Redmi will unveil the Redmi Note 14 series of smartphones in China today. Alongside the brand will also take off covers from the Redmi Buds 6 TWS earbuds. Recent teasers have already revealed the design of the Note 14 Pro and Note 14 Pro+, but the company is yet to reveal the appearance of the standard Note 14. A leaked image of the Note 14 that has surfaced on Weibo reveals that its design is quite different from the Pro variants.
Redmi Note 14 leaked image
Redmi Note 14 leaked image
The above image seemingly shared by tipster Panda is Bald showcases the black variant of the Redmi Note 14. The Pro models have a squircle camera module located in the middle of the top half of their back panels. In contrast, the Note 14 has a squarish camera module positioned at the upper-left corner.
A closer look at the camera island reveals a dual-camera setup and an LED flash. It is equipped with a 50-megapixel primary camera. The company is yet to confirm any details about the smartphone.
Redmi Note 14 specifications (rumored)
As per rumors, the Redmi Note 14 will have a 6.67-inch AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz display with up to 1800 nits of peak brightness. It may arrive with a 16-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel + 8-megapixel dual camera system.
Under the hood, the Note 14 may feature the Dimensity 7050 chipset, up to 12 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and up to 512 GB of UFS 2.2 storage. It may pack a 5,500mAh battery with 33W rapid charging.
The Note 14 may feature an in-screen fingerprint sensor. It may run on HyperOS-based Android 14. While the Pro models are expected to have an IP69 level of dust and water resistance, the standard model may arrive with an IP64 rating.
Huawei released the Nova 12 Vitality Edition earlier this year. Now the company is making the device available in two new color options to the device – Ice Blue and Glacier White. Both the two color options come with a textured look on the back, which looks elegant. In addition to these two color options, the phone is also available in a deeper shade of blue and a plain black color.
Huawei Nova 12 Vitality Edition specifications:
The Huawei Nova 12 Vitality Edition comes with a flat design, is only 6.88mm thick, and weighs 168g. It is positioned as a thin, lightweight device designed with in-hand experience in mind.
However, the phone still packs a 6.7″ large OLED display with a P3 wide color gamut, supports a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 300 Hz touch sampling rate. The display panel offers an FHD+ (2412 × 1084 pixels) resolution. This phone also supports the company’s AI HDR, which further improves the visual experience. On top of that, the 1440Hz high-frequency PWM dimming helps reduce eye strain in low brightness.
In terms of performance, the phone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 4G chipset and runs on the Harmony OS 4.0 operating system. This is paired with an optional 256GB or 512GB storage
In terms of imaging, the phone packs a 50MP main sensor with f/1.9 aperture (which the company calls a Super Sensing Camera) alongside an 8MP ultrawide. It uses a high-resolution 60MP front camera to offer crisp and clear selfies. This phone also lets you easily fit more people in group selfies thanks to the 100-degree wide viewing angle and records in 4K from the front camera, which isn’t available for many devices in its price range.
Under the hood, the phone packs a 4500 mAh battery that supports 66W fast charging and uses the company’s proprietary fast charging technology.
Pricing:
The 256GB and 512GB versions of the device costs 2199 yuan ($313) and 2499 yuan ($355) respectively.
Following the release of two webcams, Insta360 is gearing up to launch the Ace Pro 2 action camera. However, thanks to reliable leaker @Quadro_News, you don’t have to wait for the official launch to get all the details. The leaker has shared an extensive list of specs, leaving little to the imagination.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 specs leak
The Ace Pro 2 reportedly features a 50-megapixel sensor capable of recording 8K video (4320p). The camera is higher in resolution than DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro which has a 40MP lens.
The standout feature of Ace Pro 2 could be its 5nm AI chip which will offer improvements in image processing, overall camera performance, and smoother system operations.
The sensor itself measures 1/1.3” (9.6 x 7.2mm) and is paired with an f/2.6 aperture and a 2x digital zoom for added shooting flexibility. The focal length ranges from 13mm to 35mm, so you will be able to shoot both wide-angle and zoomed-in shots.
In terms of video options, the Ace Pro 2 will support slow-motion recording at a buttery smooth 240fps. You’ll also get an HDR mode for capturing scenes with a wider dynamic range.
Since it’s a camera for adventurers, the Ace Pro 2 is built for durability. According to the leak, it can withstand water submersion up to 33 feet and survive drops from 5 feet.
It’s also rated to handle extreme temperatures, operating between -4°F and 113°F, making it suitable for adventures in both cold and hot environments.
Despite its toughness, the Ace Pro 2 will still be lightweight at just 0.39 pounds, only slightly heavier than the GoPro Hero 13 Black. It will offer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for connectivity and for storage, you’ll get a microSD card slot.
The leaked specifications also confirm a tripod-mountable design with dimensions of 2.8 x 2.0 x 1.2 inches.
Apart from these, a separate leak from PhotoRumors suggests that the action camera will offer 8K video recording support at 30fps. Also, the camera is said to be equipped with Leica Super-Summarit-A lens.
