TCL promises brighter, cheaper, and more efficient OLED monitors

-

Oct 28, 2024

Smartphone makers have started releasing their next gen flagship devices with Samsung also gearing up for the launch of its Galaxy S25 series. These new high end phones would offer top notch specs and features, but it’s expected to bring the latest iteration of Android as well. So here’s what we can expect from the brand’s vision of Android 15, dubbed the One UI 7.

1. An Updated Look

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra running One UI 7

Along with the Android 15 OS update, one of the biggest changes with the latest One UI build is the refreshes in the user interface. Samsung is planning on releasing the One UI 7 stable version in 2025 with a fresh new look. During the Samsung Developer Conference, the One UI 7 was showcased in images, which revealed changes in the control center, recently used apps menu, brand new notification panel, and much more. Even the apps themselves might also see changes, like the Gallery, Phone, Camera, Recorder, Contacts, Samsung Notes, and others.

Earlier this month, a render of the Galaxy S25 Ultra surfaced online, offering us the first look at the One UI 7. While this was just a mockup, it gave us a proper view of the new control center. Upcoming changes in the ColorOS 15 and OxygenOS 15 make it seem like an Apple iOS inspired UI design. Samsung’s One UI 7 is not taking direct inspiration but seems to have hints of iPhone’s software. You can see a split notification panel with rounded corners and transparencies.

2. New & Improved Galaxy AI?

Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S25 series with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite. This new processor offers massive improvements in CPU, graphics, and NPU processing. In other words, AI powered features could be better and faster than ever before and Samsung’s Galaxy AI can take advantage of these upgrades. So we can expect the return of Call Assist, Transcript Assist, Interpreter, Note Assist, Browsing Assist, Live Translate, Circle to Search, and more.

3. Best Version of One UI yet?

In one of the latest reports, it was stated that the One UI 7 could be the biggest improvement in the history of Samsung’s smartphone software. The brand is taking longer than usual to release the One UI 7 beta. But the One UI 7 is being in the oven for a long might pay off by the end. This could ensure a bug free release and greater improvements overall. Known Samsung tipster Ice Universe claims that the One UI 7 is the biggest upgrade in the history of Samsung software. There’s not only a performance boost, but also improved animations, transitions, system stability, and smoothness.

GoldenMate 8 Outlets UPS Review: Live Off Grid? At Least With a UPS

By

Paco Zheng

-

Oct 28, 2024

UPS Battery

In this article, the Review Team would like to talk about UPS battery and take the GoldenMate 8 Outlets UPS as an example. Just good to give it a review too as we’ve used it as our work protector for a few weeks.

GoldenMate 8 Outlets 1000AV/800W UPS Battery

So if you’ve subscribed to our channel for over a year, you must know that we’ve reviewed and kept many power stations in the studio, just for emergency and outdoor uses. But the truth is, they mostly stand by at the corner and serve as backup power. The only feature that might make them useful for indoor uses is the UPS. Well, however, compared with a single UPS, those power stations are relatively heavy and bulky, and most importantly, they would cost you much more money. So the GoldenMate 8 Outlet UPS for about 170 bucks is a great example. if you value home and office power protection for every day, and without huge backup power demands – try the UPS!

Compact & Solid Design with LiFePO4 Battery Pack

Let’s take a closer look at the GoldenMate UPS. As a portable UPS, its design is quite simple. To its credit, it comes with up to 8 AC outlets. The outlets support up to 1000VA/800W load capacity. It’s not defined as a large power backup, but GoldenMate still gives it a built-in 230 Watt-hour battery in case of emergency. So basically if not huge demands on backup power, it’s a pretty safe setup to offer personal battery backup and surge protector.

The battery material is the most important feature that distinguishes the GoldenMate from most home-use UPS systems. Unlike most others using lead-acid batteries, it’s housing a built-in LiFePO4 battery, which would be lighter and offer a longer lifespan.

Off-Grid Tests – Work station

As claimed, the battery pack inside is certified with a lifespan of over 10 years and 5000 cycles. Well, that’s a long way off for our time of use. So we couldn’t actually test out its extreme durability. But the truth is it’s really stable for the past weeks. We’ve tried and tested it with various scenarios. No matter for our network and NAS devices or even my workstation with over 600W power, it always provides uninterrupted power connectivity.

During the tests, one of my biggest concerns is whether it will save my work when the power suddenly goes out. A power outage can ruin your unsaved work, and of course, a good day as well. If it hasn’t happened to you yet, you’re in luck. But still, it’s important to note that the causes of power outages are often complex; like the aging grid, overloading, severe weather, or maybe just a mad supplier. The GoldenMate UPS system supports an extremely short conversion time of less than 20ms, so it will be fine for continuously powering up a computer.

