Xiaomi is all set to launch the Xiaomi 14T series globally this week. The company announced that the Xiaomi 14T would launch on 26th September 2024. But there’s a catch with its release. Xiaomi is apparently taking a note from Samsung and Apple’s playbook and is planning to remove the charger from the box.
Xiaomi 14T Series first to launch without a charger?
According to tipster @chunvn8888 on X (formerly Twitter), the Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro won’t include a charger in the box in the Southeast Asian regions. This means that the upcoming budget flagship phones would only come with smartphones and charging wire in the box in regions like Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and others.
Xiaomi 14T Pro
To recall, Apple was the first to make this controversial move to remove an essential peripheral accessory with its products. It claimed that it was for environmentally friendly reasons. While Samsung initially took jabs at Apple for this move, it eventually followed in its footsteps as well. Nothing is another brand that doesn’t offer chargers in the box. And now, it appears that Xiaomi is the latest to start this practice. In other words, it might be a major factor that affects people’s decision to buy Xiaomi’s new devices.
This would mark a major change and could redefine the Chinese tech giant’s future smartphone launches. If this is true, you know that the upcoming high end device would likely skip chargers as well. The Xiaomi 14T Pro recently had its complete design revealed via leaked renders. We also covered a complete breakdown with a what to expect piece on the Xiaomi 14T series. Even before the launch, the Xiaomi 14T surfaced on various certification platforms like NBTC and GeekBench, and even had its specs and pricing leaked as well.
After months of anticipation, we are now inches away from the official release of Android 15. The stable build will first roll out to Google Pixels in October, followed by other Android smartphone brands.
Brands have already started working on their respective custom skins based on the new Android OS, such as OxygenOS 15 for OnePlus and One UI 7 for Samsung. For Realme, it will be the Realme UI 6.0, based on Android 15, which is expected to bring plenty of improvements, new features, and AI upgrades.
In this post, we’ll share details on Realme UI 6.0 release date, eligible devices, and new features.
Realme UI 6.0: When Will It Start Rolling Out?
So far, Realme has not announced a release date for Realme UI 6.0. Neither has the brand revealed a date for the beta program. But the brand may break its silence very soon.
Google is preparing to release Android 15 to eligible Pixel devices in October. According to a recent report, the rollout will begin on October 15. Other brands will not also release the update at this time, as they need additional time to prepare their custom skins.
Realme, however, has already announced Android 15 beta for Realme 12 Pro+ 5G. However, it doesn’t contain a flavor of Realme UI 6.0. The brand generally announces the beta program of its upcoming new skin, based on the new OS, ahead of the public release to Google Pixels.
Last year, the Realme UI 5.0 beta, based on Android 14 beta, was announced on September 21. But nothing has been announced regarding the Realme UI 6.0 beta so far. However, it shouldn’t take more than a few days. The stable update, however, is likely to begin rolling out around December, starting with premium phones, and then to mid-range and entry-level phones.
Which Realme Phones Will Get the Realme UI 6.0 Update?
Realme GT 6
Realme GT 6T
Realme GT 5
Realme GT 5 240W
Realme GT 5 Pro
Realme GT 3
Realme GT 2
Realme GT 2 Pro
Realme GT 2 Explorer Master Edition
Realme GT Neo 6
Realme GT Neo 6 SE
Realme GT Neo 5
Realme GT Neo 5 SE
Realme GT Neo 5 240W
Realme 13
Realme 13 4G
Realme 13+
Realme 13 Pro
Realme 13 Pro+
Realme 12
Realme 12 4G
Realme 12+
Realme 12x
Realme 12 Lite
Realme 12 Pro
Realme 12 Pro+
Realme 11 4G
Realme 11 5G
Realme 11x 5G
Realme 11 Pro
Realme 11 Pro+
Realme 10 Pro
Realme 10 Pro+
Realme P2 Pro
Realme P1
Realme P1 Pro
Realme V60
Realme Narzo 70
Realme Narzo 70x
Realme Narzo 70 Pro
Realme Narzo 70 Turbo
Realme Narzo 60
Realme Narzo 60x
Realme Narzo 60 Pro
Realme Narzo N65
Realme Narzo N63
Realme Narzo N61
Realme Note 60
Realme C67 4G
Realme C65 4G
Realme C65 5G
Realme C63 5G
Realme C63
Realme C61
This is an unofficial list we have prepared by analyzing the update policy and past rollouts. We’ll update it once the official list is out.
For those looking for major visual changes, Android 15 could be another disappointment, like recent Android versions. But it will bring many exciting new features, improvements, and AI upgrades you’ll want to explore.
Since the Realme UI 6.0 beta is not yet released, we don’t know what’s new coming from the company’s development team. But thanks to the Android 15 beta, we already know many upcoming changes.
The biggest addition to Android 15, in my opinion, is the Theft Detection Lock feature. It uses Google AI to determine when your device has been snatched from your hands and immediately locks it to prevent thieves from stealing your data.
If they manage to factory reset your device, they won’t be able to activate it unless they know your Google account login details. So, the device technically becomes unusable, which reduces the incentive for thieves.
Then, there’s the satellite connectivity support, which lets you text someone even if there are no cell towers nearby. However, this feature will likely require a special chip and carrier support.
