China’s semiconductor foundry leader SMIC has released its financial report for the second quarter of the year today. According to the report, the company has achieved a sales revenue of US$1.9013 billion (equivalent to RMB 13.635 billion). This is reportedly a month-on-month increase of 8.6% and a year-on-year increase of 21.8%.
The company’s gross profit margin in the second quarter was 13.9%; net profit in the second quarter was US$164.6 million (currently approximately RMB 1.18 billion), which was estimated to be US$76.3 million, a month-on-month increase of 129.2% and a year-on-year decrease of 59.1%.
Reportedly, 36.5% of the company’s revenue in Q2 2024 came from consumer electronics, 32% from smartphones, 13.3% from PCs and tablets, 11% from Internet and wearables, and 8.1% from industry and automobiles. From a regional perspective, 80.3% of the company’s second-quarter revenue came from China alone. In comparison, only 16% of it came from the US and only 3.7% came from Eurasia. Notably, the second quarter sales revenue and gross profit margin were better than expected.
In terms of wafer size, 12-inch wafers accounted for 73.6% of SMIC’s revenue in the second quarter, while 8-inch wafers accounted for 26.4% of its revenue. The company’s monthly production capacity increased from 814,500 8-inch equivalent wafers in Q1 2024 to 837,000 8-inch equivalent wafers in Q2 2024.
SMIC’s capacity utilization rate continued to increase to 85.2% in Q2 this year. It sold 2.11188 million 8-inch equivalent wafers In the period, which is a month-on-month increase of 17.7% and a year-on-year increase of 50.5%. The company’s capital expenditure in Q2 was US$2.2515 billion, slightly higher than US$2.2354, which was the capital expenditure in Q1.
A new Motorola phone with model number XT2409-5 has received approval from China’s TENA certification platform. This phone is speculated to be the Moto S50 Neo, the Chinese variant of the Motorola Edge 50 Neo. This phone has also obtained network access approval in the country.
Motorola Edge 50 Neo TENAA images
In the latest news, tipster @WHYLAB speculates that this phone uses the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition chipset. It was previously revealed that the octa-core CPU reaches a clock speed of 2.5GHz, which also supports the speculation. Reportedly this is the same chipset that powers the Honor 90.
For those unfamiliar, the chipset packs a Cortex-A710 clocked at 2.5GHz alongside three other Cortex-A710 cores clocked at 2.36GHz and four Cortex-A510 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz. It uses the Adreno 644 GPU. This chipset supports LPDDR4X memory and UFS 2.2 storage. It could be paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage.
According to previous reports, the Moto S50 Neo will be available in three colors – Grisaille (black), Nautical Blue, Poinciana (red), and Latte (beige). As you can see from the image above, the phone comes with a familiar back design. Speaking of the camera system, it is expected to pack a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor, a 10-megapixel telephoto, and another 32-megapixel one for the selfie camera. The telephoto on the back could offer 3x magnification.
The Motorola S50 Neo is expected to come with a 6.36-inch OLED FHD+ display with a resolution of 1200 x 2670 pixels that will display 10-bit colors. It is also expected to pack a 4300 mAh battery and weigh 172 grams.
Motorola unveiled the Edge 50 in India last week as the brand’s latest mid range option. It aims to be an all rounder with capable specs and features. But this is a competitive segment which Chinese brand often dominate. So how does the Edge 50 stack up against another popular alternative, the Oppo Reno 12? Here’s a quick comparison.
Oppo announced the Reno 12 with an All-Round Armour protection for resistance against drops and impacts. It also employs an alloy framework for a sturdy build and an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance. However, the Chinese company uses a plastic frame and plastic back panel. The front sports a tall 6.7-inch OLED FHD+ curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1200 nits of peak brightness, HDR10+ support, and an in-display fingerprint scanner. This panel is protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 7i.
