Vivo unveils X200 Pro, X200 Pro mini as first Dimensity 9400 flagships

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Oct 14, 2024

Redmi launched the Note 14 Pro/Pro+ 5G devices towards the end of last month. However, the company is also working on the 4G versions of the devices, which will likely use different chipsets and come with a more affordable price tag. In the latest news, the 4G version of the Redmi Note 14 Pro has surfaced on the FCC listing with the model number 24116RACCG, revealing some details about the device.

The 4G version packs an FHD+ display and a 5500 mAh battery

Firstly, the phone will offer a 6.67″ POLED display that has FHD+ (1080 x 2400) resolution. For context, the 5G version offers a 6.67″ AMOLED display that has a slightly higher 1.5K (1220 x 2712) resolution.

The listing also confirms that the phone will come in four different storage and memory configurations – 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, and 12GB+512GB.

On the inside, the phone will pack a 5500mAh battery, the same as the 5G variant. Given the phone packs a slightly less capable chipset (that also consumes less power) the phone may even surpass its 5G counterpart in battery life, especially considering the lower resolution of the display. The FCC listing also suggests that we are nearing the launch date of the device. The phone has already made its appearance on the IMEI database.

The predecessor, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G, was launched in January this year with a 5000 mAh battery, support for 67W wired charging, and a 200 MP main camera.

That said, Redmi has switched to a more reasonable 50MP main sensor this year with the 5G version and will likely do the same with the 4G version as well.

According to a previous report, the phone could come with a MediaTek SoC, though the exact chipset has not been disclosed yet. For reference, the Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra chipset, while this year’s Note 14 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra.

(Via)

Oppo Enco X3 appears on official website with a refreshed design

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Oct 14, 2024

The Oppo Enco X3 TWS earphone is expected to launch with the Find X8 series on October 24 in China. Now the earphone has made its appearance on the company’s official website, which is going to succeed the Enco X2 launched in 2022. The official images also confirms two color options for the product – Beige and Black.

According to the listing, the Enco X3 TWS earphones will come in two different versions: wired charging and wireless charging.

The earbuds have a different design than the predecessor but retains the ‘L’ and ‘R’ marking for easier identification. The charging case appears to have a leather finish on the front and the back with OPPO logo printed on the front and a matte finish on the sides. Other than that, the overall design of the case is similar to its predecessor. A physical button is provided on the side, which offers the pairing functionality.

Audio and processing:

In terms of audio quality, the Enco X3 is rumored to feature dual drivers—an 11mm bass driver and a 6mm tweeter—for an enhanced listening experience. The earphones are also equipped with a custom dual DAC (digital-to-analog converter), along with 3 microphones and a VPU bone sensor for improved voice pickup.

A transmission rate of up to 1 Mbps, paired with support for 192kHz / 24bit lossless wireless transmission, is also expected. A previous report claims support for LHDC 5.0 and Bluetooth 5.4 for lossless yet reliable audio transmission.

As for the processing, the TWS uses the BES2700 chipset, which is also used by the recently released Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2. It is built for ultra-low power Bluetooth wearable devices that focuses on noise cancellation and AI-powered voice features.

With the chipset, the Enco X3 achieves 50dB adaptive active noise reduction, up from 45dB of its predecessor.

However, the battery remains very similar to its predecessor – 58mAh for the earbuds (up from 57mAh) and 566mAh for the charging case (same as its predecessor). It is paired with 10W wired and wireless charging, which is also same as the predecessor. Nonetheless, an improvement in battery life is expected with the new chipset.

Oppo Enco X3 could come with IP55 dust and water resistant rating, which is enough to protect the internals from sweat and rain.

(Via)

Oppo K12 series explained, Will the K12 Plus be rebranded as a OnePlus Nord series phone?

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Oct 14, 2024

Oppo recently unveiled the Oppo K12 Plus in China. The device slightly differs from the Oppo K12, which debuted in the first half of this year in the home market. Apart from the K12 and K12 Plus, the series has an entry-level model called the Oppo K12x. For those unaware, Oppo also offers a K12x with the Dimensity 6300 chip in India and select other markets. However, the K12x available in China has the Snapdragon 695 chip onboard.

Currently, the K12x, K12, and K12 Plus are priced at 1,099 Yuan (~$155), 1,899 Yuan (~$270), and 1,999 Yuan (~$280), respectively, in China. The K12x and K12 have already been rebranded as OnePlus Nord CE models in the global market. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether the K12 Plus will also make its debut as a OnePlus phone globally. Here is what the K12 series offers to the Chinese market.

