Nvidia RTX 5090D vs RTX 4090: A 20% raw performance boost without DLSS

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Jan 17, 2025

As Samsung prepares for its Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22, 2025, leaks about the Galaxy S25 Series continue to surface. The latest details, shared by tipster Tarun Vats, reveal pricing and memory configurations for the upcoming flagship lineup, reportedly sourced from a retail outlet.

The Galaxy S25 Series will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset across all models, dismissing earlier speculation about the Exynos 2500 SoC. Additionally, the base RAM for the series has been confirmed to start at 12GB.

Leaked Pricing for Galaxy S25 Series in India

Galaxy S25:
- 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage: ₹84,999
- 12GB RAM + 512GB Storage: ₹94,999
Galaxy S25+:
- 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage: ₹1,04,999
- 12GB RAM + 512GB Storage: ₹1,14,999
Galaxy S25 Ultra:
- 12GB RAM + 256GB Storage: ₹1,34,999
- 16GB RAM + 512GB Storage: ₹1,44,999
- 16GB RAM + 1TB Storage: ₹1,64,999

When compared to the Galaxy S24 Series, the base variant of the S25 (12GB + 256GB) is ₹5,000 more expensive, increasing from ₹79,999 to ₹84,999. The price hike is consistent across all models, suggesting that Samsung may be positioning the S25 Series as a premium offering with upgraded hardware and memory.

Rumors about a potential Galaxy S25 Slim variant persist, but its absence from leaked Vietnamese retailer listings casts doubt on its debut at the upcoming event.

Speculated Hardware Upgrades:

All models are expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, an overclocked variant of Qualcomm’s high-end SoC. The base RAM is rumored to start at 12GB. It is still speculated that some regions could receive Exynos 2500 SoC variant.

The Galaxy S25 and S25+ are rumored to feature 6.36-inch and 6.7-inch AMOLED displays, respectively, with 120Hz refresh rates. The S25 is said to offer FHD+ resolution, while the S25+ may step up to QHD+. Battery capacities could differ, with the S25 reportedly housing a 4,000mAh battery supporting 25W wired charging and the S25+ offering a 4,900mAh battery with 45W wired charging. Both models are expected to support Qi2 wireless charging.

Camera configurations for the S25 and S25+ are rumored to include a 50MP primary sensor, 10MP telephoto, 12MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP front camera.

Galaxy S25 Ultra: Rumored Features

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is speculated to distinguish itself with a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED display featuring a 1440p resolution and Corning Gorilla Armor Glass. It is rumored to incorporate a glass and titanium build, making it slimmer, narrower, and lighter than its predecessor.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite and starting with 12GB of RAM, the Ultra is expected to offer camera features including a 200MP primary sensor, 12MP telephoto, 50MP periscope telephoto, and 50MP ultra-wide, alongside a 10MP front shooter. It may include a 5,000mAh battery with 45W wired charging and Qi2 wireless charging support.

Qualcomm Secretly Had a 7-Core Snapdragon 8 Elite—And No One Knew!

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Jan 17, 2025

Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor back in October, and now we are waiting for a more affordable variant expected to be called the Snapdragon 8s Elite. However, it seems there’s an unexpected twist in the story.

Qualcomm has quietly revealed a surprise variant of its flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chip featuring just seven cores. You read that right!

Snapdragon 8 Elite with 7-cores — Snapdragon 8s Elite

Alongside the standard 8-core Snapdragon 8 Elite, there’s now a 7-core version listed on Qualcomm’s website. This leaner iteration packs two prime cores clocked at a staggering 4.32 GHz, along with five performance cores reaching up to 3.53 GHz. In simpler terms, it’s missing one performance core compared to its 8-core sibling.

Cores	Snapdragon 8 Elite (8-core)	Snapdragon 8 Elite (7-core)
Prime (4.32GHz)	2	2
Performance (3.53GHz)	6	5

The 7-core SoC is designated by the part number SM8750-3-AB, and it’s likely intended for manufacturers seeking a cost-effective alternative to the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite.

