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Here’s why POCO Pad 5G is better value for money than Redmi Pad Pro in India

Following the release of the Redmi Pad Pro models in India last month, Xiaomi has just unveiled another 5G enabled tablet in the region dubbed the POCO Pad 5G. Apart from the name, the new mid range tablet from POCO appears to be nearly identical to the Redmi Pad Pro. But despite being a rebranded version of the same tablet, why is the POCO Pad 5G a better value for money in India? Let’s find out.

Poco Pad 5G
Poco Pad 5G

1. POCO Pad 5G vs Redmi Pad Pro 5G: Identical Design & Display

First, we must get familiar with what these two tablets offer. Both models feature a premium metal unibody with the rear featuring two camera rings and a dual tone design. On the front, the POCO Pad 5G sports a tall 12.1-inch display that is surrounded by minimal bezels.

It has an LCD panel that offers a 2.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 600 nits of peak brightness. The screen brings various color schemes and supports Dolby Vision as well for an enhanced viewing experience. Just like the Redmi Pad Pro 5G, POCO’s new tablet also supports Stylus and keyboard.

2. What about the hardware?

Redmi Pad Pro
Redmi Pad Pro 5G

POCO launched its first ever tablet in India after releasing it in the global market earlier this year. You can even click here to check out our review. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC, which is paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. A massive 10,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 33W wired fast charging.

The POCO Pad 5G runs on the Android 14 OS based HyperOS custom skin out of the box. It also comes with Xiaomi Interconnectivity features that bring multi platform support. For audio, POCO Pad houses a quad speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support and two microphones. The tablet also has an 8-megapixel camera on the rear and the front for selfies and video calls.

Looking at these specs, the configuration is basically identical to the Redmi Pad Pro 5G. So these would likely offer a similar experience with near identical performance. This means that the only major difference is the price, which is what makes the POCO Pad 5G a better value for money than the Redmi Pad Pro.

3. There’s just one big difference

Xiaomi launched the two tablets with similar kits but varying prices. On launch, the Redmi Pad Pro 5G was released for 24,999 INR for the base 8GB + 128GB option. On the other hand, the POCO Pad 5G was announced in India for just 22,999 INR for the same storage option. This means it is around 2,000 INR cheaper, which is also reflected on the higher end 256GB option as well. So it is easy to say that POCO Pad is a better deal.

All Apple M4 Macs to come with 16GB of RAM as base

Apple might be giving Mac users what they’ve been asking for: more RAM. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the California-based tech giant is testing its upcoming M4-powered Macs with a minimum of 16GB of unified memory, a big upgrade from the current 8GB standard.

The 8GB base configuration has been a sticking point for Mac users, particularly for those involved in creative fields or with demanding workflows. 

Sure, you can choose a higher-tier model at the time of purchase. But the price difference between the base and upgraded options is often quite steep. This makes the higher-tier models a poor value for money.

Now, moving to a 16GB base means we’re likely to see a price increase. But we think Apple will find a way to make the new configuration competitive in the market. They have to!

Back to Gurman’s report, Apple is said to be testing four new Mac models with M4 chips. These chips will come in 8-core and 10-core variants, similar to those in the latest iPad Pros. To be specific, the higher-end M4 will likely have 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores, while the base model will have a 4/4 core setup.

Besides the increase to 16GB RAM, there may be other changes. The report suggests a broader M4 refresh for the Mac lineup, possibly including updates for the MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iMac. 

The switch to 16GB as standard is particularly noteworthy because Apple’s M-series chips integrate RAM directly into the processor package. This means upgrading RAM after purchase is next to impossible.

So, a 16GB of baseline RAM would not only ensure smoother performance out of the box, but it will also eliminate the need for users to pay extra for a more RAM-equipped model from the outset. These details are still unconfirmed by Apple, so they remain very much speculative at the moment. 

Lenovo’s Legion Go handheld gets several exciting accessories including an USB-C Doc and a Joystick

Lenovo released a number of accessories for the Legion Go handheld yesterday, which includes a USB-C charging dock, a carry case, joystick and joystick caps, a multi-device Bluetooth mini keyboard, and two curved monitors.

Legion Go USB-C Dock

The Legion Go USB-C dock offers a USB-C Power port (up to 100Wmax), 1G RJ45 port, full-function Type-C™ port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and an HDMI 2.0 port that supports up to 4K at 60Hz. The integrated Type-C cable is 230mm long.

This product is currently priced at US$58.79 on the official website.

Legion Go Charging Connector

This charging connector is designed to turn the Lenovo Legion Go’s detachable TrueStrike controllers into a single, chargeable controller. It has a built-in 10.55Wh (2850mAh) battery and can also replenish the battery life of the TrueStrike controller when connected to a USB Type-C cable. it is measured at 128.5×94.7×14.3 (mm) and it weighs 152.5g.

This accessory is expected to be available starting October 2024 starting at 59.99 €.

Legion Go Carry Case

It measures 320.9×148.2×108.9 (mm), which is large enough to hold the handheld, USB data cable, USB flash drive, power adapter, headphones, and other accessories. This case also features a clapboard to protect the screen.

It’s expected to be available starting January 2025 starting at 29.99 €.

Legion Go Joystick and Joystick Caps

The Legion Go Joystick and Joystick Caps are designed to offer more precise control in games. The extra grippy textured material enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.

The set includes replacement joysticks and joystick caps in three shapes: spherical, concave, and cylindrical. Each of them includes a pair of products in four colors: Eclipse Black, Glacier White, Luna Grey, and Lenovo Red.

