Xiaomi is gearing up to launch its new flagship smartphone in India soon. But ahead of any official announcement, the Xiaomi 15 model was spotted in a local certification, which hints at its imminent launch. So here’s everything we know so far.
Xiaomi 15 Spotted on BIS
To recall, the Xiaomi 15 was first announced in China back in October 2024. Now, it appears that the Indian release might be right around the corner. The Chinese tech giant’s upcoming premium phone was spotted with the 24129PN74I model number on the BIS platform (Via 91Mobiles). This doesn’t reveal finer details regarding this device, but does confirm that the Indian launch is near. It is worth noting that the listing only mentions the base Xiaomi 15 model and not the higher end Pro variant.
For those unaware, Xiaomi only launched the Xiaomi 14 in India last year, skipping the Xiaomi 14 Pro. However, since the Xiaomi 14 Ultra did eventually launch in India, we can expect the Xiaomi 14 Ultra to drop in the region as well in the coming months. The brand has yet to make any official announcement regarding the Xiaomi 15’s launch yet, but Xiaomi might begin sharing official teasers in the coming weeks.
Xiaomi 15
Based on what we know so far, the Xiaomi 15 sports a 6.36-inch OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, which is paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage. The rear features three 50-megapixel cameras, while the front houses a 32-megapixel selfie shooter. A massive 5,400mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 90W wired fast charging and 50W wireless fast charging. The Xiaomi 15 runs on the Android 15 OS based HyperOS 2.0 custom skin out fo the box.
Tecno has just released a brand-new budget smartphone in the Indian market. This model is the Tecno Pop 9 which features some decent specs despite its entry level price tag. So here’s everything you need to know regarding its price, specs, and more.
Tecno Pop 9: What makes it special?
After launching the Tecno Pop 9 5G back in September 2024, the company unveiled the 4G version of the Tecno Pop 9. But while these are similar in name, the specs and design are distinct. While the Tecno Pop 9 5G was released with an iPhone 16-like design, the Pop 9 4G seems inspired by the iPhone 15. On the front, it sports a 6.67-inch HD+ LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate.
Tecno Pop 9
Under the hood, the Tecno Pop 9 is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G50 SoC, which is paired with 3GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. Users can even expand the storage by up to 1TB via a microSD card slot. For optics, the rear has a 13-megapixel camera, while the front houses an 8-megapixel selfie shooter. This model also runs on the Android 14 Go Edition with HiOS 14 custom skin out of the box. A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 15W charging.
Other notable features include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a side mounted fingerprint scanner, and an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. The Tecno Pop 9 is available in three color options, namely Glittery White, Lime Green, and Startrail Black. The device will go on sale in Amazon India with first sale to kick off on 26th November 2024. It is available for a 6,699 INR price tag (roughly 79 US Dollars), but you also get a 200 INR discount via bank offers.
An independent test by Digital Chat Station has now revealed the phone’s performance in benchmark and gaming.
As you can see, the phone scores a Geekbench score of 3,000 for single-core and 9,200 for multi-core, placing the K80 Pro among the elite performers. The Steel Nomad Light benchmark, which measures the graphics performance of the phone, records an equally impressive GPU score of 2,440.
Redmi K80 Pro gaming prowess
As for the gaming, in the demanding “Genshin Impact” full high-definition test, the K80 Pro maintained a smooth 59.9 frames per second (FPS) while keeping power consumption remarkably low at just 4.22 watts.
Similar results were observed in other popular titles – “Honkai Impact 3rd” achieved a 121.2 FPS average with superframe mode and a power draw of 3.58 watts. Even in “Honor of Kings” with extreme picture quality settings, the K80 Pro maintained a consistent 120 FPS while consuming a mere 3 watts.
Additionally, the tipster reveals that the phone supposedly features a 5400mm² 3D dual-loop cooling system for efficient heat dissipation and sustained performance under heavy loads.
What to expect?
Aside from the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the K80 Pro is expected to feature a 50MP triple camera setup with a 32MP ultrawide a 50MP telephoto, and a 20MP front camera. The device could be powered by a 6500mAh battery with 90W fast charging.
As for the battery, it is rumored to have of 6000mAh capacity with support for both 120W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging.
The phone will have a 2K resolution M9 display made by TCL Huaxing with features like an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, 1800 nits of global peak brightness, and DC Dimming.
Samsung is one of the best smartphone brands globally, with a strong lineup of smartphones across all price segments. Even with a $500 budget or lower than that, there are so many excellent options out there, including some high-end Galaxy S-series phones.
Short on time? Here are the products in this article:
The Galaxy S24 FE (or Fan Edition) is currently available for just $474. That’s a nice 27% discount from the original price of $650, making it the best Galaxy pick for anyone with a budget of around 500 dollars.
It delivers a near-flagship experience for a significantly cheaper price. From the outside, the S24 FE looks like the Galaxy S24 Plus, with some downgrades to reach a lower price point. Those include a weaker chipset, a less brighter display, and a few others, but it’s still a solid choice for $500. It has all the Galaxy AI features from the premium models. You’ll also enjoy seven years of Android updates, the best on any Android smartphone.