In addition to keeping an eye on its working state, we also simply simulated some extreme damage scenarios. For example, frequent power cuts to verify its reliability. As the recorded clips show, nothing happened to the connected PC and other small devices.

Tests with Network Devices

Then to ensure that a complete workflow wouldn’t be interrupted, we used another pack of the UPS to connect up multiple small network devices such as the gateway, two routers, the NAS, and so on. Well, the network connection wasn’t broken and it just looks like the workstation now can live off-grid.

Portable Size for Various Scenarios

You may have also noticed that we didn’t hold it in one position during the weeks. It’s smaller and lighter than we expected. So when we give it a test of different scenarios, I can easily carry it wherever we need it. And the upright design also makes it take up less space than a compact PC case.

Another good point is the fan cooling for heat dissipation. We’ve never once had a problem with overheating.

LCD Info Panel

Another great bonus feature is the LCD info panel. To be honest, it’s way more useful than we imagine. It acts like a complete power station providing real-time battery, input and output data. The visible data includes input and output voltage and power, battery status, output load percentage, AVR status, and estimated battery backup runtime.

Verdict

Now the GoldenMate powers one mini PC, a full-size tower PC, a monitor, multiple mobile devices, as well as a secure camera. During more or less frequent power outages before the generator takes over, it gives me peace of mind to know I will never lose data. And it also cuts way down on the wear and tear of power surges and brownouts. The UPS has proven reliable. Now we can just free those power stations just for outdoor or car-travel uses only.

For those who live in rural or any place where the electric grid is aging, I truly recommend a UPS. The GoldenMate is just a good example. I don’t expect you to use it often, but it would be there for those moments, and help you find peace of mind. So in case you cannot find a reliable one, you can check out the GoldenMate UPS store here.

Realme GT 7 Pro: What to Expect from This Snapdragon 8 Elite-Powered Flagship

By

-

Oct 28, 2024

The Realme GT 7 Pro is set to launch soon as the brand’s latest flagship smartphone. It is also an anticipated launch since it arrives with Qualcomm’s brand-new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. So here’s everything we know about the Realme GT 7 Pro and what you can expect from this device.

1. Realme GT 7 Pro: Design & Display

Realme GT 7 Pro Mars Design

Being a high end smartphone, the Realme GT 7 Pro is set to launch with a premium design. The back panel is set to use a multi layered hot-forging AG process. The Chinese brand refers to this as the Mars Design for its orange color variant. This was built to mimic Mar’s red rugged texture. On the back, there is also a large rectangular camera island. Apart from the orange variant, there are also Star Trail Titanium and Light Domain White options.

Realme’s next gen flagship also has an IP68/69 rating for water and dust resistance and metallic middle frame. Meanwhile, the front is set to sport a tall 6.78-inch Samsung Eco² OLED Plus panel with a micro-quad-curved design. This panel offers 1.5K resolution, up to 120Hz refresh rate, 8T LTPO technology, 2600Hz touch sampling rate, 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming, 6000 nits of peak brightness, and Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

2. Specifications

The Realme GT 7 Pro is set to launch in the market with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, which could be paired with up to 25GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage. A massive 6,500mAh silicone based battery pack powers this device, which supports 120W wired fast charging. Realme will ship this phone with the Android 15 OS based Realme UI 6 custom skin out of the box. Other notable features include an IR blaster, Qualcomm’s ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner for enhanced security, USB-C port, Bluetooth 5.4, stereo speakers, and Hi-Res audio.

3. Camera

For optics, the rear has a triple camera setup that includes a 50-megapixel primary camera (1/1.56-inch sensor), which supports OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). This is paired with an 8-megapixel ultra wide angle lens (f/2.2 aperture) and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto shooter (1/1.95-inch Sony IMX882 sensor) with 3x optical zoom. On the front, there is a 16-megapixel shooter for selfies and video calls. We can expect various AI powered features to enhance the photography experience.

4. Launch Date

Last week, the brand confirmed the launch date of the Realme GT 7 Pro. It is set to be unveiled in the Chinese market on 4th November 2024. Although, this model is also one of the first Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered smartphones to launch in India with an official release timeline being November as well. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stick around for more as we will be covering the launch event next month.

How the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition is different from regular Z Fold 6: Here are 8 major differences

By

-

Oct 28, 2024

Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, released in South Korea, introduces a unique twist to their premium foldable lineup, differing from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in several key areas. From design refinements to enhanced hardware, this limited-release model caters to users seeking a more exclusive, robust experience. Here’s a closer look at the distinct features that set the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition apart from its regular counterpart.