The assumption from GSMArena is that these are essentially chips that would have otherwise been regular 8-core processors, but with one core that didn’t quite meet performance standards. Instead of discarding them entirely, Qualcomm has disabled the underperforming core, resulting in this new 7-core variant.

The other specifications of the SoC remain the same as the regular 8 Elite.

Snapdragon 8 Elite (7-core) Specs:

	Snapdragon 8 Elite (7-core)
CPU Config	2x 4.32GHz Prime5x 3.53GHz Performance
GPU	Adreno(ray tracing support)
DSP	Hexagon(fused scalar, tensor, and vector)Mixed precision INT8/INT16INT4 support
RAM support	LPDDR5X
Charging	Quick Charge 5
4G/5G Modem	X80 LTE/5G (integrated)10,000Mbps down3,500Mbps upNB-NTN (satellite) support
Other networking	Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 802.11a/b/g/n
Process	TSMC 3nm

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(Source, Via)

7 reasons why Samsung phones are better than iPhones

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Jan 17, 2025

Samsung or iPhone? It is an eternal debate in the smartphone world. While Apple has a devoted following, there’s no denying that Samsung phones quietly outperform iPhones in several key areas.

To be clear, we are not cheerleading for one brand over another – both have their merits. But if you’re weighing options, there are some compelling reasons Samsung might edge out Apple for your next upgrade.

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1. Display Technology

Samsung’s display technology is widely regarded as the best in the business. And it’s no coincidence that Apple sources OLED panels for its iPhones from Samsung. But even so, Apple’s displays are typically a step behind in resolution, brightness, and refresh rates.

Take the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, for example. It boasts a QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. iPhones have finally embraced 120Hz ProMotion displays, but they’re limited to the Pro models. Even then, Samsung often led in terms of sheer brightness and resolution. The difference might seem subtle until you use them side by side – Samsung’s screens are more vibrant, sharper, and better at handling HDR content.

Preview	Product
	Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G AI Smartphone (Titanium Black, 12GB, 256GB Storage)_Without Offer	Check Price on Amazon
	Apple iPhone 16 Pro (128 GB) – Black Titanium	Check Price on Amazon

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2. Customization and Flexibility

Apple is famous for its “ecosystem,” but it’s also known for being restrictive. iOS is sleek and streamlined, but it doesn’t allow for much personalization. Samsung, on the other hand, offers One UI – a highly customizable Android skin that lets users tweak everything from icons to the always-on display. Want to rearrange your app drawer or install a custom theme? No problem.

With Samsung, you’re not locked into a particular way of using your phone. If you prefer control over your experience, Samsung delivers in spades. Plus, you can sideload apps, use third-party launchers, and even replace system apps like the keyboard – something iPhones barely allow.

3. Hardware Innovation

Samsung isn’t afraid to experiment with new form factors. The Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series are prime examples of foldable phones done right – something Apple hasn’t even touched yet. If you want a phone that transforms into a tablet or folds into a pocket-friendly square, Samsung is your only real option in the premium segment.

Beyond foldable phones, Samsung often pushes boundaries with hardware. The Galaxy S24 Ultra features a 200MP camera sensor. iPhones are still working with 48MP at best. Samsung is consistently ahead in camera specs, battery capacity, and sheer versatility.

4. Battery Life and Charging

Let’s now talk about something even more practical: battery life. Samsung phones generally have larger batteries than their iPhone counterparts. The Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery, compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 4,685mAh. That translates to longer screen-on time, especially when you’re pushing the phone with gaming, video streaming, or productivity tasks.

And then there’s charging. Samsung offers 45W fast charging on many of its flagship models, while iPhones are still capped at 25W. Wireless charging is faster on Samsung too. In the real world, that means you can juice up your Samsung phone in under an hour, while iPhones take longer to reach full capacity.