Android 15 also brings the ability to create shortcuts for your favorite pair of split screen apps. This is a time-saving feature and an important one for those navigating through multiple apps in the split screen mode. The new OS also brings the partial screen sharing feature to let your screen record or share your screen for a single app rather than the entire screen.
Google has announced native earthquake detection in Android 15 for U.S. users. Then, there’s a new high-quality webcam mode, which lets you use your Android phone as a webcam for a PC.
Which Realme device do you have? And what are your expectations from Android 15? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
As the Apple iPhone 16 series reaches consumers’ hands, early impressions are pouring in, and they paint a mixed picture. While the phone’s performance is exceeding expectations in areas such as processing power, heat management, and camera capabilities, there’s one feature drawing significant attention—for all the wrong reasons.
iPhone 16 Pro series
This year, Apple introduced a new capacitive button on the side of the iPhone 16. Positioned for ease of access when holding the phone horizontally, the button is meant to function like a camera shutter, offering a tactile vibration response. Apple aimed to improve the camera experience by simulating the feel of a traditional camera. However, some users are not impressed. Many are calling this feature one of the most disappointing innovations by Apple to date. If that’s not enough, the repair cost of this button is mind-boggling.
Reports indicate that the capacitive button is made up of nine different components, which significantly increases the likelihood of failure. If the button breaks, Apple categorizes it under “other damage,” and the repair costs are staggering. For the iPhone 16, the repair bill can reach 4,399 RMB (~US$624), and for the iPhone 16 Pro, it’s as high as 5,299 RMB (~US$751).
This is mainly because Apple tends to offer full device repairs rather than addressing individual component issues. Even small problems with the camera button are categorized as “Other damage,” which can lead to higher repair costs. Since the capacitive button consists of up to nine components, it introduces multiple potential points of failure.
2. What Went Wrong?
From Apple’s marketing materials, the intention behind the capacitive button was clear. The idea was to give users a better camera experience: light taps would open menus, swiping would adjust settings, and the button would act as a camera shutter. On paper, this sounds innovative. In practice, it’s a different story.
Users have reported that the button doesn’t work as smoothly as Apple suggests. The positioning is awkward, making it difficult to reach when holding the phone horizontally or vertically. For many, trying to use the button for photography results in poor ergonomics, making it hard to hold the phone steadily while pressing the button.
Another issue is the small interface that pops up when using the button to adjust camera settings. Many users find it cumbersome and less intuitive than simply adjusting the settings directly on the touchscreen. In short, the feature overcomplicates what should be a simple process, and the repairability cost of the button could make users more reluctant to use this new feature.
The Oppo K12x was unveiled in India at the end of July. It is on sale in the country from the beginning of August.
Originally, the handset was released in two colors, namely Breeze Blue and Midnight Violet. Over the weekend, the company announced a third color called Feather Pink.
This new hue was teased a few days back. This version of the product will be available during Flipkart Big Billion Days sale.
The Oppo K12x in Feather Pink has the same design as the other two colors. However, the finish on the rear panel differs, in addition to the color.
As the name implies, the back of this version of the phone will resemble feathers. It sort of mimics a flamingo.
For comparison, the Breeze Blue and Midnight Violet variants of the device resemble a sea and night sky, respectively.
Talking about pricing, the Feather Pink model costs the same as the original two hues. It is priced at ₹12,999 for the base 6GB + 128GB memory configuration. While the higher 8GB + 256GB version has a price tag of ₹15,999.
The new color will be available starting September 26 at midnight on Flipkart during the Big Billion Days sale event. The product can be purchased for as low as ₹10,999 with offers.
2. Oppo K12x Specifications
The Oppo K12x is built around a 6.67-inch centered punch-hole display (LCD). This screen offers a resolution of 1604 x 720 pixels (HD+), 120Hz refresh rate, and 1000 nits peak brightness level.
The product is IP54-rated for splash resistance. It is also MIL-STD-810 compliant for durability.
The handset is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip and boots ColorOS 14 based on Android 14. It draws energy from a 5,100mAh battery and supports 45W wired charging.
The phone has a dual camera setup on the back comprising a 32MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. On the front, there’s an 8MP shooter. It also comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
The smartphone is guaranteed to receive 2 Android updates and 3 years of security updates.
Reports have claimed that OnePlus will announce the OnePlus 13 by the end of October in China. After the OP13, the brand is expected to unveil the OnePlus Ace 5 and Ace 5 Pro as affordable flagship phones. As these are performance-focused devices, the Ace 5 series is expected to come with inferior camera sensors as compared to the OP13. In a new leak, tipster Digital Chat Sation has shed some information about the camera specifications along with some other details about the Ace 5 models.
OnePlus Ace 5, Ace 5 Pro camera details leaked
The tipster mentions two upcoming OnePlus phones, the SM8650 and SM8750, which are the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipsets, respectively, in the above Weibo post. Previous leaks by the same tipster suggest that these chipsets will power the OnePlus Ace 5 and Ace 5 Pro, respectively.
According to the leak, the OnePlus Ace 5 series will feature a flat BOE X2 OLED screen with a resolution of 1.5K. For photography, both devices will have a new Sony IMX9-series 50-megapixel camera with a large sensor size of 1/1.56 inches. A 50-megapixel telephoto camera will complement the primary camera.