Rumors about the OnePlus 13 keep surfacing, and a new leak gives us a closer look at its design and camera system. We already knew it would likely feature the next-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, but this latest information adds more detail.
Reputable tipster Digital Chat Station shared an image that appears to show the OnePlus 13 in a protective cover. While the phone’s full design remains hidden, the image clearly highlights the camera module.
Here’s what the OnePlus 13 might look like
Unlike previous OnePlus flagships, where the camera module blends into the phone’s edge, the OnePlus 13 seems to feature a standalone area for its cameras.
The leak also reveals some technical details about the camera system. The periscope telephoto lens reportedly uses a more efficient structure, similar to the one in the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Likewise, the telephoto lens is said to offer 3x optical zoom, along with a slightly larger main sensor. Interestingly, the OnePlus 13 is rumored to use the same image processing algorithms as the Oppo Find X8, which makes sense given that both companies now share the same parent company.
While the tipster didn’t specify the exact camera sensors, previous leaks suggest the OnePlus 13 will feature a 50-megapixel LYT-808 sensor with optical image stabilization for the primary camera. It is likely to be joined by two LYT-600 sensors for ultra-wide and telephoto shots.
Although this leak doesn’t reveal much beyond the camera design, it adds another piece to the OnePlus 13 puzzle. We can likely expect a refined camera system with enhanced telephoto capabilities and top-tier image processing, thanks to the rumored Oppo Find X8 influence.
The OnePlus 13 is expected to launch in China by the end of October, with a global release following in January 2025. We will be sure to keep you in the loop on any new updates on the phone.
Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) has unveiled the LYT-818, a 50-megapixel CMOS image sensor under its new LYTIA brand, designed for smartphone cameras.
Sony LYTIA LYT-818 sensor features:
The 1/1.28-type sensor features cutting-edge noise reduction and a high dynamic range, improving image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
The LYT-818 introduces a technology that makes pictures in low-light conditions much clearer. It uses an Ultra-High Conversion Gain (UHCG) circuit to convert light into an electrical signal more effectively, reducing unwanted noise or “graininess” in photos. This advanced design results in a noise level of just 0.95e-, the lowest among Sony’s mobile sensors, which helps in capturing more natural colors and details, even in dim lighting.
The LYT-818 uses a new HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology that helps capture details in both very bright and very dark areas of a scene. It does this by taking a single shot and processing it at three different settings to balance light and shadows. With an impressive 86dB range, this method reduces issues like bright spots or dark patches in high-contrast scenes. The sensor is also designed to use less power, allowing HDR to work continuously, even during live previews on your phone screen.
Key specs of the LYT-818 sensor include a 1.22 µm unit cell size, Quad Bayer Coding color filter, and a maximum frame rate of 120 fps for 4K2K resolution. It supports analog, digital, and MIPI output interfaces, offering flexibility for various mobile applications. Mass production is set for mid-September 2024.
Vivo X200 Pro series likely the first to feature the LYT-818 sensor:
Vivo’s upcoming Vivo X200 Pro line could be the first to use this sensor as a recent report from tipster DCS claims that the Vivo X200 Pro and the X200 Pro Mini will be using the Sony LYT-818 sensor for their primary cameras. This 1/1.28″ sensor will be replacing the 1″ Type Sony IMX989 sensor used on the Vivo X100 Pro.
Xiaomi has officially introduced the Mijia Smart Range Hood P2, a cutting-edge kitchen appliance designed to deliver smoke-free and odor-free cooking experiences. Let’s check out its key specs.
Xiaomi Mijia Smart Range Hood P2 Specifications
The Mijia Smart Range Hood P2 is equipped with advanced smoke purification technology, ensuring a clean kitchen environment even during heavy cooking sessions. Its dimensions are 895 × 428 × 929 mm, and it weighs 33.5 kg.
The smoke purifier operates at 220V~ and 50Hz with a total power input of 175W, including 10W for lighting. It generates 11 m³/min airflow, a maximum wind speed of 15 m/s, and a static pressure of 1100Pa, making it ideal for high-rise buildings.
The noise level is capped at 64 dB(A), ensuring that it operates quietly, even at the highest fan speed. Its energy efficiency rating is classified as Grade 1, reflecting its cost-effective and environmentally friendly design.
Special Features
The Mijia Smart Range Hood P2 incorporates a range of innovative features designed to enhance kitchen comfort and safety. Its patented cyclone smoke lock system captures harmful particles like oil smoke and PM2.5 at the source, ensuring no leakage during cooking. The rear-tilt suction system operates at a high speed of 15 m/s, instantly absorbing smoke from stir-frying and frying.
It also features an air curtain barrier, which prevents smoke leakage by forming a protective curtain around the cooking area. This is further complemented by patented ion antibacterial technology that actively purifies kitchen air, removing 97% of PM2.5 particles and inhibiting bacterial growth by up to 91%.
The purifier also includes real-time PM2.5 monitoring and alerts for CO and gas leaks, ensuring kitchen air quality is constantly monitored and maintained. It automatically adjusts its performance based on environmental conditions using built-in sensors and Xiaomi HyperOS Connect.