The Legion Go Joystick and Joystick Caps are expected to be available starting October 2024 starting at 9.99 €.

Multi-Device Bluetooth Mini Keyboard

This keyboard is the perfect complement to the Lenovo Legion Go as a 75% layout, super light 180g keyboard, which is only 5.6mm thick. It can easily switch between up to three devices with multi-device connection and supports Microsoft Windows, Android, and iPadOS.

This multi-device keyboard is expected to be available starting November 2024 starting at 39.99 €.

Legion R27qc-30 and Lenovo Legion R32qc-30 Monitors

Legion Go owners now have two new display options – the 27-inch Lenovo Legion R27qc-30 and the 31.5-inch Lenovo Legion R32qc-30. The 27-inch monitor supports 120% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3 and the 31.5-inch supports 112% sRGB.

Both monitors feature an up to 180Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms (MPRT) response times in their 1500R curved displays. Speaking of connectivity, both monitors come with two HDMI 2.1 ports, a single DP1.4 port, and an audio out, as well as a pair of 3W speakers.

Both the 27-inch and 31.5-inch monitors are expected to be available starting October 2024 with price tags of 259 € and 349 € respectively.

(Source | via)

Poco F7 may launch sooner than expected, grabs its second certification

Earlier this month, a new Poco phone appeared in the IMEI database. The device carrying the model 2412DPC0AG is rumored to be the upcoming Poco F7. 

We were initially skeptical about this listing, though, as the Poco F6 series was only released three months ago, in May. So we were expecting the successor, the Poco F7 series, to launch around the same time next year, likely in Q2 2025.

But it looks like Poco is accelerating its F-series release cycle this year. Following the IMEI listing, the alleged Poco F7 has now secured EEC certification with the same model number.

Poco F7 EEC certification

While the certification doesn’t provide specifics about the phone’s hardware or features, it increases the likelihood that the Poco F7 could launch sooner than expected.

Looking at past patterns, the Poco F6 received EEC certification in January of this year and was officially unveiled in May. If Poco follows a similar strategy for the Poco F7, we might see the new series debut in December. 

Perhaps, the phone’s model number “2412” is already hinting at this schedule—“24” for the year and “12” for the month. However, it’s important to note that this is still just a speculation and Poco hasn’t confirmed any of this. 

Regardless, the Poco F7 is expected to be a rebrand of the Redmi Turbo 4 for the global market. The F7 Pro, on the other hand, could be a rebranded version of Redmi K80. 

Poco F6

The Redmi K80 series is rumored to launch in China this November, so a December release for the Poco F7 series is still very possible. It’s just that Xiaomi typically takes some time to introduce its China-exclusive phones to the global market. While we were expecting this pattern to continue, there seems to be a shift in strategy this year. We’ll keep you updated with any news about the Poco F7 series.

Sony’s latest Budget TWS earbuds launched in 4 bright colors, $60 price tag, & 11hr battery

Sony is expanding its TWS lineup with a pair of new affordable earbuds. The latest budget TWS earbuds are the WF-C510, which is basically a refreshed version of the older WF-C500. The brand’s latest hearables recently surfaced in a leak and have finally been released in bright new colors and some notable specs for a price that doesn’t hurt your wallet. So let’s check it out.

Sony WF-C510: What does the Budget TWS offer?

Sony’s new WF-C510 was announced with a smaller and lighter body than the C500. It was a closed design with silicon ear tips and an IPX4 rating for sweat resistance. This makes it a good partner during your workout sessions. The company used recycled plastic for its body. Since the TWS was announced for a budget friendly focus, it skips certain premium features like ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) but users do get an ambient mode, which is basically a transparency mode that lets you listen to the environment around you.

Sony WF-C510 Budget TWS Earbuds
Sony WF-C510 Budget TWS Earbuds

Another feature you miss out on is the multipoint Bluetooth connectivity. On a single full charge, the Sony WF-C510 has an extended battery life of up to 11 hours on the earbuds alone. Meanwhile, the charging case offers another full charge. So you get a total of 22 hours. There is also a button for easy operation and the app allows you to tweak audio settings. Other notable features include DSEE upscaling that can recover the details lost due to compression and 360 Reality Audio.

Pricing, Colors, and Availability

Sony introduced the WF-C510 for an affordable price tag of just 60 US Dollars. This makes it even more attractive and accessible than its predecessor, which was released for 100 US Dollars. Buyers can choose between four color options, which include Black, Blue, White, and Yellow. It is set to hit the shelves early next month.

Samsung’s debuts Premiere series of 4K projectors: 130-inch Dolby Atmos enhanced Premium Home Theatre experience

We’ve recently covered plenty of smart projectors that have a budget price tag. These feature big projections and are a great value for money. But Samsung is taking a step in a different direction, aiming to offer a top-of-the-line home theatre experience with its new Premiere series of projectors.

Samsung Premiere 9 & Premiere 7 4K Projectors

Samsung’s Premiere lineup consists of two variants, namely Premiere 9 and Premiere 7. Both models offer up to a 130-inch screen projection size (120-inch on the Premiere 7) along with HDR10+ support for clear and vivid images. These natively support 4K resolution along with AI Upscaling and Vision Booster to enhance content to 4K as well. The Premiere 9 employs triple laser technology for accurate colors and offers up to 3,450 ISO lumens that cover 154 percent of the DCI P3 color gamut.