Under the hood, the Ace 5 and Ace 5 Pro will feature around 6,000mAh silicon battery. Previous leaks suggested that the Ace 5 duo would compete with the Redmi K80 and K80 Pro, anticipated to launch in November 2024. However, DCS has now confirmed that the Ace 5 series will launch in December, with the latest date being January.
In 2024, OnePlus has already released several Ace-branded models, including the OnePlus Ace 3, OnePlus Ace 3 V, and OnePlus Ace 3 Pro. However, it appears that OnePlus will skip the Ace 4 series, likely due to the negative connotations associated with the number “4,” and will instead launch the Ace 5 series directly.
TOPPING D90 III Discrete is a fully balanced high-fidelity digital-to-analog converter (DAC), designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and cutting-edge features. It has advanced technology like 16-phase PSRM modules, ultra-low jitter performance, and Bluetooth connectivity, making it ideal for audiophiles seeking a premium music experience.
Price and Availability:
TOPPING D90 III Discrete is priced at $999 and is available on Geekwills. The Silver edition is currently on pre-sale and will begin shipping on October 26.
Innovative PSRM Modules
At the heart of the TOPPING D90 III Discrete are its 16-phase PSRM modules. These modules are used individually for both the left and right channels, providing top-notch audio output. PSRM, or Phase Shifted Reservoir Modulation, is a discrete 1-bit DAC that ensures highly accurate sound reproduction. With an architecture that features an ultra-fast switching logic array and a precision voltage reference, the D90 III Discrete minimizes disturbances, ensuring reliability and consistency in performance.
Ultra-Low Jitter for Crisp Audio
One of the standout features of the D90 III Discrete is its exceptional jitter performance. With jitter as low as -157dB, this DAC ensures your music is reproduced with utmost clarity, free from unwanted noise or distortion.
Improved I/V Conversion Circuit
The TOPPING D90 III Discrete features a brand-new I/V conversion circuit, contributing to superior audio quality. This circuit is carefully designed with low-distortion operational amplifiers and ultra-low noise components, guaranteeing pristine voltage output. The result is an immersive listening experience with rich dynamics and a lifelike soundstage.
Realistic Music Reproduction
Thanks to its extremely low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N) of less than 0.00006%, the D90 III Discrete offers highly realistic music reproduction. Every detail captured during recording is accurately preserved, giving you the feeling of being right in the studio with the artist.
LDAC Bluetooth Connectivity
The D90 III Discrete supports Bluetooth 5.1 with the QCC5125 chip, allowing for high-quality wireless audio streaming. It is compatible with various audio codecs such as LDAC, aptX-Adaptive, aptX HD, AAC, and SBC. This means you can enjoy high-resolution audio up to 96kHz/24bit wirelessly, delivering a music experience that goes beyond CD quality.
Customizable PEQ Adjustment
For those who like to fine-tune their audio settings, the D90 III Discrete offers a ten-band PEQ (parametric equalizer) adjustment. This feature allows users to customize frequency, gain, and bandwidth across ten bands using TOPPING’s desktop software. It even supports saving multiple profiles for easy switching, making it versatile for different listening preferences.
Plug and Play Compatibility
The D90 III Discrete is designed for easy integration with various devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It uses a third-generation XMOS XU316 USB chip, supporting high-resolution audio playback of up to PCM768kHz/32bit and DSD512. This makes it a highly compatible and flexible DAC for a range of setups.
Advanced IIS Input Interface
The DAC also features an IIS interface, a specialized digital audio transmission system. It supports high-end specifications like PCM768kHz/32bit and DSD512 native, ensuring compatibility with most digital interfaces.
Bluetooth Remote Control
The D90 III Discrete comes with a convenient 2.4G Bluetooth remote control, allowing for flexible, easy operation even from a distance. This enhances user convenience, providing a seamless control experience without the need to be near the device.
Redmi is set to unveil the Redmi Note 14 series on Sept. 26 in China. The lineup will include three models: the Redmi Note 14, Redmi Note 14 Pro, and Redmi Note 14 Pro+. Recently, a Weibo user leaked what appears to be the complete specifications for the Note 14 Pro. However, it’s important to note that the authenticity of this leak has not been verified, so the final specifications may differ from those mentioned. It’s advisable to take this information with a pinch of salt.
Redmi Note 14 Pro specifications (rumored)
Redmi Note 14 Pro color variants
As per the leak, the Redmi Note 14 Pro will sport a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1.5K resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 445 PPI. It further states that the screen will cover 90 percent of the front panel and boast a peak brightness of 2500 nits. It is officially confirmed to feature Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection for the screen and an IP68-rated body. The leak claims that the device will weigh around 190 grams.
The all-new Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset will power the Redmi Note 14 Pro. It will come equipped with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage options. In China, the users will be able to choose from configurations featuring 8 GB, 12 GB, or 16 GB of RAM paired with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage. The smartphone will pack a hefty 5,500mAh battery with support for 67W wired charging.