ALSO READ: The 5 best foldable phones to buy in 2024

ALSO READ: Top 5 foldable p hones to watch in 2025

1. Slimmer, lighter, and more refined

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition

Samsung has designed the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition as its slimmest foldable yet. It is engineered to be slimmer, thinner, and lighter, presenting a sleeker look and a more comfortable feel. The unfolded dimensions are slightly larger—157.9 x 142.6 x 4.9 mm—than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which measures 153.5 x 132.6 x 5.6 mm when opened. When folded, the Special Edition measures 157.9 x 72.8 x 10.6 mm compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s 153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1 mm, making it both narrower and easier to hold.

Weight-wise, the Special Edition tips the scales at 236 grams, just a hair lighter than the 239-gram Z Fold 6. However, the design choices go beyond dimensions; the Special Edition’s single color—Black Shadow—underscores its minimalist, high-end aesthetic, contrasting with the color variety available for the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which comes in navy, silver, pink, black, and white.

2. Enhanced display experience with wider aspect ratios

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition

Samsung has made subtle adjustments to the display specifications of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, aiming to improve the viewing experience. Both the internal foldable and cover screens maintain the same specifications as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in terms of size, resolution, and display quality. The Special Edition’s foldable screen offers a 7.6-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and 2600 nits of peak brightness, similar to the regular Z Fold 6.

However, a difference lies in the aspect ratio, providing a wider field of view. The Special Edition’s foldable screen adopts a 20:18 aspect ratio instead of the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s 4:3. This results in a broader, more immersive display when unfolded. The cover screen’s ratio is also more expansive at 21:9, compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 6’s 22.1:9. For users accustomed to standard slab-style smartphones, this wider cover display on the Special Edition offers a familiar experience, making it easier to manage tasks without needing to unfold the device.

3. Boosted storage and performance

Whereas the Galaxy Z Fold 6 comes in multiple configurations, the Special Edition provides a singular high-powered option with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. This ample memory and storage combo gives it an edge in multitasking and performance, aimed at users looking for a device capable of handling extensive tasks and intensive applications without compromise.

4. Upgraded primary camera

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition

Samsung has enhanced the photography experience on the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition with a significant camera upgrade. The primary sensor now boasts an impressive 200-megapixel resolution, far surpassing the 50-megapixel main sensor on the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

The rest of the camera setup remains similar across both models, with a 10-megapixel telephoto and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, along with under-display and cover selfie cameras. Both devices have a 10-megapixel selfie camera and a 4-megapixel under-display camera on the internal screen.

5. Other hardware specs

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition lacks support for the S Pen

The Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition and Galaxy Z Fold 6 share key specifications, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy and a 4,400mAh battery. Both models operate on One UI 6.1.1 with Android 15.

The Special Edition has an edge in connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 support, while the Z Fold 6 supports Wi-Fi 6E. Another major difference between both models is that the Special Edition lacks support for the S Pen stylus.

6. Comes with charger and leather case

1. Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition | 2. Leather Case | 3. 25 W PD Charger | 4. USB Connector (USB Type-C) | 5. Separator Pin — Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition box content

Unlike Samsung’s recent trend of excluding chargers and cases from retail packages, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition comes with a complete accessory set, including the handset, a leather case, a 25W PD charger, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a SIM ejector pin.

7. Limited availability and pricing considerations

Samsung W25

The Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is currently exclusive to South Korea but is expected to launch in China as well. It’s possible that the recently released Galaxy W25 foldable in China is a rebranded version of the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition. In contrast, the standard Galaxy Z Fold 6 is widely available worldwide.

In terms of pricing, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage is priced at $2,019 in the U.S. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, available only in a 16GB + 512GB configuration, costs KRW 2,789,600 (~$2,015).

8. Flaunts a new name, hinting at future high-end foldable

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition

It’s worth noting that Samsung has branded this device simply as the “Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition,” refraining from attaching a generation number. This distinct naming could hint at Samsung’s intentions to present the Special Edition as a standalone device rather than just an iteration of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, possibly paving the way for future high-end, exclusive releases in the foldable series.

iPhone SE 4 specs leaks along with price and launch date

By

-

Oct 28, 2024

Apple is expected to launch its budget iPhone SE 4 in Q1, 2025 and rumors about the device are already circulating widely. A recent report showed the phone’s design through a leaked case image, and now tipster Jukanlosreve has revealed key specifications and an expected price range for the iPhone SE 4.

Apple iPhone SE 4 Expected Specifications

The biggest internal change could be Apple’s own 5G modem, codenamed “Centauri.” This in-house solution could improve efficiency and reduce Apple’s reliance on external suppliers for modems.

On the display front, the SE 4 might ditch the LCD for a 6.06-inch LTPS OLED panel with a resolution of 2,532 x 1,170 and a peak brightness of 800 nits. Durability could also see a boost with the inclusion of Ceramic Shield, the same material used on the iPhone 14 series.