5. Camera Versatility

Yes, iPhones take fantastic photos. They’re reliable and perform exceptionally well in video. But Samsung phones are arguably more versatile. The Galaxy S24 Ultra has a quad-camera setup with ultra-wide, telephoto, and periscope lenses, allowing for up to 10x optical zoom. Apple, by contrast, offers a max of 5x zoom on its Pro Max model.

Samsung also leans heavily into AI-powered photography, with features like Single Take, which captures multiple types of shots simultaneously. Photo Assist on Samsung devices can reposition people and objects in photos, and fill in backgrounds.

6. Price and Value for Money

Samsung phones often provide better bang for your buck. While both brands have premium pricing, Samsung frequently offers promotions, trade-in deals, and bundles that make their flagship devices more accessible. Apple rarely discounts iPhones, relying instead on brand loyalty.

Moreover, Samsung’s mid-range phones, like the Galaxy A series, deliver excellent performance at a fraction of the cost of an iPhone. If you’re not tied to the absolute latest and greatest, Samsung’s broader lineup means you’re more likely to find something that fits your budget.

7. Ecosystem Without Lock-In

Samsung has built its own ecosystem, from smartwatches to tablets and even home appliances. But unlike Apple, Samsung doesn’t make it difficult to mix and match brands. You can pair a Galaxy Watch with a non-Samsung Android phone or connect Samsung Buds to an iPhone. It’s interoperability at its best.

Apple’s ecosystem is undeniably smooth, but it locks users in. Want to switch to a different brand after a few years? You’ll find it harder to extract yourself from Apple’s web. Samsung gives you more freedom to diversify your tech without losing functionality.

8. The Takeaway

Choosing between Samsung and iPhone ultimately comes down to personal preference. But if you value customization, cutting-edge hardware, and versatility, Samsung phones often hold the edge. They’re not perfect, but they’re undeniably innovative and offer features that Apple sometimes takes years to adopt.

If you’re in the market for a new phone, it might be worth giving Samsung a closer look. At the very least, you’ll know you’re getting a device that pushes the envelope rather than plays it safe.

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POCO X7 5G is now on sale in India with Dimensity 7300 SoC & Rs 19,999 price tag

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Jan 17, 2025

POCO recently launched the X7 5G and X7 Pro 5G smartphones on the global stage. Out of the two devices, the POCO X7 5G model, which targets budget-conscious users looking for the most bang for their buck has just gone on sale in India.

POCO X7 5G Pricing & Offers

The X7 5G is priced at Rs. 21,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant and Rs. 23,999 for the 8GB RAM + 256GB model. POCO is offering introductory discounts of Rs. 2000 for first-day buyers using ICICI Bank cards or exchange offers. No-cost EMI options are also available for up to nine months. With the discounts, you can purchase the X7 5G for as low as Rs. 19,999. The POCO X7 5G is available in three colors: POCO Yellow, Cosmic Silver, and Glacier Green.

POCO X7 5G features

The device is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra 4nm processor, paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, delivering reliable performance for everyday tasks and gaming. It features a 6.67-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. The screen supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for improved picture quality.

For photography, the X7 5G comes with a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. A 20MP front camera handles selfies and video calls. Connectivity features include 5G, dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.4. The phone also has an in-display fingerprint sensor for security. Other features include a 5500mAh battery with 45W fast charging, IP66/68/69 water and dust resistance, and Dolby Atmos stereo speakers.

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Comparing Redmi 14C 5G and Redmi 13C 5G

By

Joane

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Jan 17, 2025

Choosing between the Redmi 14C 5G and Redmi 13C 5G can be tricky, as both offer impressive features at budget-friendly prices. These models cater to users seeking great performance, reliable displays, and long battery life without breaking the bank. This comparison highlights the key differences to help you decide which phone aligns better with your priorities, whether it’s smoother visuals, better durability, or enhanced storage options.

