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Tecno POP 9 5G Brings 120Hz Display, 5G Connectivity, And More To The Budget Segment


Tecno has launched a budget smartphone in India. The Tecno POP 9 5G arrives as the successor to the last year’s POP 8. It packs significant upgrades over its predecessor. The key USP of the device is high-refresh rate display and 5G connectivity at an affordable price tag. Read on to learn what the smartphone offers out of the box. 

Tecno POP 9 5G specifications

The Tecno POP 9 5G features a 6.6-inch display with a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout. It bears an HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth viewing experience. Design-wise, the device has a squarish shaped camera island on the back panel and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button. It is also IP54-rated dust and water-resistant. 

The Tecno POP 9 5G has a 48MP Sony IMX582 main sensor and a secondary AI lens. There is an 8MP front-facing selfie snapper. 

Internally, the Tecno POP 9 5G is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor. It packs 4GB RAM along with virtual memory and up to 128GB storage option. The smartphone draws its power from a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 18W fast charging. Software-wise, the device runs on HiOS 14-based Android 14. 

Connectivity options on the Tecno POP 9 5G include 5G, dual 4G VoLTE, WiFi, USB-C port, and NFC. 

The Tecno POP 9 5G comes in Midnight Shadow, Azure Sky, and Aurora Cloud colors. It costs Rs 9,499 and Rs 9,999 for the 4GB + 64GB and 4GB + 128GB variants respectively. The brand is also bundling two additional back panel skins. The smartphone will be available for purchase Amazon from October 7 with Rs 1,000 bank offer.

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ASUS Launches A-Bean 14 Air Fragrance Edition Laptop with Ryzen AI 9 & Customizable Aroma

ASUS has launched the A-Bean 14 Air Fragrance Edition laptop, powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor. One of the unique aspects of this laptop is its built-in “fragrance box.” Users can insert scent tablets into the computer for a personalized aroma while they work. The laptop is also aesthetically unique with a “Golden Pink” color scheme.

ASUS A-Bean 14 Air Fragrance Edition

ASUS A-Bean 14 Air Fragrance Edition laptop features:

The laptop features a 14-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 2880×1800 and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) makes sure the display is smooth whether you’re watching videos or gaming. The keyboard and touchpad are designed to be silent.

ASUS A-Bean 14 Air Fragrance Edition

Along with its distinctive design, the A-Bean 14 Air Fragrance Edition is built to handle demanding tasks. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor and AMD Radeon 880M graphics card ensure the laptop can handle both work and entertainment with ease. It also features an NPU unit with up to 50 TOPS of computing power, adding advanced AI capabilities to the device. It comes with 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 1TB solid-state drive, giving users plenty of power and storage.

ASUS has included a dual-fan dual-heat pipe cooling system to keep things running smoothly, which supports up to 50W of performance. The A-Bean 14 Air Fragrance Edition is equipped with a 75Wh battery, offering a solid amount of usage time. It also includes ASUS Flash Charge, allowing for quick recharging when needed.

Pricing & availability

The A-Bean 14 Air Fragrance Edition is priced at 8,999 yuan and will be available for purchase starting October 1 in China. It is unclear if ASUS has any plant to launch this laptop outside of China.

In other news, ASUS has also launched the ZenBook 14 Air in China, featuring a CNC-milled metal body available in Snow White or Mountain Gray. The laptop boasts a 14-inch 2.8K 120Hz Lumina OLED display, an Intel Core Ultra 7-258V processor, and a 72Wh battery offering up to 22 hours of use.

(Source)

Honor MagicBook X 16 2025 Combat Edition Launched, Starts at $500

Honor has quietly released MagicBook X 16 2025 Combat Edition in China. The new model arrives less than a year after the launch of the 2024 series. For the unaware, the last gen debuted in December 2023.

However, it is worth noting that the latest laptop is labeled ‘Combat Edition’ and not the regular X 16 2025, which may arrive later. This so-called edition is actually a downgrade from the X 16 2024.

Therefore, it is priced lower and comes in Starry Gray color instead of Glacier Silver. It not only has a less powerful chip but also a lower-capacity battery as well. Apart from these differences, the new notebook is the same as the old one.

Honor MagicBook X 16 2025 Combat Edition

1. Honor MagicBook X 16 2025 Combat Edition Specifications

The laptop is powered by a 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor and ships with Microsoft Windows 11 operating system. This chip is paired with 16GB LPDDR4x 4266MHz RAM and up to 1TB SSD.

The device has a metal unibody design weighing 1.68kg and measuring 17.9mm in thickness. It sports a 16-inch IPS LCD screen with a 16:10 aspect ratio. This display offers a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, a 60Hz refresh rate, and 300 nits peak brightness level.

On the connectivity front, the notebook comes with WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC, It has 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, 1 x full-functioned USB Type-C port, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Further, the laptop features a 720 webcam, dual speakers, and dual microphones. It is fitted with a full-size keyboard (featuring a dedicated numpad) and a 5-point touchpad.

Lastly, the device is backed by a 42Wh battery with support for 65W charging.