Samsung Premiere Projector Launch
Samsung Premiere Series of 4K Projectors

Meanwhile, the Premiere 7 provides 2,500 ISO lumens and covers 100 percent DCI P3. These are ultra short throw projectors, which means that they are made to be placed close to the projection surface. Samsung also paid special attention to the design, building compact premium projectors with a minimalist white design with a rounded body and a premium Kvadrat fabric finish.

To ensure users get the best home theatre experience, Samsung even packs the Premiere projectors with built in Dolby Atmos speakers. The more expensive Premiere 9 houses the 40W 2.2.2 channel speakers, while the Premiere 7 features 30W 2.2 channel speakers. Other notable features include access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, cloud based gaming without needing a console, Tap View, and easy mirroring from smartphones.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung Premiere 9 and Premiere 7 projectors were just announced in the US, Canada, and China. The Premiere 9 4K Smart Triple Laster Projector has a price tag of 5,999 US Dollars, while the Premiere 7 4K Smart Laser Projector costs 2,999 US Dollars. These are set to be released in other regions later this year.

OxygenOS 15: Release Date, Eligible Devices, and New Features

OxygenOS 15 release date, features, eligible devices

Android 15 release is around the corner, and smartphone brands have already started working on their version of custom skin. For OnePlus, it will be the OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15.  

OxygenOS 14 introduced many new features, design changes, and enhancements, such as Anamorphic Design, Go Green AOD, and Trinity Engine. The next iteration — OxygenOS 15 — is also expected to bring a host of new features and upgrades.

Here’s everything you need to know about the OxygenOS 15, including the release date, eligible devices, and expected features.

OnePlus OxygenOS 15 Release Date

Android 15 is in the platform stability phase, the final development cycle before it is out for the public. So far, Google has followed last year’s beta release timeline. Therefore, the stable version is also expected to drop around the same time as last year’s, in October.

Last year, OxygenOS 14 was released in November, and OxygenOS 13 also arrived in the same month. Considering previous releases, we can expect OnePlus to release the Android 15-based OxygenOS 15 in November.

As you may already know, recent high-end phones are the first in line to receive the latest upgrade, and then it gradually expands to other models.

If you have a high-end OnePlus device, you may have a chance to early experience the new OS by joining the beta program. The Android 15 beta program is currently available for the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open users. More OnePlus models should join the party in the coming weeks.

OxygenOS 15 Eligible Devices

  • OnePlus Open
  • OnePlus 12
  • OnePlus 12R
  • OnePlus 11
  • OnePlus 11R
  • OnePlus 10 Pro
  • OnePlus 10T
  • OnePlus 10R
  • OnePlus Nord 4
  • OnePlus Nord 3
  • OnePlus Nord CE 4
  • OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite
  • OnePlus Nord CE 3
  • OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
  • OnePlus Nord N30 SE
  • OnePlus Pad 2
  • OnePlus Pad Pro
  • OnePlus Pad 

We have prepared the above list after analyzing the software update policy for each OnePlus device and the past rollout history. We’ll update it once the official list is out.

OxygenOS 15: What to Expect?

The next major upgrade will bring plenty of new features and upgrades from the development team at OnePlus. Plus, there will be new features and enhancements directly from Google as a part of Android 15.

Here are the most significant changes we expect to see in OxygenOS 15 (including features from Android 15):

1. Lock Screen Customizations

The OxygenOS 15 is expected to bring new features for a more tailored lock screen experience. The upcoming version might allow users to customize lock screen fonts, colors, clock styles, and widgets.

OnePlus might also add a depth effect to lock screen wallpapers like iOS and bring a new set of wallpapers.

2. Video Battery Saver

Folks at Android Authority have spotted a new feature called “Video battery saver” in early Android 15 betas for OnePlus phones. This feature automatically optimizes battery usage when a supported video app is draining the battery. This will extend battery life but may slightly affect your video-watching experience.

This feature was spotted in the beta build. Hence, we’ll wait to see if OnePlus integrates it into the final version of OxygenOS 15. 

3. Revamped Control Center

The OxygenOS 14 revamped the control center, but that’s not the end of the road. The upcoming OxygenOS 15 is expected to bring some notable changes to enhance the user experience. 

4. Theft Detection Lock

This is not an OxygenOS 15-specific feature but an Android 15 feature to stop thieves from stealing your data.

The Theft Detection Lock feature uses Google’s AI to determine when your device has been snatched from your hands. If it detects this, the device will lock itself automatically, preventing thieves from stealing your data. The best part is that thieves won’t be able to activate the device until they have your Google account details.

Snatching/stealing Android phones and selling them off for some money is a common practice among thieves, but Android 15 reduces the incentive by making the device unusable without the correct Google account details.

5. More AI Integration

OnePlus phones running OxygenOS 15 already have some AI features, but Android 15 could take the AI experience to another level by introducing many new features, including Gemini AI integration. We might also see new AI features from the OnePlus development team.

6. Satellite Connectivity Support

Android 15 “extends platform support for satellite connectivity.” It provides support for SMS, MMS, and native RCS apps to use satellite connectivity for sending and receiving messages.

The new OS adds some UI elements to ensure a consistent user experience. All Android 15 phones may not support satellite connectivity, as they will likely require special chip and carrier support.

7. Fluid Cloud Improvements

Fluid Cloud is the OnePlus’s version of Dynamic Island available on iPhones. Copying a feature from other brands for the benefit of users isn’t bad, but the feature is too restricted to call it beneficial.

