Xiaomi introduced the Redmi Note 13 5G back in January 2024. Upon its launch, the company stated that the Redmi Note 13 5G is the slimmest Redmi Note ever with a thickness of 7.6 mm. The company made significant improvements from its predecessor. The new Redmi Note 13 5G is lighter, quicker, and supports a better camera than the Redmi Note 12 5G. It is now on sale at Amazon India for the price of Rs 15,789.
Redmi Note 13 5G is equipped with a 6.67-inch FHD+ pOLED (1080×2400) ultra-narrow bezel. The company has managed to keep a 93.3% screen-to-body ratio on the new Redmi Note 13 5G, making it one of the slimmest in the segment. Apart from that, the phone also supports a 120Hz refresh rate for a superior scrolling experience, and games support higher refresh rates. The phone also supports 1000nits peak brightness and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 Display Protection.
Talking about performance, the Redmi Note 13 5G is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor, which is 6 nm in size and supports 5G. The Octa-core chipset goes up to 2.4GHz. The phones support up to 12 GB of RAM and up to 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage with Android 13 out of the box.
In addition, the phone comes with a triple camera setup. The primary camera has a 108 MP sensor with support for 3X in-sensor zoom. The second camera has an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and the third has a 2MP macro camera. On the front side, the phone comes with a 16MP sensor for sharp selfies.
The phone is powered by a large 5000 mAh battery, making the phone last an entire day. You also get a 33W fast charger in-box and Type-C connectivity.
Additionally, the phone also gets an IP54 rating, making it water and dust-resistant to a significant level, and a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection for accidental drops and scratches. The phone also supports dual sim connectivity, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an IR blaster, a side fingerprint sensor, etc.
Lastly, the phone comes in Arctic White, Prism Gold, Stealth Black, and Chromatic Purple color variants. The Redmi Note 13 5G is available on Amazon from ₹15,990/– onwards.
Redmi, Xiaomi’s popular sub-brand, is entering a new chapter with a bold rebranding. The most noticeable change is the brand name itself, now written entirely in uppercase – “REDMI.”
According to Lu Weibing, President of Xiaomi Group’s mobile phone department, the change is not just aesthetics. “Redmi changed its name from REDMI,” explained Lu, “and there’s a lot of strategic thinking behind it.”
He notes that Xiaomi’s success in the high-end market with more advanced technology is creating space for Redmi to expand. And the company appears to be preparing well for this shift.
The change in product strategy
According to Weibing, the new “Turbo” series will take over the mantle previously held by the “K” series, which will “continue to break through.”
Lu also shared that the K80 lineup will be the biggest product update in the history of the K series and will directly compete with the top-tier performance flagships offered by e-commerce sub-brands of competitors.
“The K80 Pro,” he stated, “will compete with its rivals ‘Thirteen Brothers’ with its exceptionally powerful configuration and user experience.”
Wang Teng Thomas, General Manager of the Redmi brand, confirmed that these changes are a response to Xiaomi’s flagship series entering a higher price bracket. “REDMI’s product line has been adjusted since the beginning of the year,” said Wang.
“The new K series is positioned as the champion flagship, particularly the Pro series will create an all-round flagship experience. However, Wang Teng notes that the price range of the phones will also increase to fill the gap left by Xiaomi’s number series price hike.
The new Turbo series will dominate the 2,000 to 3,000 yuan price segment (roughly $280 to $420). Wang emphasizes that, regardless of the price range, REDMI will stay committed to offering the best value for money and remain unmatched in every segment it competes.
Samsung is gearing up to launch the public beta testing of its One UI 7 update in December, with the Galaxy S24 series leading the rollout. According to a tweet by tipster @FamilyTaes, the testing phase will last about two months, allowing users to explore new features and visual upgrades before the stable release, expected in February 2025.
Details of the One UI 7 testing phase
The roadmap revealed by @FamilyTaes outlines a phased rollout for Samsung’s One UI 7 beta:
Week 1 of December: Galaxy S24 series users will get first access to the public beta. Regional availability may vary.
Weeks 2–3 of December: Galaxy S23 users will join the program.