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1. Oppo K12 series specifications

Oppo K12x

The Oppo K12x offers a 6.67-inch OLED FHD+ 120Hz display. The Snapdragon 695 chip, up to 12 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, and up to 512 GB of UFS 2.2 storage power it. The phone features a 50-megapixel main camera paired with a 2-megapixel depth sensor. With a 5,500 mAh battery and 80W fast charging, the K12x provides decent battery life and quick recharging capabilities.

Oppo K12

The Oppo K12 comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, The device is equipped with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip, up to 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and up to 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. Its camera setup includes an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel Sony LYT-600 main camera and an 8-megapixel Sony IM355 ultra-wide sensor. The K12 also features a 5,500 mAh battery with 100W fast charging, ensuring quick power topping up.

Oppo K12 Plus

The Oppo K12 Plus packs the same specs as the K12. However, it packs a bigger 6,400mAh silicon battery with support for 100W charging. It also has new features, such as no-network communication, an IR blaster, and NFC.

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2. Key Differences

Oppo K12

The key differences among the three models lie in their price, processor, camera capabilities, and charging speeds. The K12x is the most budget-friendly option, featuring a less powerful processor and a basic camera setup. The K12 offers a significant upgrade with a higher-resolution main camera and faster charging capabilities. The K12 Plus, while priced similarly to the K12, serves as a slight upgrade by providing a larger battery, which is its primary distinguishing factor.

3. What’s the K12 series all about?

Oppo K12 Plus

The Oppo K12 series offers affordable smartphones with impressive battery sizes and rapid charging capabilities. This series includes models that boast large batteries ranging from 5,500mAh to 6,400mAh with support for rapid charging, making them ideal for users needing extended usage without frequent recharges. Additionally, the series features high-quality screens, decent camera setups, and robust performance, providing a well-rounded experience for budget-conscious consumers.

4. Oppo K12 series rebranded as OnePlus phones globally

OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G

The Oppo K12x has been rebranded as the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite in markets outside of China. On the other hand, the Oppo K12 is available as the Nord CE 4 globally.

OnePlus’ Nord CE series models, usually include two models, a standard and a Lite model. As far as the Nord CE 4 series is concerned, the brand has already launched the standard Nord CE 4 and Nord CE 4 Lite. Hence, there is no clarity on whether the K12 Plus will be rebranded as a Nord CE 4 series phone in the global market.

Upcoming battle: Redmi K80, K8 Pro, OnePlus Ace 5, Ace 5 Pro, iQOO Neo 10, Neo 10 Pro, Realme GT Neo 7 launch timeframe tipped

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Oct 14, 2024

In this month, Vivo and Oppo will launch the Dimensity 9400-powered Vivo X200 series and the Oppo Find X8 lineup. By the end of the month, other brands will unveil the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered flagships, such as the Xiaomi 15 series, OnePlus 13, Honor Magic 7 series, and iQOO 13. A new leak by tipster Smart Pikachu suggests that sub-flagship phones from Redmi, OnePlus, iQOO, and Realme will launch in China in November and December of this year. Here’s a look at the details shared by the tipster.

Launch timeframe for upcoming sub-flagship phones tipped

According to the tipster, the Redmi K80 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip features a 2K flat OLED display and is expected to be a price killer. Competitors such as the OnePlus Ace 5, Realme GT Neo 7, and iQOO Neo 10 are also equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and feature OLED panels that offer a resolution of 1.5K.

The Redmi K80 Pro, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, will feature a 2K flat OLED screen, an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, and wireless charging. The OnePlus Ace 5 Pro and iQOO Neo 10 Pro will come with the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400, respectively. The displays on these phones will support a 1.5K resolution, and they are also said to pack larger batteries.

Other reports have revealed that the Realme GT Neo 7 will have an overclocked version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Reports also suggest that it supports 100W charging. The Neo 10 series is expected to pack 6,000mAh+ silicon batteries with support for over 100W charging.

The OnePlus Ace 5 series may feature 6,500mAh silicon batteries and support 100W charging. According to reports, the Redmi K80 Pro will come with a 6,000mAh battery that supports 100W charging and wireless charging. Last year, the Redmi K70 and K70 Pro packed the same 5,000mAh battery. Therefore, it is uncertain if the Redmi K80 will have a 6,000mAh battery similar to its Pro version. Since these are sub-flagship phones, they are inclined to deliver better performance for gaming and are unlikely to feature top-notch specs like their flagship counterparts launching in October.