The Fluid Cloud, introduced last year with OxygenOS 14, only works with system apps. Only recently, the brand added support for Spotify. However, OxygenOS 15 might add support for various third-party apps, such as food delivery apps, travel apps, and other music-streaming platforms, to work with Fluid Cloud.

8. Split Screen App Pairs

It’s an Android 15 thing that allows users to create shortcuts for their favorite split-screen apps. For example, you can make a shortcut icon to open YouTube and Notes in the split-screen mode.

If you often use apps in the split screen mode, Android 15 will save you a lot of time.

9. App Archiving

Android 15 will allow users to uninstall unnecessary apps while keeping the user data around. It works similarly to offloading apps on iPhones. There won’t be any data loss; you can continue where you left off after reinstalling/unarchiving the app.

Android already has app archiving via the Google Play Store, allowing you to archive and restore apps. However, Android 15 integrates this feature at the OS level, allowing users to archive/restore apps, even those installed outside of the Google Play Store.

10. Notification Cooldown

This is also an Android 15 feature that reduces the volume of successive notifications coming from the same app. This feature is designed to prevent users from getting annoyed by too many notifications.

I’m pretty sure there will be a lot more exciting stuff to look forward to in OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15. What are your expectations with the next major upgrade? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

More Android 15 Stories:
1. These OnePlus Phones Won’t Get OxygenOS 15 Update
2. How to Install Android 15 Beta on OnePlus Phones
3. 10 Amazing Features Coming to Android 15

Realme Narzo 70 Turbo confirmed to launch in India

Realme has confirmed that the Narzo 70 Turbo will soon be launched in India. While the official launch date hasn’t been announced yet, this new model will join the existing Narzo 70 lineup, which includes the standard 5G model, the Pro variant, and the Narzo 70x 5G.

The teaser image shared by Realme shows the Narzo 70 Turbo with a bold yellow stripe running down the center of the back, with black finishes on the sides. We are not sure whether this is a limited-edition model or if Realme plans to release it as a standard variant. 

However, the design clearly hints that the company is placing an emphasis on performance with the upcoming phone. Realme says the Narzo 70 Turbo will feature an advanced “Turbo Technology,”  though the specifics of it are under wraps. 

Additionally, the phone features a 3.5mm headphone jack and speaker grilles at the top. While these are the only official details available so far, a report from earlier this week has revealed some key specs of the phone.

It suggests the Narzo 70 Turbo will come in purple, and green, in addition to the yellow variant. The memory options are said to include 6/12GB of RAM and 128/256GB of storage. The phone may have a 50-megapixel primary camera with EIS support on the back and a 16-megapixel selfie camera.

Realme is also set to launch the 13+ 5G smartphone in India on August 29—just two days from now. Rumors suggest that this phone may share some of its specifications with the Narzo 70 Turbo. 

The Realme 13+ 5G is expected to come with a 6.67-inch AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz display, a Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset, a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, a 16-megapixel front camera, and a 50-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual-camera setup on the back.

MediaTek Dimensity 9400 claimed to pack PC-level ray tracing capabilities

MediaTek is reportedly aiming for a mid-October release of the Dimensity 9400 chip, which is around the same time Qualcomm will release the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip. Now tipster makes strong claims about the ray tracing performance of the Dimensity 9400.

MediaTek Dimensity 9400 IPC Performance Leak

According to a Weibo post from tipster Ice Universe, the ray tracing performance of Dimensity 9400 has been improved by nearly 20% compared to the previous generation.

He also claims that this is made possible thanks to a new ray tracing technology, which will be released for the first time on the mobile terminal. This is reportedly comparable to the best ray tracing technology OMM (Opacity Micro-Maps) on PC. According to NVIDIA, Opacity Micro-Maps are used to accelerate ray tracing of high detail geometry by efficiently encoding the opacity states of micro-triangles and micro meshes.

Another Weibo tipster named ‘Digital Chat Station’ also made a bold claim about the GPU performance of the Dimensity 9400. He mentioned that the chip scores 30% higher in the 3D Mark test with 40% 40% lower power consumption as compared to the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

The Dimensity 9400 is said to be based on TSMC’s 3nm process, the same as the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. The chipset is expected to feature an octa-core architecture consisting of a single Cortex-X5 prime core running at a 3.4GHz clock speed, paired with three Cortex-X4 performance cores, and four Cortex-A720 efficiency cores. The company may also further increase the clock speed of the Cortex-X5 core before launch. Speaking of the CPU performance, the single-core score is said to be around 30% higher than the Dimensity 9300.

The Dimensity 9400 will power flagships like the Vivo X200, Vivo X200 Pro, OPPO Find X8, OPPO Find X8 Pro, and Redmi K80 Ultra.

(Source)

Why you shouldn’t buy a budget laptop

When it comes to making a tech purchase, one of the most tempting choices for many consumers is opting for a budget laptop. After all, who wouldn’t want to save money while still getting their hands on a device that seemingly offers all the essentials? However, the allure of a low price tag often masks a host of potential drawbacks that could lead to frustration, underperformance, and wasted money in the long run. In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons why you should think twice before buying a budget laptop and explore the real tech elements that underscore these concerns.

Dell XPS laptop

1. Compromised Build Quality

Budget laptops are often constructed with cheaper materials to keep costs down. This usually means plastic chassis, flimsy hinges, and keyboards that feel like they’ll give out after a few months of use. While manufacturers may try to make these laptops look sleek, the reality is that they are not built to last. Over time, you might find that the laptop’s casing starts to crack, the hinges become loose, and the keyboard keys begin to stick or fail altogether.