Unlike other Galaxy S24 models, the S24 FE ships with an Exynos chipset instead. While it does a good job handling everyday tasks, hardcore fans looking for flagship performance might find it a bit disappointing.
If you prefer the Snapdragon chip over Exynos, the Galaxy S23 might be a better option, as detailed below.
2. Samsung Galaxy S23 5G
As we get newer Galaxy phones, the previous-generation models suddenly become a great buy with a sweet price cut. The flagship Galaxy S23, launched at a base price of $799.99, is now down to $499, putting it in a great spot for $500 buyers.
It’s a compact 6.1-inch flagship phone rocking a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, ensuring smooth performance whether you’re endlessly scrolling social media or playing your favorite titles. However, the 3,900mAh battery might seem a downgrade, but it’s actually not. The battery performance is similar to the Galaxy S24 FE (4,700mAh capacity) because of an efficient chipset and a smaller display.
The Galaxy S23 has excellent cameras. In fact, the Galaxy S24 carries identical camera hardware, but the latest model promises better processing thanks to an improved chipset. The changes are rather subtle and go unnoticed most of the time.
For $500, the Galaxy S23 is a no-brainer deal. It has a solid display, performance, and camera setup. It’s better than the Galaxy S24 FE, with only one downside: a smaller form factor.
3. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
The Galaxy A55 is a solid mid-range smartphone currently available for just under $300. It’s surprisingly good at photography at this price point, even competing with some premium Galaxy devices.
The device is ripped with an aluminum frame all around. And the IP67 rating and Gorilla Glass Victs+ protection make it a long-lasting deal. The performance is okay for everyday tasks and offers light gaming as well.
The Galaxy A55 features a 6.6-inch 1080p bright Super AMOLED panel that refreshes at 120Hz. It also has an excellent triple camera setup, which includes a 50MP primary sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens with a 123-degree field of view, and a 5MP macro shooter. The 32MP shooter takes decent selfies.
Battery life is excellent, lasting more than a day. It’s 5,000mAh, by the way, which is one of the biggest on Galaxy phones. Unfortunately, you don’t get a charger inside the box, so you’ll have to use an existing type-C charger or spend some more bucks getting one.
4. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
For $250 (at Amazon), you get a large 1080p Super AMOLED screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate support, along with Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus+ for reliable protection against occasional drops. The performance is decent with Exynos 1380. You can do light gaming as well. But for a decent gaming performance, you should spend extra money getting a more powerful chipset.
The Galaxy A35 5G boots Android 14 out of the box and offers four years of guaranteed Android upgrades, up to Android 18. The camera performance is decent, offering detailed shots in good lighting conditions, but the low-light photography could be improved.
It lets you do 4K recording with its selfie camera as well, which we don’t see this very often on cheap phones. The connectivity options are good. You easily get a full day of battery backup with a few hours to spare the next morning, and supports 25W fast charging for quick top-ups.
5. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Even though the Galaxy A15 5G is a plastic phone from top to bottom, it has got the aesthetics of the Galaxy S24 family, with a matte finish on the back. And it doesn’t pick up fingerprints, thanks to a non-glossy finish.
The center point of this phone is the AMOLED screen you’re getting for just $170. It’s vibrant and has deep blacks that easily outperform any LCD panel. It’s a 1080p screen with 800nits of peak brightness, which isn’t bad for a phone at this price. The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and animations.
You wouldn’t expect amazing photography from a $170 phone. However, the Galaxy A15 5G does a better job than most budget phones at this price. The primary camera outputs slightly over-emphasized colors, but the detail is good for subjects. However, the ultrawide and macro cameras aren’t impressive but do the job.
The performance of the Galaxy A15 5G is as you would expect on a budget phone. It handles basic tasks like web browsing, messaging, and other everyday activities with ease. But as you push it with heavier games or intensive multitasking, some lags are easily noticeable.
Besides a great display, the Galaxy phone offers an excellent battery backup of more than a day. On light usage, you can easily make it to two days or possibly more on a single charge. That makes the Galaxy A15 5G a solid option for content consumption.
Which Samsung Galaxy phone from the list has impressed you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Honor has officially revealed the appearance of its upcoming Honor 300 Pro, adding to the anticipation for the 300 series. With its sleek curved screen and three elegant color options—Ink Rock Black, Tea Green, and Starlight Sand—the device aims to combine style with substance. The Pro variant is available in three storage configurations: 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, and 16GB+512GB, catering to users with varied storage needs.
This comes after a company official teased the slick form factor of the base model. The Honor 300 offers a flat-screen design and comes in five unique colors: Luyan Purple, Moyan Black, Chaka Green, Cangshan Gray, and Yulong Snow. The official emphasized its thin profile, highlighting the 6.97mm thickness of the base model, which is “thinner than a straw.”
What to expect from Honor 300 series?
The Honor 300 series is shaping up to be a significant step forward for the brand. Leaks suggest a sharper 1.5K resolution for the series, moving beyond the FHD+ displays of its predecessor. Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the Honor 300 Pro and Pro+ are expected to deliver exceptional performance. Meanwhile, the standard model is expected to adopt a Snapdragon 7 series processor. For context, last year’s Honor 200 runs on the 4nm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip.
