Why I’m sticking with my Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: Putting off the upgrade

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Aug 16, 2024

It’s been nearly 2 years since I bought the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE for under Rs 20,000 from the brand’s official website during the 2022 festive sales. Not only did it seem like a pretty good deal at the time, but it was my first smartphone purchase in years. Phones are a lot more capable now and I’ve even used devices ranging from the budget to flagships since then. Despite all of this, I still have no plans to upgrade anytime soon.

Note: This is not a review nor has Samsung sponsored me in any way.

1. Why I’m still fine with my Galaxy S21 FE: Design & Display

One of my top priorities with a smartphone has always been the design and display. The Galaxy S21 FE doesn’t disappoint with its 6.4-inch AMOLED display that offers an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and HDR10+.

So watching videos or movies has always been a pleasant experience. Samsung is also well known for its AMOLED panels and every aspect ranging from its size, resolution, and brightness has been near perfect for me.

I’m not a big fan of tall displays since these phones always felt too big and bulky for my hands. A lot of premium smartphones have also become pretty hefty as well, often nearing or surpassing the 200g mark.

Thanks to the plastic back and thin and light design, the Galaxy S21 weighing 177g feels light and easy to hold. Measuring just 7.9mm in thickness, it’s not the thinnest but the weight and size hits a sweet spot.

2. Consistent Performance

The Galaxy S21 FE is undoubtedly slightly outdated at this point and I won’t recommend people to buy it in 2024 unless Samsung has another crazy sale. Gaming is a passion but playing on a phone was never for me. So the bells and whistles of the newest top end processors were never an immediate priority.

To put it simply, the Exynos 2100 is capable. You won’t find any glaring issues and it chugs through whatever is thrown at it. Sure it heats up, but in the Indian summer, that is more or less given for any phone.

Samsung’s software support hasn’t disappointed either and my S21 FE will also be receiving the Android 15 update as well. Unfortunately, the S21 lineup as a whole didn’t receive the AI features with the OneUI 6.1 update, although every other aspect of the UI isn’t lacking.

I still get access to Samsung DeX and other quality-of-life features that I often use. After almost 2 years, the Galaxy S21 FE doesn’t suffer from obsolescence, at least not yet. Hopefully, this is not foreshadowing.

3. Versatile Cameras

I believe that the best camera is always the one you have at hand, and despite having a 12-megapixel triple camera setup, the S21 FE has got the job done (for the most part). You can check out some of these random images I’ve taken from my phone to get an idea for yourself.

For the price I bought this device for, I’m content with a usable telephoto and ultra wide angle lens. It even comes in handy with my work on occasion as I also take pictures of review units if I don’t have a proper camera ready.

4. It’s not all perfect

The 25W wired fast charging is honestly pretty lackluster and its 4,500mAh battery pack while decent, doesn’t last me through a day. There might be days that the S21 FE requires charging two or more times. While the Exynos chip’s performance doesn’t bother me much, the poor battery efficiency can not be overlooked.

As capable as the cameras are on this phone, it still leaves more to be desired. Its low-light performance in particular is its biggest weakness. Coming from a phone with a glass back, the plastic rear panel was a bit off-putting. But if you’re using a cover like me, you know it isn’t that big of an issue.

All in all, do I wish that I had a better phone at times? Yes. Do I really feel like it’s worth leaving a fully capable device for something new and spending tens of thousands of rupees? No. One could argue that I have a “budget” in mind and squeeze the value from my phone, which is true to some extent. But this is just my two cents.

Nothing did tempt me recently with its new and refreshing designs, but I’ll still hold off for the time being.

Moto G45 5G: Top 7 reasons to purchase this upcoming budget 5G phone

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Aug 16, 2024

Recently, Motorola confirmed that it will announce the Moto G45 on Aug. 21 in India. The pricing of the device seems to be lower than that of the Moto G64 5G, which currently starts at Rs 13,999 in the country. Flipkart has updated the G45’s landing page. It now mentions the top reasons to purchase the device. Here is a look at what to expect from this phone.

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1. Ultra-Premium Design

According to Motorola, the Moto G45 stands out with its ultra-premium design. Available in three vibrant colors, such as green, red, and blue, the phone not only looks stylish thanks to the vegan leather finish on the back.

2. Power-Packed Processor

The Moto G45 is powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, a chip that brings 5G capabilities to a budget phone. It is the same chip that powers the Moto G85, which is available for Rs 17,999 in India.

3. Blazing Fast 5G with 13 5G Bands

Equipped with 13 5G bands, the Moto G45 promises blazing-fast 5G connectivity, allowing you to enjoy seamless browsing, streaming, and downloading speeds wherever you go.

4. Immersive 6.5-inch 120Hz Display

Enjoy a stunning visual experience with the Moto G45’s 6.5-inch display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio further enhance the display, providing an immersive multimedia experience.

5. Brilliant 50MP Quad Pixel Camera

The Moto G45 will allow users to capture photos with the 50MP quad-pixel primary camera. It promises to capture impressive shots in any lighting condition. Reports indicate that the G45 will also have a 2-megapixel depth sensor and a 16-megapixel front-facing camera.

6. Smart Connect Features

The Moto G45 comes with smart connect features, allowing seamless integration with other devices like your laptop, enhancing productivity and connectivity.

7. Sufficient RAM and storage

For smooth performance, the Moto G45 5G will come with 8 GB of RAM. Additionally, it will offer 128 GB of built-in storage. Leaks claimed that the G45 has LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. Additionally, the device is also expected to feature a microSD card slot (via a hybrid SIM slot) for more storage.