Moreover, the screens on budget laptops are typically of lower quality, often with poor color accuracy and limited viewing angles. This can be particularly frustrating if you plan to use the laptop for any kind of creative work, such as photo or video editing, where accurate color representation is crucial.

2. Inferior Performance

Budget laptops are often equipped with low-end processors, minimal RAM, and slower storage solutions. Let’s break down what this means in real-world use:

Processor: These budget CPUs can handle basic tasks like web browsing or word processing, but they struggle with more demanding applications. Even tasks like running multiple browser tabs, streaming HD videos, or working with large spreadsheets can cause noticeable lag and slowdowns.

RAM: Many budget laptops come with just 4GB of RAM, which is barely enough to keep modern operating systems running smoothly. With multiple applications open, you might quickly find yourself running out of memory, leading to sluggish performance and frequent freezing.

Storage: The storage in budget laptops is often limited to a small-capacity hard drive (HDD) or a low-end solid-state drive (SSD). While SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, the ones used in budget laptops are usually of lower quality, offering slower read/write speeds. Additionally, the limited storage space (often 128GB or less) means you’ll quickly run out of room for your files, forcing you to rely on external storage solutions or cloud services.

3. Poor Battery Life

Battery life is another area where budget laptops often fall short. To save costs, manufacturers may opt for smaller, less efficient batteries. Additionally, the energy efficiency of low-end processors and other components isn’t optimized, leading to shorter battery life. While the specifications might claim up to 6-8 hours of battery life, real-world usage can bring that down to just a few hours, especially if you’re doing anything more demanding.

4. Limited Upgradeability

Manufacturers often solder components like RAM or storage to the motherboard to save on space and costs. This means that if you find your laptop struggling to keep up with your needs, you won’t be able to upgrade it easily. In contrast, higher-end laptops often offer more flexibility, allowing you to add more RAM or swap out the storage drive for something with higher capacity and faster speeds.

5. Subpar Software Experience

Budget laptops often come preloaded with a slew of bloatware—unnecessary software and trial programs that can slow down your system and clutter your desktop. Removing these programs can be time-consuming, and they can sometimes leave behind remnants that continue to affect performance. Additionally, budget laptops might not come with a full version of the operating system. While you can usually upgrade to the full version, this is yet another hidden cost that adds to the total price of ownership.

6. Security Concerns

In the realm of security, budget laptops can be a risky choice. These devices often lack advanced security features such as biometric authentication (fingerprint scanners or facial recognition), which are becoming standard on mid-range and premium laptops.

7. Conclusion

While the low price tag of a budget laptop might be appealing, the reality is that these devices come with significant compromises that can lead to a frustrating user experience. From inferior performance and build quality to poor battery life and limited upgradeability, the disadvantages far outweigh the initial savings.

In the long run, you’re likely to spend more on repairs, replacements, or external accessories to compensate for the laptop’s shortcomings. Therefore, it’s often wiser to invest a bit more upfront in a higher-quality laptop that will serve you well for years to come. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who simply values a smooth and reliable computing experience, avoiding budget laptops is a decision you won’t regret.

Vivo T3 Pro 5G lands in India: Mid-range phone with a curved display and 80W charging

Vivo has officially launched the T3 Pro 5G in India after weeks of teasers and leaks. The phone positions itself in the mid-range segment, offering a curved AMOLED display, a large battery with fast charging, and a decent camera system. Let’s go through its details here. 

Vivo T3 Pro Specifications

The T3 Pro 5G is built around a 6.77-inch FHD+ 3D curved AMOLED display that features a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen can reach a peak brightness of 4,500 nits, which should ensure good visibility even in bright conditions  

Vivo offers the phone in two color options — Emerald Green with a gradient finish and in Sandstone Orange with a “vegan leather” job. Both versions feature golden-accented camera borders that add a touch of elegance to the design.

Vivo T3 Pro 5G Specs Price Launch India

Under the hood, the phone is powered by the mid-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB UFS 2.2 storage.

On the back, the T3 Pro 5G sports a dual-camera system with a 50MP Sony IMX882 primary sensor. It is accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide camera—a fairly standard setup in this price range.

Vivo also says the phone has AI features like Photo Enhance and Erase for improved image processing, but the overall camera setup doesn’t break new ground. There’s a single 16MP front-facing camera that caters to selfie needs.  

Software-wise, the phone runs FunTouch OS 14 based on Android 14.  And Vivo is promising 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of security updates. Fueling the device is a hefty 5,500mAh battery and supports 80W fast charging. 

Rounding out the package, the T3 Pro 5G boasts an in-display fingerprint sensor, an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, and dual stereo speakers. Notably, the phone also includes “wet touch technology” which might be helpful for users interacting with the phone in damp conditions.  

Price and Availability

As for the price, Vivo is offering the T3 Pro 5G in two variants:

  • 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: Rs 24,999 (approximately $303)
  • 8GB RAM + 256GB storage: Rs 26,999 (approximately $327)  

The first sale for the Vivo T3 Pro 5G is scheduled for September 3rd via Flipkart and the Vivo India website. The company is offering launch discounts of up to Rs 3,000 with select banks and exchange bonuses for older smartphones. 

Should you buy the Apple iPhone 15 series before the iPhone 16 launch?

The launch of Apple’s next generation of iPhones is near with leaks and rumors making the rounds online. But with the iPhone 16 series announcement being near, it begs the question, should you buy a model from the iPhone 15 lineup now? Or hold on for a bit longer? Here’s our professional opinion about this annual dilemma.