Honor 300 ProHonor 300
The series is also said to support 100W wired charging, as confirmed by 3C certification. Wireless charging is also expected, at least with the Pro models. The overall user experience is also expected to be further elevated with an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, an upgrade from the optical sensors of last year’s models.
Four devices under the Honor 300 lineup have reportedly passed 3C certifications in China, hinting at the inclusion of a budget-friendly ‘Lite’ or ‘Smart’ model alongside the new Pro+ model. Notably the Pro+ model is expected to feature a triple-lens camera with a distinctive layout, promising an appealing look alongside cutting-edge photography capabilities.
Earlier this year, Nu Republic announced a couple of uniquely designed TWS earbuds, such as Cyberstud Spin, Cyberstud X2, and Cyberstud X4 Firefly (hands-on) in India. The brand has returned with the Cyberstud X7, a new TWS offering that supports Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Here is a look at its key features and price.
Nu Republic Cyberstud X7 key features
Nu Republic Cyberstud X7
The Cyberstud X7 ANC TWS prioritizes performance and design to provide a premium audio experience. With support for ANC and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), these earbuds effectively block out ambient sounds, allowing you to enjoy music or games without distractions. The quad microphone setup ensures crystal-clear calls, while X-Bass® technology delivers deep, punchy bass, making them ideal for music lovers and gamers alike.
Inspired by cyberpunk aesthetics, the Cyberstud X7 incorporates bold RGB LED lights, adding a futuristic touch to its sleek design. These earbuds, equipped with dual modes—game and music—offer 40 ms of low latency, ensuring smooth audio-video synchronization for an immersive experience. Whether gaming or enjoying your favorite tunes, you can expect seamless performance.
For those constantly on the move, the Cyberstud X7 promises an impressive battery life, offering up to 70 hours* of playback. The LED battery display makes it simple to check the remaining charge at a glance. Designed with splash and sweat resistance, these earbuds are well-suited for workouts, gaming sessions, or outdoor activities. The support for touch controls allows users to manage music, calls, and switch between modes effortlessly.
Nu Republic Cyberstud X7 price in India
With a price tag of Rs 1,799, the Cyberstud X7 ANC True Wireless Earbuds provide an excellent combination of style, functionality, and cutting-edge features. Available on www.nurepublic.co, these earbuds are a fantastic option for anyone seeking high-quality audio with a unique, tech-forward design.
Nubia unveiled the Red Magic 10 Pro and Red Magic 10 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Elite at the beginning of this month in China. The brand has also recently unveiled the Nubia Z70 Ultra equipped with the same chip in the home market. While the Red Magic 10 Pro focuses on delivering hardcore gaming, the Z70 Ultra is an all-rounder, mainly focusing on delivering a top-notch photography experience. Therefore, it is a worthy competitor for the likes of the Vivo X200 Pro, Oppo Find X8 Pro, Xiaomi 15 Pro, iQOO 13, OnePlus 13, and Honor Magic 7 Pro. Here’s a look at what makes it stand out from the competitors.
The Nubia Z70 Ultra sports a 6.85-inch 1.5K OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering a visually immersive and responsive user experience. The display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional clarity, making it ideal for watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web. All the competing phones have a punch-hole display design, but the Z70 Ultra is the only phone in its segment to offer a completely full-screen experience, thanks to its under-display fingerprint sensor, eliminating the need for a punch-hole. The Red Magic 10 Pro series, which comes from the same brand, is also equipped with a full-screen display integrated with an under-screen camera.
2. A Photography Powerhouse
One of the most striking features of the Nubia Z70 Ultra is its advanced camera system. It boasts a triple camera setup on the rear, headlined by a 50-megapixel Sony IMX906 primary sensor with a custom 35mm lens and a variable aperture that shifts between f/1.59 and f/4.0. This unique design allows for exceptional low-light performance and precise control over depth of field, enabling users to capture stunning portraits and breathtaking landscapes with remarkable clarity and detail.
Complementing the primary sensor is an autofocus-enabled 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens that expands the field of view, capturing more of the scene in a single frame. Additionally, an OIS-assisted 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens with 3.2x optical zoom facilitates capturing distant subjects with exceptional clarity. The phone also features a dedicated physical camera button that can be half-pressed to focus and fully pressed to capture a shot.
3. Performance Beast
Under the hood, the Nubia Z70 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the latest and most powerful chipset from Qualcomm. This ensures blazing-fast performance, seamless multitasking, and smooth gaming experiences.
Coupled with up to a staggering 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, the Z70 Ultra can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. The phone packs a 6,150mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports 80W fast charging.
4. AI-Drive OS Experience
The Z70 Ultra runs on Android 15, which is overlaid with the company’s Nebula AIOS. According to the brand, this isn’t just another Android skin; it is a fully voice-controlled AI operating system designed to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence into everyday tasks. Nebula AIOS introduces features like “Future Mode” for simplified interactions, AI-powered “time capsule” assistants, screen-off chat capabilities, and real-time AI translation.
Nubia has partnered with China Telecom to integrate a large language model that enables advanced features like multi-language conference translation, document assistance, and AI-enhanced photography. This focus on AI-driven software gives the Z70 Ultra a unique edge, offering users a glimpse into the future of smartphone interaction and productivity.