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1. Design and Display

The Redmi 14C 5G features a slightly larger 6.88-inch IPS LCD display with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, compared to the Redmi 13C 5G’s 6.74-inch IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate. Both devices offer similar brightness levels (450 nits typical, 600 nits HBM), but the higher refresh rate on the 14C 5G ensures a more fluid visual experience, especially for gaming or scrolling.

While the Redmi 13C 5G is protected by Gorilla Glass 3, the Redmi 14C 5G also features screen protection with either Gorilla Glass 3 or CG21, adding durability to its design. Both models share a plastic frame and splash-resistant design, making them suitable for everyday use.

The inclusion of screen protection on the Redmi 14C 5G elevates its durability, putting it on par with the 13C 5G while offering a smoother display for a slightly better user experience.

2. Specifications

Redmi 13 C 5G

The Redmi 14C 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, while the Redmi 13C 5G uses the Dimensity 6100+ chipset. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is slightly more power-efficient, but the Dimensity 6100+ delivers better performance, particularly for multitasking and gaming. Both phones offer similar RAM and storage configurations.

Battery life is excellent on both phones, but the Redmi 14C 5G’s larger 5160mAh battery gives it a slight edge over the 5000mAh in the 13C 5G. Both support 18W fast charging.

While the 13C 5G performs better with a stronger chipset, the 14C 5G wins in endurance, making it ideal for users who prioritize long battery life.

3. Camera

Redmi 14 C 5G

Both phones feature a single 50MP rear camera with similar capabilities, such as PDAF and 1080p@30fps video recording. However, the 14C 5G has an 8MP front camera, offering higher resolution selfies compared to the 5MP shooter on the 13C 5G.

If selfies and video calls are important to you, the Redmi 14C 5G is the better choice, but rear camera performance remains largely the same.

4. Pricing

The Redmi 14C 5G is priced at ₹9,998 ($120), while the Redmi 13C 5G comes at a slightly lower price of ₹8,999 ($110). The ₹1,000 (~$10) difference reflects the added benefits of the Redmi 14C 5G, including a smoother 120Hz display, a larger battery, and a higher-resolution selfie camera.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Redmi 13C 5G offers excellent value for money. However, the additional features of the Redmi 14C 5G make it a better choice for those seeking an upgraded experience at a minimal price increase.

Redmi 13 C

5. Conclusion

Redmi 13 C 5G

Redmi 14C 5G: Offers a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, a slightly larger 5160mAh battery, and an upgraded 8MP front camera. It includes screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3 adding durability to its sleek design.
Redmi 13C 5G: Its Dimensity 6100+ chipset provides better performance for multitasking and gaming.

With the addition of screen protection on the Redmi 14C 5G, it matches the durability of the 13C 5G while offering a smoother display and better battery life.

Noise Launches Affordable Smart Tag Compatible with Android and iOS

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Jan 17, 2025

Noise has launched the Noise Tag 1, India’s first smart tag that works with both Android and iOS devices. The device uses Google Fast Pair technology, as well as Find My Device Network for Android (Android 9 and above) and Apple’s Find My Network for iOS, making it a practical tool for everyday use.

The Noise Tag 1 is designed to help users keep track of their essentials. Its Ring Mode produces a loud 90dB sound to locate misplaced items quickly. The Lost Mode sends automatic notifications to a connected smartphone if the tag disconnects for a specific period. The Network Mode extends its functionality by using a broader network of Apple and Android users to locate lost items, even if they are out of range.

The device can track a variety of items, such as keys, wallets, luggage, and remotes, making it useful for everyday life and travel. It features a one-year battery life, IPX4 splash resistance, and options for personalization and location sharing. Available in Ivory, Midnight, and Charcoal colors, the smart tag combines practicality with a simple, stylish design.

Amit Khatri, Co-Founder of Noise, emphasized the importance of this product, saying, “Noise Tag 1 is another step in building a connected ecosystem for consumers. It reflects our focus on creating tools that enhance convenience and reliability.”