Best Pre Order Deals iPhone 15 Free
Apple iPhone 15 Pro

1. iPhone 16 launch makes the iPhone 15 more attractive

Every year, Apple unveils a brand new series of iPhones that bring generational upgrades over their predecessors. While the improvements aren’t always massive, the latest models typically offer better chips, new tech and software features, along with improved cameras. With the iPhone 16, we can expect upgrades in all of these areas. But apart from these changes, the brand also makes its older iPhones more affordable. So assuming it sticks to this tradition, the Apple iPhone 16’s launch should make the iPhone 15 more affordable.

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

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

2. There’s a catch

As older iPhones get cheaper, you can buy them without a second thought, right? Well, things are slightly more complicated than that. Apple only lowers the official price tag for the lower end models. In other words, the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus may get an official price cut after the iPhone 16 series announcements. Meanwhile, the higher end Pro models like the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will likely be discontinued immediately. So you can’t simply get last year’s flagship for a more affordable price.

3. Worth the wait?

Despite all of this, it is still worth waiting for the iPhone 15 following the iPhone 16’s debut. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are expected to become more affordable, but there’s also a short window where retailers and third party sellers sell the iPhone 15 Pro models with heavy discounts. This doesn’t mean that they are as cheap as a mid-range phone, but easily more accessible than their launch price.

If you want the latest and greatest, it makes sense to go for Apple’s shiny new iPhone 16 models. Based on recent rumors, the iPhone 15 could outperform an M4 powered iPad Pro in AI performance. A leak even hinted at the Pro variants getting 5x tetraprism telephoto cameras as well as higher resolution ultra wide angle lenses. However, these upgrades aren’t expected to bring a huge upgrade, so the iPhone 15 could serve as a better value for money. The company isn’t well known for launching affordable mid range devices, but its flagship phones definitely become better deals after the newer generation is introduced.

Xiaomi X Pro QLED Series Launched In India With Bezel-Less Design, Google TV, And More

Xiaomi has announced a new television and a smartwatch in India. The brand has launched premium TVs after a long time. It is called the Xiaomi X Pro QLED Series. The televisions come in three sizes with some premium specifications including an immserive viewing experience, powerful audio, and ample storage. Read on to know what they offer out of the box. 

Xiaomi X Pro QLED Series announced in India

The Xiaomi X Pro QLED Series is offered in 43, 55, and 65-inch screen sizes. The display is surrounded by ultra-thin bezels on three sides for an immersive viewing experience. All three models feature QLED technology to deliver exceptional brightness and deeper contrast levels. They pack a 4K resolution with support for HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. There is a Vivid Picture Engine for accurate and realistic colors. The TVs also come with MEMC support and ALLM mode for smooth visuals especially when viewing fast-paced scenes. 

On the audio front, the Xiaomi X Pro QLED Series is equipped with dual speakers with Dolby Audio, and DTS:X producing a sound output of 30W. The televisions are claimed to offer a cinematic audio experience. The TVs feature a premium metallic aluminium frame in terms of design.

Internally, the Xiaomi X Pro QLED Series is powered by a quad-core A55 processor. It packs 2GB RAM for a seamless performance. There is a 32GB internal storage for streaming movies, shows, and unlimited games. Software-wise, it runs on Google TV OS with Xiaomi’s PatchWall UI on the top. The former comes with built-in Chromecast, Google Assistant, as well as, content first UI, kids profile, ambient mode, and more.

The Xiaomi X Pro QLED Series starts at Rs 34,999 for the base 43-inch model. The 55 and 65-inch variants carry a price tag of Rs 49,999 and Rs 62,999 respectively. All three TVs can be purchased from Mi.com, Amazon, Flipkart, and Xiaomi stores across the country starting August 30.

Redmi Watch 5 Active With HyperOS, 18-Day Battery Life, And More Launched In India

Alongside the launch of the Xiaomi X Pro QLED Series televisions, the company’s sub-brand also announced a new smartwatch. The Redmi Watch 5 Active arrives as the successor to last year’s Watch 3 Active. The latest offering retains the same design as its predecessor but packs some incremental upgrades in terms of specifications and features. Read on to find out what the wearable device offers out of the box. 

Redmi Watch 5 Active debuts in India 

Redmi-Watch-5-Active
Redmi-Watch-5-Active

The Redmi Watch 5 Active has a square dial with curved corners and a physical button on the right side. It features a large 2-inch display with a 500 nits peak brightness for better visibility and a smooth usage experience. The smartwatch is waterproof up to 5ATM and has IPX8 certification.

The Redmi Watch 5 Active is equipped with a 24×7 heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, stress, and sleep trackers. It is also capable of monitoring menstrual cycles for women. There is also a breathing reminder. The wearable device packs support for tracking more than 140 sports modes along with auto-detection for some activities.

The Redmi Watch 5 Active comes with a built-in speaker and microphone for Bluetooth voice calling. It runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS making it the first Redmi wearable to come with the OS. The device packs features like SOS, privacy lock, theatre mode, torch, find your phone, and more. There is also built-in Alexa for performing tasks by giving voice commands. The smartwatch is backed by a 470mAh battery that is claimed to offer a battery life of up to 18 days on a single charge. 

The Redmi Watch 5 Active carries a special launch price tag of Rs 2,799. It will be available for purchase from Amazon, Flipkart, and the brand’s website from September 3. The smartwatch is offered in Midnight Black and Matte Silver colors.