5. Stunning Design
The Nubia Z70 Ultra has a flat display on the front and an offbeat arrangement for its camera sensors on the back. Nevertheless, it has a unique appeal as compared to round, square, and squircle camera modules available on other flagships. It comes in three shades, such as Black Seal, Amber, and a blue-colored special Collector’s Editio inspired by the renowned artist Van Gogh.
The blue variant features a textured back panel that mimics the brushstrokes of Van Gogh’s iconic “Starry Night” painting, adding an artistic flair to the phone’s design. The unique approach to design, particularly with the Collector’s Edition, further sets the Z70 Ultra apart from the homogenous designs prevalent in the smartphone market.
Global Launch Confirmed
The Nubia Z70 Ultra is not just limited to the Chinese market. The brand has confirmed that it will be announced for the European markets on Nov. 26. Customers can sign up on Nubia’s website to receive a $50 coupon for the Z70 Ultra. In China, Z70 Ultra is available with a starting price of 4,599 Yuan (~$635).
In the rapidly evolving world of smartphone gaming, hardware advancements have only been part of the equation. Software innovations are increasingly playing a pivotal role in delivering seamless gameplay, and according to a leak, Oppo could be one of the leaders in this aspect in the near future with its newly unveiled “Venom” gaming technology.
This revolutionary low-power game scheduler promises to elevate gaming performance while maintaining energy efficiency, setting a new standard in mobile gaming.
“Venom” gaming tech: what it actually is?
Renowned industry insider Ice Universe described “Venom” as a groundbreaking technology that operates at the foundational layer of chip architecture. This innovation allows Oppo to optimize energy efficiency and gaming performance simultaneously by directly interfacing with the chip’s core design.
“Venom is slaying with its ability to deepen the bottom layer to enhance energy efficiency,” Ice Universe noted, highlighting its transformative potential.
Building on this, another well-known leaker, Digital Chat Station, compared the new tech to Oppo’s earlier advancements like the 120 FPS GPU frame interpolation solution. While impressive, that earlier technology was only a precursor to the comprehensive capabilities of Venom. By offering frame-by-frame optimization, this gaming tech minimizes latency and reduces power consumption, making gameplay smoother and devices cooler.
Perhaps the most striking revelation is the claim that Venom could upgrade a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset to perform like a hypothetical “Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.5.” This metaphor underscores the impact of software-level refinements on raw processing power.
Enhanced gaming experience for upcoming Oppo and OnePlus devices
Venom is rumored to debut with the next generation of OnePlus Ace smartphones, part of Oppo’s sub-brand portfolio. Gamers can expect significant improvements in thermal management, battery life, and overall efficiency. The technology directly addresses two of the most critical pain points for gamers: delayed responses and excessive power drain.
Oppo’s commitment to redefining the gaming experience doesn’t stop there. The company recently announced a custom networking chip designed to maintain optimal gaming performance even in poor internet conditions, further reinforcing its leadership in the gaming space.
While the Find X8, X8 Pro, and OnePlus 13 have already demonstrated notable advancements with new chipsets, enhanced cooling, and smarter resource management solutions in ColorOS 15 and Oxygen OS 15, Oppo is aiming even higher.
With this gaming tech, Oppo is preparing to set the stage for its future flagship devices, offering gamers a blend of unmatched performance, immersive gameplay, and energy efficiency.
JVC Kenwood’s Victor brand has launched the HA-NP1T, a new addition to its “Nearphones” series, featuring an open-ear design that combines comfort, style, and situational awareness. The earphones allow users to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to audio, making them suitable for commuters, joggers, and those needing to stay alert during daily activities.
JVC Nearphones HA-NP1T features
The HA-NP1T features JVC Kenwood’s “Flexible Adjust” mechanism, which allows the earphones to fit comfortably and securely on different ear shapes. This makes them a good option for extended use or physical activities. They come in five colors—Teal Blue, Maroon, Ice Gray, Off White, and Coal Black—and their minimalist design makes them easy to pair with both casual and professional outfits.
For audio quality, the HA-NP1T is equipped with 10mm driver units that deliver clear and balanced sound. The earphones also allow users to choose between Normal, High, or Bass modes to fine-tune their listening experience, even in noisy environments. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, they can handle light splashes and sweat, making them a solid choice for workouts or outdoor use.
When it comes to convenience, the HA-NP1T offers a few standout features. They can connect to two Bluetooth devices at once, so users can easily switch between a phone, laptop, or tablet without needing to reconnect. The earphones offer up to 8 hours of playback on a full charge, with the charging case extending total use to 24 hours. Plus, the Victor Headphones app lets users adjust settings and update firmware to keep the earphones running smoothly.
Pricing & available
The JVC Nearphones are available via the JVC Store on Amazon with an MSRP of $99.95.
Samsung has announced attractive offers on its latest Galaxy wearables as a part of the Black Friday sale. Starting today, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is available with discounts of up to Rs 12,000. Similarly, buyers of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro can enjoy an instant cashback or an upgrade bonus of Rs 5,000. The Samsung Black Friday sale also includes exciting discounts on other products, such as the Watch 7, Galaxy Buds 3, and Buds FE.