For performance, Apple is likely to use the same A18 chip as in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. It may be paired with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and might even have support for Apple Intelligence features.

Camera capabilities will remain modest, as the leak suggests the phone will have a single 48MP Sony Exmor IMX904 sensor at the back and a 12MP front-facing shooter.

Dimensionally, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to measure 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8mm and house a 3,279mAh battery. While smaller than some competitors, it’s a notable increment over iPhone SE 3‘s meager 2,018mAh capacity – a jump of over 62%.

Modern features like Face ID, IP68 dust and water resistance, and support for wired (up to 20W), Qi2, and MagSafe wireless charging (up to 15W) are also expected.

Last but not least, the leak suggests that the iPhone SE 4 could be priced between $499 and $549, though this is yet to be confirmed. The unveiling is said to be in March 2025, we’ll have all the official details then.

Redmi Band 3 Sales Kicks Off on October 29 in China

By

-

Oct 28, 2024

Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the Xiaomi 15 series in its home market of China on 29th October 2024. But it appears that its budget subbrand is also planning on releasing a wearable device on the same date. The company will kick off the sales of the Redmi Band 3 tomorrow.

Redmi Band 3

The Chinese tech giant has officially announced that the Redmi Band 3 will go on sale in China on October 29 at 10 AM (Local Time in China). As the name suggests, the wearable is a new smart band from Xiaomi’s budget subsidiary. It is also the direct successor to the Redmi Band 2. The Redmi Band 3 is set to launch for enhanced user interaction. The smart wearable features a rectangular color display with a 60Hz refresh rate.

Its screen is surrounded by silicone straps and can be seen in multiple color options. This includes a white, pink, yellow, black, and dark gray. The upcoming smart band has also been confirmed to offer an ultra long battery life of up to 18 days. Redmi has also confirmed that it will arrive with all day health monitoring systems. So we can expect the Redmi Band 3 to launch with support for heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and much more.

To recall, the Xiaomi 15 series is set to be announced along with the Android 15 OS based HyperOS 2.0 custom skin, Xiaomi Pad 7 series tablets, SUV Ultra EV, and the Xiaomi Watch S4. Apart from these, the brand is also gearing up to introduce the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro. All of these devices are expected to offer improved features and a more modern design compared to their predecessors. So stick around for more as we will be covering the launch event tomorrow.

OnePlus 13 Set for Global Debut Soon? Spotted in New Certification

By

-

Oct 28, 2024

OnePlus is all set to launch its new flagship smartphone later this week. The OnePlus 13 is a highly anticipated launch with the new high end device featuring Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. But ahead of its Chinese announcement, a new certification has surfaced online, hinting at its imminent global launch.

OnePlus 13 visits SIRIM certification

The Chinese brand’s new premium phone is set to launch in China on 31st October 2024. Although the smartphone was recently spotted on Malaysia’s SIRIM database (Via MySmartPrice). The device can be seen carrying the CPH2653 model number. Unfortunately, the certification does not reveal any finer details, such as specifications or features of the OnePlus 13. So it is unclear whether the global variant will have any differences compared to the Chinese version. However, it does suggest that the global release might be imminent.

Earlier today (28th October 2024), the OnePlus 13 was officially teased confirming its battery and charging speeds. A massive 6,000mAh battery pack will power the premium phone, which supports 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless fast charging. It also houses 4 microphones to enable AI noise reduction, dual stereo speakers, WiFi and cellular switching. To showcase its camera prowess, sample shots were shared to show off the Motion Capture and Portrait quality last week.

Based on what we know so far, the OnePlus 13 arrives in three color options, namely Blue Moment, White Dew, and Obsidian Black. It sports a tall 2K Oriental 8T LTPO AMOLED display that offers a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. This panel also supports Glove Touch and Rain Touch 2.0 technology as well. Under the hood, the smartphone is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, which is paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

Honor Magic 7 Pro close-up image reveals detailed design elements ahead of launch

By

Debasish

-

Oct 28, 2024

Honor is preparing to launch its flagship Magic 7 series on October 30th, and ahead of the event, closeup images shared by Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS) have revealed key design elements.

The images confirm a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a periscope telephoto lens, and a front display with micro-quad-curved glass and symmetrical bezels. Additionally, the device sports a pill-shaped cutout housing dual front cameras, likely supporting 3D face unlock. The company has already confirmed the integration of AI into its camera system for improved imaging capabilities.

More details on the Magic 7 series

The leaked images and renders show that both the standard Honor Magic 7 and Magic 7 Pro feature an octagonal rear camera module with a silver or gray border, while one render hints at a gold frame. The setup includes three camera sensors and an LED flash, with the Honor logo discreetly placed at the bottom of the rear panel.

