Lava Blaze 3 launches in India with Dimensity 6300 SoC and an affordable price

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Sep 16, 2024

In a welcome development for consumers, Google‘s second foldable phone, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, has earned praise for its repairability in a recent teardown by iFixit, a popular tech repair website.

Foldable phones, with their complex designs and delicate screens, have historically posed challenges for DIY repairs. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, however, appears to be a step in the right direction.

iFixit lauded the phone’s “intuitive layokmjnhut” of internal components, with one member jokingly remarking they wouldn’t mind switching to Android for such a user-friendly design.

Replacing commonly failing parts like the USB-C port is straightforward, as they are situated independently from other components. Google’s choice of screws further simplifies disassembly compared to competing foldables.

iFixit also highlighted the ability to remove the external display without requiring heat, a process known to be risky for inexperienced repairers.

However, the teardown wasn’t without its criticisms. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s battery replacement process was deemed less than ideal. iFixit specifically faulted Google’s use of pull tabs for battery removal, finding them to be “flimsier” than those used by Samsung and prone to breakage even with the application of heat.

Another point of concern was the phone’s logic board, which iFixit described as “flimsy” and cautioned users to handle with extreme care to avoid damage.

The inherent nature of foldable screens also presents repairability challenges. The hinge design, while impressive, makes the screen more susceptible to dust and liquid ingress, potentially leading to costly repairs.

Despite these drawbacks, Google’s efforts to improve repairability are commendable. The company’s decision to provide detailed repair guides alongside the phone is another positive step. When combined with its user-friendly design for common repairs, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold emerges as a more repairable option than many foldables currently on the market.

Motorola Unveils Edge 50 Neo in India: Military-Grade Build, 120Hz Display, & Leather Back

By

Sean

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Sep 16, 2024

Motorola has finally made its debut in India. The company has just released the Edge 50 Neo in the region with military grade durability, ultra smooth display, a 50MP Sony camera, and a premium design with its vegan leather. So let’s check out its specs, features, pricing, and special launch offers.

Motorola Edge 50 Neo Specs

The Motorola Edge 50 Neo was just released with a 6.4-inch pOLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Under the hood, this device is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, which is paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

For optics, there is a triple camera setup on the rear. This comprises a 50-megapixel Sony LYT700C primary sensor, a 13-megapixel ultra wide angle lens, and a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto shooter. Meanwhile, the front houses a 32-megapixel sensor for selfies and video calls.

A 4310mAh battery pack powers the Edge 50 Neo that supports 68W wired fast charging and 15W wireless fast charging. It runs on the Android 14 OS out of the box. Other notable features include dual SIM support, an in-display fingerprint scanner, an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, MIL-STD 810H certification, a vegan leather back panel, Bluetooth 5.3, and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos.

Pricing and Availability

The Motorola Edge 50 Neo was just announced in three color options, which include a Latte, Nautical Blue, Grisaille, and Poinciana. It was announced for a price tag of 23,999 INR (roughly 286 US Dollars) for its lone storage configuration. This model will go on sale via the brand’s official store, Flipkart, and offline stores starting from 24th September 2024. There is also a flat 1,000 INR bank discount, 1,000 INR exchange bonus, No Cost EMI options from leading banks, and benefits worth 10,000 INR from Reliance Jio.

HMD Skyline lndia launch seemingly teased

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Sep 16, 2024

HMD’s Indian division has teased the arrival of a new smartphone. The teaser includes the phrase “what it means to touch the sky,” suggesting that the company might be hinting at the India launch of the HMD Skyline, which was officially announced globally in July. A major highlight of the device is its support for the company’s “Gen 2 repairability,” which allows users to fix issues related to the screen, battery, and charging themselves, using spare parts provided by HMD.3

HMD Skyline specifications, price

The HMD Skyline features a 6.55-inch P-OLED FHD+ screen with a 144Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor and offers two RAM options: 8GB and 12GB. For storage, users can choose between 128GB and 256GB variants.

The HMD Skyline is equipped with a 4,600mAh battery, supporting 33W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging. It runs on Android 14 and is promised to receive two major OS upgrades.