In terms of photography, the Redmi Note 14 Pro’s triple camera setup will include a 50-megapixel primary sensor with OIS, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2-megapixel macro sensor, with support for 4K video recording at 30fps. On the front, there will be a 16-megapixel camera capable of recording 1080p video at 60fps. It is expected to run on HyperOS-based Android 14.
There is no information about the Redmi Note 14 Pro’s price. However, it is officially confirmed to arrive in shades, such as Midnight Black, Mirror Porcelain White, Twilight Purple, and Phantom Blue.
Tecno has officially taken wraps off the Spark 30 series. The lineup consists of 5 devices, namely Spark 30, Spark 30 Pro, Spark 30C, Spark 30C 5G, and Spark 30 5G.
The vanilla Spark 30 was unveiled over the weekend. While today, the company has shared details on the pro variant and special editions in partnership with Hasbro’s Transformers.
Unfortunately, the brand hasn’t revealed specific info on the remaining three models. Information on these handsets should be out in the coming days.
For now, let’s take a look at Tecno Spark 30 Pro and the accompanying Transformers Special Editions.
The Spark 30 Pro from Tecno flaunts a flat frame body and an off-center circular camera module.
The device is equipped with a 120Hz AMOLED display. This 10-bit panel supports 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and comes with TÜV Low Blue Light Eye certification.
The screen is complemented by dual stereo speakers which support Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Sound. There’s also an IR blaster to control household devices.
Under the hood, the Spark 30 Pro houses a MediaTek Helio G100 SoC. This chipset is paire with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage.
As for the camera, the phone uses a 108MP primary sensor with support for 3x lossless zoom and up to 10x digital zoom. Additionally, Tecno AI comprises features, such as AIGC portrait, AI Eraser and AI Artboard.
2. Tecno Spark 30 Series Transformers Edition
Tecno has announced two special editions based on Transformers IP. These products are officially called Tecno Spark 30 Bumblebee Edition and Tecno Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition.
As their names suggest, the vanilla model is themed after Bumblebee in yellow color with a black accent. On the other hand, the pro version is based on Optimus Prime with a paint job consisting of red, grey, and blue colors.
These handsets are expected to come with special themes, wallpapers, and icon packs, among others.
We know the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor is on the horizon, expected for an October reveal. Now, thanks to blogger Digital Chat Station, we have a glimpse of its graphics processing power (GPU) through benchmark scores.
The leaked data focuses on the Dimensity 9400’s performance in the GFX Aztec 1440P off-screen Vulkan test, a popular benchmark for mobile GPUs. The tipster shared a screenshot showing the upcoming MediaTek SoC scored 134fps in the benchmark. For comparison, Apple’s A18 Pro reportedly reaches 72fps, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 hits 95fps.
The numbers speak for themselves. The Dimensity 9400 reportedly delivers a staggering 86% performance improvement over Apple’s latest A18 Pro chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro series. It also edges out the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 by a respectable 41%.
The Dimensity 9400 utilizes the latest Mali-G925-Immortalis MC12 GPU, paired with a powerful 3.63GHz Arm Cortex-X925 CPU. We also can’t forget rumors suggesting a 30% jump in GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
ARM, the maker of the GPU, claims the Immortalis G925 is their “highest performance and most efficient GPU” to date. Compared to the previous generation G720, it boasts:
37% increase in graphics application performance
52% improvement in ray tracing for complex objects
34% boost in AI and machine learning workload performance
30% reduction in power consumption
That’s a significant all-around upgrade. We’ll need independent benchmarks to confirm these figures, but the potential is exciting.
Meanwhile, Apple’s A18 Pro utilizes a 6-core GPU and delivers a 20% performance increase over its predecessor. While respectable, it falls short of the Dimensity 9400’s raw power based on these leaks.
It’s still early days, though. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is also expected to launch in October, and details remain under wraps. The three-way battle for mobile GPU supremacy is definitely heating up, with MediaTek making a bold statement with the Dimensity 9400. We’ll have to wait and see how the final chips stack up.
iQOO Z9 Turbo+ is all set to debut on Sept. 24 in China. The brand has been consistently releasing new posters to confirm the key features of the Z9 Turbo+. Today, it rolled out the following images to showcase the color options of the device.
iQOO Z9 Turbo+ color options
iQOO has confirmed that the Z9 Turbo Plus will be available in three shades, such as Night Black, Starlight White, and Moon Shadow Titanium. The overall design of the phone is identical to the Z9 Turbo, which came in colors like black, white, and mint.
Recent posters released by the brand confirm that the iQOO Z9 Turbo+ will be an IP65-rated smartphone featuring a TCL C8 OLED panel. The screen, which is said to measure 6.78 inches, will offer a 1.5K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, a 3840Hz PWM dimming, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.
The Z9 Turbo+ will be powered by the Dimensity 9300 Plus chipset and a 6,400mAh battery with 80W fast charging support. It will measure 7.98mm in thickness and weigh 196 grams.
The Z9 Turbo+ is expected to feature a 16-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel (main, OIS) + 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) dual-camera setup on the back. It is expected to ship with OriginOS 4-based Android 14. It will be equipped with a 6K VC cooling unit for heat dissipation.
Rumors are rife that the Z9 Turbo+ may ship with 12 GB / 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The device’s base model may come with a price tag of 2,299 Yuan (~$325). There’s no clarity on whether the device will be released in the global market.