Pricing & Availability
The Mijia Smart Range Hood P2 will officially go on sale on October 9, 2024, at 8:00 PM. Priced at 4,299 yuan ($611), it will be available at a special launch price of 3,599 yuan ($511).
The gas stove set, which can be paired with the purifier, will also be available for 4,599 yuan. Both products will be accessible via Xiaomi’s official channels and authorized retailers.
Xiaomi has launched its latest Mijia Sonic Sweep Electric Toothbrush, available for crowdfunding at 119 yuan ($17) on Xiaomi Youpin. The retail price is set at 199 yuan ($28), and it comes in three colors: white, pink, and blue.
Xiaomi Mijia Sonic Sweep Electric Toothbrush Specifications:
The toothbrush is equipped with sonic sweep technology, which combines sweeping and vibrating motions for deeper cleaning. The double oscillation angle ensures that even hard-to-reach areas, such as molar blind spots, receive a thorough cleaning.
The device offers three cleaning modes – Gentle, Standard, and Deep Sweep – catering to different oral care needs. For instance, the Gentle mode is suitable for beginners or those with sensitive gums, while the Deep Sweep mode is designed to target blind spots and gaps between teeth for a more powerful clean.
It comes with a smart missed-brushing reminder light, which helps users cover all areas during a 2-minute brushing session. The indicator light turns orange for missed spots, allowing quick touch-ups, while a white light signals a thorough clean.
In terms of design, the toothbrush sports a rounder body compared to earlier models. It’s IPX8-rated for waterproofing, making it safe for use in wet environments.
The device also features a Type-C charging port and provides a battery life of 180 days in gentle mode and 100 days in standard mode, ensuring long-lasting use without frequent recharging.
For the brush head, the toothbrush uses copper-free, shock-absorbing bristles, which ensure a gentle experience without damaging teeth. The bristles also have a fade reminder, indicating when it’s time to replace the brush head, usually every three months.
Xiaomi has also launched two new products recently in its Mijia lineup: the Mijia Blender N1 and the Mijia Flashlight. The Mijia Blender N1 features a 1.75-liter capacity, 8 drink modes, and a convenient self-cleaning function, offering versatile blending options. Meanwhile, the Mijia Flashlight boasts a powerful 1000 lumens brightness, 30 hours of battery life, and an IP65 waterproof rating, making it suitable for various outdoor and emergency uses.
Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale is just a few minutes away, and here we have jotted a list of the best offers to maximize your savings. There are going to be massive discounts on your favorite smartphones, tablets, wearables, and other smart devices. Without wasting any further time, let’s discuss the offers below.
LG 108 cm (43 inches) 4K Ultra HD TV – Rs 32,999Rs 49,999
Starting with the iPhone 13 will retail for the discounted price of Rs 37,999, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G will be available for the price of Rs 69,999, which is a humongous discount comparatively. Further, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G will be available for the price of Rs 16,999. You can check discounts on other smartphones here.
There are huge discounts on the tablets, as the Galaxy Tab S9 FE will be available for the price of Rs 19,999, down from Rs 19,999. In the wearables segment, interested folks can grab the Amazfit Balance AI smartwatch for the price of Rs 18,999. Meanwhile, the OnePlus Buds 3 are retailing for the reduced price of Rs 3,999.
Amazon is offering worth considering discounts on the smart TVs. The Samsung 43-inch smart TVs start from Rs 30,999, while the LG 4K 55-inch TV is available for the price of Rs 43,990.
Prices for the Amazon Alexa and Fire TV Stick are reduced, and interested folks can grab those at the shockingly low price of Rs 21,999.
You can save more by heading to the Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale page here.
Moondrop DISCDREAM 2 Ultra is an advanced portable HiFi CD player designed for audio enthusiasts seeking top-tier sound quality. With dual Cirrus Logic 32-bit Master HiFi decoding chips, this CD player delivers superior audio performance, making it a perfect choice for both casual listeners and audiophiles. Its high-quality build and features provide a versatile listening experience for various setups, whether you’re using in-ear headphones, active speakers, or planar headphones.
Price and Availability
You can now get the Moondrop DISCDREAM 2 Ultra Portable Hifi CD Player for $279.99 at Geekwills. This is a great gift option for an audiophile, blending the nostalgia of a classic CD player with cutting-edge sound quality. It’s a harmonious fusion of the past and present, designed to elevate the listening experience to new heights.
HiFi Audio Output for Superior Sound
The DISCDREAM 2 Ultra is powered by dual Cirrus Logic DACs, ensuring rich, detailed sound reproduction. With six linear voltage stabilizing chips providing independent power, you can expect a clean and accurate analog signal output. Whether you’re listening to CDs or using it as a USB sound card, the device guarantees a high-fidelity audio experience.
Multiple Headphone Outputs
Equipped with both 3.5mm standard and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs, the DISCDREAM 2 Ultra can drive a wide range of headphones. The 3.5mm output provides 124 mW of power, suitable for most in-ear headphones and earbuds. Meanwhile, the 4.4mm balanced output offers up to 222 mW of power, allowing it to handle even low-sensitivity planar headphones with ease, ensuring clear and powerful audio.