Realme GT 7 Pro render leak reveals renewed design

A mock render of the upcoming Realme GT 7 Pro has emerged on Weibo. To recall, the Realme GT 5 Pro, which debuted in December 2023, featured a massive round camera module. However, the mock render of the GT 7 Pro will be more in line with the Realme GT 6 (China variant), which sports a square camera island.

Realme GT 7 Pro design (rumored)

Upcoming flagship phones’ design leaked by DCS

Earlier this month, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station shared the above schematic, which showcased the design of upcoming flagship phones. In the leaked schematic, the GT 7 Pro’s design can be seen on the extreme left.

The mocker render created based on the leaked schematic depicts a white back panel with a prominent square-shaped camera module situated in the top-left corner. It houses three cameras and an LED flash. The rest of the back maintains a clean and minimalist aesthetic, with the “realme” branding oriented vertically along the bottom left side of the device.

Realme GT 7 Pro specifications (rumored)

Realme GT 7 Pro mock render
Realme GT 7 Pro mock render

As per reports, the Realme GT 7 Pro is expected to feature a 6.78-inch BOE X2 LTPO display with a 1.5K resolution, boasting a micro-curved design on all four sides. The device will likely incorporate a single-point ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for enhanced security. The phone is also expected to come with Android 15 and an IP68/69 rating for water and dust resistance.

It is speculated to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, paired with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage. The battery is expected to exceed 6,000mAh, supporting 100W fast charging.

On the rear, the Realme GT 7 Pro’s camera setup is rumored to include a 50-megapixel main sensor, an ultra-wide lens, and a Sony LYT-600 3x periscope telephoto lens. The camera system is expected to support 10x hybrid zoom and up to 120x digital zoom. There’s no information about the GT 7 Pro’s front camera.

Realme GT 7 Pro launch timeframe (rumored)

The Realme GT 7 Pro is rumored to launch in China between October and November. A global launch is expected by December, and it could potentially be the first device to bring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset to market.

(via)

Xiaomi 15 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Find X8 Ultra as January 2025 launch tipped

Xiaomi is expected to announce the Xiaomi 15 series of smartphones in October this year. Like in recent years, the “Ultra”-branded model in the series will have a dedicated launch in 2025. For reference, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra was unveiled in February of this year. Therefore, it has been speculated that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra may go official around the same time in 2025. However, a new leak from tipster Digital Chat Station suggests that the 15 Ultra might launch earlier than expected, possibly to compete with “Ultra”-branded smartphones from Samsung and Oppo.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s January 2025 launch tipped

Xiaomi 15 Ultra

In the above Weibo post, DCS is reportedly hinting at the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s launch in January 2025. This strategy is likely aimed at gaining a larger market share in China.

Rumors are rife that Oppo will unveil the Oppo Find X8 Ultra, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, in January 2025. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, equipped with an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, is also expected to break cover in the same month. Additionally, there’s a possibility that the Honor Magic 7 Ultimate, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, may also debut around the same time. However, there are no concrete leaks yet regarding the Ultimate variant of Magic 7. With the Xiaomi 15 Ultra now rumored to launch in January, it is set to directly compete with these flagship devices.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra specifications (rumored)

According to reports, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will feature an OLED panel with a micro-curvature design. The device is expected to offer a 2K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, it is likely to ship with 24 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and a battery capacity of around 6,200mAh.

The rear camera setup is expected to include a 50-megapixel primary camera with a sensor size exceeding one inch. It may also be equipped with an ultra-wide lens, a telephoto camera, and a 200-megapixel Samsung HP9 periscope telephoto camera with 4x optical zoom. The device is expected to come with Android 15 and Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2.0. It is expected to be available in plain leather, fiberglass, and ceramic build variants.

OnePlus Ace 5, Ace 5 Pro to rival Redmi K80, K80 Pro with November launch

Redmi is expected to unveil the Redmi K80 series of smartphones in November in China. The lineup will reportedly include at least two models, such as the Redmi K80 featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and the Redmi K80 Pro equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. According to tipster Smart Pikachu, the K80 lineup will face competition from the OnePlus Ace 5 series.

OnePlus Ace 5 series November launch tipped

Several reports have claimed that the OnePlus 13 will be one of the first Snapdragon 8 Gen 4-powered phones to debut in China. Therefore, it is likely that the OP13 may break cover in October.

Previous reports have claimed that the OnePlus Ace 5 series will debut in the fourth quarter of this year. Now, tipster Smart Pikachu claims that the Ace 5 lineup will be announced in November to take on the Redmi K80 lineup.

The leak also suggests that the two chips powering the Ace 5 series will be the same as those in the Redmi K80 series. This suggests that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 could power the Ace 5, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 could power the Ace 5 Pro. The leaker added that the standard model will have a ceramic build, whereas the Pro variant will feature a 2K resolution screen.

According to other reports, the Redmi K80 Pro may remain exclusive to the Chinese market. Considering that the Ace 3 Pro and Ace 2 Pro remained confined to the home market, it is likely that the Ace 5 Pro may not launch outside of China. Readers can visit these posts to learn about the key specifications of the Ace 5 and Ace 5 Pro.

Speculations are rife that the Redmi K80 will be rebranded as the Poco F7 Pro for the global market in the coming year. On the other hand, the Ace 5 may get renamed as the OnePlus 13R in the global market.  The 13R may break cover with the OnePlus 13 in January 2025.

Vivo X200 series launch date in October’s third week tipped

Several flagship phones powered by next-generation chipsets, such as the Dimensity 9400 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, are expected to launch in China this October. Rumors suggest that Vivo will be the first brand to release its new flagship devices, starting with the launch of the Vivo X200 series, which may include three models: the X200, X200+, and X200 Pro. A new Weibo post by reliable leaker Digital Chat Station reportedly reveals the launch timeframe for the X200 series.