The front camera is a 50-megapixel sensor with autofocus, while the rear camera setup includes an OIS-enabled 108-megapixel main sensor with OIS, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, and a 50-megapixel 2x telephoto sensor. Additional features of the Skyline include side fingerprint sensors, dual speakers, a microSD card slot, and eSIM support. The device has an aluminium frame and an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. In terms of dimensions, the HMD Skyline measures 159.8 x 76 x 8.9mm and weighs 209.5 grams.

In the global market, the HMD Skyline’s base model is set at $499, which is approximately Rs 41,950. It comes in two shades, such as Blue Topaz, Twisted Black, and Neon Pink.

Infinix Zero Flip officially teased, leaked image reveals complete design, colors, key features

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Sep 16, 2024

Several reports have claimed that Infinix is working on its first-ever flip phone, dubbed the Infinix Zero Flip. The brand has finally started teasing its arrival by releasing an image. Surprisingly, a Pakistani retailer named Chugtai Mobile released a Zero Flip banner image last month, which went completely unnoticed. The image not only revealed the complete design of the phone but also shed a few details about its key features.

Infinix Zero Flip’s first teaser released

The official teaser mainly confirms the Zero Flip moniker, reveals the black variant and focuses on its hinge design. However, it does not reveal anything about the specifications of the device. The image below, released by Chugtai Mobile, reveals that in addition to black, the device will also be available in a Violet Garden color, similar to the Infinix Zero 40 5G.

Infinix Zero Flip image by Chugtai Mobile on Facebook

The above image confirms that the Infinix Zero Flip will have a 3.64-inch cover OLED panel that offers a 120Hz refresh rate. It will be protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass. The so-called “zero-gap hinge” will ensure minimal creases on the foldable display.

It will be a vlogging-focused device, allowing users to capture 4K video using the front and rear cameras. Like the Infinix Zero 40 5G, the Zero Flip will also come equipped with Go Pro features for an enhanced videography experience.

The Zero Flip appears to feature a side-facing fingerprint scanner. Its bottom edge has a SIM slot, a microphone, a USB-C port, and a speaker grille. The left edge appears to be barren, and the top edge seems to feature a secondary microphone. The Zero Flip’s overall design appears to be similar to the Phantom V Flip 2 from Tecno’s sibling brand.

As per other reports, the Infinix Zero Flip will measure 170 x 73.4 x 7.64mm in the unfolded state. It is likely to pack a 4,700mAh or 4,720mAh battery with 70W rapid charging support. Under the hood, the Zero Flip could be equipped with the Dimensity 8020 chipset, 8 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage.

GC Daily: Redmi and Lamborghini are collaborating; Samsung & Xiaomi accused of anti-competitive behaviour

By

Joel Joseph

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Sep 16, 2024

Redmi and Lamborghini are collaborating on a new device soon. Get more details on that and other news from the weekend below.

Today’s Tech Highlights:

Redmi-Lamborghini Partnership: Know more about the collaboration between Redmi and Lamborghini, blending the worlds of high-performance automobiles and cutting-edge smartphones.
Lenovo’s Gaming Tablet Refresh: Explore Lenovo’s upcoming update to their popular Legion Y700 gaming tablet, featuring the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.
MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Launch: Get the scoop on the leaked release date for MediaTek’s latest flagship chipset, set to power the next generation of high-end smartphones.
Anti-Competitive Allegations in India: Know more about the serious accusations against Samsung and Xiaomi by the Competition Commission of India, highlighting potential issues in smartphone market practices.

Plus, don’t miss our roundup of other exciting stories, including Oppo’s upcoming Find X8 series details, Amazfit’s new smartwatch launch in India, Meizu’s international phone debut, and Realme’s innovative camera button inspired by Apple!

Redmi-Lamborghini collaboration confirmed

At the recently held Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia 2024 event in Shanghai, China, Wang Teng Thomas, Deputy General Manager of Xiaomi China Marketing Department and General Manager of the Redmi brand, announced new developments in Redmi’s collaboration with Lamborghini. To recall, Redmi previously partnered with Lamborghini on two notable devices, namely, the Redmi K70 Pro Championship Edition and the Redmi K70 Ultra Championship Edition.

Lenovo’s new portable gaming tablet coming with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

Gamers on the go may soon have a new option to consider. Lenovo has confirmed via their Weibo account that a refreshed version of the popular Legion Y700 gaming tablet is about to be unveiled.