Pricing & availability

The Noise Tag 1, priced at INR 1,499, will soon be available for pre-booking and can be purchased starting January 28, 2025, on gonoise.com.

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Red Magic X Golden Saga Limited Edition Smartphone Debuts with Snapdragon 8 Elite and Advanced Carbon Fiber Cooling

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Jan 17, 2025

The Red Magic X Golden Saga Limited Edition smartphone was officially launched earlier today in China, priced at 9,699 yuan. The device, available in a single 24GB + 1TB variant, is positioned as a high-end offering under the “Legend of Zhenjin Limited Collection” branding.

Red Magic X GoldenSaga Limited Edition: What’s new

This limited edition shares its main specifications with the Red Magic 10 Pro series but introduces unique features. It includes a gold vapor chamber (VC) for heat dissipation and gold and silver air ducts, designed to improve thermal performance. The phone also uses carbon fiber for heat management, which helps reduce weight and keeps the battery cool.

The phone stands out for its use of high-end materials. It has a sapphire glass back cover, which is resistant to scratches and corrosion. Gold-plated elements, including the power button and logo, give the phone a distinctive look. Buyers also get added benefits like personal assistant services and brand privileges. It also comes in special packaging which includes a matching case, charger, and an external cooler.

Red Magic 10 Pro features

The Red Magic 10 Pro models feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. The device’s 6.85-inch OLED display delivers a 1.5K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and up to 2000 nits peak brightness, ensuring sharp visuals and smooth gameplay.

The camera setup includes a 50MP OmniVision OV50E40 primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. For selfies, it houses a 16MP under-display front-facing camera. Other features include dual speakers with DTS:X Ultra, a 3.5mm audio jack, and 100W fast charging for its 7050mAh battery.

Red Magic 10 Pro was also recently launched in a new ‘Lightspeed’ color option in the global market which gives the device a white and silver finish, while also toning down the flashy gaming aesthetic. It is available in 256GB and 512GB storage options.

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iQOO Neo 9 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 selling for ₹28,749 ($332) on Amazon India

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Jan 17, 2025

Amazon India is running its Republic Day Sale, offering exciting deals on smartphones and other electronics. Among the discounted devices is the iQOO Neo 9 Pro, now available at a reduced price, making it a compelling choice for gamers seeking a mid-range smartphone.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro discount details

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro 8GB + 128GB model is now priced at ₹29,999 on Amazon India, with an extra ₹1,250 discount for SBI credit card users. Typically retailing at ₹34,999, this offer makes the device highly appealing, especially as the most affordable smartphone featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.

iQOO Neo 9 Pro features

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro comes in two color options: Fiery Red, with a leather back, and Conqueror Black, with a plastic back. The device has a 6.78-inch flat OLED display with a centered punch-hole. This LTPO panel offers a resolution of 2800 x 1260 pixels (1.5K), 452 PPI, and a 144Hz refresh rate. It supports up to 1400 nits peak brightness and 2160Hz PWM dimming.

The smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. It also includes a Q1 chip and a liquid cooling system for enhanced performance and thermal management.

Camera and Battery

The rear dual-camera setup includes a 50MP Sony IMX920 primary sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide camera. A 16MP front camera is available for selfies and video calls. The device is equipped with a 5,160mAh battery that supports 120W wired charging.

Connectivity and Software

The iQOO Neo 9 Pro supports dual SIM, 5G, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS, and NFC. Additional features include dual stereo speakers, an IR blaster, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a USB Type-C port. It runs on Funtouch OS 14, based on Android 14, with three Android updates and four years of security updates guaranteed.

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Oppo Find N5 real-life images reveal camera design, compares it against Find X8

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Jan 17, 2025

Oppo is expected to release its new foldable phone, the Find N5, in China in February i.e., next month. The phone has been making headlines in the rumor mill for quite some time now.