Leaks suggest storage options of 512GB and 1TB for the Magic 7, available in Gold, White, Black, Blue, and Gray. The Pro variant might offer 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB configurations, with a more muted color palette. Rumors also point to a 1.5K OLED display for the standard model and a 2K OLED screen for the Pro, accompanied by robust battery specs, including a 5800mAh battery with 100W wired and 66W wireless charging on the Pro model.

The entire series is expected to include an ultrasonic fingerprint reader, IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, and even satellite connectivity on the Pro model. The company has already unveiled its Android 15-based MagicOS 9.0 custom skin that will ship with the Magic 7 series.

Under the hood, the Magic 7 series will be driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, known for its improved performance and power efficiency. With an all-big-cores design, the chip delivers a 45% increase in CPU power, a more capable NPU, and a 44% boost in efficiency compared to its predecessor, ensuring smoother multitasking and better AI integration. This chipset aims to compete directly with rival processors like the Dimensity 9400, enhancing the overall performance of the Magic 7 series.

In summary, the Magic 7 series promises a mix of cutting-edge technology, advanced AI features, and premium design.

Honor Magic 7 “AI Eagle Eye” camera: integrates AI for superior imaging

By

Debasish

-

Oct 28, 2024

Honor is gearing up to introduce its new flagship Magic 7 series on October 30th. The company has already revealed two striking color options—”Moon Shadow Gray” and “Morning Glow Gold”. Now the company teases its AI-driven enhancements, including an upgraded “AI Eagle Eye” imaging system. The device promises better image processing for portraits, capturing crisp shots of moving subjects.

Honor integrates AI into Magic 7’s camera system

The Honor Magic 7 series will come equipped with an AI-powered camera system. The series features a periscope lens (possibly the 50MP OV50H) on the Pro model, offering improved optical zoom capabilities. The AI integration reportedly helps enhance focus and image stabilization, ensuring sharp and high-quality shots.

It also includes features for portrait enhancements, making “moving and still, near and far” shots turn into crisp, vivid images, according to the company’s claims. This is part of the broader suite of AI functions in the Magic 7 series, ranging from smart search to real-time translation.

The company previously confirmed that the Magic 7 series will integrate its previously announced AI Defocus Eye Protection technology. Unveiled in June, this feature utilizes the display to simulate defocus glasses, creating a controlled blur in the user’s peripheral vision for improved central focus.

Rumored specifications and features

According to a rumor, the Magic 7 and Magic 7 Pro are expected to include batteries with capacities of 5650mAh and 5850mAh, respectively, both supporting 100W fast charging. Additional rumored features include ultrasonic fingerprint sensors, “YOYO assistant” for automatic operations, and Game Space for an enhanced gaming experience with real-time game management features.

Powering the Magic 7 series is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, known for its efficiency and performance improvements compared to its predecessor. The chip is built on a 3nm process, offering a 45% boost in CPU performance, and a 44% improvement in power efficiency compared to its predecessor. This ensures smoother multitasking, better gaming experiences, and overall enhanced user interaction with AI functionalities.

(Source 1, 2)

iQOO 13 packs a huge 6,150mAh battery in 7.99mm slim body, fast charging details confirmed

By

-

Oct 28, 2024

The iQOO 13 is all set to debut on Oct. 30 in China. Ahead of the launch, the iQOO flagship is generating significant buzz with its impressive combination of a slim profile, large battery, and blazing-fast charging capabilities.

iQOO 13 battery, charging capabilities

Despite measuring a mere 7.99mm thick, the iQOO 13 houses a substantial 6150mAh battery. This feat is achieved using advanced third-generation silicon anode materials, increasing battery capacity by 23 percent compared to its predecessor. The phone also utilizes cutting-edge semi-solid low-temperature battery technology, ensuring exceptional battery life even in extremely cold environments.

To optimize power consumption for demanding tasks like high-definition video playback and navigation, the iQOO 13 employs an innovative high-efficiency cache architecture. This architecture revolutionizes the internal operation of the SoC (System on a Chip), resulting in significant power optimization and extending battery life.

IQOO has already confirmed that the iQOO 13 features a stunning 6.82-inch 2K flat display with a resolution of 3168 x 1440 pixels. It is the first to feature the BOE Q10 luminescent device, which incorporates an 8T LTPO circuit design. Developed in collaboration with BOE, this display supports a 2592Hz refresh rate at full brightness and offers a DC-like dimming solution for enhanced eye comfort.

Furthermore, the iQOO 13 pioneers the use of circularly polarized light eye protection technology. This technology employs multiple layers of specialized film to transform the screen’s light output into a circularly polarized state, similar to natural light. This hardware-level approach provides true eye protection by mimicking the properties of natural light, effectively creating a “natural light screen.”