MediaTek Dimensity 9400 launch date leaks; it’s coming very soon

MediaTek Dimensity 9400 IPC Performance Leak

Vivo‘s upcoming X200 series phones, expected to feature the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chip, are set to launch on October 14. However, the exact release date for the chipset itself is still unknown.

Thanks to a leak from tipster Digital Chat Station, we now have an idea of when the SoC might debut.

Samsung, Xiaomi accused of anti-competitive practices

In a major development for the Indian smartphone market, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has accused leading smartphone brands like Samsung and Xiaomi of colluding with e-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart. The accusations center around exclusive product launches and unfair practices that violate antitrust laws.

🔥More Top Stories You Might Have Missed

Honor Play 9T breaks the first-day sales record of Honor Play series

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Sep 16, 2024

Earlier this month, Honor unveiled the Honor Play 9T, an affordable 5G phone, in China. It was made available for purchase for the first time on September 13, and the brand released an official confirmation that the Play 9T broke the first-day sales record of the Honor Play series.

Honor Play 9T price

The Honor Play 9T comes in three variants, such as 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, and 12GB+256GB. These are priced at 999 Yuan (~$140), 1,099 Yuan (~$155), and 1,299 Yuan (~$183), respectively. The device comes in three shades like black, white, and green.

Honor Play 9T specifications

The Honor Play 9T has a 6.77-inch LCD panel that offers an HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. For security, it has a side-facing fingerprint sensor. It comes preloaded with Magic OS 8-based Android 14.

The Play 9T is powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. It is coupled with LPDDR4x RAM, UFS 2.2 storage, and a 6,000mAh battery with 35W charging support.

The Play 9T has a 5-megapixel camera on the front and its back panel has a 50-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.

Four new M4 MacBooks coming next month: Gurman

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Sep 16, 2024

Following the unveiling of the iPhone 16, Apple is shifting its focus to the Mac lineup, with a rumored event scheduled for October. While the September event heavily emphasized the company’s growing ecosystem and advancements in AI with “Apple Intelligence,” Mac and iPad announcements were conspicuously absent.

Industry insider Mark Gurman suggests the October event will center around the introduction of M4-powered Macs, promising a performance leap over the current M3 generation. The lineup is expected to include:

J604: a new low-end 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip.
J614 and J616: new high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros, each with two pro-level M4 chip options.
J623: a new iMac with the M4 chip.
J773: the revamped, smaller Mac mini in M4 and M4 Pro chip variations.

Gurman says “I’m told that most of these Macs are already shipping from factories (save for some of the higher-end MacBook Pros and the Mac mini with the M4 Pro) and are ready for launch right now.”

Gurman also suggests that Apple is likely waiting until all the new Macs are ready to ship at the same time. M4 MacBook Air models (J713 and J715) are expected in the first quarter of 2025, with a new Mac Studio (J575) set to arrive by mid-year. A Mac Pro (J704) will launch before the end of 2025.

The absence of an M4 MacBook Air in the near future might disappoint some, as its fanless design remains a popular choice for users.

Apple’s shift to its own silicon chips has demonstrably improved its computer offerings. Once derided for offering underwhelming specs at premium prices, Apple’s computers have become formidable competitors in the market. The focus on AI in these new desktops shows Apple’s commitment to advancing in this area.

Redmi K80 Pro Champion Edition could be in works as Redmi-Lamborghini collaboration confirmed

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Sep 16, 2024

At the recently held Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia 2024 event in Shanghai, China, Wang Teng Thomas, Deputy General Manager of Xiaomi China Marketing Department and General Manager of the Redmi brand, announced new developments in Redmi’s collaboration with Lamborghini. To recall, Redmi previously partnered with Lamborghini on two notable devices, namely, the Redmi K70 Pro Championship Edition and the Redmi K70 Ultra Championship Edition.

Redmi-Lamborghini collaboration confirmed

Wang Teng Thomas recently attended a Lamborghini track day event in Shanghai, where the Redmi logo appeared on a Lamborghini race car for the first time (below image). As can be seen above, the Redmi Weibo handle has confirmed that there will be a new collaboration between Redmi and Lamborghini. The upcoming Redmi-Lamborghini collaboration appears to be for the K80 series, set to debut in November of this year.