It is expected to be the world’s thinnest foldable when unfolded, at around 4mm thick. A leaked image also revealed the phone’s camera setup through a confidentiality case.

Now, we finally have a clear look at the Find N5’s design, thanks to a set of new images from Weibo.

Oppo Find N5 real-life images

What’s interesting is these images compare the Find N5 to the Oppo Find X8. The foldable appears to be slightly thicker than the Find X8 when viewed from the side, but the difference is less noticeable from the bottom view.

Another leak from Weibo tipster Experience More provides a closer look at the Find N5’s camera design. As expected, the phone features a round camera module with a Hasselblad logo. The cover screen also includes a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera.

According to the leak, the Find N5 is less than 9.2mm thick when folded and just over 4mm thick on one side when unfolded. The leak also suggests that the crease on the foldable display is well-controlled.

The camera system is expected to be a triple-lens setup, and the telephoto lens is reportedly on the upper left corner of the camera module and the flash in the lower right corner. The phone is rumored to be available in black and white color options.

Oppo has not yet officially confirmed the specifications or release date of the Find N5. However, the leaks suggest that the phone will be a significant upgrade over the previous Find N3 foldable, with a thinner design, an improved camera system, and a better crease control. We will keep you in the loop with new updates.

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Apple captures 10% of India’s cost-sensitive smartphone market; breaks into top five

By

Debasish

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Jan 17, 2025

Apple has finally touched the 9-10% mark in the smartphone market of India in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to preliminary data from IDC and Counterpoint Research. For the first time, it has entered the top five ranks in the country. It could be due to rising demand for its premium devices and innovative offerings.

Apple has become the brand of choice for young Indians

The festive season of 2024 proved to be a game-changer for Apple in India. Aggressive pricing strategies, including festive discounts, no-cost EMIs up to 24 months, and attractive deals on various e-commerce platforms helped the giant reach a wider audience in India. The new AI-powered iPhone 16 series, no doubt, has generated a lot of buzz. But surprisingly, the older models like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 13 kept on selling.

“With increasing disposable income and aspirational purchases among the growing middle class, especially the youth, Apple has become the brand of choice for young consumers. Beyond tier 2 cities, the iPhone represents more than just a smartphone – it’s a lifestyle statement,” said Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint.

The numbers speak for themselves. Apple shipped more than 12 million iPhones in India in 2024, which is a staggering 34-35% year-on-year growth compared to the 9 million units sold in 2023.

India has emerged as the fifth-largest market for Apple, and could become the third-largest market for the company by 2026, as Apple is likely to sell 15 million units a year in India by then. This comes as part of the expansion of the country’s manufacturing footprint for the company.

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Galaxy S26 series could equip much larger batteries

By

Debasish

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Jan 17, 2025

Consumer electronics devices have been using lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for well over a decade now. Very recently, Chinese smartphone makers have switched to a new battery tech: silicon-carbon anode battery. It has enabled foldables to become as slim as bar phones when folded and bar phones to shrink to 6.3″ again, all while packing larger battery than the 6.8″ Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Samsung is finally rumored to switch to this emerging battery technology starting with the Galaxy S26 series next year.

For those unfamiliar, silicon anode batteries pack much higher energy density than traditional Li-ion batteries that smartphone manufacturers have used so far, and this increase in energy density has made it possible for the manufacturers to avoid bulky designs, without hindering the battery life.

Samsung was previously rumored to be working on a different battery tech called “Stacked Battery Technology“, which reportedly improves the energy density by 10%. By applying the stacking process, energy density can be increased by more than 10%. For example, if the battery capacity of the latest Galaxy S Ultra is 5,000mAh, applying stacking could increase it to over 5,500mAh. But now it seems that Samsung has decided to adopt the silicon-carbon battery tech instead.

Galaxy S25 Slim might not benefit from this tech

For those wondering, there is no word on the adoption of such technology for the upcoming Galaxy S25 Slim. According to a recent report, both the S25 Slim and Apple’s iPhone 17 Air will pack batteries with a capacity between 3000 mAh – 4000 mAh.