Samsung wearables available with exciting discounts during Black Friday sales
Samsung Black Friday Sale
Those who are interested in purchasing the Galaxy Watch Ultra can benefit from up to Rs 12,000 discount. This includes an instant cashback of Rs 12,000 or an upgrade bonus of Rs 10,000. Consumers can also benefit from no-cost EMI options for up to 24 months, making these devices more affordable. Additionally, customers purchasing the latest Galaxy S and Z Series smartphones can avail multi-buy offers worth up to Rs 18,000 on Samsung’s latest wearables.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra, the newest addition to the Galaxy Watch lineup, is tailored for sports and fitness enthusiasts. It features a durable Titanium Grade 4 frame and sapphire glass display, with 10ATM water resistance, IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, and MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification. The watch offers up to 100 hours of runtime in Power Saving mode.
Equipped with Samsung’s BioActive Sensor, the Galaxy Watch Ultra provides on-demand ECG recording and HR Alert function for monitoring heart rates. The recently introduced Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) feature on the Samsung Health Monitor app, along with Blood Pressure and ECG monitoring, helps detect heart rhythms indicative of atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Samsung Black Friday Sale
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro will be available with a Rs 5,000 cashback or upgrade bonus. Alternatively, the premium TWS can be purchased with up to 24 months of no-cost EMI. The Buds 3 Pro delivers top-notch Hi-Fi sound quality with a new “Blade” design for comfort and superior audio. They feature enhanced 2-way speakers with planar tweeters and dual amplifiers. Powered by Galaxy AI, the Buds 3 Pro offers real-time translation when connected to Galaxy smartphones, adaptive EQ, and adaptive ANC for premium sound quality in various environments.
During the Black Friday sale, the Galaxy Watch 7 comes with Rs 8,000 cashback or upgrade bonus and the Buds can be bought with a Rs 4,000 cashback or upgrade bonus. Alternatively, customers can opt for up to 24 months of no-cost EMI. Lastly, the Galaxy Buds FE will be available with a Rs 4,000 cashback or upgrade bonus.
At the launch event for its latest flagship devices, Oppo showcased the advancements of its ColorOS 15, claiming a new level of smoothness and performance. The company didn’t shy away from comparisons, making a bold statement by poking fun at Samsung’s One UI during the presentation.
Highlighting the smoothness of ColorOS 15
During the event, Oppo introduced their new “Luminous Rendering Engine” in ColorOS 15, which significantly enhances user interface responsiveness. The engine boasts an 18% improvement in touch response speed and a 40% boost in stability, ensuring seamless multitasking even under heavy workloads.
Demonstrating the feature on stage, Oppo illustrated how ColorOS 15 maintained fluidity while rapidly opening, closing, and switching apps, contrasting it with a competitor’s interface that appeared to falter. Though not named directly, Samsung‘s One UI was the clear target of this comparison.
The revamped ColorOS 15 also features a visual overhaul, with redesigned icons and widgets using natural tones to create a refreshed aesthetic. The new Flux Themes provide customizable layouts that harmonize the always-on display, lock screen, and home screen for a unified look. Oppo emphasized its commitment to delivering a more engaging user experience with every interaction.
Notably, Oppo is not the first to take a jab at a competitor. In fact, it seems to have drawn some inspiration from Samsung itself, which has mocked its biggest rival for years. Recently, Samsung attacked Apple for lack of innovation, showcasing some of its Galaxy AI features.
Speaking of AI features Oppo now has some of them as well. The AI Writer tool in ColorOS 15 simplifies message replies and summarizations, while the AI-enhanced Notes app helps users better organize information. These features underline Oppo’s focus on integrating AI for smarter and more intuitive user interactions.
What about the hardware?
The Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, are the first devices to launch with ColorOS 15. These flagship models deliver top-tier performance, with configurations of up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB storage in the Pro variant. The devices also include advanced cooling systems, combining high-performance graphite and a vapor chamber to maintain optimal temperatures during demanding tasks such as gaming.
Battery life is another highlight, with the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro featuring 5,630mAh and 5,910mAh batteries, respectively. Oppo also made a hardware comparison here with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which you can see below. Both the new Oppo phones also support 80W wired charging and 50W magnetic wireless charging. The addition of magnets, though, makes the Oppo flagships truly unique and stand out among other Android devices. You can learn more about the devices here.
Vivo unveiled the Vivo X Fold 3 and X Fold 3 Pro foldable phones in China this year. These devices came equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 8 Gen 3 chipsets, respectively. The rumor mill has already been leaking details about the upcoming Vivo X Fold 4 in bits and pieces. A new leak by well-known tipster Digital Chat Station reveals several key details about the X Fold 4 including its launch timeframe.
Vivo X Fold 4 key specifications (rumored)
According to DCS, the engineering prototype of the Vivo X Fold 4 emphasizes extreme lightness and thinness, aiming to set a new standard in foldable phone design. Despite its sleek profile, it packs a substantial battery of around 6,000mAh capacity and supports wireless charging. For durability, the device is rated IPX8 for water resistance, claims the tipster.