Here’s how to watch Vivo X200 series event live

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Oct 14, 2024

Today’s the day, Vivo will finally take the wraps off of its X200 series smartphone. The line includes three models, a vanilla Vivo X200, a compact X200 Pro mini, and a top-of-the-line X200 Pro model.

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve learned quite a bit about these smartphones through leaks, certifications, and official channels, though not every detail has surfaced.

Vivo X200 series launch event live — Vivo X200

For the full reveal, we’ll have to wait for the launch event. If you’re also interested in watching the event live and wondering how to tune in, we’ve got you covered.

Here in this article, we will guide you on when and where you can watch the Vivo X200 series launch event.

Vivo X200 series launch: Watch the event live

For those following the launch from China, the launch event will be live-streamed on the company’s official website and on Vivo’s Billibilli channel.

On the other hand, global users can watch the event live on YouTube. The live stream will start at 4:30 PM IST, 7:20 AM EDT and 11:00 AM GMT.

Alongside the smartphone, Vivo will introduce two new power banks. One supports 45W fast charging, while the other is rated at 22.5W. However, Both models feature a built-in cable with two extra ports, allowing you to charge up to three devices at once—ideal for keeping your phone, tablet, and earbuds powered up on the go.

Vivo X200 series: What to expect

The Vivo X200 phones will be the first to feature the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset and will also be the first to ship with Android 15. As expected, they will continue to use Zeiss optics, like their predecessors.

All three models will have a flat frame and a circular camera module. The Pro models will feature a new 50MP Sony LYT-818 main camera, while the mini version will be thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro yet pack a larger 5,700mAh battery.

Pricing for the X200 series is expected to start at CNY 3,999 and go up to CNY 6,199.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s 200MP periscope telephoto camera’s details, launch timeframe tipped

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Oct 14, 2024

The Xiaomi 15 series includes three flagship models, namely the Xiaomi 15, 15 Pro, and 15 Ultra. All three phones are expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. While the standard and Pro models are expected to debut later this month, the Ultra model is expected to break cover in Q1 2025. While the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro are camera-focused flagships, the Ultra model is expected to offer an even better photography experience. Reports have claimed that it will be equipped with a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. A new leak that has emerged on Weibo has shed more information about this camera.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s 200MP camera detailed

Reports have claimed that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be equipped with the Samsung ISOCELL HP9 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. The same periscope zoom camera is available on the Vivo X100 Ultra, which debuted earlier this year in China.

As can be seen in the above screenshot, while the tipster has leaked the camera details of an upcoming phone, he has not specified its name. However, in all likelihood, he could be talking about the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The leak reveals that the 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera will offer a 100mm focal length, an f/2.6 aperture, and 4.3x optical zoom. The leaker did not share any information about the other specs.

A recent report claimed that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will feature the one-inch 50-megapixel LYT-900 primary camera with OIS support, a 50-megapixel Sony IMX858 ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel Sony IMX858 telephoto camera. While the 15 Ultra will feature a new periscope telephoto camera, the rest of the cameras are identical to those of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

In addition to leaking the periscope camera details, DCS has also hinted at the launch timeframe for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. According to his information, the device is scheduled to launch after the Lunar New Year, suggesting a release in February or at least within the first quarter of 2025.

Realme GT 7 Pro global variant tipped to surpass OnePlus 13 in HBM, powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite

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Oct 14, 2024

Tipster Digital Chat Station previously claimed that the global variant of the Realme GT 7 Pro uses a customized Samsung display, which is reportedly more expensive than the BOE display used in the Chinese variant. Now, the tipster reveals that this customized display offers a peak brightness (HBM) of 2000 nits globally, an increase from the 1600 nits seen on the Realme GT5 Pro.

Brighter than OnePlus 13 in direct sunlight

In comparison, the upcoming OnePlus 13‘s BOE X2 display is also rumored to offer the same 1600 nits of global peak brightness. For those unfamiliar, global peak brightness (or HBM) represents the brightness level the phone achieves in direct sunlight, which is the most important number to look for when it comes to visibility.