Samsung’s current Ultra flagship offers an incredible battery life with a 5000mAh capacity. It will be interesting to see how much of an improvement in battery capacity and battery life the Galaxy S26 Ultra manages to offer with the silicon-carbon anode battery tech.

That said, the upcoming Galaxy S25 series devices are rumored to pack the exact same battery capacity as their predecessors. However, the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset should make it possible for the devices to offer a slight improvement in battery life as compared to last year’s models.

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Honor’s CEO Zhao Ming Steps Down, Former Huawei Exec Joins as New Leader

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Jan 17, 2025

In a surprising turn of events, Honor CEO Zhao Ming has stepped down from his position due to health reasons. The company’s board of directors has appointed Li Jian, a former Huawei executive with extensive experience, as the new CEO.

Zhao Ming, a 17-year Huawei veteran, played a pivotal role in Honor’s success. After taking over the brand in 2015, he steered it to become the No. 1 online mobile phone brand in China for several consecutive quarters.

Under his leadership, Honor surpassed Samsung to become the No. 1 mobile phone brand in Russia at the end of 2019 and reached the No. 2 spot in the overall Chinese smartphone market in 2020.

However, Honor’s trajectory took a sharp turn in November 2020 due to US sanctions on Huawei. The tech giant was forced to sell its Honor business unit, and Zhao Ming became the CEO of the newly independent Honor Terminal Co., Ltd.

Honor’s success with Zhao Ming

Despite facing significant challenges, the new Honor, under Zhao Ming’s guidance, managed to establish its own R&D, product development, supply chain, and market systems within a remarkable timeframe of just four months. The company then launched the Honor V40 as its first product after the separation in January.

Honor also took a significant step towards an initial public offering (IPO) by completing its shareholding reform and changing its company name at the end of 2024. The company is now called Honor Device Co., Ltd.

Honor's new CEO Li Jian — Meet Honor’s new CEO Li Jian

The Chinese smartphone market continues to be fiercely competitive. According to data analysis agency Canalys, Vivo leads the pack with a 17% market share in 2024, followed by a resurgent Huawei with a 37% year-on-year growth. Apple, OPPO, and Honor occupy the third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively, with a market share of 15%.

Li Jian, the new CEO, brings a wealth of experience from his long tenure at Huawei, including involvement in major strategic reforms and leadership in crucial business battles. His expertise in strategic management and global operations will be invaluable for Honor moving forward.

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Xiaomi Electric Scooter 5 Pro unveiled with 60KM range, 1,000W Motor & 10-Inch Tires

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Jan 17, 2025

Xiaomi has introduced the Electric Scooter 5 Pro, a model designed to make city commuting more convenient. Now listed on Xiaomi’s global website, this scooter brings a mix of performance, safety, and practicality to riders worldwide.

Xiaomi Electric Scooter 5 Pro features

The Electric Scooter 5 Pro has a top speed of 25 km/h and offers three-speed modes: Walking (6 km/h), Standard (20 km/h), and Sport (25 km/h). Its rear-wheel motor delivers up to 1,000W of peak power, making it capable of climbing slopes up to 22%. The scooter’s Traction Control System (TCS) helps keep it stable, even on slippery roads.

This scooter is designed to handle different road conditions comfortably. It has dual-spring shock absorbers in the front and a single spring at the rear to reduce the impact from uneven surfaces. The wide, 10-inch tubeless tires provide good grip and stability, making rides smoother.

The frame, made from carbon steel, can carry up to 120 kg and is foldable for easy carrying and storage. The lightweight design and simple folding mechanism make it practical for everyday use.

A 477Wh lithium battery powers the scooter for up to 60 km on a single charge. Xiaomi’s intelligent battery management system adds safety features to protect against issues like short circuits, overcharging, and overheating. The scooter also uses a kinetic energy recovery system, which helps increase the battery’s range by converting motion into extra power.