2. Honor MagicBook X 16 2025 Combat Edition Price

The Honor MagicBook X 16 2025 Combat Edition carries the following price tags in China.

  • 16GB + 512GB – ¥3,499 (~$500)
  • 16GB + 1TB – ¥3,799 (~$540)

The product is currently up for pre-order and will go on sale from September 30.

Should You Buy Xiaomi 14 Civi Under Rs 40,000?

The Xiaomi 14 Civi launched as an affordable model from the brand’s premium Xiaomi 14 series. For a relatively cheaper price tag, the company offered some top notch specs and features, making it a budget flagship device. Now, the cost of the Xiaomi 14 Civi has been reduced, bringing it under 40,000 INR. But is it worth your hard earned money? Let’s find out.

Xiaomi 14 Civi Deal

The Chinese tech giant first announced the Xiaomi 14 Civi for a starting price tag of 42,999 INR for the 8GB + 256GB option. Meanwhile, the 12GB + 512GB configuration costs 47,999 INR. In its latest deal, the company is offering the base model for just 40,999 INR and the high-end option for 45,999 INR. But that’s not all, there is also an instant discount of 3,000 INR for ICICI and HDFC card holders, which brings the price down to just 37,999 INR and 42,999 INR respectively. Buyers can also avail a no cost EMI option and a 3,000 INR exchange bonus as well.

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Xiaomi 14 Civi
Xiaomi 14 Civi

Is it Worth Buying?

The short answer is yes! Xiaomi’s 14 Civi is a great smartphone for this price tag. It is one of those steal deals in this segment. It sports a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and 3,000 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, the smartphone is equipped with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. On the rear, buyers also get a Leica lenses on a 50-megapixel triple camera setup. The front houses two 32-megapixel sensors for selfies and video calls.

The Xiaomi 14 Civi is powered by a 4,700mAh battery pack that supports 67W wired fast charging. Other notable features include Android 14 OS based HyperOS, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, vegan leather or glass back options, and in-display fingerprint scanner. All in all, it’s a great package with capable hardware that punches above its weight.

Redmi K80 to pack a massive 6500mAh battery and telephoto lens

Redmi is set to launch its new Note 14 Pro series smartphones in China this week. Following that, the company is likely to introduce new devices from the K80 series, in November or December. 

The K80 line is initially expected to include a vanilla Redmi K80 and a Pro model. Now in a new leak, a few key details of the standard Redmi K80 have surfaced which also includes mention of a big battery.

The leak comes from Weibo tipster Smart Pikachu, who suggests that the Redmi K80 will feature “flagship waterproof” capabilities. Last year’s Redmi K70 and the Pro model lacked any sort of waterproofing, so it’s a welcome upgrade for the K80. 

We expect an IP68 rating at the very least, and possibly even an IP69 rating, especially since even the more affordable Redmi Note 14 Pro has already been confirmed to have an IP69 rating.

Moving on, the tipster claims the smartphone will have a telephoto lens capable of also shooting macro shots. If true, this is another noteworthy upgrade from the Redmi K70, which has a triple rear camera but without a telephoto lens. The back of the phone is said to be made of glass, and white could be one of the color options for it. 

Last but not least, the leak mentions that a 6500mAh battery will power the phone. Big battery, especially in the range of 6000mAh, seems to be a trend for smartphones in 2024. Several flagship devices are rumored to include batteries in this range, and even Redmi’s own Note 14 Pro+ is confirmed to have a 6200mAh cell.

Besides this, a previous report suggests that the Redmi K80 may house a 2K OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. 

The K80 will launch alongside its Pro sibling, which is also expected to have the same chipset and display but may differ in charging and battery capacity.

There is a possibility that the K80 and K80 Pro could be rebranded as the Poco F7 and F7 Pro in markets outside of China.

Xiaomi Unveils Mouse X1: A Gaming Mouse with 26,000 DPI optical sensor & 8,000 Hz polling rate

Xiaomi has introduced its latest gaming accessory, the Mouse X1, aimed at providing a solid option for competitive gamers with its practical features and ergonomic design.

Xiaomi Mouse X1

The Mouse X1 comes with a 26,000 DPI optical sensor, offering precise tracking and accurate aiming. It also features an 8,000 Hz polling rate for fast response times, while the TTC optical switches deliver a satisfying, tactile click. Weighing in at 65g, the mouse is designed for comfort, with a grip that suits various play styles.

Xiaomi Mouse X1

With a 530mAh battery, the Mouse X1 can run for up to 110 hours on a single charge in 2.4GHz wireless mode with a 1,000 Hz polling rate. Users can also save customized settings directly on the mouse, making it easy to switch between configurations.

Additional features include a smart USB wireless receiver, a USB adapter with a data cable, large Teflon foot pads, and Windows driver support.

Pricing & availability

The Mouse X1 will be available through crowdfunding starting today at 10 AM, with a retail price of 299 yuan ($42) and a special crowdfunding price of 279 yuan ($40).