Desktop USB Sound Card Functionality
In addition to being a portable CD player, the DISCDREAM 2 Ultra can be used as a desktop USB sound card. It supports PCM decoding up to 384kHz and DSD256, allowing you to enjoy high-resolution digital audio from your computer. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for both home audio setups and on-the-go listening.
3.5mm Multi-function Interface
The 3.5mm multi-function interface of the DISCDREAM 2 Ultra offers both digital optical output and analog line output. This allows you to connect it to external amplifiers, active speakers, or large audio systems. Whether you prefer analog or digital connections, this CD player provides flexibility in how you set up your listening environment.
Battery Life and Charging
The Moondrop DISCDREAM 2 Ultra comes with a 3500mAh battery that offers up to 8 hours of playtime when listening to CDs. It charges through a USB-C port with a 5V/2A power supply, making it convenient for quick recharges.
Just a day after making its first appearance on Geekbench, Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra has made yet another run on the benchmarking platform. This time, with a higher CPU frequency for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip.
More specifically, the new benchmark reveals the SoC’s two prime cores running at 4.47 GHz, up from 4.19 GHz from yesterday’s listing. But it’s not just the main cores, even the six efficiency cores have a boost in frequency, from 2.90 GHz to 3.53 GHz.
This is likely the highest clock speed we have seen for Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 so far, both for performance and efficiency cores. That’s to be expected, though.
Samsung uses custom “Snapdragon for Galaxy” chips in its flagship S-series phones, which typically have higher clock speeds than the regular version. So the chip that appeared in the S25 Ultra is also likely the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 “for Galaxy” variant.
As is obvious to expect, the new run reveals a higher performance score for the Galaxy S25 Ultra in Geekbench, especially in the multi-core test, which jumped from 9080 to 9706 points. The single-core performance saw a slight dip, though. It now sits at 3011 points from 3069.
However, note that these are the early benchmarks of the phone and Samsung still has optimizations to do to churn out the best of the SoC. And while synthetic benchmarks provide an idea of the phone’s capabilities, they don’t always reflect real-world performance. They simply give us an idea of how well the device might handle your daily usage and how it compares to rivals.
For instance, if we consider the latest Geekbench data, the iPhone 16 Pro Max outperforms the S25 Ultra. The iPhone scores around 3,400 points in single-core and 8,300 in multi-core benchmarks. As is usual, the iPhone delivers stronger single-core results but lags in multi-core performance compared to its Android competitor.
HiBy R4 EVANGELION Music Player is a high-performance digital audio player designed for those who seek an authentic and immersive listening experience. With advanced features such as quad DAC chipsets, MQA unfolding, and powerful hardware, this player promises to deliver superior sound quality and smooth performance. You can now get the device for $399.99 only on Geekwills.
High-Resolution Display
The HiBy R4 EVANGELION features a 4.6” Hi-Res IPS display with a 1334x750p resolution. This ensures that album art, track information, and settings are displayed with excellent clarity, adding to the overall user experience. The touchscreen is responsive, making navigation easy and fluid.
Superior Sound Quality with Quad DAC Chipset
At the heart of the HiBy R4 EVANGELION are quad ES9018C2M DAC chips, which are renowned for their ability to process high-resolution audio. This music player supports native DSD256 and PCM decoding up to 32-bit/768kHz, allowing users to experience every detail in their music. The advanced DAC technology provides crystal-clear sound with rich details and deep bass.
16x MQA Unfolding for Studio-Quality Sound
The HiBy R4 EVANGELION takes your listening experience to the next level with 16x MQA unfolding. This technology ensures that users enjoy studio-quality sound just as the artist intended. MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is a high-end audio format that preserves the quality of the original master recording, offering listeners an authentic high-res audio experience.
Powered by Snapdragon 665 SoC
To ensure smooth performance, the HiBy R4 EVANGELION is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 665 processor. Paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, it provides quick app loading times and a seamless user interface. Running on Android 12, it offers users access to a wide range of applications from the Play Store, making it more than just a music player.
Multiple Output Options for Versatility
The HiBy R4 EVANGELION is equipped with multiple headphone output ports, including balanced 3.5mm and 4.4mm ports, as well as a single-ended 3.5mm output. This provides flexibility, allowing users to connect their preferred headphones for an enhanced listening experience. Whether you are using standard or balanced headphones, the HiBy R4 EVANGELION delivers optimal sound quality.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
With a 4500mAh battery, the HiBy R4 EVANGELION offers up to 11 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge. For those who want extended listening without interruptions, the player can last up to 35 hours in standby mode. This makes it perfect for long trips or commutes.
Key Features:
4.6” Hi-Res IPS display with 1334x750p resolution
Quad ES9018C2M DAC chipsets for superior sound quality
Supports native DSD256 and PCM 32-Bit/768kHz decoding
16x MQA unfolding for studio-quality audio
Powered by Snapdragon 665 SoC with 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM
Android 12 operating system with support for Android apps
Multiple output options: Balanced 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and single-ended 3.5mm
4500mAh battery providing up to 11 hours of playback
Edifier HECATE GX05 Wireless Earbuds are designed for those who seek a high-performance audio experience in a stylish and functional package. These earbuds not only offer excellent sound quality but also come with advanced features, making them perfect for gamers and music lovers alike. Let’s dive into what makes the Edifier HECATE GX05 stand out.