Redmi logo on a Lamborghini car

As per reports, Redmi will announce the Redmi Note 14 series of smartphones later this month in China. In October, Redmi’s parent brand Xiaomi is expected to take off covers from the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipsets. In November, Redmi is likely to announce three phones, namely the Redmi K80e, the Redmi K80, and the Redmi K80 Pro.

The Dimensity 8400, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipsets, respectively, are likely to power the K80 series. The K80 and K80 Pro have already appeared in China’s radio certification database, indicating that they may indeed be breaking cover in November.

As per reports, the K80 Pro may remain exclusive to the Chinese market. The K80e and K80 may likely get rebranded as the Poco X7 Pro and the Poco F7 Pro in the global market.

iQOO Z9 Turbo+ launch date leaked, tipped to feature Dimensity 9300+, 6,400mAh battery

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Sep 16, 2024

Last week, iQOO confirmed that it will soon announce a new phone named the iQOO Z9 Turbo+ in China. While the brand has already revealed its design, it is yet to confirm its specifications and launch date. However, some Chinese leakers have revealed what to expect from the device.

iQOO Z9 Turbo+ key specifications (rumored)

The leaks above indicate that the iQOO Z9 Turbo+ will be an improved version of the Z9 Turbo, which debuted earlier this year. While the Z9 Turbo featured the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip and a 6,000mAh battery, the Z9 Turbo+ will feature the Dimensity 9300+ chipset and a 6,400mAh battery. Like the existing model, the Plus edition will support 80W rapid charging.

Despite packing a larger battery, the iQOO Z9 Turbo+ will maintain a slim profile of 7.9mm, the same as the Z9 Turbo. The weight will slightly increase from 195 grams to 199 grams. Instead of the independent Turbo graphics chip and single-frequency GPS available on the Z9 Turbo, the upcoming Plus variant will feature iQOO’s self-developed Q1 gaming chip and support for dual-frequency GPS. It seems that the rest of the specs of the Z9 Turbo+ could be identical to the Z9 Turbo. The above leaks also reveal that it will break cover on Sept. 24.

The Z9 Turbo+ is expected to feature a 6.78-inch flat OLED panel with a 1.5K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. It will run on OriginOS 4-based Android 14.

The iQOO Z9 Turbo Plus may feature a 16-megapixel front-facing camera. Its rear camera setup could be equipped with a 50-megapixel primary camera and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The Turbo+ could potentially retail for approximately 2,000 Yuan (~$282) in the home market.

Casio Unveils New G-SHOCK GD010 and GA010 Series watches with 10-Year Battery Life

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Sep 16, 2024

Casio America has launched two new G-SHOCK series: the GD010 and GA010. These watches are designed for people looking for both durability and style, offering a 10-year battery life, clear visibility, and multiple functions in a rugged design.

The GD010 and GA010 series features a multi-layered design that combines sturdy technology with a simple, workwear-inspired look. Made with a carbon core guard structure and bio-based resin for the bezel and strap, these models reflect G-SHOCK’s focus on sustainability and durability.

The GD010 series includes the GD010-1, GD010-3, and GD010-4 models, which refresh G-SHOCK’s classic rugged digital watches. Built for tough environments, they come with a carbon core guard structure for added protection, a large LCD dial, and a circular hairline finish that gives the dial a textured appearance. These watches offer a mix of practicality and style at an affordable price.

The GA010 series, with the GA010-1A, GA010-2A, and GA010-5A models, combines G-SHOCK’s rugged features with a more refined look. They include both analog and digital displays, a brass component for extra strength, and a unique dual-layer dial. The geometric shapes and simple colors create a design that works for both outdoor and everyday use.

Both series offer these features:

Shock resistance
200M water resistance
Super Illuminator LED
5 daily alarms (1 with snooze)
1/100-sec stopwatch
Countdown timer
World time (31 time zones, 48 cities)
12/24-hour formats

The GD010 models are priced at $99, and the GA010 models are available for $120. Both series can be found at select retailers, gshock.com, and the G-SHOCK Soho store.

In related news, Casio has also recently launched the WS-B1000 digital watch to markets in Malaysia, Europe (Netherlands, France, and Spain), and the US. The WS-B1000 features a sporty design, a step tracker synced with the Casio app, Bluetooth connectivity for time updates and phone tracking, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, and a two-year battery life.