Huawei’s tri-foldable phone appears in folded state, camera module revealed, September launch expected

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Aug 16, 2024

Earlier this month, Huawei CEO for Consumer Business Group, Yu Richard was seen using the upcoming tri-foldable phone. The image gave a glimpse of the larger internal screen of the device. Now, Yu Richard has been spotted once again using the tri-foldable phone. This time around, the image showcases the device in the folded state. Reliable tipster Digital Chat Station has hinted that it will debut along with several other Huawei products in September.

Huawei’s tri-foldable phone spotted again

Due to the tri-foldable design, the device appears thicker than typical flat-screen phones but not overly bulky. The thickness is expected to be within 5mm when unfolded and around 15mm when folded. The rear camera uses a circular, cantered module, resembling the design of the Mate 50 series, and seems to be encircled by Paris studs

Previous leaks indicate that the phone features an inward folding, outward folding, and dual-hinge design. The screen is expected to be about 10 inches, with a centrally placed hole-punch camera on the far left. The device is powered by the Kirin 9 series platform and is expected to launch before the Mate 70, which is likely to debut in the last quarter of this year.

According to DCS, Huawei may hold a major launch in September in China. Apart from unveiling the world’s first tri-foldable phone, the company may also announce other devices, such as the Nova 13 series and Huawei Watch GT 5 series, which seem to have an Extraordinary Master Edition variant.

At present, there is no clarity about the final marketing name of Huawei’s tri-foldable phone. It remains to be seen whether it debuts as a Mate-branded product.

Baseus launches Eli 1i Fit open-ear earbuds with 16.2mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 5.4 & more

By

Soumyakanti

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Aug 15, 2024

Baseus has launched its latest open-ear TWS earbuds called Eli 1i Fit in the Chinese market. The earphones are priced at 189 yuan ($26) and they are up for pre-order on JD.com. The earbuds will officially go on sale on August 19th. Let’s check out the key specs.

Baseus Eli 1i Fit Earphones Specifications:

These earphones offer comfort with an ergonomic design and high-rebound memory wire for flexibility and durability. The open-ear design enhances hearing safety by reducing in-ear pressure and maintaining awareness of surroundings.

The Eli 1i Fit earbuds are equipped with 16.2mm composite titanium-coated dynamic drivers that deliver powerful bass, rich mid and high frequencies, and an overall enhanced sound experience. The earphones are also designed with a 20° angled sound outlet that closely fits the ear canal, minimizing sound leakage.

The earbuds use an AI Adaptive Bass Enhancement Algorithm to enrich sound and provide deep bass, making them ideal for both casual listening and active lifestyles. Additionally, the earphones use Bluetooth 5.4 for a reliable, low-latency connection and efficient power usage.

These earbuds also feature dual-microphone ENC noise cancellation for clearer calls by filtering out background noise and directional sound transmission for precise, leak-free audio.

The Eli 1i Fit offers impressive battery life, with up to 12 hours per earbud and 45 hours total with the charging case. They also support fast charging, providing 2 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.

Baseus has also included the capability for simultaneous connection to two devices. The earbuds are available in two colors, Starry Black and Bright Moon White, and come with customizable features through the Baseus app, where users can check battery status, set game modes, and tweak sound effects.

Xiaomi 15, 15 Pro, 15 Ultra, all tipped to feature ultrasonic fingerprint scanner

By

Rajesh Regmi

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Aug 15, 2024

According to a leak from Weibo user Smart Pikachu, the upcoming Xiaomi 15 series could see a significant upgrade in its fingerprint scanning technology. The leak suggests that all three models – the Xiaomi 15, 15 Pro, and 15 Ultra – might ditch the optical in-display fingerprint scanners of their predecessor and adopt ultrasonic fingerprint sensors.

Ultrasonic fingerprint technology has been gaining traction in the flagship phone market, with brands like Samsung incorporating it into their high-end devices.

Unlike optical scanners that use light to read fingerprints, ultrasonic sensors utilize sound waves to create a more detailed 3D map of the fingerprint. This can potentially offer several advantages, including:

Improved security: Ultrasonic sensors are claimed to be more secure than optical scanners as they are less susceptible to being fooled by spoofing attempts like photographs or printed replicas.
Better performance in wet/dry conditions: Optical scanners can struggle with wet or dirty fingers, whereas ultrasonic sensors are said to function more reliably under varying conditions.
Faster unlocking speeds: Some reports suggest that ultrasonic sensors can offer faster unlocking times compared to optical scanners.

While the sensor has better accuracy and faster unlocking speed, it’s also more expensive to implement.

While the leak from Smart Pikachu seems to suggest all three Xiaomi 15 models will receive the upgrade, it’s important to note that this information remains unconfirmed by Xiaomi itself.

Additionally, there’s no mention of the specific type of ultrasonic sensor being considered. Some manufacturers utilize a “single-point” solution, while others employ a larger sensor area for potentially faster and more reliable unlocking.

The Xiaomi 15 series is expected to launch sometime in November, likely powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset. With a few months still away from the official unveiling, we can expect more details and confirmation regarding the fingerprint technology and other features to surface in the coming weeks.

Redmi A3x goes on sale quietly in India with Rs 6,999 (~$83) starting price

By

Anvinraj Valiyathara

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Aug 15, 2024

Earlier this year, the Redmi A3x entry-level phone went official for the global market. In July, a premature listing of the A3x was spotted on Amazon India, even though there was no official announcement from the brand. It now appears that the phone has finally gone official, as it is now listed for purchase through Xiaomi India’s website. Here is a look at the specifications, features, and price of the device for the Indian market.

Redmi A3x price in India

Redmi A3x listed n Xiaomi India’s website

The official website lists the Redmi A3x in two variants: 3GB+64GB and 4GB+128GB. The prices for these variants are Rs 6,999 (~$83) and Rs 7,999 (~$95), respectively. Only the base model of the phone is listed for purchase on Amazon India. The A3x can be bought in shades, such as Midnight Black, Ocean Green, Olive Green, and Starry White.