Elegant Cyberpunk Design
The Edifier HECATE GX05 earbuds feature a unique design inspired by the cyberpunk aesthetic. With a sleek, cool “flying wing” door design, they immediately capture attention. The matte finish provides a premium feel while being dust-proof and resistant to fingerprints. This combination of elegance and practicality makes these earbuds not just functional but also stylish.
Dual Microphone Noise Cancellation for Clear Calls
One of the standout features of the GX05 is its hybrid ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) system. Equipped with dual microphones, these earbuds can detect and cancel out noise both inside and outside the ear. This provides a noise cancellation depth of up to 38dB, allowing you to focus on your music or gaming without distraction from the outside world. Whether you’re in a noisy environment or just want to zone out, the noise-canceling capabilities are top-notch.
Superior Sound Quality
The Edifier HECATE GX05 is built with LHDC5.0 HD decoding, which means it supports high-definition audio playback. The earbuds offer a decoding performance of up to 96kHz/24bit, ensuring clear and detailed sound. Additionally, they are Hi-Res Wireless certified, so you can trust the audio quality to be exceptional. Whether you’re listening to music or gaming, every sound comes through with crisp clarity and deep bass.
Ultra-Low Latency for Gamers
Gamers will appreciate the ultra-low latency feature of these earbuds. Using 2.4G technology, the GX05 ensures a wireless experience with a latency as low as 15 milliseconds. This ensures real-time sound synchronization with the game, giving you a competitive edge. The earbuds are also compatible with multiple devices, making them versatile for gaming, calls, and other uses.
Simultaneous Dual-Mode Connection
The Edifier HECATE GX05 supports simultaneous dual-mode connection, allowing you to connect to two devices at once via Bluetooth and 2.4G. This means you can game on one device while staying connected for calls or notifications on another, providing convenience without interruptions.
Plug-and-Play for Seamless Use
With a USB-C adapter and USB converter, the GX05 is compatible with most gaming devices on the market. You don’t need to rely on Bluetooth – simply plug it in and start enjoying stable performance right away. This plug-and-play feature makes the earbuds easy to use, especially for gamers who prefer quick setups.
Long Battery Life with Fast Charging
The GX05 offers impressive battery life. In Bluetooth mode, the earbuds can last around 4.5 hours, while in 2.4GHz mode, they offer about 4 hours of playtime. The charging case extends the total battery life to 16 hours. Moreover, the earbuds support 2C fast charging, ensuring they are ready to go in no time.
RGB Light Effects for a Fun Gaming Experience
To enhance the gaming experience, the GX05 comes with various RGB lighting effects. These effects add a fun and immersive element to gaming, letting you enjoy the visual experience along with the sound.
Key Features:
Audio decoding: SBC, AAC, LHDC
FR Range: 20Hz – 40KHz
Bluetooth Version: 5.3
Noise cancellation: Hybrid ENC, up to 38dB
Driver: Φ10mm dynamic driver
Ultra-low latency: 15ms (2.4GHz mode)
Simultaneous dual-mode connection: Bluetooth and 2.4G
Edifier HECATE GX05 is perfect for anyone looking for a combination of great sound quality, low-latency performance, and stylish design. Whether you’re gaming, listening to music, or taking calls, these wireless earbuds offer a complete package.
The OnePlus Nord 4 sits in the middle of the brand’s smartphone portfolio. It continues the legacy of the company’s flagship killer days.
The Nord number series is all about offering a flagship-like experience on a budget. The fourth-gen product comes with a new design and spec upgrades.
The device starts at ₹29,999 in India. Since it was released only recently, there isn’t any discount apart from standard bank offers during the festive season sale.
However, despite that, I believe the handset makes sense for most people in the country. Here’s why I say so after using the phone for weeks.
Disclosure: The opinion shared in this article is based on the author’s first-hand experience with a OnePlus Nord 4 review unit loaned by the brand. The company had no editorial input or early look.
The OnePlus Nord 4 is one of the fastest smartphones in its segment. It houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 chipset paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage (UFS 3.1 for 128GB variant).
Though the chip sounds like a mid-range model, it is almost as powerful as the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found inside the more expensive OnePlus 12R, OnePlus 11, and OnePlus Open.
The device can easily handle anything you throw at it. Its performance is good enough for years to come and it actually needs this.
Because OnePlus promises 4 Android updates and 6 years of security updates. With the amount of power, the handset possesses, it should work just fine throughout its lifetime.
Unsurprisingly, the phone is also great at gaming. It can play all the titles at the maximum graphics and frame rates possible. But what it doesn’t support is ray tracing, which could become mainstream in the coming years.
Also, the smartphone is backed by a large 5,500mAh battery. It easily lasts a day and a half on normal usage. Even with gaming sessions, the product can reach the end of the day. Thus, the battery may deteriorate slower without needing a replacement for a longer duration.