In other news, Xiaomi has recently launched its first Mini LED gaming monitor for the international market, the Mini LED Gaming Monitor G Pro 27i. Originally introduced in China as the Redmi Display G Pro 27, it features a 27-inch QHD IPS panel with a 180Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync support for smooth gaming.

The standout feature is its Mini LED backlight with 1,152 local dimming zones, achieving 1,000 nits peak brightness and VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification, offering deeper blacks and brighter highlights. The monitor also delivers high color accuracy, with factory calibration to ΔE<2 and wide color gamut coverage (97% Adobe RGB, 99% DCI-P3, and 100% sRGB).

(Source)

Redmi Note 14 Pro+ debuts the Snapdragon 7s Gen3 chip

The Redmi Note 14 Pro series is set to be launched on September 26. However, ahead of the official launch, Xiaomi China’s deputy general manager of marketing and Redmi brand general manager Wang Teng reveals the chipset of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+.

While the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ was previously expected to come with the Dimensity 7350 chipset, the official confirmed that the phone is going to be the first to pack the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. According to the general manager of the Redmi brand, the goal was to ensure a smooth daily experience, which has prompted the company to use the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 to meet the processing requirements.

The chipset is also built with AI-related processing in mind and offers a 30% improvement in this category. Speaking of raw performance, the company claims that the phone will be able to maintain stable performance in “Honor of Kings”.

This new chipset reportedly scores around 1170 and 3150 in Geekbench single and multi-core tests respectively. For context, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is based on the Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra chipset, which scored 1128 and 2710 on the same tests. So the successor should offer an improved performance in applications that require a lot of processing power such as multitasking, and gaming.

Based on previous rumors, the phone may also adopt a large 6200 mAh battery, which should offer a significant improvement in battery life as compared to its predecessor.

Notably, Redmi is also rumored to be using silicon-carbon battery technology, which offers high energy density and enables the phone to remain significantly slimmer and lighter despite packing a large capacity. According to a report from ITHome, the battery has an energy density of 814Wh/L, which is known as the “strongest Xiaomi Jinshajiang battery”. Surprisingly, the number is higher than what Oppo revealed to be the energy density of the battery for the upcoming Find X8 series. All things concerned, the Redmi Note 14 Pro series indeed looks like a worthy successor to the Redmi Note 13 series.

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ has already been unboxed and the images have surfaced on the web ahead of its launch, which shows the refreshed camera design in detail. It also confirms that the phone supports 90W fast charging.

(Source)

Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 “For Galaxy” variant appears on Geekbench, scores lower than expected

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 series has been in the headlines quite often this month. It’s another day of it, and today the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has made an appearance on Geekbench, revealing what it could have in store in terms of performance. 

Since Samsung uses custom “Snapdragon for Galaxy” chips in its flagship S-series phones, the chip that appeared with S25 Ultra is also likely the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 “for Galaxy” variant. 

On Geekbench, the Galaxy S25 Ultra scored 3,096 and 9,080 points in single-core and multi-core tests, respectively. These numbers aren’t as high for Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 since we’ve seen it perform better in OnePlus 13 where it managed to churn out scores of 3,296 and 10,049 in single and multi-core tests, respectively.

However, it’s important to remember that these are likely early benchmarks and there are still optimizations need to be done to improve performance.

With Android 15 on board and plenty of time before the phone’s expected launch in early 2025, Samsung and Qualcomm have room to refine the chip’s performance for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The Geekbench listing also reveals some differences between the chips in Samsung and OnePlus models. Surprisingly, the Samsung version has slightly downclocked cores. 

The performance cores, which handle demanding tasks, run at 4.19 GHz, compared to 4.32 GHz on the OnePlus 13. Similarly, the efficiency cores, designed for lighter tasks, are clocked at 2.90 GHz, lower than the 3.53 GHz seen in the OnePlus version. 

This could be one of the reasons the S25 Ultra scored less in Geekbench than the OnePlus 13. On the bright side, the benchmark’s back-end code reveals that the chip was able to maintain its boost clock without any throttling. So that’s nice. 

As we mentioned earlier, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is still months away from its expected January launch. Samsung has plenty of time to make improvements and boost its overall performance. 

For now, the company is preparing for the upcoming launch of its new tablets and the S24 FE smartphone on September 26 — this Thursday. 

Why Motorola phones are great, but these fixes could make them unstoppable

As a tech reviewer, I’ve seen Motorola make significant strides in recent years, positioning themselves as a major player in the smartphone industry. Their hardware is excellent, offering sleek designs, robust performance, and features that rival their competitors.

However, there are still a few key areas where Motorola could improve, particularly in their software and user experience, which could ultimately boost their overall sales and customer retention. Here are a few things I believe Motorola should address.

Moto Edge 50 Ultra

1. Native Gallery App Is a Necessity

One of the most notable drawbacks of Motorola phones is the absence of a dedicated gallery app. Motorola users have to rely on Google Photos, which while functional, doesn’t cater to every user’s needs, especially in the current AI-driven era where every major OEM is focusing on offering more personalized and feature-rich gallery experiences. For example, Google Photos’ heavy reliance on cloud storage isn’t always ideal, especially for users who prefer keeping their media offline.