Redmi A3x specifications

The Redmi A3x measures 168.4 x 76.3 x 8.3mm and weighs 193 grams. On the front, it has a waterdrop notch display that measures 6.7 inches. It offers an HD+ resolution of 1650 x 720 pixels, a 90Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits of brightness. A layer of Gorilla Glass 3 protects the screen.

Under the hood, the Redmi A3x has the Unisoc T603 chipset, LPDDR4x RAM, eMMC 5.1 storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 10W charging support. For security, it offers features like a side-facing fingerprint sensor and AI face unlock.

The A3x runs on Android 14, with a layer of MIUI on top. It is confirmed to be treated with two Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates. For selfies, it has a 5-megapixel front camera, and its back panel has an 8-megapixel main camera and a 0.08-megapixel auxiliary lens. The phone offers other features, such as dual SIM, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, FM radio, a USB-C port, a dedicated microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

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	Redmi A3X (Ocean Green, 3GB RAM, 64GB Storage) \| Premium Halo Design \| 90Hz Display \| Powerful Octa…	Check Price on Amazon

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CMF Phone 1 vs Realme Narzo 70 Pro, which is better?

By

Collins

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Aug 15, 2024

CMF Phone 1: July 2, 2024

Realme Narzo 70 Pro: March 19, 2024

SPECS TABLE

	CMF Phone 1	Realme Narzo 70 Pro
Price	$259	$262
Display	6.67-inch AMOLED screen	6.67-inch AMOLED screen
Refresh rate	1 – 120Hz adaptive	1 – 120Hz adaptive
Rear cameras	50MP wide (f/1.8), 2MP depth (f/2.4).	50MP wide (f/1.8), 8MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 2MP macro (f/2.4).
Front camera	16MP (f/2.0)	16MP (f/2.5)
Chipset	MediaTek Dimensity 7300	MediaTek Dimensity 7050
RAM	6GB, 8GB	8GB
Storage	128GB, 256GB	128GB, 256GB
Battery	5000 mAh	5000 mAh
Charging	33W wired	67W wired
Water/dust resistance	Dust/water-resistant	IP54 dust/water-resistant
Size	164 x 77 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 3.03 x 0.32 in)	163 x 75.5 x 8 mm (6.42 x 2.97 x 0.31 in)
Weight	202g (6.95 ounces)	195 g (6.88 oz)
Colours	Black, Orange, Light Green	Green and Gold

CMF Phone 1 vs Realme Narzo 70 Pro comparison table.

Between the CMF Phone 1 and the Realme Narzo 70 Pro, which will you pick when shopping? What exactly are the features that drive your choice of device in this category? Well in this article we put these two devices against each other to find out which is the better buy when shopping for a new device. Let’s now delve into this article to find out more about these two devices.

CMF Phone 1 vs Realme Narzo 70 Pro: Price

CMF Phone 1

Poco X6

CMF BY NOTHING Phone 1 5G (128 GB) (6 GB RAM) (Black)

realme NARZO 70 Pro 5G (Glass Green, 8GB RAM,128GB Storage) Dimensity 7050 5G Chipset | Horizon Glass Design | Segment 1st Flagship Sony IMX890 OIS Camera

₹ 15,999

₹ 19,999

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CMF Phone 1

₹ 15,999

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Poco X6

₹ 19,999

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CMF Phone 1 vs Realme Narzo 70 Pro: Design and colours

CMF Phone 1:

The CMF Phone 1 comes with a very impressive design language that might not be for everybody. It comes with a dual rear camera setup as well as a circular cutout towards the base of the device for modular add-ons. On the right side of the device sits the power button, and to the left side are the volume rocker keys. At its base is the USB-C port, speakers, microphone, and the SIM tray slot. A major selling point for this device is its modular design, as users can sap out the rear panel for a different colour or screw in different accessories. Available colour options on this device are Black, Orange, and Light Green.

Realme Narzo 70 Pro:

When it comes to the design of this device, it features a circular rear camera island cutout. The cutout houses three lenses and a flash, additionally the rear panel features a dual tone finish with a matte finish at the bottom and a glossy finish at the top. This glossy finish carries on around the sides of this device, and the volume rocker keys and power button are on the right side of this device. At its base we find the SIM tray slot, USB-C port, microphone, and a speaker. On top of the device sits the 3.5mm headphone jack as well as the upwards firing speaker. Available colour options of this device are Green and Gold.

Major differences:

Modular design on the CMF Phone 1.
3.5mm headphone jack on the Realme Narzo 70 Pro.

CMF Phone 1 vs Realme Narzo 70 Pro: Display

CMF Phone 1 and Realme Narzo 70 Pro:

When it comes to the display performance of these devices, they come with some similarities. First, they both come with AMOLED screen displays that are of the same size and peak brightness.

Major differences:

Nil.

CMF Phone 1 vs Realme Narzo 70 Pro: Cameras

CMF Phone 1 and Realme Narzo 70 Pro:

Unlike the CMF Phone 1, the Realme Narzo 70 Pro comes with three rear facing cameras. On the CMF Phone 1 users get a 50MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. For the Realme Narzo 70 Pro, it comes with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor and a 2MP macro. Up front, both devices come with a 16MP selfie shooter, and they also support 4K video recording on the rear facing cameras.

Major differences:

Triple rear camera setup on the Realme Narzo 70 Pro.
Dual rear camera setup on the CMF Phone 1.

CMF Phone 1 vs Realme Narzo 70 Pro: Performance

CMF Phone 1 and Realme Narzo 70 Pro:

Performance is one area where these devices stand apart from one another. The CMF Phone 1 comes with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, while the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite comes with the MediaTek 7050 processor. From a series of testing, the processor in the CMF Phone 1 outperforms that in the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite.