Speaking of the manual peak brightness, it reportedly remains the same as the GT 5 Pro (1000 nits). Unfortunately, the tipster didn’t reveal the local peak brightness (or simply peak brightness), which is only triggered in a small portion of the display when watching HDR content.

The phone also uses the yet-to-be-unveiled Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (or Snapdragon 8 Elite) chipset, which has already surfaced on Geekbench with top-notch performance. However, many people are concerned about the power efficiency and heating of the new chip as it boasts a totally different core architecture and reaches a clock speed as high as 4.32GHz.

Performance

A previous report claims the CPU reached over 98°C in normal usage. Most of the 2024 flagships (including those with Dimensity 9400) also pack massive batteries as compared to their predecessor. It could be due to the Cortex-X925 prime core.

That said, we will need to see how manufacturers tune the performance and thermal management.

Coming back to the Realme GT 7 Pro, it’s also rumored to pack a capacity exceeding 6,000mAh, the largest battery on a realme phone ever. According to DCS, it will be a 6-cell battery, which suggests rapid charging as all of them will be charged simultaneously. According to the 3C listing of the phone, it will come with a 120W charger in the box.

Following the current trend, realme has also adopted the silicon-carbon anode battery tech, which is expected to keep the phone relatively slick and lightweight despite the increased capacity.

The Realme GT 5 Pro was launched exclusively in the Chinese market on December 7 last year.

Oppo Pad 3 Pro is launching with Find X8 series on October 24, design, variants, color options confirmed

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Oct 14, 2024

Several reports have claimed that Oppo is working on a new tablet called the Oppo Pad 3 Pro. Today, the brand officially confirmed the arrival of the tablet by making it available for pre-orders. The device will go official alongside the Find X8 series of smartphones on Oct. 24 in China.

Oppo Pad 3 Pro pre-orders begin in China

The pre-orders of the Oppo Pad 3 Pro have started on platforms like Oppo Store in China and JD.com. These listings show that the tablet will be available in multiple options, such as 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, 16GB+512GB, and 16GB+1TB. It will be sold in colors like Night Blue and Dawn Gold.

Oppo Pad 3 Pro Night Blue — Oppo Pad 3 Pro – Night Blue

Rumors circulated at the beginning of this year that the company would launch the Oppo Pad 3 in China. However, the launch did not happen. Instead, the same device was rebranded as the OnePlus Pad 2 in the global market in July.

The brand is now preparing to launch the Oppo Pad 3 Pro in China. While the company hasn’t confirmed anything about the tablet, speculations suggests that it will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version chipset. It will run on ColorOS 15 and come with support for Oppo Pencil 2 Pro stylus.

Oppo Pad 3 Pro - Dawn Gold — Oppo Pad 3 Pro – Dawn Gold

The official images show that the Oppo Pad 3 Pro shares the same design as the OnePlus Pad 2. Therefore, it is likely that the upcoming Oppo tablet may inherit some specifications of the OnePlus Pad 2.

To recall, the OnePlus Pad 2 came with a 12.1-inch IPS LCD panel that offers 2120 x 3000 pixels of resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, 8 GB/12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, 128 GB/256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage, and a 9,510 mAh battery with 67W fast charging support. It is equipped with other features, such as six speakers, an 8-megapixel front camera, and a 13-megapixel rear camera.

OnePlus 13 tipped to launch with custom Snapdragon 8 Elite with better efficiency

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Oct 14, 2024

Qualcomm is gearing up to unveil its next-generation flagship mobile processor at the upcoming Snapdragon Summit on October 21st. While the official name of the SoC remains under wraps (rumors suggest Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or Snapdragon 8 Elite), the OnePlus 13 will be among the first devices to sport the new chip.

Now a recent Weibo post by OnePlus employee Cai Zuxuan suggests that OnePlus will reportedly pack a custom version of the upcoming Snapdragon chip with significant improvement in energy efficiency.

OnePlus 13 may launch with a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite

Citing internal data, Cai claims this custom SoC surpasses Apple’s A18 Pro in power efficiency. If true, this could mark Qualcomm’s return to the top spot in smartphone chip efficiency rankings. The Weibo post also mentions the “public version” of the chip is less efficient than the custom one.

This isn’t the first hint of a two-tiered approach for the rumored Snapdragon 8 Elite. Back in August, a leaked datasheet revealed two models of the SoC – SM8750 and SM8750P.

The “P” variant is believed to be a performance-focused model, similar to past “Galaxy” editions of Qualcomm’s flagship SoCs. For example, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy phones offered a slight overclock compared to the standard version, which later made its way into Nubia smartphones with the Leading Edition name.