On the other hand, the Motorola Edge 50 arrives with a higher IP68 rating for water and dust resistance as well as MIL-STD-810H compliant. In other words, it has received military certification. The rear has an eco leather finish while the sides have a metallic frame for a more premium feel. This model also has a 6.7-inch OLED display along with support for a 120hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 1900 nits of peak brightness, SGS Blue Light Reduction certification, Smart Water Touch technology, and Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
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2. Hardware
Oppo Reno 12
Under the hood, Motorola equips the Edge 50 with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 SoC, which is paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of internal storage. For software, it runs on the Android 14 OS based Hello UI as well as Google AI for features like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Magic Editor. Motorola also employs its own AI enhancements on the Edge 50. A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 68W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging. Other notable features include Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, and an in-display fingerprint scanner.
In comparison, the Oppo Reno 12 features the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Energy processor that is coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. Unlike the Edge 50, users can expand the storage via a microSDXC card. It also runs on the Android 14 OS based ColorOS 14 custom skin out of the box. Oppo unveiled the Reno 12 series with various AI powered features. There’s AI Eraser 2.0, AI Clear Face, AI Best Face, AI Smart Image Matting 2.0, and AI Studio. A sizeable 5,000mAh cell powers this device, with 8-W wired fast charging. There is also an IR Blaster, in-display fingerprint scanner, and dual speakers.
3. Camera
For photography, the Edge 50 features a 50MP primary camera with Sony’s Lytia 700C sensor, a 10MP 3x telephoto shooter, and a 13MP ultra-wide lens. On the front, there is a 13MP camera for selfies and video calls. The Reno 12 also comes with a triple-lens rear setup with a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 50MP telephoto sensor with 2x optical zoom and up to 20x digital zoom. For selfies, the device houses a 32MP camera.
4. Pricing and Verdict
Oppo launched the Reno 12 with a 32,999 INR price tag for the sole 8GB + 256GB configuration. This makes it noticeably more expensive than the Motorola Edge 50, which costs 27,999 INR for the same storage option. These two models are quite comparable in terms of specs and performance. But the design and pricing are what make the Motorola Edge 50 a great choice for those who don’t wish to spend more than 30,000 INR.
Vivo recently launched the V40 Pro, their latest flagship in the V series. While it boasts impressive specs, the company continues to sell the V27 Pro, V29 Pro, and V30 Pro at more affordable prices. This raises the question: is the V40 Pro worth the premium price tag compared to its predecessors? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
All four phones have a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The V40 Pro, V29 Pro, and V30 Pro feature a higher 1.5K resolution (2800 x 1260 pixels), while the V27 Pro has an FHD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels).
The V40 Pro stands out with a peak brightness of 4500 nits, offering superior outdoor visibility compared to the V27 Pro and V29 Pro’s 1300 nits and the V30 Pro’s 2800 nits.
2. Performance
The Vivo V40 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ SoC, which is a significant upgrade over the Dimensity 8200 found in the Vivo V30 Pro, V29 Pro, and V27 Pro. The Dimensity 9200+ is a flagship-grade chipset that offers faster processing speeds, better graphics performance with the Immortalis-G715 GPU, and improved efficiency thanks to its 4nm architecture. This makes the V40 Pro not only more powerful for everyday tasks but also more capable in competitive gaming and other intensive applications.
The V40 Pro comes with 8GB or 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB UFS 3.1. In comparison, the V27 Pro and V29 Pro offer up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM with up to 256GB UFS 3.1 storage, while the V30 Pro provides a top-tier 12GB LPDDR5X RAM option with up to 512GB UFS 3.1 storage.
3. Camera
All four phones boast a triple rear camera system, but the V40 Pro offers the most impressive setup. It features a 50MP main sensor with Sony’s IMX921 sensor and OIS enhanced by ZEISS optics for sharper photos and steadier videos.
The V30 Pro is equipped with the Sony IMX920 sensor, while the V27 Pro and V29 Pro use the slightly older Sony IMX766 and IMX766V sensors, respectively. Both the V40 Pro and V30 Pro have an advantage in low-light photography thanks to their more advanced sensors.
The V40 Pro also shines with its 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom for capturing zoomed-in shots with better detail compared to the 2MP macro lens found on the V27 Pro. The V30 Pro also comes with a 50MP telephoto sensor while V29 Pro offers a 12MP telephoto sensor with 2x optical zoom, a decent middle ground.