Major upgrades & differences:

Better processor on the CMF Phone 1.

CMF Phone 1 vs Realme Narzo 70 Pro: Software

CMF Phone 1 and Realme Narzo 70 Pro:

Both devices run on Android 14 but use different software. The CMF Phone 1 uses the Nothing OS, while the Realme Narzo 70 Pro makes use of the Realme UI 5.0 software. You can get up to 3 years of OS upgrade if you purchase either of these devices.

Major differences:

CMF Phone 1 runs OriginOS 4.
Realme Narzo 70 Pro runs Realme UI 5.0.

CMF Phone 1 vs Realme Narzo 70 Pro: Battery life and charging

CMF Phone 1 and Realme Narzo 70 Pro:

In this area, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite performs better than the competition. It comes with a larger, 5000mAh battery and faster 67W charging ability.

Major differences:

Faster charging on the Realme Narzo 70 Pro.

CMF Phone 1 vs Realme Narzo 70 Pro: Final Verdict

Looking for performance on a budget? If yes, then the CMF Phone 1 is the right choice for you. Not only does this device come with impressive performance, it also features a stand-out modular design. The Realme Narzo 70 Pro on its part features comes with faster charging, more cameras, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Overall, the Realme Narzo 70 Pro also has the better design of the two choices in this article.

Xiaomi Smart Door Lock 2 Pro with 3D structured light face unlocking and a large display screen launched

By

Jed John Ikoba

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Aug 15, 2024

Xiaomi has unveiled the Smart Door Lock 2 Pro in China. The Xiaomi Smart Door Lock 2 Pro supports 3D structured light face unlocking and features a built-in large screen. The product is the successor to the Xiaomi Smart Door Lock 2 and aligns with other models in the series design-wise.

Features & Pricing

The Xiaomi Smart Door Lock 2 Pro has a large electronic cat-eye display screen. The in-built screen allows the user to view conditions outside the room from inside the door. The ultra-wide-angle cat eye camera has a 160º field range. Xiaomi says the design of the screen is intuitively more appealing than using screen speakers, TVs, or other gadgets. The model, apart from its in-built display screen, is essentially the same as the Xiaomi Smart Door Lock 2 Face Recognition Edition. The camera supports several functions including detection of abnormal movement and sending reminders to the owner.

The security device utilizes Xiaomi’s in-house noise-reducing and fully automatic lock body. It has multiple sensors that are integrated inside the lock body to monitor the lock body status at any time. It also has a direct-plug C-level lock core that is used throughout the lock body structure. The new Xiaomi smart door lock uses both a lithium battery and dry batteries. The lithium battery has a maximum capacity of 5,000mAh and can support cat-eye and face recognition for four months. The four dry-cell batteries of the gadget can also support up to four months of fingerprint and password unlocking. Thus the dual-battery system of the Xiaomi Smart Door Lock 2 Pro has a total battery life of 8 months.

The smart door lock works systematically to conserve the dry battery life. When the lithium battery is fully charged, the total power supply comes from it until it depletes to 10%. At 10% of the charge remaining, the door lock switches automatically to the super power saving mode. When the lithium battery is fully exhausted, the device automatically switches to the dry battery setup for power supply. The smart door lock supports using a Type-C cable to connect to a power bank to temporarily unlock the gadget when the battery is completely exhausted.

There are ten unlocking options available with the Xiaomi Smart including face recognition, fingerprint recognition, Bluetooth, long-term/ periodic/ one-term password, Xiaomi mobile phone, Xiaomi Watch, and encrypted NFC door card. The lock can also be unlocked by a mechanical key.

The retail price for the smart door lock is 2,299 yuan ($321) and it is currently available on Chinese e-commerce platform Jingdong (JD.com).

Ulefone Armor 27T Pro: The Ultimate FLIR Thermal Rugged Smartphone – Launching soon with Exclusive Deals

By

Joane

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Aug 15, 2024

The Ulefone Armor 27T Pro is set to redefine rugged smartphones with its impressive FLIR thermal imaging capabilities and robust features. Scheduled for its first sale on August 19th, this smartphone merges durability with advanced technology.

Featuring a cutting-edge FLIR thermal camera, the Armor 27T Pro is ideal for both professional and personal use, offering enhanced image processing, analytics, and capture options through the upgraded My FLIR Pro app. Additionally, the phone is equipped with a high-resolution 64MP OMNIVISION OV64B sensor and the Ulefone NightElf Ultra 3.0 Algorithm, ensuring clear, detailed images even in complete darkness.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G SoC, the Armor 27T Pro supports up to 24GB of RAM, enabling smooth multitasking and fast 5G connectivity for streaming, gaming, and browsing. Its 10600mAh battery, combined with 120W flash charging and 33W dock charging, ensures long-lasting power and quick recharges.

The phone’s rugged design is protected by IP68/IP69K ratings and MIL-STD-810H certification, making it resistant to dust, water, high-pressure jets, and extreme temperatures. The solid-state battery performs reliably across a wide temperature range, from -30℃ to 55℃.

For those interested in an alternative, the Armor 27 Pro is available at $269.99 and includes a 50MP ultra-wide-angle camera instead of the thermal imaging feature. Both models will be available globally starting August 19th.

Price, Deal, and Availability: The Ulefone Armor 27T Pro will launch at an introductory price of $329.99. This offer will be available on AliExpress from August 19th. In celebration of the launch, Ulefone is also hosting a promotional giveaway on its Facebook page, where participants can win the Armor 27T Pro and other smart devices.