Reports have claimed that Oppo may announce the Find X8 series on Oct. 21 in China. The brand is expected to unveil three models: the Find X8, X8 Pro, and X8 Pro Satellite Communication Version. The Find X7 series likely remained confined to China due to ongoing patent licensing legal disputes between Oppo and Nokia. However, at the beginning of this year, both brands reportedly reached a global patent cross-licensing agreement, suggesting a global release for the Find X8 series. In a recent development, the Find X8 has appeared in the database of Thailand’s NBTC regulatory body, indicating it is indeed heading for a global release.
Oppo Find X8 NBTC certified
Oppo Find X8 NBTC listing
As can be seen above, the above screenshot reveals that the Find X8 has received NBTC certification in Thailand. The same device has been previously spotted at other certification platforms, such as Singapore’s IMDA and Indonesia’s TKDN. The IMDA and TKDN listings did not reveal anything about the device. However, the NBTC listing confirms that the global variant’s model number is CPH2651.
The early certification of the X8’s global variant suggests that the Find X8 may launch globally this year. However, this contradicts a recent report claiming the X8 series will be unveiled in the first quarter of 2025.
Oppo Find X8 specifications (rumored)
Reports indicate that the Find X8 will boast a 6.5-inch flat OLED panel with 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The front of the Find X8 could house a 32-megapixel selfie camera, while the back panel reportedly boasts a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera.
The Dimensity 9400 chipset will power the Find X8. The device is expected to ship with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It is likely to pack a 5,700mAh battery with 80W fast charging support. There are also reports of the device supporting wireless charging.
The Find X8 is expected to ship with ColorOS 15-based Android 15. Additionally, it may offer other features, such as an optical in-screen fingerprint sensor, an iPhone-like camera control button, a metallic frame, and an IP69-rated chassis.
Huawei‘s homegrown operating system, HarmonyOS NEXT, has crossed a significant milestone with over 10,000 apps and services now available on the platform, according to a company press release.
Huawei says these apps and services span 18 vertical domains, meeting 99.9% of users’ needs. While the company doesn’t specify the exact verticals, many of China’s major tech giants have partnered with Huawei to develop native HarmonyOS NEXT apps. So these numbers and claims aren’t surprising to hear.
The figure comes alongside a hefty investment from Huawei, with the company reportedly allocating 6 billion yuan ($851 million) annually to attract developers. This commitment, combined with over 6.75 million registered developers on the HUAWEI Developer Programs, is fueling the expansion of the HarmonyOS app landscape.
Industry experts see this growth as a sign of HarmonyOS’s increasing maturity, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT) space. “Low-cost computing is a key concern for IoT customers,” says Fu Liang, a tech analyst based in Beijing. “The HarmonyOS system has seen rising adoption in recent years, catering to this need.”
Beyond consumer apps, HarmonyOS is also finding its way into government services. The Shanghai municipal government, for instance, collaborated with HarmonyOS to develop a native app for administrative services. This paves the way for the broader application of HarmonyOS across public services, impacting citizens’ everyday lives.
The app growth coincides with Huawei’s recent financial report, which showed a 34.3% year-on-year revenue increase in the first half of 2024. While not directly linked, it suggests a healthy environment for Huawei’s overall business strategy.
While it may not have the app library giants like Android or iOS do, HarmonyOS NEXT’s progress is undeniable. With continued investment and partnerships, it’ll be interesting to see how this platform evolves and competes in the ever-changing mobile landscape.
The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, first launched in 2021, was a major leap in smartwatch technology, being among the first to run the revamped Wear OS built in partnership with Google. However, in 2024, it’s clear that this watch has aged significantly, especially compared to newer models like the Galaxy Watch 7. But the real question is: does it still make sense to buy the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic now?
In terms of hardware, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic runs on the Exynos W920 processor, which, back in its day, was a cutting-edge 5nm chip, providing decent performance and battery efficiency. Fast forward to 2024, the new Galaxy Watch 7 is powered by a 3nm processor, offering three times the CPU speed and much better power efficiency. The gap in performance is obvious, especially when considering more demanding apps and features available on the latest Wear OS devices.
Despite its aging hardware, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic still offers a smooth user experience for basic tasks like fitness tracking, notifications, and health monitoring. It includes staple features like heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen measurements, and sleep tracking, which are enough for most users. It’s important to note that advanced features like sleep apnea detection and FDA-authorized sensors for glucose or irregular heartbeat, which are found in the Galaxy Watch 7, are missing here.
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2. Affordability
What truly makes the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic worth considering in 2024 is its price. While the watch originally launched at a premium price point, it is now available for under Rs. 10,000 during sales, making it the most affordable Wear OS watch. For budget-conscious consumers, this is a major selling point. If you’re looking for a functional Wear OS watch without breaking the bank, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is currently your best option.
3. Classic Design That Still Holds Up
Another feature working in its favor is the timeless design. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic’s stainless steel casing and rotating bezel still look and feel premium, even three years later. Its robust build with 5ATM water resistance and MIL-STD-810G durability ensures that it can withstand daily wear and tear. While newer models have more customizable bands and improved build materials, the Classic still offers a design that doesn’t feel outdated.