Vivo X200 series launch date (rumored)

The leaker shared the above image, highlighting three dates in the third week of October. The calendar shown in the image is reportedly a screenshot from Vivo’s in-house calendar app for China, suggesting that the tipster could be hinting at the launch timeframe of the Vivo X200 series. Therefore, it is likely that the X200 series launch event could be held on October 14, 15, or 16.

The Vivo X200 series will be powered by the Dimensity 9400 chipset. It is likely that the X200 series launch event will take place soon after MediaTek announces the D9400 chip. Speaking of the new flagship chip from MediaTek, it is expected to offer a 30 percent improvement in CPU performance.

According to reports, the Oppo Find X8 series equipped with the D9400 chip will also debut in October soon after the X200 series. The lineup is expected to include two models, such as the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro.

The X200 series and X8 series are expected to face competition from the Xiaomi 15 soon. Rumors are rife that the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro will debut as the world’s first Snapdragon 8 Gen 4-powered smartphones. Qualcomm will possibly announce the new chip through the Snapdragon Summit 2024 event, which will take place between Oct. 21 and 23, indicating that the Xiaomi 15 series may debut in the fourth or fifth week of October.

GC Daily: Honor & Google Cloud Partnership, Xiaomi’s tri-foldable phone in works

In today’s roundup, we talk about Honor and Google’s partnership, Xiaomi’ tri foldable display and more.

Today’s Highlights:

  1. HONOR and Google Cloud’s AI Alliance: Dive into the newly announced partnership between HONOR and Google Cloud, bringing advanced AI features to the upcoming Magic V3 foldable.
  2. Google’s Pixel A Series Redesign: Examine the leaked renders of the alleged Pixel 9a, suggesting a significant design shift for Google’s mid-range offering.
  3. Samsung’s Premium 2-in-1 Laptop: Get the scoop on the recently certified Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360.
  4. Xiaomi’s Tri-Foldable Phone: Uncover the latest developments in Xiaomi’s rumored tri-foldable smartphone. We’ll speculate on how this device could impact the evolving foldable phone landscape.

Plus, don’t miss our roundup of other exciting stories, including the Realme Note 60’s impending launch, alternatives to the Moto G64 5G, Red Magic’s upcoming gaming tablets, and Roborock’s innovative new vacuum cleaner!


HONOR, Google Cloud Team Up for Magic V3’s AI features

HONOR has announced a partnership with Google Cloud to introduce three new cloud AI features on its upcoming foldable smartphone, the HONOR Magic V3. These features, which will be unveiled at IFA 2024 along with the Magic V3, include AI Eraser, Face-to-Face Translation, and HONOR Notes Live Translation.

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Is Google Rethinking the Pixel A Series with a New Design?

Google Pixel 9a

Google recently unveiled the Pixel 9 series containing three models: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL. Google usually adds a mid-range “A” series model later down the line like the Pixel 8a, which launched back in May 2024. Now, the first renders of the alleged Pixel 9a have emerged, revealing a significant shift in design.

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Samsung’s new Premium laptop coming soon? 2-in-1 Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 gets certified

Samsung Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360

Following the Galaxy S24 FE sighting, Samsung appears to be working on another flagship grade product. But unlike the affordable flagship phone, this one appears to be a premium laptop offering. The Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360 was just spotted getting certified, so here’s everything we know.

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Xiaomi’s tri-foldable phone is in works, here’s what to expect?

Huawei's tri-foldable phone Yu Richard

In the coming years, tri-foldable phones could become the next major trend in the smartphone industry. In May, TCL showcased the world’s first functional tri-foldable phone at the Society for Information Display (SID) 2024 exhibition, although it is not yet available for purchase. It is speculated that Huawei’s upcoming tri-foldable device, expected to debut in the next few months, could be the world’s first commercially available tri-foldable phone. A new development reveals Xiaomi may also release a tri-foldable smartphone in the near future.

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OnePlus 13 main camera, battery size, wired & wireless charging details leaked

It is speculated that OnePlus will announce the OnePlus Ace 5 series of smartphones in China this November. Therefore, it appears that the OnePlus 13 may debut in October as one of the first smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset. Today, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station shared a Weibo post revealing the main camera, battery size, and charging capabilities of the OnePlus 13.

OnePlus 13 key details tipped

According to DCS, the OnePlus 13 will come equipped with the LYT-808 camera sensor with an f/1.6 aperture. This is the same 50-megapixel primary camera found on the OnePlus 12. As per a previous leak from the same source, the rear camera setup will also include a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

The latest leak indicates that the OnePlus 13 will see a significant upgrade in the battery department compared to the OnePlus 12, which features a 5,400mAh battery. As per the leak, the OnePlus 13 will support 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging like the OP12.

Additionally, it is reported that the OnePlus 13 will be equipped with the O916T haptic motor, the same vibrator motor used in the OnePlus 12. As per previous leaks, the OP13 will have a 6.8-inch 8T LTPO OLED panel that a micro-curvature design on all four sides. It will offer a 2K resolution of 1440 x 3168 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor. The device will also offer an IP68/69-rated dust and water resistance. It is expected to come preloaded with ColorOS 15-based Android 14.

At present, there is no information available about the global launch of the OnePlus 13. There’s a possibility that it may debut with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered OnePlus 13R in January in markets outside of China.