The wait for official details won’t be long. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit kicks off on October 21st, where we’ll learn more about the upcoming chip, its variants, and how this 3nm powerhouse from Qualcomm stacks up against the competition, in terms of power efficiency as well as performance.

OnePlus 13 Specifications (Expected)

According to leaks, the OnePlus 13 is expected to come with a slightly curved 2K LTPO display, a triple 50MP rear camera system, and 50W magnetic wireless charging.

The smartphone is also expected to pack a dual-cell 5840mAh battery, along with support for 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging and magnetic wireless charging.

Meanwhile, competitors are also gearing up to launch their latest flagships with the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Honor has confirmed the Magic 7 series launch, while Xiaomi 15 and iQOO 13 are expected to debut in October as well.

(Source)

OnePlus 13 price may exceed by 500 Yuan due to DisplayMate A++ grade screen, Snapdragon 8 Elite chip

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Oct 14, 2024

OnePlus will hold a screen launch conference for the OnePlus 13 in collaboration with China-based BOE on Oct. 15. The event will introduce a new display that will debut on the OP13. Today, the brand released a poster to reveal what to expect from the OP13’s screen. Additionally, a tech blogger Cai Zuxuan, who is said to be a OnePlus employee, claimed that the inclusion of the advanced screen and the new chip will result in a price hike.

OnePlus 13 features DisplayMate A++ grade screen

OnePlus 13 features DisplayMate A++ certified screen

According to the brand, the OnePlus 13’s second-generation 2K Oriental Screen, aka BOE X2 display, has achieved the world’s first DisplayMate A++ certification and set an impressive 21 display records.

According to reports, the OnePlus 13 will feature a 6.82-inch BOE X2 8T LTPO panel with a micro-quad-curved design and ultra-thin equal-sized bezels. The screen will offer a resolution of 3168 x 1440 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. It will be OnePlus’ first phone to feature an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint scanner. The Oppo Find X8 Ultra, which is expected to debut in January 2025, will feature the same screen. OnePlus/Oppo is expected to reveal more details about the OnePlus 13 and its screen through tomorrow’s event in China.

The other major highlight of the OnePlus 13 is that it will be one of the first phones to feature Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. As mentioned above, the inclusion of these components suggests that it will be costlier than the OnePlus 12, which cost 4,299 Yuan for the 12GB+256GB base variant.

When a netizen asked tech blogger Cai Zuxuan about the price of the OnePlus 13, specifically if the 16GB+512GB version would cost more than 5,000 yuan, the blogger replied that since the OP13 has a top-notch chip and an ultra-level screen, the mid-configuration version (16GB+512GB) will definitely be priced over 5,200 Yuan ($735). The same variant of the OnePlus 12 was priced at 4,799 Yuan ($680) at launch. Therefore, it appears that the OnePlus 13 may cost around 500 Yuan (~$70) more than its predecessor.

In terms of other configurations, leaks suggest that the OnePlus 13 will have up to 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage, a 6,000mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W magnetic wireless charging. The phone will have three rear cameras: a 50-megapixel LYT-808 main camera, a 50-megapixel Samsung JN5 camera, and a LYT600 3x periscope telephoto lens. For peripheral features, the phone will use single-point ultrasonic fingerprint unlocking, an IR blaster, and support IP68/69 dust and water resistance, and both the black and white versions will have frosted glass technology.

vivo X200 series packs several display improvements for color accuracy and eye comfort

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Oct 14, 2024

Vivo has already revealed various aspects of their X200 series flagship devices, which are scheduled to launch today in China. Now Han Boxiao, the product manager at Vivo, has shared more information about the display panels of the devices. Confirming previous leaks, the official says that the X200 series equips the ‘Master Zeiss color screen’ for the first time for improved color accuracy and supports 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming to reduce eye fatigue.

More accurate colors paired with increased eye comfort

According to the official, the devices are reportedly capable of uniformly mapping the color gamut in different situations whether it’s a UI element or a photo. They can also adapt the color temperature based on the ambient light, just like the upcoming Oppo Find X8 series.

As for eye protection, the X200 series devices stay at a fixed 2160Hz PWM independent of the brightness level, which should be easier for the eyes, especially in low-brightness conditions. Han Boxiao further explains that many of their competitors use a two-stage dimming strategy, which means the display only reaches the higher PWM frequency in low brightness.