Thanks to 100W charging support, the device also charges fully under half an hour.
2. Nails the Basics
The OnePlus Nord 4 sports a 6.74-inch centered punch-hole 10-bit HDR10+ enabled AMOLED display. This screen offers a resolution of 2772 x 1240 pixels (1.5K), 450 PPI, and a 120Hz refresh rate.
The panel supports up to 2160Hz PWM dimming and 2150 nits peak brightness (HDR). Even in HBM (High Brightness Mode), the screen can hit up to 1100 nits.
The phone’s display is as good as its specs sound. It is sharp, fast, and bright. You can change the picture profile to output accurate colors. This screen should be adequate for years to come.
The display is further complemented by dual stereo speakers. They are loud and sound good even at higher volume levels, except for high frequency.
The handset comes with all the essential connectivity options, such as dual SIM, 5G, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, GNSS, and NFC. All of them work properly as intended without any issues.
For biometrics, the product uses an in-screen fingerprint sensor which is fast. There’s also an IR blaster to control household devices and an alert slider to switch between sound proifles.
3. Brand Experience
OnePlus is a premium brand in the eyes of consumers in India. And the company delivers on that front too.
Unlike the giants Apple and Samsung, the brand includes the required fast charger and cable inside the box of its smartphones. It also bundles a case and some stickers alongside documentation.
Further, the pricing of products is the same across all channels. Even the offers are almost identical with some differences at times.
Further, unlike other brands, OnePlus is the only one that has publicly acknowledged the recent display and motherboard issues. The company is also providing solutions for the affected consumers (they may not be the best but still).
4. Some Flaws
Like any other product, the OnePlus Nord 4 is not perfect. There’s one major con that could be a deciding factor for some.
The phone’s camera is average. The 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary sensor is fine under good lighting conditions. It also performs well with Night Mode in dark environments.
However, the overall performance is not the best in the price range. This is truer for the 8MP Sony IMX355 ultrawide and 16MP Sony IMX471 selfie cameras.
Further, another thing I experienced was something that I did not expect. The OnePlus Nord 4 is touted as the only metal unibody 5G smartphone in the market.
Metal is for sure better than glass in terms of durability. However, the handset’s good-looking design has a flaw.
The upper camera part of the device is made of glass, just like the first two Google Pixels. This part of my unit got a few cracks with an accidental drop from just 3 feet.
So I personally don’t buy the better durability of Nord 4. Everyone uses a protective case anyway, and therefore, this is not a dealbreaker.
iQOO Z9 Turbo+ offers a powerful, smooth, and dynamic experience for users seeking top-notch performance, gaming capabilities, and high-speed multitasking. You can get this smartphone for a starting price of $389 only on Geekwills.
At the heart of the Z9 Turbo+ is the MTK Dimensity 9300+ chipset, paired with iQOO’s self-developed Q1 gaming chip. This combination ensures seamless gameplay, fast app launches, and a smooth user interface. With two RAM variants available—12GB and 16GB LPDDR5X—you can expect excellent performance whether you are gaming, streaming, or working. The device also offers 256GB and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage options, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
The Z9 Turbo+ boasts a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, providing crisp visuals with a 1.5K resolution and an ultra-smooth 144Hz refresh rate. This makes it ideal for gaming and media consumption, offering vivid colors and fluid transitions.
In terms of photography, the phone features a dual rear camera setup, with a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP macro lens for close-up shots. The 16MP front camera captures sharp selfies and supports video calls with excellent clarity.
The Z9 Turbo+ is powered by a massive 6400mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting usage throughout the day. It also supports 80W fast charging, meaning you can recharge your phone quickly and get back to your tasks without long interruptions.
Running on OriginOS Ocean based on Android 14, the iQOO Z9 Turbo+ delivers a user-friendly experience with smooth navigation and a range of features for enhanced productivity. Whether you’re a gamer or a multitasker, the iQOO Z9 Turbo+ is built to handle it all.
Han Boxiao, product manager of vivo Communication Technology Co., Ltd., shared an image of the upcoming vivo X200 Pro Mini and the iPhone 16 Pro on Weibo, comparing the thickness of the two devices.
As can be seen, the phone on top is the iPhone 16 Pro, and the one below that is the unreleased vivo X200 Pro Mini. Although the company official didn’t share a specific number, a significant difference in thickness is evident from the images. The image also confirms the earlier rumor about the X200 Pro Mini’s display size, which is 6.3 inches—the same as the iPhone 16 Pro.
The Vivo X200 Pro Mini (and all the models scheduled to launch on October 14) features a completely flat design. This marks a major shift, as the vivo X100 series models had slightly rounded front, back, and middle frames.
vivo X200 Mini isn’t only thinner, but also focuses on camera
Unfortunately, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the device at the bottom also has a camera module protrusion similar to the iPhone 16 Pro. This may cause noticeable wobbling when placed on a flat surface, as shown in the image. However, it also indicates the presence of larger sensors and enhanced imaging capabilities. Han Boxiao has suggested that one of the key highlights of this new compact flagship is its camera system.