4. Should You Buy It?
If you’re on a tight budget and looking for a reliable Wear OS smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a solid choice in 2024. It may not have the advanced features or performance of newer models like the Galaxy Watch 7, but it covers the essentials at a price that’s hard to beat.
However, if you’re a tech enthusiast seeking the latest in wearable tech, with advanced health monitoring features, faster performance, and longer battery life, then you might want to skip this one and go for a newer model.
In short, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is an excellent value buy for those prioritizing affordability over cutting-edge features in 2024.
HMD Global, the company behind Nokia phones, is reportedly gearing up to launch a successor to its budget-friendly HMD Aura. Details about the upcoming HMD Aura 2 have surfaced online (via @smashx_60 on X), revealing a few key upgrades.
The Aura 2 is expected to feature a slightly larger 6.56-inch LCD display with a faster 90Hz refresh rate compared to its predecessor. In terms of cameras, it will offer a dual-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 13MP primary sensor and a 0.8MP secondary camera. The front-facing camera will also receive a boost, going from 5MP to 8MP.
Under the hood, the Aura 2 will be powered by a more powerful UNISOC T603 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of storage. The phone will also have a microSD card slot for expandable storage, an audio jack, a USB-C port, and OTG support. Additionally, it will offer IP52 dust and water resistance.
One notable change is the shift from a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner to a side-mounted sensor. The Aura 2 will also pack a 5,000mAh battery, ensuring long-lasting usage.
While the launch date, pricing, and availability details remain unknown, the HMD Aura 2 is expected to be slightly more expensive than its predecessor due to the upgraded features.
In other news, HMD Global is rumored to be launching a more premium version of its Vibe model, called the Vibe Pro, possibly debuting in North America. The phone will retain the 6.56-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate but may upgrade to a 1080p resolution. It will likely feature the same Snapdragon 680 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM, an improvement from the Vibe’s 6GB.
Samsung‘s upcoming Fan Edition smartphone, the Galaxy S24 FE, is expected to launch this week. While we’ve already seen numerous leaks about its specifications, and European pricing, a new report from SmartPrix has revealed what the device will cost in the US market.
Citing tipster OnLeaks as the source, the report claims that the Galaxy S24 FE will see a price increase compared to its predecessor. The base 128GB model is expected to retail for $649, while the 256GB variant will cost $709. This marks a $50 jump from the Galaxy S23 FE, which launched at $599 last year.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE specs (expected)
The S24 FE is rumored to feature a larger 6.7-inch display, compared to the 6.4-inch screen on the S23 FE, making it the biggest display ever on a Galaxy Fan Edition phone, and approaching the size of the flagship S24 Ultra.
Under the hood, it’s expected to be powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or the Exynos 2400, the same chips used in the flagship S24 series. However, there might be a minor drawback: the Exynos chip in the S24 FE is rumored to have a slightly lower clock speed, about 100MHz slower than the one in the regular S24. This variant is expected to be sold in Europe and Asia.
A similar situation could apply to the Snapdragon variant in the US, with a slightly underclocked version of the flagship chip.
As for the camera, leaks suggest that the setup will remain the same as the S23 FE, with a 50MP main camera featuring OIS, an 8MP telephoto, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP front-facing camera for selfies.
Infinix is getting ready to launch its first foldable smartphone called the Infinix Zero Flip. The first teasers of this device were revealed last week, and now, its specifications, alongside the expected price point in India have been tipped.
Infinix Zero Flip image
Infinix Zero Flip specs:
As per spec sheets shared by tipster Paras Guglani on X (formerly Twitter), the Zero Flip will be arriving in two color options called Rock Black and Blossom Glow (pink). The spec sheet claims that the Infinix Zero Flip supports multiple networks, including 5G, 4G, 3G, and 2G, and runs on the XOS 14.5 operating system, built on Android 14.0.
Its main display is a foldable 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate, complemented by a second external 3.64-inch AMOLED screen, also with a 120Hz refresh rate. The foldable display has a resolution of 1080 x 2640, while the external screen offers a 1056 x 1066 resolution.
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 processor (6 nm), the device offers a generous 512GB of storage and 8GB RAM. The battery is a 4720mAh (TYP) unit, which will likely be paired with 70W fast charging.
For photography, the device features two 50 MP camera sensors (one with 1.0um OIS and the other an ultra-wide), and a 50MP PDAF front camera. For connectivity, it supports GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth. The phone is equipped with a variety of sensors, including a G-sensor, E-compass, L-sensor, proximity sensor, fingerprint sensor, and gyroscope. The device also supports dual Nano SIM cards.
As for the pricing, Paras claims that the device will be priced between 50,000 and 55,000 INR price range, undercutting the Motorola Razr 50 by a significant margin.
There have been massive discounts this festive season from different OEMs, and OnePlus will not leave any stone unturned if we go through their deals. OnePlus India is set to offer enticing discounts on its fleet of smartphones, tablets, and wearables. The discounts will be applicable across all the major online retailers, like Amazon, and will be available for sale via OnePlus.in. Interested users can also grab from offline stores like Reliance Digital and Croma. Let’s discuss discounts in detail below:
The Chinese smartphone maker will bring up to a Rs 7,000 instant bank discount, a six-month no-cost EMI, and an additional Rs 2000 discount coupon if you grab the OnePlus 12. Additionally, there will be a complimentary pair of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 upon purchase.