As a result, the displays often have to switch between PWM levels in fluctuating lighting conditions, which isn’t perfect for a good viewing experience. In comparison, the vivo X200 series reportedly offers a more seamless visual experience in such conditions.

In addition to all of these, the display panels and the associated components are also more power efficient this time, which should contribute to a longer battery life.

The full brightness 2160Hz PWM dimming also reportedly has no impact on the advantages and characteristics of the LTPO panel and only requires a slightly higher power consumption.

The display panel also equips low blue light solutions for increased eye comfort during low light conditions. The “Night Eye Protection 2.0” software-based solution can also adjust the visual effect based on the contents shown on the display.

Aside from the eye protection solutions, the vivo X200 series also offers smoother visuals with Android 15-based OriginOS 5, thanks to its improved animations. All devices in the series are powered by the newly unveiled Dimensity 9400 chipset, which brings support for on-device LLMs, along with significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance.

(Source)

Honor confirms launch date for Snapdragon 8 Elite phone, leaving Xiaomi and OnePlus behind

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Oct 14, 2024

We’ve been hearing rumors about which company will be the first to launch a smartphone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. For a while, Xiaomi seemed to be the frontrunner, but recent leaks suggest OnePlus might also be in the race. In an official confirmation, though, Honor has announced the launch date for its Magic 7 series smartphones.

Honor Magic 7 series launch confirmed

Honor’s confirmation arrived through a Weibo post today. The company detailed plans for two separate events this month.

The first, scheduled for October 23rd, will unveil MagicOS 9.0, the firm’s upcoming operating system based on Android 15. The teaser poster accompanying the announcement hints at an AI-centric focus for MagicOS 9.0, with the tagline “witness the magic of AI.”

The bigger news, however, is the confirmation of the Magic 7 series launch on October 30th. It is the first official confirmation of a launch date for a smartphone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. But it’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily guarantee Honor will be the first to release a phone with this silicon.

Qualcomm’s official unveiling of the Snapdragon 8 Elite is set for October 21st. Additionally, a recent report suggests a flurry of flagship launches featuring the chip will commence on October 28th. This leaves the door open for Xiaomi and other brands, to potentially claim the title of the first Snapdragon 8 Elite phone.

Honor Magic 7 series specifications (expected)

The Magic 7 series is likely to include two models — a standard and a Pro version. Based on the leaks so far, the two phones might have several similarities.

Expect the same SoC, both the Magic 7 and Magic 7 Pro will have a triple camera setup on the rear. The main sensor is expected to be a 50MP Omnivixion OV50H, accompanied by a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, possibly the Sony IMX882, and a third sensor that could be either 50 megapixels or 200 megapixels (Samsung HP3).

Both models are expected to offer OLED displays. The Pro version is likely to have a higher resolution 2K display, while the standard model will have a 1.5K resolution. A previous report suggests that the Magic 7 Pro will also have satellite connectivity support.

Apart from this, the phones are likely to share features like IP68/69 water resistance, ultrasonic fingerprint, and 2D face recognition, as well as Honor’s enhanced eye protection 3.0.

At this year’s IFA Berlin event, Honor also confirmed that the Magic 7 series will debut with AI Agent, a personal on-device AI assistant designed to learn from user habits and device environments and can intelligently automate tasks across various apps and services.

iPhone 17 Air roundup: Here’s everything known about the radical “slim” iPhone

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Oct 13, 2024

Rumors of a groundbreaking new iPhone model, the iPhone 17 Air, are swirling up. This isn’t just a minor refresh; it’s potentially a complete reimagining of the iPhone, pushing the boundaries of design and display technology. But can it live up to the hype? Drawing on information from reliable sources, here’s a look at the key features and upgrades expected in this upcoming model.

iPhone 17 Slim leak — iPhone 17 Slim mock render

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1. The “Air” Apparent: Thinner Than Ever Before?

Apple has a knack for disrupting its own product lines, and the iPhone 17 Air could be the next big disruption. Reports suggest this model will be dramatically thinner than any previous iPhone, possibly even eclipsing the slim profile of the very first iPhone. How will Apple achieve this feat of engineering? The answer lies in a new display technology called TDDI (Touch and Display Driver Integration).