Two-Month Testing Phase: Samsung will collect user feedback and refine the system during this period before the stable release with the Galaxy S25 series towards the end of January.
While Galaxy S24 and S23 users have priority access, it remains uncertain whether older models like the Galaxy S22 series will participate. However, the Galaxy S21 series is confirmed to be excluded from this testing phase. Additionally, recent foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 are anticipated to be eligible for the public beta.
What to expect?
Samsung’s One UI 7 update is shaping up to be a major overhaul with several new features and improvements. One highlight is the introduction of the “NowBar,” along with smoother animations that enhance the user experience.
According to @TheGalox_, over 50 Samsung devices, including smartphones and tablets, will eventually receive the update. These devices range from high-end foldables (the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and later) to affordable models like the Galaxy A23 and later. Recent Galaxy tablets are also expected to be a part of the list.
Following whispers and leaks, Huawei finally confirmed the arrival of its next-gen earbuds, the FreeBuds Pro 4. The big news? It’ll be the first pair to boast HarmonyOS NEXT, Huawei’s homegrown operating system.
The reveal came through a Weibo post featuring a single image of the FreeBuds Pro 4. The image reveals a design that appears largely similar to previous FreeBuds models in terms of form factor and curves. However, subtle hints suggest possible updates to the design and color options.
The most noticeable changes include grille patterns on the sides and back of the earbuds, likely added for aesthetics. The teaser also has the buds in a sleek black-metallic finish, paired with a gold Huawei Sound logo and a bold gold rim encircling the back cover stick.
Huawei is set to launch the FreeBuds Pro 4 on November 26th at the company’s Mate Brand Festival. The event will also introduce other new products, including the Mate 70 smartphone series.
A look at the predecessor
While we are short on specs on FreeBuds Pro 4, let’s look at the specs of its predecessor.
The FreeBuds Pro 3 features advanced active noise cancellation (ANC) 3.0 and the Kirin A2 chip, which uses Polar code technology for impressive 1.5Mbps lossless audio transmission.
Huawei FreeBuds Pro 3
It also delivers improved sound quality, noise reduction, and battery life. With QuietCall 2.0, these earbuds excel at minimizing background noise during calls. In terms of battery life, the FreeBuds Pro 3 offers up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge, extending to 30 hou2rs with the charging case.
The FreeBuds Pro 3 will likely build on these features and may also introduce new AI features. After all, 2024 has been a year of AI. With the launch just around the corner, we’ll have the full details soon. Stay tuned!
Smartphone launches do not seem to be stopping. Four brands have announced the arrival of their new-generation mid-rangers after debuting their latest flagships a few weeks back.
These forthcoming product lineups will be unveiled in China in the next few days. They will be from Oppo, Vivo, Redmi, and iQOO.
Additionally, Realme will be bringing its latest flagship model to India. This handset was made official in the brand’s home country earlier this month.
Let’s go through these soon-to-be-released phones one by one.
The Oppo Reno 13 series is scheduled to launch in China on November 25 (Monday). The lineup will include two devices, namely Oppo Reno 13 and Oppo Reno 13 Pro.
The handsets will be powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset and boot ColorOS 15. They will sport 1.5K flat OLED display.
The vanilla model will be backed by a 5,600mAh battery as opposed to a slightly larger 5,900mAh battery inside the pro variant. Both of them will come with a new design and a 50MP triple camera system.
The pro version is also rumored to offer water resistance and wireless charging support.
2. Realme GT 7 Pro
The Realme GT 7 Pro is set to launch in India on November 26 (Tuesday)). It will be the country’s first Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphone.
The handset is built around a 6.78-inch 1.5K 120Hz LTPO OLED display. It is IP69-rated and comes with a 50MP (wide) + 50MP (3x telephoto) + 8MP (ultrawide) triple camera system accompanied by a 16MP selfie camera.
The phone uses an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and draws energy from a 5,800mAh battery. It supports 120W wired charging.
3. Redmi K80 Series
The Redmi K80 series will be made official in China on November 27 (Wednesday). The lineup will consist of two handsets: Redmi K80 and Redmi K80 Pro.
Both phones will be powered by Qualcomm processors. The vanilla variant will feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, while the pro model will house the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.