OnePlus 12R will also retail at a discounted price, and the users can get an instant bank discount of up to Rs 3000. Moreover, there is a no-cost EMI option with up to six months and another Rs 5000 discount on select smartphones. Moreover, OnePlus is offering massive discounts on other smartphones and products across Amazon.in, OnePlus.in, and other smartphones.
Further, there will be a Rs 2000 instant discount, and no-cost EMI for up to six months on the purchase of OnePlus Nord 4 smartphones. There’s an additional student discount if you want to grab Nord Buds with their OnePlus Nord 4.
OnePlus Nord CE4 will be on sale with a free OnePLus Nord Buds 2R, and a Rs 1500 temporary cut.
OnePLus Nord CE4 Lite 5G buyers will get a free OnePlsu Bullets Wireless Z2, and an instant Rs 2000 discount.
Surprisingly, the OnePlus Open Apex Edition will get you a free OnePlus Watch 2 this festive season. Furthermore, interested users can avail of the no-cost EMI offer for up to 12 months.
OnepLus Pad 2 is going with a Rs 3000 instant discount and an additional Rs 5000 off. There’s an additional Rs 150-00 and Rs 1000 discounts for the Red Cable Club and students, respectively.
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Redmi has finally confirmed the Redmi Note 14 series’ launch date for the Chinese market. The brand is all set to unveil the new Note 14 models at 7pm (local time) on Sept. 26 in China. At the same event, the company will also take off covers from the Redmi Buds 6 TWS earbuds. Here’s a look at all the details that have been confirmed so far by the brand.
Redmi Note 14 series: What’s known so far
Apart from confirming the launch date, the brand has confirmed a couple of more things about the Note 14 series. The lineup will comprise of three models, such as the Note 14, Note 14 Pro, and Note 14 Pro+.
The official images of the Note 14 Pro and 14 Pro+ reveal that both devices will have a curved-edged display on the front. The Note 14 Pro is equipped with a squircle camera island that houses three protruding camera units and an LED flash. A protective glass covers the camera sensors of the Note 14 Pro. Both devices come with a 50-megapixel primary camera equipped with OIS. This primary camera is supported by two additional cameras and an LED flash unit.
The Redmi Note 14 Pro is confirmed to come in four shades, such as Midnight Black, Mirror Porcelain White, Twilight Purple, and Phantom Blue. On the other hand, the Note 14 Pro+ will come in three options, such as Midnight Black, Mirror Porcelain White, and Sand Star Green. The brand is yet to confirm the color variants of the Note 14.
The second poster shown above confirms that the Note 14 Pro models will offer up to IP69-level dust and water resistance. In addition, all three models will have Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection for their displays.
Redmi will offer the King Kong Guarantee service for the Note 14 series buyers. It offers a one-year warranty against water damage, a free screen replacement within the first year, and a one-year battery cover warranty. It also includes a five-year battery warranty, replacing batteries below 80% health, and a “365-day replacement without repair” clause for hardware failures. Activating this service may cost an extra 595 Yuan (~$85).
As per reports, the Redmi Note 14 Pro models will have a 1.5K OLED panel, a 50-megapixel triple camera setup, and up to 90W fast charging. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 and Dimensity 7350 chipsets, respectively, are likely to power the Note 14 Pro and Note 14 Pro+.
Tensor G4 is the most powerful chip from Google, powering the Pixel 9 series. It brings significant improvements over last year’s Tensor G3 but failed to edge past the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in our tests (read the comparison here). But is it powerful enough to beat the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2? Let’s compare them to see how they stack up against each other.
According to Google, the new Tensor chip offers 20% faster web browsing, 17% faster app launching, and up to 20% improved power efficiency compared to its predecessor. But are these improvements enough to beat the 2022’s flagship chip, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2?
Let’s begin with the spec sheet:
Tensor G4
SD 8 Gen 2
Release date
August 2024
November 2022
Process node
4nm
4nm
Manufacturer
Samsung
TSMC
Cores
8
8
CPU architecture
1 x Cortex-X4 @ 3.1 GHz 3 x Cortex-A720 @ 2.6 GHz 4 x Cortex-A520 @ 1.92 GHz
1 x Cortex-X3 @ 3.2 GHz 2 x Cortex-A715 @ 2.8 GHz 2 x Cortex-A710 @ 2.8 GHz 3 x Cortex-A510 @ 2.0 GHz
GPU
Mali-G715 MC7 940 MHz frequency
Adreno 740 680 MHz frequency Snapdragon Elite Gaming Hardware Accelerated Ray Tracing
Geekbench evaluates a device’s performance through a series of tests designed around practical scenarios. The tests include image processing, compression (text & image), speech recognition, and PDF rendering, to name a few.
Here’s how the two chips have performed:
The benchmarking platform outputs single-core and multi-core scores. The single-core score reflects the device’s performance when a single core is used, and the multi-core score is the performance when multiple cores are at work.
While the two chips have similar single-core performance, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 leads the multi-core result.