Introducing a native gallery app would align Motorola with competitors and provide users with a more integrated, offline-friendly option. It would also give Motorola an opportunity to showcase unique features, such as AI-driven photo organization or editing tools, enhancing the overall user experience.

2. Refining the Camera App Experience

While Motorola’s cameras have improved in terms of hardware, the same can’t be said about the camera app. The app’s UI is not as smooth or intuitive as it could be. Moving between different modes can feel sluggish, and the overall user interface feels a bit dated compared to other OEMs. By optimizing the app’s performance and modernizing its design, Motorola could make the camera experience more fluid and enjoyable. After all, in today’s market, a smooth, user-friendly camera experience is just as important as the hardware itself.

3. Shifting to Flat Displays

The Motorola Edge series previously leaned heavily into curved displays, which, while aesthetically appealing, have practical drawbacks. Curved screens are more prone to accidental touches and cracks, making them less durable in the long term. The move towards flat displays, as seen in the Edge 50 Neo, is a step in the right direction. Most users prefer the practicality and durability of flat displays, and if Motorola continues in this direction, they’ll likely appeal to a broader audience.

4. Commitment to Software Updates

One of Motorola’s best recent moves is its commitment to software updates, with the Edge 50 Neo being promised 5 OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates. This is a huge leap forward, as users increasingly prioritize long-term software support when purchasing a phone. By expanding this policy across more of its lineup, Motorola can build stronger customer loyalty, encouraging users to stick with the brand for their future upgrades.

5. Catering to the Gaming Community

Motorola primarily targets balanced users who engage in casual gaming, but the growing demand for gaming-focused smartphones presents an opportunity for the brand. Instead of prioritizing durability at lower price points, Motorola could consider offering devices with more powerful chipsets that enhance overall daily performance and cater to gamers.

Additionally, developing a budget-friendly gaming phone could attract a large user base, especially with titles like Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG Mobile driving the mobile gaming market. A phone tailored for gaming, with features like high refresh rate displays, improved cooling systems, and gaming-optimized software, could help Motorola tap into this rapidly growing segment, boosting sales and brand appeal among younger audiences.

6. Conclusion

So addressing these issues like the lack of a native gallery app, refining the camera app, continuing with flat or maybe slightly less curved displays, maintaining long-term software support, and adding thoughtful software tweaks could elevate the Motorola user experience. These changes would not only improve customer satisfaction but also boost long-term sales as users come to trust Motorola as a brand that listens to their needs and adapts accordingly.

Redmi Note 14 Pro+ vs Redmi Note 13 Pro+: 5 major upgrades revealed

Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is all set to make its debut on Sept. 26 in China. As the moniker goes, it will succeed the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, which debuted around the same time last year in the home market. In addition to a report that spilled a lot of announcements about the Redmi Note 14 Pro+, Redmi has also confirmed a couple of details about the smartphone. The details that have emerged so far suggest that the Note 14 Pro+ will be a comprehensive upgrade over the Redmi Note 13 Pro+. Here’s a look at the 5 major upgrades that will be available on the Note 14 Pro+.

1. improved performance, thanks to Snapdragon 7s Gen 3

Redmi Note 14 Pro+ Snapdragon 7s Gen 3
Redmi Note 14 Pro+ features Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip

Redmi has confirmed that the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ will be the world’s first smartphone to feature the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. The inclusion of the new chip will offer smoother performance, a new generation of AI experience, and less power consumption. It will support 120fs mode in the “Honor of Kings” game, offering a stable high frame rates experience.

To recall, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ came equipped with the Dimensity 7200 Ultra, which is also a 4nm chip featuring six Cortex-A510 cores working at 2.0GHz and two Cortex-A715 cores operating at 2.8GHz. Since the SD7sG3 is a brand-new chip, with no benchmark performance available, it is difficult to make a fair comparison between the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 and the older Dimensity 7200 Ultra.

However, the Snapdragon chip in the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ may offer better performance due to its advanced architecture featuring a combination of high-efficiency and high-performance cores. Apart from the performance boost, the SD 7s Gen 3 may be more efficient for gaming and multitasking than the Dimensity chip.

Like the Note 13 Pro+, its successor is expected to come in multiple variants, such as 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, and 16GB+512GB.

2. Huge 6,200mAh battery

Redmi Note 14 Pro+ battery
Redmi Note 14 Pro+ packs 6,200mAh battery

The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ featured a 5,000mAh battery with 120W rapid charging, whereas the upcoming Note 14 Pro+ will have a single-cell 6,200mAh silicon battery. It will also support 90W fast charging.

The larger battery capacity of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ ensures prolonged usage on a single charge, which is advantageous for heavy users. Additionally, using silicon technology in the battery can improve overall efficiency and longevity compared to the standard battery in the Note 13 Pro+. The 90W rapid charging does not suggest a significant downgrade considering the substantial increase in battery capacity.