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ColorOS 15 beta testing to begin late August with OnePlus 12 & Oppo Find X7 series

By

Soumyakanti

-

Aug 15, 2024

According to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, Oppo’s custom Android skin, ColorOS 15, is set to enter its beta testing phase in late August. The OnePlus 12 and Oppo Find X7 series will be the first to experience the new software.

While the initial beta test will have limited slots, a wider public beta and subsequent full release are anticipated before the year ends. ColorOS 15 is positioned as a major update focused on enhancing user experience and connectivity.

ColorOS 15 Features (Rumored)

The upcoming OS is rumored to include several new features. According to reports, the OS will introduce a separate control center, redesigned floating windows, a custom lock screen, and GPU interpolation technology.

The update is also expected to include improved system animations and a new feature similar to Apple’s Live Photos, which records 1.5 seconds before and after a picture is taken.

Additionally, ColorOS 15 will reportedly introduce an AirDrop-like feature for file transfer between Android and Apple devices, though iOS users will need to install a specific app to use it.

The update is also expected to come with a Dynamic Island-like feature similar to Apple’s with enhanced customization and a more centralized design, potentially integrated with the camera module.

Eligible Smartphones (Expected)

Alongside these two models, the upcoming ColorOS 15 update is expected to be available for various Oppo and OnePlus devices, including the Oppo Find N3, X6, Reno11, and Reno 10 series. It will also be available for OnePlus models such as the OnePlus 11, Ace 3, Ace 3V, Ace 2 Pro, Ace 2, and Ace 2V.

Looking ahead, the upcoming OPPO Find X8 series, OnePlus 13, and Realme GT7 Pro will come pre-installed with ColorOS 15.

OnePlus Introduces Three New AI Features, But For Select Devices For Now

By

Viraj Gawde

-

Aug 15, 2024

OnePlus introduced its first AI feature called AI Eraser earlier in April this year. Recently, the company quietly announced three new AI features in a community post. Those bring the ability to listen to articles, get summaries, and generate text. However, the catch is that the latest AI features are limited to only two Nord devices and in select markets. Although they are expected to arrive on other OnePlus phones in the near future, it’s kind of disappointing.

OnePlus AI features introduced but only for Nord phones for now

The newly announced OnePlus AI features are AI Speak, AI Summary, and AI Writer. Going by the names, it’s pretty easy to know what those features are. The AI Speak will read articles from browsers and apps like Google News. There are options to adjust the playback speed, switch sentences, use the replay function, and choose from male and female voices. The AI Summary feature lets you create summaries of lengthy information on the web. The result can be copied, shared, and saved to Notes. The selected text can also be saved to the File Dock. Lastly, the AI Writer feature will help users to draft text for various things like emails, social media posts, and reviews. It will be suggested inside relevant apps.

The results of the AI Summary and AI Writer can be regenerated if you’re not satisfied. All three new features are available inside the AI Toolkit that is directly integrated in the sidebar. OnePlus says that to access these features, users have to enable screen recognition which can be found in Settings > Accessibility & Convenience.

The newly announced OnePlus AI features are available on the OnePlus Nord 4 in India, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, South Asia, Russia, and Latin America. It is also available on the Nord CE4 Lite 5G exclusively in India. Owners of flagship OnePlus phones have been left out from receiving the new AI tools. It’s possible that OnePlus is testing the features first on mid-range Nord devices. We can expect a wider rollout soon.

New Motorola budget phone incoming: Moto G35 specs revealed

By

Sean

-

Aug 15, 2024

Motorola is apparently working on a brand new budget phone from its popular G series. The global variant of the Moto G35 recently surfaced on a bunch of certification platforms, offering us a look at its key specifications and other details. But who is it for?

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1. Motorola G35: What do we know so far?

A 91Mobiles report spotted the upcoming Moto G35 in a multitude of global certifications. This includes the likes of Geekbench, TUV, EUT, FCC, EEC, IMEI, and UL Demko. But all of these offers us a glimpse of its specifications. The global version of the Motorola G35 carries the model numbers XT2433-1, T2433-2, XT2433-3, XT2433-4, and XT2433-5. Thanks to the EUT, we have confirmation of its support for 5G networking. The UL Demko database listed the upcoming device with a sizeable 4,850mAh battery pack.

Meanwhile, the TUV certification revealed the device’s adapter, which showed support for 20W wired fast charging. But one of the major reveals arrives from GeekBench. It offers us a look at not only its synthetic benchmark performance but also lists key specs. The Motorola G35 5G is equipped with the UNISOC T760 SoC, which is paired with at least 8GB of RAM. This model runs on the Android 14 OS out of the box, and managed to achieve 743 points in the single core test and 2,363 points in the multi core test.

2. So who is this for?

Motorola is continuing the legacy of the G series with the new G35. The lineup has always introduced phones that are accessible owing to their affordable pricing and the G35 shouldn’t be any different. It is also the direct successor to the Moto G34. Unfortunately, we have no idea regarding its launch date or pricing at the moment. But we can expect the Moto G35 to be unveiled soon. More information should surface in the coming days, so stay tuned for more.

Exclusive: Tecno’s new tablets MegaPad 10 and MegaPad 11 leaked

By

Erencan Yılmaz

-

Aug 15, 2024

Tecno’s new tablets, the MegaPad 10 and Megapad 11, have been revealed. This is a first for Tecno because it’s the first time the brand is introducing a tablet. But do Tecno’s MegaPads really live up to the name “MegaPad”? At the moment no, but they can prove themselves by developing better tablets in the near future.

What does Tecno MegaPad 10 and MegaPad 11 offer?

The MegaPad series is a first for Tecno, and we are very curious to see what it has to offer. But some recent leaks suggest that this new MegaPad series is not yet good enough to be called “MegaPad”. We hope Tecno will release a more stylish, powerful, and impressive new tablet in the near future. But for now, these tablets are aimed at the low-end segment.