Under the hood, the iQOO 13 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and offers up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It also features an in-house Q2 gaming chip for enhanced gaming performance. It is said to feature a 32-megapixel front camera and a triple 50-megapixel camera setup on the back. It will come preloaded with OriginOS 5-based Android 15. Reports suggest that the iQOO 13 will be released globally in the first week of December.

Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers improved emulation performance for PC games with native Linux support

By

-

Oct 28, 2024

Following the official unveiling of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, several Chinese smartphone manufacturers are gearing up to launch flagship devices powered by the new SoC. These phones will hit the Chinese market this October, with global availability expected by the end of the year or early 2025.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite launched specs

Qualcomm touts significant performance improvements for the 8 Elite, and early benchmarks seem to confirm this. A recent 3DMark Steel Nomad Light benchmark suggests the Adreno 830 GPU surpasses the Radeon 780M, the integrated graphics card found in popular gaming handhelds like the ROG Ally X and Legion Go.

Snapdragon 8 Elite confirmed to have Linux support

Adding another layer of intrigue is the confirmation by Qualcomm’s Director of Engineering that the Snapdragon 8 Elite boasts native Linux support.

The support will be available for the SoC from day one, certainly exciting news for the mobile game emulation scene. The current Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 already shows promise for emulating PC titles with tools like Winlator and Mobox.

@cozy_OSS @4k_isn it seems the 8 elite already has a full linux support on day one (which means the pc emulator won't have issues on it) while for the GPU side, it seem turnip is working on some patches pic.twitter.com/3v2A2VpzIj
— RichardMiller (@Richard_Milier) October 26, 2024

In a recent demo by ETA Prime, games like Fallout 4, Bioshock Remastered, and Far Cry run at playable frame rates on the Galaxy S24 Ultra with the 8 Gen 3. With proper Linux support, the Snapdragon 8 Elite could push mobile emulation even further.

It’s essential to keep in mind that emulation often results in some performance loss compared to native experiences. However, the raw power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, combined with native Linux support, creates opportunities for a significant advancement in mobile emulation capabilities.

With the hardware in place, the key remaining hurdle is to convince developers to port their PC games to the Android platform. This process may take time, so for now, emulation is the best alternative for Android users to experience PC games on their Snapdragon 8 Elite phone.

(Via)

Oppo Find N5 / OnePlus Open 2 leak reveals bigger screen, triple 50MP cameras, 5,700mAh battery, and more

By

-

Oct 28, 2024

Oppo has just launched the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro smartphones in China. In Q1 2025, the brand is expected to unveil the Find X8 Ultra with the Snapdragon 8 Elite in the home market. Apart from the X8 Ultra, the brand is also expected to announce the Oppo Find N5 foldable phone in the same quarter. The following Weibo post released by tipster Digital Chat Station spills new details about the N5.

Oppo Find N5’s new details emerge

According to the tipster, the general design of the Oppo Find N5’s engineering prototype is similar to the previous generation, the Find N3. Therefore, it continues to sport a large circular camera module on the back. The tipster revealed that the Find N5’s screen size has been increased, but he did not reveal the exact size. A previous leak by the same source revealed that the device’s internal screen will support a 2K+ resolution.

Under the hood, the Oppo Find N5 will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and reports suggest it could debut as the world’s first foldable phone powered by this chipset. While its predecessor housed a 4,805mAh battery, the N5 is expected to deliver a notable upgrade with a dual-cell battery configuration (2,460mAh + 3,105mAh) that offers a rated capacity of 5,565mAh. The typical battery capacity could be around 5,700mAh.

There is currently no confirmed information on the device’s wired charging capabilities, though it is rumored to support wireless charging. Oppo has even teased that the N5 will include magnetic wireless charging.

For photography, the N5 will sport a Hasselblad-optimized triple camera system featuring a 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. A key highlight of the Find N5 is its slimness, measuring around 9.x mm in the folded state, as per a previous leak by DCS. To maintain this sleek profile, the company will incorporate a custom-made slim USB-C port.

Speculation suggests that the Find N5 might be rebranded as the OnePlus Open 2 in select markets such as India, Europe, and the US, though no concrete details are available regarding its launch timeline.

iQOO Neo 10 series launch timeframe tipped by reliable source

By

-

Oct 28, 2024

While iQOO is currently gearing up to launch its flagship iQOO 13 in China, rumors of the upcoming sub-flagship iQOO Neo 10 series are also growing louder.

The two phones in the line, iQOO Neo 10 and Neo 10 Pro, are rumored to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipsets, respectively. Both models may also come with larger batteries, likely over 6000mAh.

Now, a reliable source has hinted at a possible launch timeframe for the new phones.

iQOO Neo 10 series launch timeframe

Prominent leakster Digital Chat Station, known for reliable information on upcoming devices, recently hinted at the launch timeframe on China’s Weibo platform. Responding to a user’s query, the tipster stated that the iQOO Neo 10 series launch is currently scheduled for November.