The larger battery will increase the weight of the Note 14 Pro+ to around 212 grams and the thickness to 9.36mm. In comparison, the Note 13 Pro+ with a smaller battery weighs around 200 to 204 grams and has a thinner body, measuring

3. New telephoto camera

Redmi Note 14 Pro+
Redmi Note 14 Pro+ image by ITHome

The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is poised to elevate the camera experience significantly compared to its predecessor. While the Note 13 Pro+ boasted an impressive 200-megapixel (main, OIS) + 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 2-megapixel (macro) triple camera setup, the Note 14 Pro+ shifts focus on overall versatility and quality.

The new 50-megapixel main camera, coupled with a wider f/1.6 aperture, promises superior low-light photography and potentially improved dynamic range. But the real game-changer is the addition of a dedicated telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom, which reliable tipster Digital Chat Station has revealed.  This will enable users to capture crisp, detailed shots of distant subjects without relying solely on digital zoom, a feature notably absent in the Note 13 Pro+.

While the ultra-wide lens’ specifications remain unconfirmed, there’s a possibility that the camera setup of the Note 14 Pro+ will have a dedicated camera for ultra-wide shots. Overall, these enhancements indicate a camera system geared towards delivering a more well-rounded and flexible photography experience.

4. Improved durability

Redmi Note 14 Pro+images by ITHome

The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ features a layer of Gorilla Glass Victus protecting its display, a curved glass back, a plastic frame, and an IP68-rated chassis. In comparison, the Note 14 Pro+ will continue to feature a curved-edge display like the Note 13 Pro+, but it will have the newer Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on top. It seems that the black and white editions of the Note 14 Pro+ will have Gorilla Glass Victus protection. Additionally, the Note 14 Pro+ is expected to arrive with an IP69 level of dust and water resistance.

With the upgrade to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and a higher IP rating, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ promises even better durability than its predecessor, ensuring greater peace of mind for users.

5. Refreshing design

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (left) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (right)
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ (left) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (right)

The rear design of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ appeared to be a refinement of what was seen in the Redmi Note 12 series. However, official images of the Note 14 Pro+ reveal a new squircle camera module that enhances its overall look. There does not seem to be a significant change in the front design, as both phones feature a curved-edge AMOLED screen with slim bezels. The Note 14 Pro+ is confirmed to arrive in three shades: Moon Porcelain White, Midnight Black, and Star Sand Green.

Galaxy S24 FE official unboxing video confirms its most important details

The Galaxy S25 hype train is already building steam, but before we get there, Samsung has one more phone to launch in 2024: the Galaxy S24 FE. We’ve seen rumors and leaks, but now a seemingly official unboxing video has surfaced, courtesy of Evan Blass on platform X (formerly Twitter).

The unboxing video is one of Samsung’s own work to market the Galaxy S24 FE. And the unboxing itself is light on surprises. We can see the box has a SIM tool, a quick start guide, and a USB-C cable – no charger included, unsurprisingly. But the video does confirm some key specs and color options for the S24 FE.

The smartphone will be available in a total of five colors — blue, graphite, gray, mint, and yellow, just as previous leaks suggested. Its frame will be made of aluminium and you’ll get Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection on the front. Inside, it packs a decent-sized 4,700mAh battery which will likely support 25W wired charging.  

Camera specs get a quick rundown too, confirming a 50MP wide-angle lens, 12MP ultra-wide, 8MP 3x telephoto zoom, and a 10MP selfie camera – all details we’ve already heard through the rumor mill.  

The video also confirms that the phone will be powered by Exynos 2400e processor. We’ve also been hearing rumors about a Snapdragon variant in some markets, details of which are unclear at the moment.  

The display also gets an upgrade, with Samsung highlighting a larger and brighter panel compared to the S23 FE. However, details on the exact size and refresh rate remain unclear.

Now the big question is will the S24 FE still be the value champion for those who want a flagship experience at an affordable price? The leaked video doesn’t reveal pricing, but rumors suggest the smartphone could see a $50 price hike this year. That is, the base 128GB model might retail for $649, while the 256GB variant will cost $709.

Pricing details are still not confirmed. But if Samsung does increase it, what do you think? Is the S24 FE could be a worthy successor?

Oppo Find X8 is lighter than its predecessor despite having a much larger battery

Many of the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and Dimensity 9400-powered flagships will pack much larger batteries than their predecessors. However, while the battery life is expected to improve, many people are concerned about the weight and in-hand experience of the upcoming flagships.

According to previous rumors, the Oppo Find X8 packs a 5700 mAh battery, which is a significant upgrade compared to the 5000 mAh battery of the predecessor. There were comments on social media platforms asking if the weight had surpassed 200g. In the latest news, the product manager of the Oppo Find X8 series has shared an image confirming that the phone weighs less than 200 grams despite packing a larger battery.

He mentioned that the Oppo Find N2 was one of the first devices to focus on weight reduction strategies. The company has reportedly adopted similar strategies to reduce the weight of the Oppo Find X8 lineup. While he specifically talked about the base model, we can also expect the Find X8 Pro and Find X8 Ultra to be lighter than expected.