Infinix Hot 50 4G renders & specs leak ahead of launch

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Sep 16, 2024

Infinix is gearing up to launch two new devices in the coming days. After the launch of the Hot 50 5G in India and the recent leak of the Hot 50i 4G smartphone earlier this month, PassionateGeekz has now revealed details about the upcoming Hot 50 4G.

As per the report, the design of the Hot 50 will be quite different from the Hot 50i. It will feature a vertical camera module on the back with three cutouts, along with flat edges.

Specification-wise, the device will be equipped with a 6.78-inch IPS display offering a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is surrounded by minimal bezels on three sides, along with a thick chin. Under the hood, the Hot 50 4G will feature the MediaTek Helio G100 chipset. This is a relatively new processor launched in August 2024. It has an octa-core CPU composed of two 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and six 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The chipset supports dual 4G SIM cards with both VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and ViLTE (Video over LTE) capabilities.

The device will likely boast a sizable 5000mAh battery, and the software will be Android 14-based XOS 14. As for optics, the Hot 50 4G will sport a triple camera, headlined by a 50MP main sensor. The report does not mention any further details.

In other news, the Redmi Note 14 Pro has appeared on BIS certification alongside the POCO X7, suggesting an imminent release in the Indian market. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor will reportedly power it, feature a 1.5K AMOLED display, and have a triple-camera setup with a telephoto lens. The Note 14 will use the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC, while the Note 14 Pro+ may come with a Dimensity 7350 processor.

Casio G SHOCK G-STEEL GM2110D watch launched with an all-metal finish

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Sep 16, 2024

Casio America, Inc. has introduced the GM2110D, the latest model in its G-STEEL series. Known for making tough, shock-resistant watches, Casio’s new addition combines function and style, offering a durable watch with a more refined design.

The GM2110D stands out due to its use of stainless steel, bringing a new look to the G-STEEL lineup. While earlier models focused on resin materials, this new watch features a metal bracelet and a stainless-steel bezel, enhancing both its strength and appearance.

Tough for Everyday Wear, Polished for Special Occasions

The GM2110D builds on the popular GM2100 series but adds a stainless-steel bezel that covers the resin body. This blend of materials maintains G SHOCK’s well-known durability while giving the watch a more modern look. The octagonal bezel, made with precision, has a mix of finishes: a circular hairline finish on the top and a mirror finish at the connection points. This gives the watch a clean and polished look that works for both casual and formal occasions.

In a first for the series, the GM2110D also features a stainless-steel bracelet, replacing the resin straps from earlier models. The bracelet adds a more refined feel to the watch, while the overall design stays simple, making it suitable for a variety of settings.

Vibrant Dial Design

The GM2110D’s dial is another key feature. It’s treated with metal and color coatings to give it a glossy, reflective finish. The watch is available in a range of colors, from bright orange and lime green to more subtle tones like silver and navy. The recessed metallic dial ring adds depth, giving the face a unique and stylish look.

Despite the updated design, the GM2110D keeps all the durable features G-SHOCK is known for, including:

Shock resistance
200M water resistance
Hand shift feature
World time covering 38 cities
1/100-second stopwatch
Countdown timer
5 daily alarms
Double LED light (Super Illuminator)

This makes the GM2110D a practical choice for both outdoor use and daily wear.

Price and Availability

The GM2110D-2A, GM2110D-2B, GM2110D-3A, GM2110D-4A, and GM2110D-7A models are now available for $300 each. They can be found at select jewelers, department stores, gshock.com, and the G-SHOCK Soho store.

HarmonyOS NEXT free of Android to launch this month

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Sep 15, 2024

Huawei‘s homegrown operating system, HarmonyOS, seems to be finally shedding its training wheels. The company has confirmed to the South China Morning Post that HarmonyOS NEXT, a native version free from Android’s underlying libraries, will launch by the end of this month.

It’s a significant milestone for Huawei, particularly in the wake of US sanctions that restricted access to Google’s Mobile Services framework.

Announced in 2019, HarmonyOS initially dipped its toes in the smart TV market before making the jump to smartphones a year later. Since then, millions of users have adopted the platform, which has also grown to include tablets, wearables, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

However, Huawei’s ambitions is beyond just replacing Android on its devices. HarmonyOS NEXT, also dubbed the “Pure Blood” OS in China, is aiming for complete independence. It involves a complete rewrite of the software and removing any reliance on Android code.