Like the X Fold 3 Pro, the Vivo X Fold 4 features dual ultrasonic fingerprint sensors, one for the front display and the other for the internal foldable screen. The camera setup is also noteworthy, featuring a centrally positioned large circular module that houses three 50-megapixel sensors. These include a standard sensor, a 3x periscope telephoto lens, and an ultra-wide lens, offering versatile photography capabilities. Moreover, the device incorporates a pressure-sensitive three-stage button, a first for Vivo smartphones.
Vivo X Fold 4 launch timeframe (rumored)
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro
The above leak also suggests that there will be only one version of the phone. While Vivo launched the X Fold 3 and X Fold 3 Pro this year, the company may only release one foldable phone, the X Fold 4, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite next year.
As far as the launch timeframe is concerned, previous leaks claimed that it would debut in the first quarter of 2025. However, the latest update by DCS reveals that the arrival of the X Fold 4 has been delayed. Therefore, there is a possibility that it may go official in the second quarter of 2025.
With the holiday season approaching, smartphone launches for 2024 are winding down, but rumors about next year’s devices are already picking up speed.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to be among the first to launch, with reports suggesting a reveal event in January, though the exact date remains unclear. Sources mention January 5th or 22nd as possible options.
Leaks about the upcoming flagship series have been abundant, and the specifications for the S25 are starting to take shape. According to TechManiacs, the S25 trio might not differ significantly from its predecessors, following the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach.
No major changes
This could work in consumers’ favor. Contrary to earlier rumors suggesting a price increase for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung may keep the pricing similar to the S24 series. There could also be the usual “free storage upgrade” during pre-orders. However, it remains unclear if the base storage for the standard S25 will be upgraded to 256GB.
One noticeable change is the potential increase in RAM for the standard S25, moving from 8GB to 12GB. Additionally, all models in the S25 lineup are expected to switch from Samsung’s Exynos chipset to the QualcommSnapdragon 8 Elite, due to reported production issues with the Exynos 2500.
Camera upgrades seem modest for the S25 and S25+ models, with the most notable change being a new image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.
The S25 Ultra, however, might upgrade its ultra-wide sensor from 12MP to 50MP. Apart from this and a possible redesign of the camera housing, the camera specs are expected to stay largely the same.
Display sizes and resolutions are likely to remain unchanged across the lineup, except for the S25 Ultra, which could feature slimmer bezels. Battery capacities and charging speeds are also expected to stay the same—45W for the Plus and Ultra models, and 25W for the standard version. While the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip may improve battery efficiency slightly, any gains are expected to be minimal.
The report also highlights Samsung’s focus on new AI features for the S25 series. However, these features might contribute to delays in the development of One UI 7, the custom user interface for Samsung devices.
While surprise upgrades could still emerge, the current outlook suggests incremental improvements for the 2025 S-series. We’ll keep an eye on any changes leading up to the official launch.
Smartphone brands are gearing up to launch a wave of sub-flagship phones in China. Redmi kicks things off with the Redmi K80 series on Nov. 27, followed by Vivo’s S20 lineup on Nov. 28, and iQOO’s Neo 10 series on Nov. 29. The Honor 300 series, already teased, is expected to debut in early December. OnePlus also reportedly plans to reveal the Ace 5 series in December. Now, Realme has started teasing the arrival of its next GT Neo series phone, the Realme GT Neo 7.
Realme GT Neo 7 launching soon in China
Realme GT Neo 7 series’ teasers to begin next week
Realme Vice President and Global Marketing President Xu Qi’s latest Weibo post reveals that the company will start teasing a new Neo-branded phone starting next week. While he has not explicitly revealed the name of the device, he seems to be referring to the GT Neo 7 series.
Reliable tipster Digital Chat Station likely shared the above information in reference to an upcoming Realme phone, as evidenced by his use of a cat emoji. While he did not mention the name of the phone explicitly, it seems he is talking about the Realme GT Neo 7.
As per the leak, the GT Neo 7 will pack a huge 7,000mAh battery. Despite packing a behemoth battery, the device maintains a relatively slim profile with a thickness of approximately 8.5mm. It promises a solid two-day battery life, setting a new benchmark for sub-flagship phones.
ZTE recently launched its latest flagship smartphone called the Nubia Z70 Ultra in the Chinese market, packed with Qualcomm’s cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, a revamped design, and an improved under-screen camera. Alongside the Chinese launch, the brand has also announced the global launch date of this new device.
As per Nubia’s European website, the Z70 Ultra will make its global debut on November 26 at 1 PM CTE. While the global pricing details are still under wraps, interested customers can sign up on Nubia’s website to receive a $50 coupon for the Z70 Ultra. In China, the device has a starting price of 4,599 yuan (~$635).
Nubia Z70 Ultra specs and features
The Z70 Ultra features a 6.85-inch AMOLED true full-screen display, with no visible cutout for the camera, thanks to its seventh-generation under-screen camera technology. The display offers ultra-narrow 1.25mm bezels, a 95.3% screen-to-body ratio, and a resolution of 1.5K. The device measures 8.6mm in thickness and weighs 228g.