But how is this possible? Well, Oppo is using high-density silicon anode batteries for the Find X8 series. For those unfamiliar, this is the same battery technology that has been used to manufacture extremely thin batteries for phones such as the Honor Magic V3. It was previously revealed that Oppo’s new battery tech offers higher energy density (an industry-leading 763Wh/L) compared to traditional graphite batteries. In comparison, the Oppo Find X7 weighs 202 g with its 5000 mAh battery.

In terms of performance, both the Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro will be powered by the Dimensity 9400 chipset, which is officially confirmed to launch on October 9. The chipset is rumored to pack much-improved graphics performance as compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the A18 Pro that powers the iPhone 16 Pro models. So, paired with the larger battery, users can expect a reasonable improvement in gaming performance as compared to the Oppo Find X7.

Massive Discounts on Galaxy M and Galaxy F Series this Festive Season in India

Along with the OnePlus, Oppo, and other major smartphone manufacturers, Samsung has some exciting discounts for the festive season in India. The Korean giant offers splendid offers on the Galaxy M and Galaxy F series smartphones. Interested users can grab the Galaxy M35, at a Rs 6,000 discount, while the Galaxy F05 retails for Rs 6499. Let’s dive in for more details:

Amazon Great Indian Festival Deals for Galaxy M and Galaxy F Series Smartphones

Samsung is offering hefty discounts on the mid-range M Series and Galaxy F series smartphones. Precisely, the Galaxy M35 5G smartphone, which usually retails for the price of Rs 19,999, is now retailing for the price of Rs 13,999. It is an affordable smartphone that packs a 6.6-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display, a triple camera module consisting of a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. Further, there’s a 13MP selfie camera. It is powered with the Samsung Exynos 1380 Octa Core chipset.

Furthermore, there’s a Galaxy M05, which is now available for Rs 6,499, and usually, it is up for grabs at Rs 7,999. The smartphone bundles a 5000 mAh battery and comes in a 4GB RAM and 64GB storage model.

Interested users can also grab the Samsung Galaxy F05 for the price of Rs 6,499, with a slight design and specs change in comparison with the Samsung Galaxy M05.

The sale will begin this weekend for all the users, and a few hours prior for the Prime users.

Samsung is preparing to release a new camera update for the Galaxy S23 Ultra

Following the release of One UI 6.1.1, some Galaxy S23 Ultra users complained about the camera taking blurry photos. When you took photos with a zoom between 16x and 19.9x, the images were rendered in a blurry manner. This is a problem that shouldn’t exist for a flagship as important as the S23 Ultra. Samsung subsequently rolled back the One UI 6.1.1 update and the brand is now working on a new update.

A new test build on the Samsung OTA server spotted for Galaxy S23 Ultra

Following the camera bugs in Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1 update, a moderator on the Samsung forum said that a new camera update is being prepared for the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Immediately after this announcement, a new test build was spotted on the Samsung OTA server. The version of this test build is S918BXXU6CXI1. S918 indicates the Galaxy S23 Ultra, XI indicates September 2024 and 1 indicates the first test build. Samsung is expected to fix bugs in the camera with the new update.

Someone with the username Alfatürk has revealed that Samsung is testing the new update for the Galaxy S23 Ultra. A few days after the Galaxy S23 Ultra received One UI 6.1.1, the update was rolled back. I’m currently running the One UI 6.1.1 update on my personal device and haven’t experienced any major problems other than the camera issue. We can expect Samsung to release the new camera update shortly, probably next month.

Unfortunately, the brand does not provide official release dates for the update, but it’s good news that the test build has been revealed. The Galaxy S23 Ultra was launched in 2023 and was one of the best Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC smartphones. It came with a 200MP high-resolution rear camera on the back. Although this camera bug is upsetting users, Samsung is working quickly to fix the problem.

MediaTek Dimensity 9400 launch date officially confirmed

MediaTek has officially announced that its Dimensity 9400 flagship chipset will be launched on October 9. The “AI Chip Leap” slogan for the chipset suggests that it will enable upcoming flagships such as the Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro to offer more demanding AI features.

The Dimensity 9400 will continue the all-large-core CPU design of its predecessor and adopt the ARM ‘BlackHawk’ CPU architecture, which reportedly offers improved performance. For fabrication, Mediatek is using TSMC’s N3E (3nm) process node.

The Dimensity 9400 uses a 3.63 GHz Cortex-X925 super core, 3 2.80 GHz X4 large cores, and 4 2.10 GHz A725 cores. For graphics, it uses the Mali-G925-Immortalis MC12. The chipset also reportedly supports the industry’s fastest 10.7Gbps LPDDR5X memory, which should enable smartphones to offer faster loading times for heavy apps and games.

According to NanoReview, the chipset scores 2874 and 8969 in Geekbench single and multi-core tests respectively. Speaking of graphics, the chipset reached 134fps in the GFX Aztec 1440P off-screen Vulkan test, which is 86% higher than the Apple A18 Pro that powers the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. It suggests that the upcoming chipset from MediaTek has the potential to offer a major improvement in gaming performance.