The duo is tipped to feature a QHD+ display and a 50MP primary camera. The pro variant is said to sport a 2.6x telephoto camera as opposed to a macro snapper on the standard model.
Both of them will be IP68 rated and support 120W wired charging. But the pro version will also come with 50W wireless charging support.
4. Vivo S20 Series
The Vivo S20 series will be officially unveiled on November 28 (Thursday). There will be two devices, such as Vivo S20 and Vivo S20 Pro.
The products will arrive with a slightly tweaked design and flat displays. The pro variant is expected to house a Dimensity 9300 Plus chip, while the standard version is rumored to feature a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC.
The pro version is said to flaunt a 50MP (wide) + 50MP (ultrawide) + 50MP (3x periscope telephoto) triple camera system and a short-focus optical fingerprint sensor.
Both phones are tipped to support 90W wired charging, however, the vanilla model will have a larger 6,500mAh battery as compared to a smaller 5,500mAh battery inside the pro version.
5. iQOO Neo 10 Series
The iQOO Neo 10 series will be announced in China on November 29 (Friday). The lineup will comprise two products, namely iQOO Neo 10 and iQOO Neo 10 Pro.
The two handsets will share most of their features. They will come with an LTPO flat OLED display, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and 120W wired charging support.
The major difference between the two will be their chipsets. The vanilla variant will house a last-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, however, the pro model will be powered by the latest gen Dimensity 9400 chip.
As flagship smartphones become increasingly advanced, choosing the right one can feel like a daunting task. For under 800 US Dollars, the Oppo Find X8 Pro and Apple iPhone 16 are two popular choices right now. But which one is worth your money? Read on to find out.
Apple has made impressive improvements in the overall design of the iPhone 16. The base model is a compact flagship with a slim 7.8mm body that weighs just 170 grams. This paired with a relatively smaller 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display makes it easy to use and perfect for those who prefer smaller smartphones. On the other hand, the Oppo Find X8 is not a tall phone either, but it sits right between flagship phones with tall displays and compact devices with a 6.59-inch AMOLED display.
It measures 7.9mm in thickness but is slightly heavier with a 193 grams weight. However, the screen on the Find X8 Pro has a higher peak brightness of 4500 nits and offers a 120Hz refresh rate over the iPhone 16’s standard 60Hz panel. So the preference here lies with those who prefer a compact phone over a regular one. Although, the Find X8 Pro easily offers a better visual experience thanks to its smoother display.
Performance
While Android phones were behind iPhones in raw performance, the gap has more or less been bridged with the recent Dimensity 9400. This high end chipset from MediaTek easily matches Apple’s A18 Bionic and even surpasses it in some scenarios. So there is a noticeable upgrade in performance and battery efficiency in the Android rival.
This is further bolstered by the sizeable 5,910mAh battery pack, which supports 80W wired fast charging, 50W wireless fast charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging. Apple lags behind in not just the battery capacity, but also in terms of fast charging support, as we discussed recently. While the exact charging speed of the iPhone 16 is unclear, it is expected to be around 25W for wired and 15W for wireless. Meaning, Oppo simply outclasses Apple’s flagship here.
2. Cameras
Apple iPhone 16 camera control button
This is another department where Oppo has a better overall package. Comparing the quality of images from the main cameras would need a dedicated article of its own, but the Oppo Find X8 Pro has a more versatile setup. It features four 50MP sensors for the main, ultra wide angle, and two periscope telephoto shooters. Apple only offers a 48MP main and 12MP ultra wide angle lens.
In other words, you can’t take lossless zoomed shots on the iPhone 16, while the Find X8 Pro offers 3x and 6x optical zoom. It even supports 120x digital zoom and a bunch of AI powered features like AI Eraser, AI Super resolution, AI De-Blur and more.
3. Pricing & Verdict
One of the biggest advantages of the Oppo Find X8 Pro was that it launched for just 5,299 Yuan in the Chinese market. This amounts to around 744 US Dollars, making it over 50 Dollars cheaper than the Apple iPhone 16, which costs 799 US Dollars. But Apple’s flagship is more accessible across the globe and Oppo is only just rolling out the Find X8 series outside of China.