According to Chen Xinxin, general manager of HarmonyOS Industry Solutions, the new mobile platform is “entirely independently developed and autonomous.”

Likewise, the transition isn’t happening in a vacuum. Major Chinese developers across software, gaming, entertainment, and e-commerce have pledged support for native HarmonyOS apps. JD.com, China’s e-commerce giant, recently completed its own native app slated for launch alongside HarmonyOS NEXT.

The next chapter in this story likely involves the upcoming Huawei Mate 70. Although its launch date is still unknown, the company has confirmed it will be the first smartphone to feature the native HarmonyOS NEXT. This positions the Mate 70 as a flagship device not just for Huawei, but for the future of the HarmonyOS ecosystem.

It remains unclear if HarmonyOS NEXT can truly challenge Android’s dominance. However, Huawei’s dedication to creating a self-developed, independent OS is a bold move that could reshape the mobile landscape, especially in China.

Tecno Spark 30 4G design, display, camera, processor, and battery detail leaks

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Sep 15, 2024

Just a week after unveiling the Spark 30C, Tecno appears to be gearing up for another budget smartphone release. This time, it’s the Tecno Spark 30 4G, whose renders and specifications have surfaced courtesy of the publication PassionateGeekz.

The Spark 30 4G follows the current trend of large displays, sporting a 6.78-inch HD+ panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels and a 90hz refresh rate.

The camera system keeps things simple with a dual rear setup. The primary sensor clocks in at 64MP, likely accompanied by a secondary sensor for depth effects. You also get a quad-LED flash for low-light situations while the selfie duties are handled by a 13MP front-facing camera.

There’s also mention of AI processing in the camera, but specific details about its capabilities remain to be seen.

Under the hood, the Spark 30 4G is expected to rely on the MediaTek Helio G91 chipset, a familiar choice in the budget segment. This will be paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage, with the ability to expand further via a microSD card slot.

Software-wise, the Spark 30 4G will run on HiOS based on Android 14. HiOS is Tecno’s custom interface. Fueling the phone is said to be a 5000mAh battery that supports 18W charging.

Security options will include both a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and facial recognition. Connectivity covers the essentials, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. There’s no mention made of NFC, so contactless payments might be a no-go.

Last but not least, Tecno Spark 30 4G will come in two color options — Orbit White and Orbit Black. As of now, it under wrap when Tecno is planning to launch this device, but an announcement could likely be soon.

Apple Hikes iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max Battery Replacement Costs by 20%

By

Debasish

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Sep 15, 2024

Apple‘s iPhone Repair & Service page reveals that the company has once again increased the battery replacement cost for the iPhone 16 series devices. According to the page, the recently released iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will cost its users $119 to get a battery replacement. This is roughly a 20% increase (a $20 jump from the previous $99 price) over the battery replacement cost of last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models.

If you have AppleCare+ and your battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity, you can get a replacement at no extra cost. However, users without AppleCare+ can replace their iPhone battery for a fee. That being said, is it worth upgrading to the iPhone 16?

Possible reasons behind the price increase

The increase in cost for the iPhone 16 Pro models might be attributed to a couple of factors. We have seen leaked images from multiple sources that reveal the presence of a metal casing on the batteries of iPhone 16 series devices, which is something we haven’t seen for quite a while in smartphone batteries. It reportedly enhances thermal management and potentially improves overall battery longevity.

Apple has also redesigned the internals of the iPhone 16 series to make the batteries easier to access and replace. It’s reportedly done to comply with a new European Union law that requires smartphone makers to make batteries user-replaceable with common tools by June 2025. It might have required the company to invest a significant amount into redesigning the internals.

However. this isn’t the first time Apple has increased the battery replacement cost for its iPhones. When Apple launched the iPhone 14 series, the battery replacement cost also jumped from $69 to $99. And the newly released iPhone 14 lineup wasn’t the only one that was affected by the price increase. Apple also increased the battery replacement cost for older iPhones from $69 to $89.

Here’s a comparison of battery replacement costs of the recent iPhone models

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max: $119
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus: $99
All four iPhone 15 models: $99
All four iPhone 14 models: $99
All four iPhone 13 models: $89

Xiaomi 10,000mAh power bank revealed with up to 165W fast charging

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