The Tecno MegaPad 10 has the model number T1001, while the Tecno MegaPad 11 has the model number T1101. Technical specifications were not yet fully known, but the latest leak reveals the devices’ processor, design features, and many more details.

The Tecno MegaPad 10 is available in two different colors: Gold and Gray. On the processor side, the device is powered by the MediaTek Helio G80. It has a 10-inch display and a large 7000mAh battery. This battery is charged with 18W fast charging support. The Naija Android Arena website revealed the specifications. GizmoChina confirms the name under which the tablets will be launched with this article. Here are all the specifications of the new MegaPad 10!

Tecno MegaPad 10 Leaked Features

Android 14
MediaTek Helio G80 SoC
240.7 x 159.5 x 7.35 mm
10.1″ inch HD+
800 x 1280 pixels (~149 PPI)
4GB RAM paired with 128GB/256GB
Back camera : 13MP with LED flash
Front camera : 5MP
7000 mAh battery, 18W
WiFi/LTE–4G (Nano SIM)
Grey or Gold color
Dual speakers, Bluetooth 5.1
USB Type-C, 3.5mm Jack

So what do you think? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Google eyes massive market growth with the recently launched Pixel 9 series

By

Soumyakanti

-

Aug 15, 2024

Google‘s strategic launch of the Pixel 9 series, including various models, positions the company for potential market share gains. By releasing these devices ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 series launch, Google aims to capitalize on the upcoming holiday shopping season and capture a larger share of the global smartphone market, according to TechInsights.

Google’s Pixel 9 series may drive double-digit growth in market share

The Pixel series includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the much-anticipated Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This model stands out with subtle yet significant upgrades over last year’s Pixel Fold. Known for its high profit margins and appeal to tech-savvy consumers, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is expected to elevate Google’s reputation for technological innovation.

In addition to the foldable model, Google has introduced a smaller variant, the Pixel 9 Pro, which offers almost the same specifications as the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL. This move is designed to attract users who prefer more compact devices without sacrificing performance, potentially broadening the appeal of the Pixel 9 series to a wider audience.

Google Pixel Smartphone Shipments Report

The global expansion of the Pixel 9 series is another significant aspect of Google’s strategy. The series is set to launch in 32 markets worldwide, reflecting Google’s intent to achieve the double-digit growth targets projected by TechInsights for 2024 and 2025.

By expanding its reach to more markets, Google aims to strengthen its presence in the competitive smartphone industry, despite the absence of plans to release the Pixel 9 series in China.

TechInsights also reports that the global smartphone market grew by 7.6% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2024, reaching 289.6 million units. This growth marks the third consecutive quarter of recovery, driven by strong demand in emerging markets like Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific.

Samsung currently leads the market with a 19% share, followed by Apple at 15%, while other brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, and Transsion have also performed well, though their growth rates are beginning to slow.

Despite ongoing challenges such as inventory corrections and geopolitical uncertainties, the competition among top smartphone brands remains robust, with emerging markets continuing to be a key driver of global growth.

(Source, Via)

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: Shocking Performance Differences

By

Vicky

-

Aug 15, 2024

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 8 Gen 2 are high-performance smartphone chipsets fabricated using TSMC’s 4nm process. Both chips are already powering many high-end smartphones from major brands, such as Xiaomi and Samsung.

Qualcomm released the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in late 2022 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 the following year. With the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Qualcomm promises major performance and efficiency improvement. But does it really bring an evolutionary upgrade, or is it just an outright overhaul? Let’s compare them to find out the answer.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: Spec Sheet

	SD 8 Gen 3	SD 8 Gen 2
Release Date	Oct 2023	Nov 2022
Process Node	4nm (TSMC)	4nm (TSMC)
CPU	1 x Cortex-X4 @ 3.3 GHz 3 x Cortex-A720 @ 3.2 GHz 2 x Cortex-A720 @ 3 GHz 2 x Cortex-A520 @ 2.3 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	Adreno 750 Snapdragon Elite Gaming Hardware Accelerated Ray Tracing Global Illumination Snapdragon Game Super Resolution Unreal Engine 5.2 MetaHumans Framework	Adreno 740 Snapdragon Elite Gaming Hardware Accelerated Ray Tracing Game Post Processing Accelerators Unreal Engine 5 MetaHumans Framework
NPU	Hexagon NPU	Hexagon NPU
Memory/Storage	Up to 24 GB RAM LPDDR5X @ 4800 MHz UFS 4.0 storage	Up to 24GB RAM LPDDR5X @ 4200 MHz UFS 4.0 storage
Camera	Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISPs (18-bit) Up to 200 MP single camera 108 MP / 64+36 MP / 36+36+36 MP (MFNR, ZSL)	Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISPs (18-bit) Up to 200 MP single camera 108 MP (MFNR, ZSL)
Video Recording	8K @ 30fps, 4K @ 120fps Slow-mo: 720p @ 960fps	8K @ 30fps, 4K @ 120fps Slow-mo: 720p @ 960fps
Display	On-device: 4K Ultra HD @ 60Hz, QHD+ @ 144Hz External: 8K @ 30Hz HDR10, HDR10+, HDR Vivid	On-device: 4K Ultra HD @ 60Hz, QHD+ @ 144Hz External: 4K @ 60Hz HDR10, HDR10+, HDR Vivid
Modem	Snapdragon X75 5G Downlink: 10 Gbps Uplink: 3.5 Gbps	Snapdragon X70 5G Downlink: 10 Gbps Uplink: 3.5 Gbps
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.4 Up to Wi-Fi 7 NFC	Bluetooth 5.3 Up to Wi-Fi 7 NFC

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: Geekbench 6

SD 8 Gen 3:

Single-core: 2,219
Multi-core: 6,741

SD 8 Gen 2:

Single-core: 1,984
Multi-core: 5,356

The Geekbench test measures the device’s CPU performance. The single-core test measures CPU capabilities when a single core is at work, and the multi-core test shows the combined strength of all cores.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outperforms its previous generation counterpart by a good margin, living up to Qualcomm’s promise of big performance improvement.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: AnTuTu

SD 8 Gen 3:

CPU: 456557
GPU: 869993
Memory: 389975
UX: 372851
Total score: 2089376

SD 8 Gen 2:

CPU: 379912
GPU: 598302
Memory: 295764
UX: 287717
Total score: 1561695

AnTuTu is another popular benchmarking platform that measures the CPU, GPU, memory, and UX performance of a device. Again, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered device is leading the race by a significant margin.

The latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has over 20% CPU improvements compared to the 8 Gen 2, and the GPU score is up by over 40%. The benchmarks are showing promising results for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: Gaming Test

On the popular 3DMark Wild Life gaming benchmark, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 scores over 40% higher than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. However, not everything is sunshine and rainbows.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 gets a solid start but drops to half of its peak performance within a few minutes on the 3DMark Wild Life Stress Test, whereas the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s performance declined gradually over time.

Despite a steep decline at the start, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 didn’t lose to its last year’s counterpart. The latest chip also brings 50% performance improvements in ray tracing.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: What’s Changing?

Qualcomm lived up to its promise with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which offers excellent performance improvements over last year’s chip on the benchmarks. But what’s the reason for this big performance upgrade, and what are other key changes inside the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip?

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 uses a new set of cores with high performance and efficiency. And all of them run at a higher clock speed. The latest chip also has an upgraded Adreno GPU with over 40% performance uplift.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has an improved X75 5G modem (vs. X70 5G in the last year’s chip). The new chip supports Bluetooth 5.4, whereas the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 supports Bluetooth 5.3. Another change the latest Snapdragon chip brings is support for 8K on the outer display (vs. 4K on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).

Qualcomm promises major AI upgrades for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It has a Hexagon NPU with nearly double the performance of the NPU inside the Snapdagon 8 Gen 2. The newer chip is 40% more efficient and can run large language models (LLMs) on-device. It can create AI-generated images using stable diffusion in minutes. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 introduces support for Dolby HDR photo capture with 10-bit colour depth.

The newer Snapdragon chip has so many AI features and upgrades, but its entirely up to the smartphone makers to implement them. Samsung and Google are aggressively bringing AI features to their latest high-end phones, and other brands are trying to catch up with the growing AI trend.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 2: Which Is Better?

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers impressive CPU and GPU performance upgrades over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It also brings plenty of AI features and upgrades.

Major smartphone brands have already released many devices with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and will continue powering most upcoming high-end Android phones this year. However, this won’t make Snapdrgon 8 Gen 2 disappear just yet.

This could be our first look at the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Aug 15, 2024

As the excitement from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 launch begins to settle down, leaks about the upcoming S25 series are already emerging. Although details are still scarce, a recent leak offers a glimpse into the potential design of the top-tier Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Reputable tipster Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) shared an image on X, hinting at a redesigned S25 Ultra. The image suggests a move from the sharp corners of the S24 Ultra to a more rounded design. If accurate, this change could improve the phone’s in-hand feel, addressing a common complaint about the current model.

The leak also compared the front panels of the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra. Based on the image, the display size and aspect ratio seem to remain unchanged in the new version.

Previous rumors have hinted at the possible hardware specifications for the S25 Ultra. The phone might feature a massive 200-megapixel primary rear camera, along with additional lenses including a 50-megapixel telephoto, a 50-megapixel super-telephoto, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide sensor.

The front-facing camera is expected to keep its 12-megapixel resolution. The battery capacity might also stay the same at 5,000mAh, with support for 45W fast charging.

The most significant upgrade might come in the processor. The S25 Ultra is expected to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset with custom Oryon cores on board.

The standard S25 and S25+ might use Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2500 chipset, featuring next-generation ARM CPU cores and the AMD RDNA-based Xclipse 950 GPU.

These leaks provide an early look at the S25 Ultra, but it’s important to remember that details could change before the official launch, likely several months away. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and share updates as more information becomes available.

Limited-Time Offer: KUMI Smart Ring H1 with Health Tracking and SOS Feature for $149.99 (Coupon)

By

Joane

-

Aug 15, 2024

The KUMI Ring H1 is a stylish and functional smart wearable that sets a new standard in 2024’s tech innovations. Crafted from microcrystalline zirconium nano-ceramics and austenitic antibacterial stainless steel, this ring blends elegance with premium quality. Its sleek design doesn’t just look good; it also brings convenience and versatility to everyday tasks.

Get the KUMI Smart Ring H1 for only $149.99, down from its original price of $169.99, using the code F19U4C95A985. This stylish and feature-packed smart ring is available at this discounted price from August 10 to August 31. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer available on AliExpress.

With Bluetooth connectivity, the KUMI Ring H1 can link to smartphones, laptops, and other devices. When worn on the index finger, it allows users to perform touch gestures for controlling apps, switching songs, liking posts, and even remotely managing the camera. This makes entertainment and productivity smoother with simple finger movements.

The ring offers comprehensive health monitoring, including sleep tracking and the analysis of metrics like body temperature, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and women’s physiological cycles. It helps users maintain better health management by keeping close track of key bodily indicators. During workouts, it combines data points to evaluate fitness progress, providing exercise tracking, goal achievements, and workout suggestions.