This aligns with past launch patterns for the iQOO Neo lineup, which typically arrives in the latter part of the year. For instance, last year’s Neo 9 series debuted in December.

What to expect

The Neo 10 series is expected to feature a 1.5K display on the front. It natural to expect an AMOLED panel since the Neo 9 phones already has it.

Likewise, both devices may feature a metal middle frame, run Android 15 with OriginOS 5 on top, and support 100W charging.

The Neo 10 series will compete with the upcoming OnePlus Ace 5, Realme GT Neo 7, and Redmi K80 lineups. Reports suggest that China will unveil the K80 series in November, while the Ace 5 and Realme GT Neo 7 may launch in the same month or in December.

Beyond these details, not much else is known about the phones at this time. We will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

Xiaomi Teases Upgraded Watch S4 and Smart Band 9 Pro Ahead of October 29 Launch

By

Sudhanshu

-

Oct 28, 2024

Xiaomi is gearing up to introduce a slew of new products, including smartphones, tablets, and wearables. The highly anticipated Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro flagship devices, along with the Pad 7 series are said to debut on October 29.

In terms of wearables, Xiaomi will soon introduce the Watch S4 and Smart Band 9 Pro. These devices are expected to offer improved features and a more modern design compared to their predecessors. The company has teased these devices with promotional images, hinting at potential upgrades such as brighter displays and a new intercom mode. The Watch S4 will be the second addition to the S4 line, with the brand launching the Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport back in July. The teaser image has also revealed that like its predecessor, the Watch S4 will have an interchangeable bezel design.

Last month, renders of the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro were leaked, but the design of this wearable has now been officially unveiled. It is anticipated to include a 1.74-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 336 x 480, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 600 nits. The Smart Band 9 Pro is also expected to provide a range of health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring and blood oxygen tracking.

Unfortunately, there are no details about the specifications of the Watch S4; however, we expect it to share some similarities with the Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport. The Watch S4 Sport has a 1.43-inch OLED display that boasts a peak brightness of 2,200 nits for excellent outdoor visibility, and the watch is powered by a 586mAh battery, promising a battery life of 15 days.

It includes a heart rate and blood oxygen sensor on the back, protected by sapphire glass, and claims an accuracy of 97.2%. With EN13319 diving certification, the watch can be used for diving up to 40 meters (130 feet) and offers offline map capabilities via eSIM, allowing users to leave their phones behind. Additionally, NFC support enables it to function as a car key.

(Source 1, 2)

OnePlus 13 pack 6,000mAh battery with 100W wired, 50W wireless charging, many other details confirmed

By

-

Oct 28, 2024

The OnePlus 13 is slated to go official on Oct. 31 in China. Ahead of the launch, the brand has been gradually revealing the key details about the smartphone. Recent Weibo posts released by the brand have confirmed the battery size, charging capabilities, and many other details about the OP13.

OnePlus 13 battery, charging capabilities

The above posters confirm that the OnePlus 13 will house a 6,000mAh battery. This means that the OP13 will have the largest battery seen on a OnePlus phone. The second poster confirms that it will support both 100W wired and 50W wireless charging. With 100W SuperVOOC charging, the phone can go from 0 to 100 percent in just 36 minutes.

In addition, the OnePlus 13 supports the 100W UFCS (Universal Fast Charging Standard) protocol, allowing fast charging with third-party adapters. With the SUPERVOOC S chip integration, the phone achieves an impressive 99.5% discharge efficiency, optimizing battery output for extended and efficient usage.

The other posters released by the brand confirm that the OnePlus 13 will continue to feature an alert slider on its left spine. Additionally, the phone will come with features like an IR blaster, a multi-functional NFC, and a USB 3.2 Gen USB-C port for faster data transfer.

Apart from these, OnePlus has already confirmed that the OnePlus 13 will feature dual stereo speakers, four microphones for AI noise reduction, and run on ColorOS 15-based Android 15. Its rear camera setup will have a 50-megapixel LYT-808 main camera with OIS, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel LYT-600 periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Finally, the OP13 is also confirmed to feature a 6.82-inch 2K 120Hz OLED screen and the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

Xiaomi CEO: Xiaomi 15 series to feature 12GB RAM base model, 16 new products launching tomorrow

By

-

Oct 28, 2024

Xiaomi is preparing for a major launch event on October 29, during which it will unveil 16 new products as part of its growing “human-car-home” ecosystem. The event will last over three hours and will see the official release of the Xiaomi 15 series along with HyperOS 2, the company’s next-generation operating system.

Now, in a pre-launch address, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun has shed light on some key details surrounding the upcoming event.