The scooter comes with app-based controls, allowing users to check its location, lock the motor, and install updates. A dashboard on the handlebars shows speed, battery level, and turn signal status in real-time.

For safety, it includes an automatic headlight, tail light, and turn signals for better visibility, especially at night. The braking system combines a front drum brake and a rear E-ABS, ensuring reliable stopping. It’s also rated IPX5 for water resistance, so it can handle light rain.

Pricing and Availability

Xiaomi has not officially announced the price or release date for the Electric Scooter 5 Pro. However, leaks suggest it may cost €504.99 in France, lower than an earlier estimate of €599.

(Source, via)

Vivo V50’s RAM, storage variants, images, revealed well before launch

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Jan 17, 2025

Back in October, the Vivo V50 was spotted with the V2427 model number in the IMEI database. In the recen weeks, the device has bagged approval from various certification platforms, such as EEC (Europe), BIS (India), TDRA (UAE), and NBTC (Thailand). In the latest development, the V50 has received approval from Taiwan’s NCC regulatory body. The listing has revealed the images and key specifications of the device for the first time.

Vivo V50 design revealed

The images that have emerged through V50’s NCC certification have revealed that it will be available in white, blue, and grey options. The device measures 165 x 75mm, but there is no information about its thickness.

The oval-shaped camera module has two cameras followed by a ring LED flash. The design is reminiscent of the Vivo S20, which is exclusively available in the Chinese since December 2024.

Vivo V50 key specifications (rumored)

The Vivo V50’s NCC certification reveals that it will be available in two configurations: 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 512GB storage. It is set to feature a 6,000mAh battery (5,890mAh rated capacity) with support for 90W fast charging.

This suggests that the V50 could be a modified version of the Vivo S20 rather than a direct rebrand, as the S20 comes with a larger 6,500mAh battery. The smaller battery size on the V50 hints at a slimmer profile compared to the S20, which has an impressively slim profile of 7.2mm.

The V50 will run on Android 15 and Funtouch OS 15. It will also offer usual connectivity features, such as Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS. With a couple of certifications under the belt, it appears that the V50 may debut along with the V50 Pro (V2428 model number) in the ongoing quarter of this year.

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Samsung Galaxy A26 5G gets slimmer with smaller battery; also spotted on BIS and Bluetooth SIG listings

By

Debasish

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Jan 17, 2025

Another member of the Galaxy A series is on its way. The Samsung Galaxy A26 5G has been spotted on BIS and Bluetooth SIG listings, hinting that the launch is just around the corner.

Online case listing reveals key details

According to an case listing spotted my MySmartPrice, the Galaxy A26 5G will feature a 6.64- or 6.7-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate.

The listing also reveals the battery capacity to be 4,565mAh, down from 5000mAh of the Galaxy A25. Physically, the phone is measures 164 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm and weigh 209 grams, giving it a slightly larger but slim and lightweight build. This is slimmer than the 8.3 mm predecessor, which weighs 197g.

And speaking of software, the Galaxy A26 5G will come with Android 15 out of the box, offering some of the latest features and security improvements from Samsung and Google. The launch of the Galaxy A26 should be imminent, as it’s already over a year since the launch of the predecessor.

Listed on BIS and Bluetooth SIG

The Galaxy A26 5G has shown up on the BIS certification site under the model number SM-A266B/DS, which confirms it’s heading to India. The “DS” in the model number indicates dual-SIM support. Alongside this, Bluetooth SIG listings also confirm variants for global markets, including the U.S.

According to the Geekbench listing, the phone powers an overclocked version of the Exynos 1280 chipset, the same one that powers the Galaxy A25. It will be paired with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

Samsung isn’t stopping at just the Galaxy A26 5G. Rumors suggest the company is also preparing to launch the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56, which are expected to cater to both global and Indian markets in the coming weeks.

Two Decades of Design in One Place: Nokia Launches Online Museum of Its Devices

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