Tensor G4
SD 8 Gen 2
Single core
1,917
1,935
Multi core
4,526
4,888
AnTuTu 10 results:
AnTuTu is a popular benchmarking platform that runs a device through a series of tests that measure different aspects of its performance, such as CPU, GPU, memory, and UX. The combined score represents the overall performance of a device.
Here’s how the two chips have performed:
AnTuTu results suggest the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has better CPU, GPU, memory speed, and user experience than the Tensor G4.
Tensor G4
SD 8 Gen 2
CPU
3,55,474
3,70,804
GPU
4,09,156
5,87,364
Memory
2,35,836
2,93,372
UX
1,92,476
2,90,906
Total score
11,92,942
15,42,446
So, as far as the benchmarking scores are concerned, the two-year-old Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It is surprising that Google’s fastest smartphone chip can’t beat the two-year-old Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on benchmarks.
Google doesn’t care about benchmarks
While Tensor G4 has improved from last year’s Tensor G3, the improvements aren’t as huge as we were expecting, but Google is okay with it. Tensor chips have never been about blazing-fast performance, but they’re more about unique features and machine learning capabilities.
“When we are designing the chip, we’re not designing it for speeds and feats. We’re not designing it to beat some specific benchmark that’s out there. We’re designing it to meet our use cases,” said Soniya Jobanputra, a key member of Google’s Pixel product management team.
The focus with Tensor G4 was not to beat benchmarks but to improve the speed and efficiency of opening apps. “We knew that we had a pain point with opening apps. And so as we built G4, we really focused on, okay, what do we need to do to make sure that experience is better for users,” Jobanputra added.
So, the Tensor G4 seems to be nothing but a Tensor G3 with fixed issues and some improvements.
Tensor G4 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: Key Differences
Both chips feature 8 cores and have been manufactured using a 4nm process node, although many critical differences set them apart.
While Google chose Samsung to manufacture its Tensor G4, Qualcomm went with TSMC for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The latter has a more advanced chip manufacturing process and cutting-edge technologies, resulting in higher efficiency.
When it comes to CPU cores, the Tensor G4 has a Cortex-X4 prime core, which is more powerful and efficient than the Cortex-X3 in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. However, the Tensor chip runs at a lower clock speed, which limits peak performance. The same is true for the remaining cores.
Google has equipped the Tensor G4 with a Mali-G715 MC7 GPU, whereas the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip has an Adreno 740 GPU. The latter comes with a full suite of Snapdragon Elite Gaming features and supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing.
Both Tensor G4 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 support LPDDR5X. However, the former chip supports a higher frequency of 4,800MHz (vs. 4,200MHz on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).
The chips also bring a significant gap in the maximum download speeds. The Tensor G4 has the Exynos 5400 5G modem that allows a peak download speed of 14.79Gbps, while the Snapdragon X70 5G modem inside the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has a peak download speed of 10Gbps. The Tensor G4 also has the advantage of satellite connectivity.
Tensor G4 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: Verdict
Tensor G4 is an upgraded version of last year’s Tensor G3, but the improvements aren’t enough to beat the two-year-old Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, at least on the benchmarks.
We tested the Tensor G4 against Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on popular benchmarks, Geekbench and AnTuTu, and the results went in favor of the Snapdragon chip.
On benchmarks, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has performed better than Tensor G4. But as you may already know, these scores don’t reflect real-life performance, as other factors, such as software optimization and cooling technology, also contribute to the overall performance.
Popular Phones With Tensor G4 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Chips
In a surprising move that could reshape the semiconductor landscape, Qualcomm, the leading mobile chipmaker, has reportedly approached Intel, a once-dominant player in the PC processor market, about a potential takeover. While the deal is far from certain, its implications could be profound.
Image credit: Getty Images | SOPA
Ming-Chi Kuo Predicts Financial and Strategic Pitfalls
Intel, once the undisputed king of the PC processor market, has faced increasing challenges in recent years. The company has grappled with manufacturing setbacks, declining market share, and a shift in consumer preferences towards mobile devices. Qualcomm, on the other hand, has enjoyed significant success in the mobile market, powering smartphones from major brands like Apple and Samsung.
A Qualcomm-Intel merger would create a semiconductor giant with a formidable presence in both the mobile and PC markets. However, the deal would also face significant hurdles as per renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Antitrust regulators would likely scrutinize the merger closely, given the combined market power of the two companies. Additionally, integrating two such large and complex organizations would be a daunting task.
For Qualcomm, the acquisition could offer several benefits. It could provide the company with a foothold in the data center and server markets, which are increasingly important for AI and cloud computing. Additionally, Intel’s manufacturing capabilities could help Qualcomm reduce its reliance on external foundries, such as TSMC.
However, the acquisition could also be a risky gamble. Intel has been struggling to regain its competitive edge, and it’s unclear whether Qualcomm can successfully turn the company around. The deal could also be a major financial burden for Qualcomm, which would likely need to issue a significant amount of debt to finance the acquisition.
The future of the Qualcomm-Intel deal remains uncertain. If the deal goes through, it could have a profound impact on the semiconductor industry. However, there are also significant risks involved. Only time will tell whether this ambitious move will pay off for Qualcomm.
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