It’s worth mentioning that the score was also 41% higher than last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station also previously revealed that the GPU performance was 30% higher than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the 3D Mark test while the power consumption was 40% lower.

The ray tracing performance has been improved by nearly 20% compared with the previous generation. MediaTek offered a strong graphics performance last year and this year seems to be no different. The company is also working on a new ray tracing technology for its smartphone chips, which is reportedly comparable to the top ray tracing technology OMM (ray tracing accelerator) on PC. Not to mention, it has the potential to enable smartphone makers to take the graphics quality in games to the next level.

Xiaomi 15 Pro passes 3C certification

Following the Xiaomi 15, the Xiaomi 15 Pro has also passed the 3C certification, indicating that the devices will be introduced soon. The Xiaomi 15 series will be launched in October. This will happen right after Qualcomm unveils the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is Qualcomm’s flagship SoC and Xiaomi will be the first to use this chip. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 15 series comes with 90W fast charging support. This is a significant drop compared to the Xiaomi 14 Pro’s 120W fast charging support. But we think that the brand can reduce charging time with some optimizations.

Xiaomi 15 series, HyperOS 2, and more to come

Xiaomi is working on more than one thing. These include the Xiaomi 15 series, HyperOS 2, and new tri-fold smartphones. While the brand is working on so many things, it never avoids conducting quality control tests of its devices on a regular basis. Now, the Xiaomi 15 Pro has successfully passed the 3C certification and the model number is exactly the same as the previous leaked model number: 2410DPN6CC.

We see that the Xiaomi 15 Pro has 90W fast charging support like the Redmi Note 14 Pro+. The Chinese manufacturer has reduced the fast charging level for some reason in its new generation devices. The previous Xiaomi 14 Pro had 120W fast charging support.

Apart from these, Xiaomi 15 series will come with HyperOS 2.0 pre-installed. HyperOS 2.0 will be based on Android 15. Currently, Xiaomi has released HyperOS Enhanced Beta, and this version is actually a preview of HyperOS 2.0. HyperOS 2 is highly anticipated by Xiaomi users and its official launch in October is not long away.

Xiaomi HyperOS Enhanced Beta could be a preview of HyperOS 2

Xiaomi has released the new HyperOS Enhanced Beta and there are signs that the current beta is an early look at HyperOS 2.0. This software update is called HyperOS Enhanced Beta and contains files that hint at the next major release. One of the files in the update is called “MiLinkOS2CN.apk” and the “OS2” part of the name indicates that it is related to HyperOS 2.0. This suggests that we are extremely close to HyperOS 2.0.

HyperOS Enhanced Beta is actually a preview of HyperOS 2

HyperOS 2.0 is expected to be announced in October, but this beta seems to be a preview of the upcoming HyperOS 2. It looks like Xiaomi is using this update to test some new features that will be included in the final release. Many users believe that this beta is not just a minor update, but a preview of the next major release of Xiaomi’s software. This means that those who use the Enhanced Beta get an early look at the new changes before anyone else.

You must be seeing the photos above. These photos show the applications in the system part of HyperOS Enhanced Beta. The “OS2” in the package names of the applications points to HyperOS 2.0, indicating that a new HyperOS version is coming in the near future.

HyperOS is being seen as a big step forward from Xiaomi’s older software, MIUI. MIUI has been the user interface on Xiaomi devices for many years, but now it looks like Xiaomi is ready to introduce something more advanced. HyperOS is expected to be more polished, with better performance and new features that work more smoothly across different Xiaomi devices. Xiaomi wants to create an ecosystem where all its products, like smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices, work well together. HyperOS 2.0 could be the key to making this happen.

While this beta release is already exciting for some users, it is a preview and not the full release of HyperOS 2.0. More features and improvements are expected when HyperOS 2 is officially released in October. But the current beta is already raising expectations. People are excited about the new optimizations and improvements that could come with the final release. This could mean better speed, smoother user experience, and new tools to make Xiaomi devices more enjoyable to use.

Currently, the HyperOS Enhanced Beta is only available for Xiaomi 14. However, Xiaomi has announced that the new beta will soon be available for more devices. This includes the Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4” tablet and the Redmi K60 Ultra. Once the beta is available for these devices, more users will be able to test the new version and experience the new features for themselves.

Source: XiaomiTime.com

Redmi Note 14 Pro+ unboxed, key specifications, real-life images emerge before launch

Ahead of the Sept. 26 launch event, Redmi has been gradually revealing key details about the Redmi Note 14 series of smartphones. Surprisingly, the Chinese publication ITHome published an article on the unboxing of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+. The report revealed some details about the device that the company has not yet confirmed. However, the report has since been taken down. Here’s a look at the images and details mentioned in the report.

Redmi Note 14 Pro+ unboxed

Redmi Note 14 Pro+

The Star Sand Green color variant of the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is shown in the real-life images in this post. The overall design of the device deviates from the company’s K series of smartphones. The back of the phone has a sparkling texture under light, made from curved Corning Gorilla Glass, which is said to be twice as strong as the previous generation. The camera island has a squircle design adorned with polished metal, enhancing its texture.