Notably, both the vivo X200 Pro and X200 Pro Mini are rumored to be the first devices equipped with the newly announced 50MP 1/1.28″ Sony LYT 818 sensor, which is said to offer improved dynamic range and a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
Vivo X200 Mini comes with a battery larger than that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max
Although Han Boxiao didn’t reveal the exact battery capacity, he mentioned that the new compact flagship has a battery ‘much larger than that of the Pro Max,’ which has a 4,685 mAh capacity. In terms of performance, all the devices in the X200 series (except for the vivo X200 Ultra) equips the Dimensity 9400, MediaTek’s flagship chipset for this year.
According to previous reports, the X200 Pro Mini is just a compact version of the X200 Pro, with many of the Pro features.
Sony has recently introduced two new INZONE Gaming Monitors, the M10S and M9 II. These premium monitors are designed for both e-sports and AAA gaming, offering high refresh rates and top-tier performance.
Sony Inzone M10S:
The M10S is a 27-inch, 1440p OLED gaming monitor designed for competitive esports players, offering a 480Hz refresh rate and a rapid 0.03ms response time. Developed in collaboration with Fnatic, the M10S includes a 24.5-inch mode with 1:1 resolution and specialized FPS Pro picture modes to help players maintain focus on their opponents. The monitor also allows for adjustments to the display position and supports lower resolutions preferred by esports professionals.
Optimized for Competitive Play
The M10S is designed with a space-saving base and adjustable stand, allowing users to set it up comfortably on their desks. With a peak brightness of 1300 nits and HDR technology, the monitor delivers vivid visuals. Its wide color range and high contrast bring out the details of in-game environments. Sony has also partnered with the Apex Legends Global Series, making the M10S the official monitor for this major esports tournament.
Sony INZONE M9 II:
The M9 II is a 4K gaming monitor featuring a 160Hz refresh rate and a 1 ms response time. It uses backlight scanning technology to reduce motion blur, providing a smoother gaming experience. The monitor also includes a full array of local dimming for improved contrast, a feature commonly found in Sony’s BRAVIA TVs. The M9 II works well with both PCs and consoles like the PlayStation 5 with a peak brightness of 750 nits and HDR support.
Pricing and Availability
The M10S is priced at $1,099.99 USD, and the M9 II is available for $799.99 USD. Both models can be purchased through Sony.com, major retailers, and authorized dealers.
Meizu has unveiled the StarV Ring 2 smart ring during the Meizu AI Ecosystem Launch Event, positioning it as an innovative health and lifestyle gadget.
Combining health monitoring capabilities with smart interaction features, this smart ring offers a glimpse into the future of wearable technology. Priced at 1,099 yuan ($156) for its launch, the StarV Ring 2 promises to bring both functionality and convenience to users, wrapped in a sleek design.
The Meizu StarV Ring 2 is designed for health-conscious users who need constant monitoring of their physical well-being. It supports high blood sugar risk assessment, boasting a trend accuracy rate of 80%. Alongside this, the ring monitors various health metrics, including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and body temperature, making it a valuable tool for maintaining health on a daily basis.
The ring also includes health index and vitality tracking features, which allow users to keep a close eye on their activity levels and overall health status. Additionally, the Ring 2 has a built-in activity tracking system, perfect for those looking to stay fit and monitor their physical progress over time.
The device is available in a sleek Meteor Black color option.
2. Special Features
Meizu StarV Ring 2 integrates seamlessly with other devices in the Meizu ecosystem, offering smart touch interaction. By simply tapping the ring, users can interact with StarV Air 2 smart glasses. It can also interact with the apps, swipe through short videos, or even remotely control the phone’s camera for hands-free photography.
Furthermore, the Ring 2 is designed with connectivity in mind, extending its functionality beyond health tracking. It supports car unlocking through proximity sensors, enabling users to unlock doors and start the engine without having to reach for the keys.
3. Pricing & Availability
The Meizu StarV Ring 2 is available at an introductory price of 1,099 yuan ($156), with a suggested retail price of 1,299 yuan ($184). The device will be available for purchase soon. There’s no update on the global availability yet.
As we get closer to the end of the year, we’re nearing the release of Samsung‘s next generation of flagship smartphones. The Galaxy S25 lineup is the brand’s new premium device, with the Galaxy S25 being the newest compact flagship. It is expected to pack some high-end specs and features, so here’s a detailed breakdown of the base Galaxy S25 model.
Just recently, we covered leaked renders that offered us a proper look at the Galaxy S25’s design. The full body of the phone is visible from the front and sides. Its overall design appears similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy S24. The back seems to retain the flat glass panel along with a vertically stacked triple camera setup. Samsung is expected to launch this device with the Armor Aluminum frame. The same report adds that it measures 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2mm in dimensions, making it slightly slimmer than the S24.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S25 is expected to house a 6.2-inch display that is surrounded by minimal bezels and center aligned punch cutout. Samsung released the Galaxy S24 with a 6.2-inch Dynamic LPTO AMOLED 2X display that offered a 120Hz refresh rate, DHR10+, and 2600 nits of peak brightness. This screen also has a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 panel for protection. So this might be a similar case again.
