB.
Redmi 1S has better camera specifications with 8 MP rear camera and 1.6 MP rear camera. On the other hand, Moto E has a 5 MP rear camera and no front camera.
The Chinese smartphone runs on a 2000 mAh battery and a customised Android Jelly Bean 4.3 operating system. Moto E is fuelled by a 1980 mAh non-removable battery and runs on Android Kit Kat 4.4.4 operating system.

Keeping in mind the specifications, the Redmi 1S is definitely more power packed as compared to the Moto E. But Motorola as a company is directly backed by Android makers – Google. So, the final call has to be yours.

Dakele Spring to be launched on September 3, uses new Yun 2.9 OS and costs 699 RMB (113.82 USD)

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 10, 2014

On September 3, at the Beijing National Conference Center, Dakele Mobile will launch its first flagship 4G cellphone, the Dakele Spring. It will also be the first 4G phone to use the Cloud OS, more precisely, the Yun 2.9 OS, which places great importance on safety and security.

Even before its launch, a lot of information about the Dakele Spirng has already been released online. The latest news on the phone reveal the Spring’s specs and that the Spring will cost 699 RMB. This phone will sport a 5.5-inch IPS screen with qHD resolution (960 x 540). Its processor is the MSM8926 (1.2GHz) chipset and has 1GB RAM and 4GB ROM. It also sports a 2mp/8mp dual-camera. The rear camera uses OV lens. The Dakele Spring supports TD-LTE China Mobile 4G internet, TD-SCDMA, and GSM. One of its selling points is that it supports dual-SIM. Its biggest selling point though is that it will use the Yun 2.9 OS which has, among other features, greater security features.

The Dakele Spring hits stores on September 9.

Photos/Video: Omate X smartwatch’s battery can last for 5-7 days

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 10, 2014

Hong Kong-based portable device company, Omate, introduced its new smartwatch called the Omate X. This device is more focused on notifications than apps and can send notices to Android and iOS devices or vice-versa. It has many programs such as an alarm clock, contacts list, and a music player.

One of the biggest problems with the Omate X is that the screen automatically shuts off after an hour. As a result, even if the user just wants to look at the time, he has to keep turning it on. Its screen resolution is also a bit low and the graphics are not clear enough, but it has good craftsmanship. It is made of metal and can fit with a leather watch.

As stated earlier, the Omate X’s specs are pretty low. It uses a processor from MTK but it is the only smartwatch with a color display screen in the market with a battery that can last for 5-7 days. The Omate X goes on sale in October for 129 USD in the American market (796 RMB) and 99 Euros in the European market (790 RMB).

Mogu M7, which is said to use the MTK6595 LTE chipset, goes on sale for 1399 RMB (228.10 USD)

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 9, 2014

Moguphone which, last year, released the 399 RMB (65.06 USD) M6, recently released its follow-up. The Mogu M7, which is now on sale, uses MTK’s newest processor, the MTK6595 LTE octa-core chipset.

The M7’s hardware is pretty standard for cellphones like it. It sports a 5.5-inch FHD screen and a 8mp/16mp dual-camera, and has 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM. It is also powered by a 2600mAh battery and uses the Android 4.4 OS. It also supports common features like a GPS.

Mogu has stated that the M7’s processor is the 2GHz MT6595. If it is true, then, it should be the MT6595M, which the Lenovo Vibe X2 also uses. What does not make sense is that this phone is aid to use Cotex A-7 and PowerVR SGX544 cores. Everybody knows that the MT6595 uses A17 and A7 cores and that its GPU is the Power VR G6200. This phone also only supports WCDMA/GSM but the MT6595 does not, casting doubt on whether or not this chipset is the M7’s processor.

The Mogu M7 is already on sale in Mogu’s official online store for 1399 RMB.

ASUS’ first MTK 4G phone, the T45, goes on sale for 699 RMB (113.95 USD)

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 9, 2014

Recently, ASUS formally released its first 4G cellphone to use a chipset from MTK. The ASUS T45 can be bought online at T-mall for 699 RMB.

The T45’s design is similar to the ZenFone’s. There are black, white, red, and yellow versions but only the black version is on sale right now.

The T45’s camera specs are not that great with a .3mp front camera and 5mp rear camera. You can take photos using voice recognition and it also supports smile shutter and panoramic shots. The screen is just what you would expect from an entry-level phone. It sports a 4.5-inch 854 x 480 TFT display screen and has 512M RAM and 4G ROM. It is also powered by a 1750mAh battery and its OS is the kitkat. Its chipset is the MT6582M processor which, along with the MT6290, supports China Mobile 4G/3G and GSM.

Yun OS works well with Meizu MX3

By

Frank Tu

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Sep 9, 2014

Yesterday, it was reported that a netizen successfully installed the Yun OS into their Mi 3. Now, not willing to let the Mi 3 enjoy all the fame and glory, someone also installed the Yun OS into their Meizu MX3. Does it work?

As the screenshots posted by this netizen show, the Yun OS’s lock screen, desktop, and notification bar are pretty clean and simple. Common features such as the Cloud Album and Safety Center are there. According to this netizen, his MX3 experienced high fluidity and better performance after installing the Yun OS 2.9.2.

In addition, the Yun OS is said to save more power than the Flyme OS but its unclear how long it can last. Many think that the snapshots are a sign that Meizu and Alibaba will work together. Meizu’s ex-CEO, Li Nan, did confirm that Meizu and Alibaba were in talks regarding a possible partnership. Could the Yun OS working with the MX3 be a result of this partnership?

Left: Flyme; Right: Yun OS

Right: Flyme; Left: Yun

Left: Flyme; Right: Yun OS

Right: Flyme; Left: Yun