According to recent reportts, Apple is planning to integrate TDDI technology into the iPhone 17 Air’s display. This technology combines the touch sensor and display driver into a single layer, significantly reducing the overall thickness of the display assembly. Not only that, but TDDI could also lead to improved image quality, enhanced touch responsiveness, and reduced power consumption.

2. A Smaller, More Immersive Display

Contrary to earlier rumors of a 6.6-inch display, the latest leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Air might actually sport a slightly smaller 6.4-inch OLED screen. While this might seem like a step back, it could be a deliberate choice to further enhance the phone’s slim profile and ergonomics. Expect ProMotion technology for a silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and potentially even brighter colors and deeper blacks thanks to the TDDI technology.

It is also being said that the iPhone 17 series’ display will feature a super-hard anti-reflective layer, which is more scratch-resistant than Apple’s Ceramic Shield.

3. Performance Upgrades

Apple’s next-generation A19 chip, possibly N3P or N3X, will power the iPhone 17 Air. Expectedly, the device will feature increased RAM, potentially up to 8 GB, enhancing its capacity to manage demanding applications and enhancing overall performance. Rumor has it that storage options will start at 128 GB, with higher-end models offering up to 1 TB.

4. Camera Conundrum: Single Lens or a New Innovation?

While the thin design is stealing the spotlight, there’s still much speculation surrounding the iPhone 17 Air’s camera system. Some rumors point to a single-lens rear camera, prioritizing a sleek aesthetic over a complex multi-lens setup. However, this seems unlikely given Apple’s emphasis on camera technology. It’s more plausible that Apple will introduce a new, more compact camera module that maintains its high-quality imaging capabilities while minimizing bulk.

The entire iPhone 17 lineup, including the Air model, is expected to feature a 24-megapixel front-facing camera.

5. Price and Positioning: A Premium Offering

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to replace the “Plus” model in the lineup, but don’t expect a budget-friendly price tag. Analysts anticipate positioning it as a premium device, potentially surpassing the Pro Max in price. If Apple truly delivers on its promise of groundbreaking design and display technology, this would justify its positioning.

6. Final Thoughts

It’s important to emphasize that these are still rumors and speculation. Apple is renowned for its secrecy, and plans can change dramatically before the official launch. However, if even half of these rumors prove true, the iPhone 17 Air could be a revolutionary device that redefines the smartphone landscape. We’ll have to wait for Apple’s official announcement, likely in the fall of 2025, to get the full picture.

iPhone SE 4 case leak suggests an iPhone 7 Plus-like design

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Oct 13, 2024

Apple‘s budget-friendly iPhone SE line isn’t due for a refresh anytime soon. With the iPhone SE 3 expected to stick around for at least the rest of the year, leaks about its successor, the iPhone SE 4, are still a trickle compared to the usual rumor firehose.

However, a recent image shared by leaker Sonny Dickson (likely taken from Chinese social media) reveals what a third-party case manufacturer might be expecting from the upcoming phone. While it doesn’t show the actual iPhone SE 4, the case design reveals a few interesting details.

iPhone SE 4 case reveals design details

Firstly, the case confirms the flat-edged design language that Apple has adopted across its entire iPhone lineup since the iPhone 12.

More interestingly, the case features a cut-out for a mute switch, seemingly dispelling earlier rumors that the iPhone SE 4 will have an Action Button seen on the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 16 lineup. The button allows for customizable shortcuts depending on the context.

While it wouldn’t have been surprising for the SE to adopt this feature, it looks like the budget phone will stick with the familiar mute switch for now.

The camera is notably larger than on previous iPhone SE models, suggesting that the iPhone SE 4 might finally move from a single-lens setup to a dual-camera system.

The design matches the dummy case units we saw in April, but it doesn’t fully align with Apple’s current style. The camera cut-out is positioned horizontally, similar to the iPhone 7 Plus.

While it could be possible that this case design is based on inaccurate information, the leaks so far suggest a shift toward this rumored camera setup.

Ultimately, this leaked case offers some hints about the iPhone SE 4’s design, but it’s important to take it with a grain of salt. With Apple likely keeping the wraps on the phone for a while longer, we’ll have to wait for more reliable leaks or, better yet, an official announcement to get the full picture.

iQOO 13 China launch date tipped, key leaks reveal fresh details including new selfie camera, and more

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Oct 13, 2024

A recent report revealed that iQOO will announce the IQOO 13, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, on Dec. 5 in India. However, the phone is expected to debut first in China before it makes its way to other markets. A recent Weibo post by tipster Digital Chat Station has seemingly revealed the iQOO 13 launch date for the Chinese market. Additionally, another source has revealed the key specifications of the device before its expected launch.

iQOO 13 China launch date (rumored)

In the above leak, DCS claimed that four companies will launch Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered smartphones in the last week of October. He claimed that there is a performance-focused flat-screen phone scheduled for launch on Oct. 30 in China, and an all-around camera phone set to debut on Oct. 29. These could potentially be the iQOO 13 and OnePlus 13, respectively.