2. Hardware
Being a next-gen flagship phone, Samsung would likely equip the Galaxy S25 with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC in South Korea and the US. Although, the rest of the world would likely receive this model with a new Exynos chipset. This has been the routine for the brand, but there are reports hinting at a Snapdragon exclusive Galaxy S25. Rumors have hinted that the base model would pack higher RAM. Apparently, it is getting a 4GB bump so the Galaxy S25 may launch with 12GB of RAM.
Under the hood, the new compact flagship isn’t receiving a larger battery and is expected to house the same 4,000mAh battery pack once again. This model would likely support 25W wired fast charging along with 15W wireless fast charging and reverse wireless charging support. Out of the box, it would run on the Android 15 OS based One UI 7 custom skin.
3. Camera
While the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S23, and Galaxy S24 packed Samsung’s ISOCELL GN5 50MP cameras, the Galaxy S25 might be ditching ISOCELL for a Sony sensor. The specific details of the other two cameras are still unclear, but they will likely include an ultra wide angle lens and a telephoto shooter for zoomed shots.
4. Launch Date
The South Korean tech giant has yet to confirm an official launch date for the Galaxy S25 series. But considering how the Galaxy S24 lineup launched at the start of this year, its successor should likely follow a similar release timeline. Meaning, the launch might be set for the middle of January 2025. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stick around for more updates.
Qualcomm is getting ready to introduce the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, while also working on different SoCs. Expected to be Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, the processor with model number SM8735 is currently being tested by brands such as Xiaomi. We obtained information from HyperOS software, and confirmed that the processor is being actively tested. We are curious to see how the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 will perform.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 revealed
While Qualcomm hasn’t even unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 yet, the appearance of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 took everyone by surprise. We previously reported that the Redmi Turbo 4 has been added to the IMEI database. The previous Redmi Turbo 3 used the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip. This processor had the model number SM8635. Now, in Xiaomi HyperOS software, we see a new processor with the model number “SM8735”. SM8735 may be the processor to be used in Redmi Turbo 4 detected in the IMEI database.
The Redmi Turbo 4 is also expected to be sold in the global market as POCO. Right now, it might be premature to talk about this. Because the POCO F6 series was introduced in June, and it should not be forgotten that the brand’s plans may change. Xiaomi may also use the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 in a different smartphone. This year, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 was first used in the Xiaomi CIVI 4 Pro, and later the Redmi Turbo 3 was added to the list of devices using this processor. Qualcomm and Xiaomi are actively testing the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is expected to debut next year.
We don’t know what changes Qualcomm will make with Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. The previous Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 performed similarly to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The new SoC will likely perform similarly to the current flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. These are our own guesses, it’s not yet clear what Qualcomm will do. The only confirmed information is that the processor with model number SM8735 is being actively tested.
Marques Brownlee, widely recognized as MKBHD, is facing backlash over the launch of his new wallpaper app, Panels. Introduced during his much-anticipated iPhone 16 review, the app quickly became a topic of controversy due to its subscription model and privacy concerns. Panels offers high-resolution wallpapers curated from digital artists, but the price – $49.99 per year or $11.99 per month – has left many fans disgruntled, calling it a “cash grab.”
While the app promises stunning wallpapers, many users expressed disappointment that someone like Brownlee, known for his consumer-focused and quality-driven reviews, would charge such a high fee for something as simple as wallpapers. Critics highlighted that similar content is readily available online for free, making the premium model difficult to justify.
Brownlee’s comment sections were flooded with reactions, with one particularly harsh user on social media sarcastically suggesting to just “download a jpeg from the internet.” In a notable turn of events, one frustrated user even reverse-engineered the app and wrote a script to download all the wallpapers for free, sharing it publicly on GitHub within hours of the app’s release.
2. Data Collection Concerns
In addition to the cost, users voiced concerns about data collection. The app asks for various permissions, including location data and other personal identifiers, prompting worries over privacy. Screenshots showing the app’s data disclosures quickly circulated online, further fueling the outrage. For someone with a reputation like Brownlee, this move seemed out of step with his previous recommendations of straightforward, user-focused products.
3. Brownlee’s Response to Criticism
Facing this wave of criticism, Brownlee responded publicly on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the feedback. He assured users that his team is working to address the privacy concerns, clarifying that the data disclosures were likely too broad and largely influenced by ad networks. He emphasized that they would never actually request sensitive information like location or internet history, and adjustments were already in progress to fix the issue.
Brownlee also promised to reduce the frequency of ads in the free version of the app and to continue delivering value to those subscribing to the premium model. He highlighted that the app is a collaborative effort with digital artists, with revenue being split 50/50, and that Panels is only starting as a wallpaper app, with more features likely to come.
Despite the backlash, Panels has already gained significant traction, with over 50,000+ downloads on Android and a strong showing in Apple’s App Store. Brownlee, undeterred by the initial criticism, remains committed to improving the app and its user experience, but it’s clear that his audience expects more from the tech influencer who built his brand on trust and quality reviews.
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