Built with 5ATM waterproofing, the KUMI Ring H1 is safe for swimming, diving, and daily water exposure like showering or washing hands, allowing uninterrupted health monitoring throughout the day. In emergencies, users can activate the SOS function by tapping the ring hand 10 times, sending their real-time location, and alerting emergency contacts for immediate help.

With a long-lasting battery life of 4-6 days and fast charging within 1.5 hours using a specialized dock, the ring is always ready to perform when needed. Available through AliExpress and the KUMI official store, the KUMI Ring H1 combines cutting-edge tech with fashionable design, offering a new favorite for those seeking the best in smart wearables.

Xiaomi 14 top variant gets a massive discount in China

By

Soumyakanti

-

Aug 15, 2024

Xiaomi 14 series, launched on October 26, 2023, is now available at a discounted price on JD.com’s Billion Yuan Subsidy program. The 16GB RAM and 1TB storage variant, originally priced at 4999 yuan ($698), is now offered at 4289 yuan ($599).

JD.com Plus members can get an additional discount, reducing the final price to 4267.56 yuan ($596), with shipping and servicing included.

Xiaomi 14 Specifications:

The Xiaomi 14 (check out our full review of Xioami 14) features a 6.36-inch 1.5K C8 12-bit OLED LTPO display with a 2670 x 1200 pixel resolution, a variable refresh rate of 1-120Hz, and peak brightness up to 3000 nits.

It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset with an Adreno 750 GPU, paired with up to 16GB of LPPDDR5x RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage.

The phone runs on Xiaomi HyperOS and supports dual SIM. The rear camera setup includes a 50MP main camera with a 1/1.31″ sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens, all featuring Leica lenses and OIS. The front camera is 32MP which features 4K 60fps video recording.

The device also includes features like an in-display fingerprint sensor, IP68 dust and water resistance, USB Type-C audio, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and a 4610mAh battery supporting 90W wired and 50W wireless charging.

It offers connectivity options such as 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC. The device is lightweight at 193g and measures 152.8×71.5×8.20mm.

The Xiaomi 14 is available in four colors: Midnight Black, White, Rock Green, and Snow Mountain Pink. The glass version is 8.29mm thick and weighs 193g, while the nano leather version is slightly thinner at 8.28mm and weighs 188g.

Xiaomi 14 also got a new HyperOS update a couple of days back in China which comes with a lot of optimizations and new features. It is also expected to receive the HyperOS 2.0 update as soon as it launches officially.

Portronics launches Budget-Friendly Android Projector: 1080p on a 150″ screen for just Rs 13,449 ($160)

By

Sean

-

Aug 15, 2024

Portronics is expanding its projector lineup in India with the new Beem 450 model. This new smart projector has dropped with a massive 150-inch screen projection size and a budget friendly price tag. Earlier this year, the brand released the Beem 430 in the region, and the latest announcement appears to be its direct successor.

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1. Portronics Beem 450: What’s so great about this affordable smart projector?

With the Beem 450, Portronics aims to offer a large and clear viewing experience for an affordable price. This smart LED projector has a 4,000 lumen lens that can work even in lit areas. It can project a screen size that ranges from 40 inches to 150 inches based on its distance from the surface it is projecting on.

The effective range is between 1.2 and 4 meters. The Beem 450 supports 1080p resolution (Full HD) and promises to offer vivid colors and sharp image quality for an immersive experience for your favorite movies, TV shows, and more.

The projector arrives with on-device controls that bring access to the menu, screen adjustment, and more. Although, there is also a remote control for convenient wireless controls. Other connectivity options are dual band WiFi, Bluetooth for wireless audio, Ethernet, two USB ports, AV port, and a 3.4mm audio jack.

Portronics Beem 450 houses a 5W built in speaker so it can run even without a dedicated speaker setup. It runs on the Android 11 OS that supports popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Disney+ Hotstar. You also get access to Chromecast and screen mirroring functionality.

2. Pricing and Availability

The Beam 450 is currently listed for a price tag of 13,449 INR or roughly 160 US Dollars on the brand’s official website. However, Amazon India has it listed for just 10,388 INR. Customers can also find it on Flipkart and other online and offline retailers as of today (15th August 2024).

Massive Savings on the DR. J Professional HEPA Air Purifier – Now 48% Off at Walmart Online

By

Joane

-

Aug 15, 2024

DR. J Professional HEPA Air Purifier is designed to deliver efficient air cleaning for large rooms up to 2500 sq.ft, making it ideal for homes with allergies, asthma, pet dander, smoke, and other air quality concerns.

Get the DR. J Professional HEPA Air Purifier for just $93.99, saving you $86.00 off the original price of $179.99 when you purchase online at Walmart.com. This powerful air purifier, designed for large rooms up to 2500 sq.ft, offers advanced features and high efficiency at a fantastic discount.

Featuring a 4-stage filtration system and a CADR of 247CFM/420 m³/h, this air purifier effectively removes 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, smoke, and odors. It can clean a 2500 sq.ft room once per hour or a 500 sq.ft space five times per hour, ensuring consistent air freshness.

The air purifier comes equipped with smart features like a 1-12 hour timer and child lock to prevent accidental touches, offering convenience and safety for families. The built-in PM2.5 air quality sensor provides a real-time digital display of air quality levels, allowing you to monitor improvements easily. The intelligent auto mode adjusts the fan speed automatically based on the surrounding air quality, while the sleep mode operates quietly at just 22dB, with LED lights turned off for uninterrupted rest.

With 4 adjustable fan speeds, remote control operation, and a smart filter change reminder after 3000 hours of use, maintaining optimal air quality is straightforward and hassle-free. The air purifier is FCC-certified, CARB-approved, and ozone-free, making it environmentally friendly. Backed by a 3-year warranty and lifetime service support, this air purifier is a reliable solution for cleaner, healthier air in your living space.

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