As per reports, the Xiaomi 15 series may break cover on Oct. 28, while the Magic 7 lineup is also expected to debut in the last week of this month.

iQOO 13 does not have a halo light strip

Recent images of the iQOO 13 hint at the possibility of a halo light strip surrounding the camera island. However, an iQOO exec, Galant V, who has been consistently spilling details about the iQOO 13, has claimed that the device does not include visible light strips but instead utilizes a very ingenious lighting technology. He added that designs at iQOO, much like our fans, enjoy taking on challenges and creating unique, differentiated features.

iQOO 13 specifications (rumored)

According to tipster Experience More, the iQOO 13 is expected to feature a 2K BOE Q10 144Hz flat display. It will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip coupled with a self-developed supercomputing chip, Q2.

It will have a battery capacity of over 6100mAh and support 120W charging. The camera setup includes a Sony IMX921 primary, a Samsung JN1 sensor, and a telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, which appears to be a Sony IMX826 lens. Previous leaks have claimed that will have three 50-megapixel cameras on the back.

To recall, the iQOO 12 featured a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS support, a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and OIS support, and an autofocus-enabled 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens. While the iQOO 12 came with a 16-megapixel front camera, the iQOO 13 will have a 32-megapixel selfie camera with support for 4K 60fps video shooting.

Other expected features of the iQOO 13 include an IP68 rating, a USB 3.0 port, and a single-point ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. He added that the device will debut on Oct. 30, with a hopeful price target of 3,999 Yuan (~$565).

The tipster further said that from an active perspective, the iQOO 13 aims to differentiate itself from the X200 by focusing on performance and display quality, while still maintaining strong imaging capabilities. This strategy may attract some of the X200’s market. From a passive standpoint, this approach reflects a cost-effective balance, emphasizing strong performance and display. If the goal is to offer a large main camera sensor and periscope telephoto lens, it would position the device similarly to the X200 Pro Mini and its respective price range.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro leaks in renders for the first time

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Oct 13, 2024

Just a few months after the launch of the Smart Band 9, Xiaomi seems to be prepping for another iteration – the Smart Band 9 Pro. While a full year hasn’t even passed since the last Pro model, the Band 8 Pro, unofficial renders suggest the Band 9 Pro is on the horizon.

Now, things don’t look much different here. Compared to its immediate predecessor, the Band 8 Pro, the changes (at least design-wise) seem very minimal.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro renders

The most noticeable design change appears to be the display itself. The renders depict a slightly curved display, a departure from the flat panel of the Band 8 Pro. The strap also seems subtly improved, with the clasp now positioned near the end, similar to the Apple Watch design. The lone button, presumably used for navigation, retains its familiar pill shape.

The biggest aesthetic shift might be the side frame. Gone is the Band 8 Pro’s glossy metal finish, replaced with a more matte texture on the Band 9 Pro. The renders also hint at a larger display with narrower bezels, though it’s difficult to say definitively without confirmed dimensions.

Based on the leaked renders, the Band 9 Pro will likely come in at least three colors: silver, black, and gold. While additional options remain a possibility, these are the only ones confirmed (for now).

While official specs haven’t been revealed, we can use the Band 8 Pro as a potential benchmark. It featured a 1.74-inch AMOLED display with a sharp 336 x 480 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 600 nits for sunlight readability.

The Band 8 Pro also boasted health and fitness tracking capabilities with features like continuous heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, stress tracking, sleep monitoring, and water resistance up to 5 ATM. With over 150 sports modes and advanced algorithms, it catered to a wide range of workout preferences.

Looking ahead, the Band 9 Pro might offer similar features with potential improvements under the hood. It’s safe to assume functionalities like automatic brightness adjustment, GPS functionality, a variety of watch faces (including an Always-On Display option), and seamless integration with the Mi Fitness App will likely carry over.

(Source)

Major upgrades for Honor Magic 7 Pro revealed via reliable leak

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