Redmi Note 14 Pro+

The Note 14 Pro+ sports a 6.67-inch 1.5K OLED screen with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. While the bottom bezel is slightly thick, the top and side bezels are narrow and appear to be of equal width, with a center-hole front camera. The curved screen and backplate, along with the middle frame, create a comfortable hand feel and a thinner visual appearance.

Redmi Note 14 Pro+

The report states that the Note 14 Pro+ packs a 6,200mAh battery and supports 90W rapid charging. Finally, the phone measures 162.53 x 74.67 x 9.36mm in thickness (excluding the camera module), and weighs 212 grams.

Redmi Note 14 Pro+

The images also suggest that the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ is equipped with an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel triple camera setup, dual speakers, an IR blaster, and an in-screen fingerprint scanner. The brand has already confirmed it will offer up to IP69-level dust and water resistance. Apart from the green variant, the Note 14 Pro+ will also be available in Moon Porcelain White and Midnight Black. According to reports, the device may come equipped with the Dimensity 7350 chipset.

Redmi Note 14 Pro+

The white-colored retail package of the device includes the handset, a silicone protective case, a SIM ejector pin, a charging cable, and a 90W fast charger.

Redmi Note 14 Pro+

(via)

Oppo Find X8 Pro to release in multiple markets, including India

At the beginning of this year, Oppo unveiled the Find X7 and Find X7 Ultra in China. However, the company did not release them in the global market. There have been speculations that the Find X8 series will be released in the global market. The Find X8, which bears the CPH2651 model number, has already been certified in Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Europe. A fresh development reveals that the Find X8 Pro will also be released in multiple markets, including India.

Global Oppo Find X8 Pro receives multiple certifications

Oppo Find X8 Pro BIS certified in India

An Oppo phone with model number CPH2659 has been spotted in the databases of certification platforms such as Europe’s ECC, Singapore’s IMDA, Indonesia’s TKDN, and India’s BIS. While the device has not yet appeared on Thailand’s NBTC platform, it has been listed on another Indonesian certification platform, SDPPI.

Oppo Find X8 Pro certified by Indonesia’s SDPPI

The SDPPI listing confirms that the CPH2659 will be marketed as the Oppo Find X8 Pro when it arrives in the market. These certifications clearly hint that the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro will be released in multiple markets across the globe. Both devices will come equipped with the Dimensity 9400, which is MediaTek’s next-generation flagship chipset.

The Chinese variants of the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro have PKB110 and PKC110 model numbers. The Find X8 Pro Satellite Communication Version, which is expected to support two-way satellite connectivity, has the PKC130 model number. The satellite connectivity may not launch outside of China.

The Find X8 lineup is expected to debut on Oct. 21 in China. With multiple certifications under their belts, it appears that the Find X8 and X8 Pro may make their global market debut in the next few months.

The Find X8 series also includes another model named the Find X8 Ultra. Unlike other models, the Ultra variant is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset. This model is expected to break cover in the first quarter of 2025.

OnePlus 13 October launch hinted again, 100W charging revealed via 3C certification

Earlier this month, OnePlus China President Louis Lee hinted at the launch timeframe for the OnePlus 13. In a new Weibo post, Lee again alluded to the smartphone’s release schedule. Additionally, the OnePlus 13, identified by the PJZ110 model number, has received approval from the 3C authority, suggesting an imminent launch.

OnePlus 13 October launch confirmed

OnePlus’ Louis Lee confirms October launch for next flagship

In an interaction with a OnePlus fan, Louis Lee confirmed that OnePlus will launch its next flagship product in October. While he did not specify the name of the device, it appears that the OnePlus 13 will be announced, most likely towards the end of the said month. Reports have claimed that the company could be aiming to make it available for purchase during China’s Singles’ Day (Nov.  11) shopping festival.

OnePlus 13 3C certified

OnePlus 13 3C certified

Multiple reports have revealed that the OnePlus 13’s Chinese variant has the PJZ110 model number. Previously, the device was spotted in the databases of Geekbench and China’s MIIT certification. Now, the OP13 has received approval from the 3C regulatory body in China. The 3C listing reveals that the device may ship with a 100W fast charger.

Reports have claimed that the OnePlus 13 will house a 6,000mAh battery and support 50W wireless charging. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4-powered smartphone is expected to ship with 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, up 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage, and ColorOS 15-based Android 15. It may feature a 6.8-inch OLED 8T LTPO BOE X2 display with a quad-micro-curved design. The screen is expected to offer a 2K resolution, a 120z refresh rate, and an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor.

The OP13 will have a 32-megapixel front camera, and a 50-megapixel (LYT-808, OIS) + 50-megapixel (LYT-600, ultra-wide) + 50-megapixel (LYT-600, 3x periscope) triple camera setup on the back. It is also expected to feature an IP69-rated body, an alert slider, a metallic frame, and a 0916 Turbo haptic motor.