Nubia Z70 Ultra Starry Night
Inside, the Nubia Z70 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage for fast performance. It has AI Frame Perception 2.0 that improves system fluency by 25% and reduces app launch times by 50%.
The phone also features a 6,150mAh battery with 80W wired fast charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse charging. Other features include IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, dual speakers, and an X-axis linear motor for better vibration feedback.
The camera setup includes a 50MP Sony IMX906 main sensor with OIS and a variable aperture (f/1.59–f/4.0), a 50MP ultra-wide macro lens with autofocus, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with OIS. The Z70 Ultra also introduces an SLR-style mechanical shutter button, allowing for precise focusing and control during photography.
The phone runs on Nubia’s Nebula AIOS, an AI-powered operating system with voice control. Key features include AI translation, time capsule assistants, and screen-off chat.
Last month, Xiaomi unveiled the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro phones equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset in China. On Nov. 27, its sub-brand Redmi will unveil the Redmi K80 lineup for the Chinese market. Today, the brand released the following poster to confirm the chipset that drives the Redmi K80 Pro.
Redmi K80 Pro’s chipset officially confirmed
The Redmi K80 Pro features the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and the gaming-specific D1 independent graphics chip. This potent combination has achieved an impressive AnTuTu benchmark score of 3,194,766, underscoring its exceptional performance capabilities.
The Dimensity 9300 Plus-powered Redmi K70 Ultra, which debuted a couple of months ago in China, was the first phone to feature the D1 graphics chip. Apart from the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and D1 chip, the K80 Pro features the Gaming Engine 4.0, which supports 2K super-resolution and 120fps super frame concurrency for all games.
The Redmi K80 series will arrive with a CSOT 2K M9 flat screen with a peak brightness of 1800 nits, enhancing outdoor visibility while reducing power consumption by 20.3%, making it both bright and energy efficient. Additionally, the series incorporates hardware-level DC dimming and circular polarization technology to alleviate eye strain, along with the AON Intelligent Eye Protection feature, which uses the front camera to monitor user eye behavior and provide appropriate reminders.
In terms of design, the Redmi K80 Pro showcases meticulous craftsmanship with a light mist dual-work integration process, enhancing refinement by 2.5 times. It adopts Xiaomi’s screen routing technology, achieving an ultra-narrow 1.9mm bottom bezel and a nearly perfect 50:50 golden weight distribution. Notably, it is Redmi’s first device with a seamless top design.
The K80 Pro also introduces Xiaomi’s Dragon Crystal Glass 2.0, an upgraded ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that promises quick and accurate wet-hand recognition. Additionally, the K80 series offers IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance.
OPPO has unveiled its global rollout schedule for ColorOS 15, its latest Android 15-based operating system. The update initially launched in China, will be gradually rolled out to a diverse range of OPPO devices around the globe from November 2024 to the first quarter of 2025.
November 2024 Rollout:
OPPO Find N3
OPPO Find N3 Flip
OPPO Reno11 Pro 5G
December 2024 Rollout:
OPPO Reno 12 Pro 5G
OPPO Reno 12 5G
OPPO Reno 12 FS 5G
OPPO Reno 12 F 5G
OPPO Reno 11 5G
OPPO Reno 11 F 5G
OPPO K12x 5G
OPPO F27 5G
OPPO F25 Pro 5G
OPPO Pad 3 Pro
OPPO Pad 2
First Quarter of 2025 Rollout:
OPPO Find N2 Flip
OPPO Find X5 Pro
OPPO Find X5
OPPO Reno 11 A
OPPO Reno 10 Pro+ 5G
OPPO Reno 10 5G
OPPO F27 Pro+ 5G
OPPO Reno 10 Pro 5G
OPPO Reno 12 FS
OPPO Reno 12 F
OPPO Reno 11 FS
OPPO Reno 8T 5G
OPPO Reno 8T
OPPO F23 5G
OPPO plans to roll out updates in phases, starting with newer flagship devices, followed by other models. The company notes that the update schedule may vary depending on carrier approvals and device compatibility.
This new update introduces AI-powered features like AI Photo Remaster and Reflection Remover for enhanced photography, along with productivity tools such as AI Reply, AI Writer, and AI Recording Summary. It also includes Google AI integrations like the Gemini AI Assistant and tools for improving notes and documents. Additionally, it includes the Trinity Engine for better battery life, the Luminous Rendering Engine for smoother animations, and HyperBoost for gaming.
Qualcomm‘s new flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, is proving to bring significant improvements in both battery efficiency and performance compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Tech YouTuber Dave2D recently conducted several benchmark and real-world tests on two smartphones featuring the new processor, revealing impressive results.
OnePlus 13 and Rog Phone 9 Pro PCMARK battery life test (Image via Dave2D)
Dave2D tested the Chinese variant of the OnePlus 13, featuring a 6,000mAh battery, and the global ROG Phone 9 Pro model, equipped with a 5,800mAh battery, using the PCMark Battery test with screen brightness at 250 nits. The results showed impressive endurance, with the OnePlus 13 lasting 17 hours and 25 minutes and the ROG Phone 9 Pro achieving 14 hours and 29 minutes. These figures represent 43% and 30% battery life improvements, respectively, compared to their predecessors.