1. Several new products are incoming

Lei confirmed that alongside the Xiaomi 15 series and HyperOS 2, Xiaomi will debut the Pad 7 series, Watch S4, and Band 9 Pro. Expanding its hardware lineup further, Xiaomi will reveal a high-end electric scooter series, smart door locks, Wi-Fi 7 routers, and more. In total, there will be 16 new products.

2. Xiaomi 15 series RAM/ Price increase

Lei confirmed that the Xiaomi 15 series base model will start with 12GB RAM, up from the previous 8GB. This is to improve the on-device AI performance.

He also confirmed major improvements in design, power efficiency, and user experience. And with these changes, the Xiaomi 15 series will have a slightly higher price than its predecessor.

Addressing the price increase, Lei Jun says the Xiaomi 15 series still offers exceptional value. He noted that the upgraded 3nm process technology and rising RAM and ROM costs in the supply chain majorly contribute to the price increase.

3. A new display for new phones

Xiaomi also shared details about its display technology: the entire Xiaomi 15 series will feature a customized M9 luminous material with a dual micro-cavity structure.

This new panel is claimed to improve luminous efficiency while reducing power consumption. According to Lei Jun, the Xiaomi 15 series uniquely achieves “2K screen to 1.5K screen power consumption,” with further details to be shared during the press conference.

4. Xiaomi SU7 delivery goals

Lei Jun also shared an update on the delivery timeline for the Xiaomi SU7, reaffirming the goal of shipping 20,000 units within a month. The CEO says the team remains committed to this target and will offer a status update on the first day of each month.

MSI’s MAG 255PXF Monitor with 300Hz Refresh Rate unveiled

By

Sudhanshu

-

Oct 28, 2024

MSI has unveiled its latest gaming monitor, the MAG 255PXF, a Full HD display specifically tailored for competitive gamers.

Performance-Focused Display

The MAG 255PXF features a 1920×1080 resolution, which provides a good balance between image quality and performance. It supports a native 180Hz refresh rate, which can be overclocked to 300Hz, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. The monitor’s rapid 0.5ms (GtG) response time further minimizes motion blur and ghosting, resulting in clear and crisp visuals.

MSI has included Adaptive Sync technology, which synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. The monitor’s ergonomic stand enables height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, allowing users to find the optimal viewing position.

To reduce eye strain during extended gaming sessions, MSI has incorporated Anti-Flicker technology and a Low Blue Light mode. The MAG 255PXF features a sleek, frameless design that complements multi-monitor setups. MSI has also paid attention to build quality, ensuring durability and longevity. MSI has yet to announce the price and release date for the monitor, so we’ll have to wait for further details.

In other news, the AOC Q27G4XM is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a 2K QLED display, 180Hz refresh rate, 1 ms response time, and G-Sync compatibility. It boasts excellent color accuracy, HDR 1000, and an ergonomic design with height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments. This monitor is ideal for gamers and creators seeking a high-performance and comfortable viewing experience.

(Source, via)

G-SHOCK’s Limited-Edition Katana-Inspired MR-G Watch launched with Only 800 Pieces Worldwide

By

Sudhanshu

-

Oct 27, 2024

G-SHOCK has introduced a new limited-edition MR-G model inspired by Japanese sword-making traditions. Set for release in November 2024, this new G-SHOCK MRG-B2000JS-1A timepiece combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology, appealing to collectors with only 800 pieces available worldwide.

Craftsmanship Honoring Japanese Swordsmiths

The design of this MR-G watch draws from the Juryoku-Maru: San, a katana crafted specifically for G-SHOCK by master swordsmith Kamiyama Teruhira. The bezel, made of recrystallized titanium, reflects the edge pattern found on hand-forged blades. A blue-grey AIP coating on the case gives a similar polished look to that of the katana’s blade.

Adding a touch of tradition, the watch band features aogai-nuri, a lacquer technique with mother-of-pearl inlay, mimicking the intricate design of the sword’s scabbard. This element produces a subtle shimmering effect that changes with the light. Each watch is individually numbered and features a hand-engraved inscription on the back by Kamiyama Teruhira, adding a unique touch to every piece.

Combining Tradition with Functionality

While rich in traditional design, the MR-G model includes modern features. The dial displays a hishimaki-gara pattern, a traditional diamond shape found on sword hilts, and the watch indexes subtly reflect a blade’s curve.

For functionality, the watch includes Bluetooth connectivity, solar power, and radio-controlled timekeeping. With a sapphire crystal face and titanium alloy case and band, the watch is both scratch-resistant and impact-proof, staying true to G-SHOCK’s durability standards.

An Exclusive Collector’s Piece

This MR-G model is limited to 800 units, designed for collectors, and carries a hefty price tag of around $8,000 USD (1.1 million yen).