To make matters worse, the Find X8 Pro comes with a steep price hike in India. It is listed for 99,999 INR, which is about 1,184 US Dollars. This is a massive difference in price since it now loses its biggest advantage as well. Apple launched the iPhone 16 in India for 79,999 INR, which is 947 US Dollars.
So it might seem like the better deal to many now as Chinese flagships while surpassing Apple’s, aren’t as accessible as they used to be. So depending on your use, budget, and preference, the iPhone 16 might be the better option. But if you like a bigger screen, telephoto shooters, and can pay the premium, the Find X8 Pro is a better feature set.
Black Friday is just around the corner, and gamers are gearing up for some attractive deals. With the Sony PlayStation 5 Pro recently hitting the shelves, many are wondering if the console is worth buying. Is the PS5 Pro a good deal right? Or should you go for other PlayStation consoles? Read on to find out.
The PS5 Pro is Sony’s latest addition to its console lineup and is also the most powerful gaming console ever. It is designed for gamers who want the best performance. While it appears quite similar to the base PlayStation 5, the PS5 Pro features an enhanced GPU for improved visual fidelity along with AI upscaling and superior ray tracing. The new AI Upscaling also enables gaming in 8K resolution.
Sony will exclusively release enhanced versions of various games like Alan Wake 2, Demon’s Soul 2, and The Last of US Part II Remastered to take advantage of higher horsepower. The company unveiled the PS5 Pro for 699.99 US Dollars, making it around 200 US Dollars more expensive than the regular PS5 model.
2. What’s the Black Friday Deal?
Considering how the PS5 Pro was just recently launched for the global market (except India), it was already unlikely that Sony would bring notable discounts for the new console. However, the EE online platform in the UK is offering a 40 pounds discount on the PS5 Pro. To recall, the console costs 699.99 Pounds Sterling in the UK, which already makes it more expensive than its US counterpart. But EE is also offering up to £260 trade-in value for old gaming consoles as well.
3. But is it worth buying? What’s the alternative?
The short answer is no. Sony’s PS5 Pro already seems pretty expensive on launch and none of these deals make it worth buying. However, there are plenty of alternatives to PlayStation 5 Pro. This includes the PS5 Slim, PS5 Disc Version, and PS5 Digital Edition. All three PS5 series models are already listed for under 500 US Dollars in the US market.
The Sony PS5 Slim is on sale for around 420 US Dollars along with other discounts, while the PS5 Digital Edition is officially listed on PlayStation Direct for just 374.99 US Dollars. This makes it a very attractive deal. You’re getting capable performance and access to Sony’s vast library of exclusive games. You’re really not missing out on much by skipping the PS5 Pro, so check out these older models first.
The sub-flagship lineup is set to launch on November 25 in China and will compete directly with the Vivo S20 series, which is scheduled for release three days later.
Oppo Reno 13 series specs
The company today confirmed the smartphones will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chip. This new chip may have the same CPU and GPU as the D8300, along with some other tweaks.
Oppo claims this translates to 1.5 times faster performance compared to previous models. The company also assures that the device can handle 8 hours of gameplay without overheating.
The Reno 13 series will run on ColorOS 15, Oppo’s custom Android 15-based skin. The front will be home to a 1.5K high-brightness, eye-protection display. Oppo also promises a larger-capacity battery designed to maintain reliable performance for up to five years.
While the brand hasn’t revealed exact battery details, leaks suggest the Reno 13 may pack a 5600mAh battery, while the Reno 13 Pro could include a 5900mAh cell.
Oppo has also confirmed that the Reno 13 and 13 Pro will be available in versions, such as 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, 16GB+512GB, and 16GB+1TB. The standard model will also come in a 16GB+256GB edition.
The Reno 13 duo will be sold in Midnight Black and Butterfly Purple colors. The standard and Pro will also come in distinguishing shades, such as Galaxy Blue and Starlight Pink, respectively.
The official unveiling of the Oppo Reno 13 series is set for November 25th, 2024, in China. This launch will be followed by the Redmi K80 series and iQOO Neo 10 series launches scheduled for November 27th and 29th, respectively.
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.
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