OnePlus 13 and Rog Phone 9 Pro in Genshin Impact & Reddit/browsing test
The Snapdragon 8 Elite also improves gaming performance. Dave2D tested the OnePlus 13 and ROG Phone 9 Pro with Genshin Impact, a game known to cause thermal throttling in many flagship devices. However, both phones performed better than their predecessors in terms of gameplay duration and consistent performance.
OnePlus 13 and Rog Phone 9 Pro Genshin Impact thermal throttle test
Thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s thermal management and efficiency, both devices were able to maintain smoother gameplay and higher frame rates for longer periods. However, it’s worth noting that the tests were conducted in Canada, where the cooler climate may have influenced the results, and performance could vary in hotter regions.
OnePlus 13ROG Phone 9 series
Apart from heavy tasks like gaming, the new processor also offers some significant battery life improvements in single-core tasks like browsing Reddit or serving the web.
Looking ahead, the Snapdragon 8 Elite shows a lot of potential. Upcoming flagship smartphones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 series, and even models like the Realme GT 7 Pro are expected to take advantage of the chipset’s advanced features and efficiency, offering a better overall experience compared to their predecessors.
OPPO has launched its new operating system, ColorOS 15, built on the foundation of Android 15 for the global market. This new iteration is designed to deliver a seamless, intelligent, and personalized user experience.
AI-Driven Features
ColorOS 15 integrates AI technology to enhance photography and productivity. Key features include:
AI UnblurAI Reflection Remover
AI Photo Remaster & AI Clarity Enhancer: Improve low-resolution images with a tap.
AI Reflection Remover: Remove reflections from photos effortlessly.
AI Unblur: Restore clarity to motion-blurred images.
AI Eraser: Remove unwanted objects from photos.
AI Perfect Shot: Enhance facial details and correct closed eyes.
AI Studio: Apply artistic effects to your photos.
AI Toolbox: Offers tools such as AI Reply, AI Writer, AI Speak, AI Summary, AI Docs, AI Recording Summary, and an AI Assistant for Notes.
Integration with Google AI
The operating system integrates Google AI technologies to boost productivity and creativity, featuring:
AI-Powered Notes & Documents: Helps refine writing and improve structure in documents and notes.
AI Recording Summary: Creates automatic summaries from voice recordings.
Circle to Search with Google: Enables on-screen content searches without switching apps.
Google Gemini AI Assistant: Assists with tasks like writing, learning, and planning.
Performance and User Experience
ColorOS 15 introduces several upgrades to enhance performance and smooth operation:
Trinity Engine: Improves CPU and system efficiency, enabling faster app launches and better battery life.
Luminous Rendering Engine: Provides lifelike animations and quicker system responses.
HyperBoost: Maintains stable frame rates during gaming sessions.
Holo Audio: Offers cinematic audio quality with support for multiple audio streams.
Privacy and Security
OPPO has reinforced privacy and security with features such as:
Clear Voice: Protects call privacy in noisy environments.
Auto Pixelate: Blurs sensitive information in screenshots.
Strongbox: Adds extra security for sensitive data.
Theft Protection: Helps safeguard devices against theft.
Customization and Accessibility
ColorOS 15 includes new customization options and accessibility features:
Luminous Motion Effects and Flux Themes: Provide more ways to personalize your device.
One Take Animation: Offers smooth and dynamic animations.
Aqua Dynamics: Highlights key information for better focus.
Accessibility features ensure an inclusive experience for all users.
Availability
ColorOS 15 will start rolling out to eligible OPPO devices beginning November 2024.
Nubia has officially launched its latest smartwatch, the Nubia Watch GT, at an introductory price of 699 yuan ($96). The device combines sleek design, advanced AI features, and impressive health and fitness tracking capabilities. Let’s check out its key specs.
Nubia Watch GT Specifications
The Nubia Watch GT features a futuristic and sleek design, seamlessly combining metal and translucent glass for a tech-savvy aesthetic. It equips a 1.43-inch AMOLED circular display, offering a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and a pixel density of 326 PPI.
The display comes with an 87% screen-to-body ratio, ensuring an immersive visual experience. It also supports an always-on display mode, making it convenient for quick glances at the time and notifications.
The Watch GT features Tencent Hunyuan AI Large Model integration, a cutting-edge AI based on the Transformer neural network architecture with trillions of parameters. It comes with advanced capabilities such as Chinese language composition, logical reasoning in complex contexts, and accurate task execution. The watch also equips an AI Health Large Model that enhances health monitoring by analyzing metrics with improved precision.
The smartwatch supports 100+ sports modes, making it a versatile choice for fitness enthusiasts. It equips dual-frequency independent GPS, ensuring accurate tracking of outdoor activities.
The Nubia Watch GT also sports an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, providing durability in challenging environments. Additionally, it comes with an AI Health Model to monitor health metrics like heart rate, activity levels, and more, backed by intelligent analysis.
The smartwatch is powered by a 450mAh battery that equips the device with up to 15 days of battery life under classic usage conditions.
Earlier today, Nubia launched its latest flagship smartphone, the Z70 Ultra, in China. It features the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, an improved camera system paired with a dedicated shutter button, and the Nebula AIOS.
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