Coming to the ultra-wide cameras, the V40 Pro and V30 Pro are equipped with 50MP sensors, while the V29 Pro and V27 Pro come with 8MP sensors. For the front-facing cameras, all the phones feature 50MP sensors.
4. Battery and Charging
The V40 Pro boasts a slightly larger 5500mAh battery compared to the V27 Pro and V29 Pro’s 4600mAh batteries. The V30 Pro sits in the middle with a 5000mAh battery. While real-world usage might show minimal differences, the V40 Pro could potentially offer slightly longer battery life on a single charge.
However, V40 Pro along with V30 Pro and V29 Pro support 80W fast charging, ensuring quick top-ups when needed. This is a significant improvement over the V27 Pro’s 66W fast charging.
5. Software and Other Features
V40 Pro and V30 Pro run on the latest Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14 on top. While the other two come with Android 13 with Funtouch OS 13 out of the box. Although they are upgradable to Android 14.
Vivo promises 3 Android updates and 4 years of security updates for both V40 Pro and V30 Pro, ensuring sustained software support.
All four phones feature in-display fingerprint sensors, but the V40 Pro stands out with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering superior protection against the elements compared to the others, which have an IP54 rating.
6. Price and Availability
All four phones are available for purchase. The Vivo V40 Pro is priced at Rs. 49,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant and Rs. 55,999 for the 12GB + 512GB variant. In comparison, the Vivo V30 Pro, V29 Pro, and V27 Pro are available at significantly lower prices now, with the V30 Pro starting at Rs. 41,999, the V29 Pro at Rs. 39,999, and the V27 Pro at Rs. 31,990.
7. Conclusion
The Vivo V40 Pro undoubtedly offers top-tier specifications with its powerful processor, impressive camera system, and vibrant display. However, it comes with a premium price tag. If you’re a demanding user who prioritizes the latest hardware and cutting-edge features, the V40 Pro is a compelling choice.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option without compromising on performance too much, the V30 Pro, V27 Pro, or V29 Pro could be excellent alternatives. They offer pretty good cameras, decent displays, and fast charging at a more affordable price point.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re willing to spend extra for the latest and best, the V40 Pro is worth considering. However, if you prioritize value and don’t need the absolute top-tier specs, the V27 Pro, V29 Pro, or V30 Pro could be equally satisfying options.
Tecno is reportedly working on the Spark 30 5G smartphone. It is expected to arrive as the successor to last year’s Spark 20 that released in December. Now, the Spark 30 5G has been spotted on the FCC certification website. It mentions some key details about the device along with a schematic render that reveals the device’s design.
Tecno Spark 30 5G bags FCC
The Tecno Spark 30 5G has been listed on the FCC certification website with the model number KL8 and 2ADYY-KL8 as the FCC ID. As per the schematic image, the smartphone has a squircle-shaped camera module. It looks like a square but has curved corners. The power and volume rocker buttons are located on the right side. The former will likely double up as a fingerprint scanner.
As per the certification listing, the Tecno Spark 30 5G will come with support for 18W fast charging. It will pack 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. Dimensions-wise, the device will measure 165 x 76 x 8mm. The rest of the details of the smartphone remain under the wraps. The FCC certification mentions 5G, so we can expect the device to be equipped with a 5G-compatible processor. We can expect it to surface on more certification sites that should reveal more details.
To recall, the Tecno Spark 20 has a 6.6-inch display with a centre-aligned punch-hole cutout, an HD resolution, and a 90Hz refresh rate. Internally, it is powered by a Helio G85 processor and offered in two variants – 4GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB. The device features a 50MP main camera coupled with a 0.08MP secondary sensor. The smartphone is backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 18W fast charging.
iQOO has just shared a new teaser that confirms a new hearable product. The company is gearing up to launch its first ever truly wireless earbuds in the Indian market. We get a glimpse of this audio product in the teaser. So let’s have a look.
iQOO teases new TWS Earbuds
The Chinese brand’s teaser was shared by its senior executive Nipun Marya who shared the image poster on X (formerly Twitter). While the company has released hearable gadgets in the past, this would be the first time it is launching a model in India. Looking at the teaser, iQOO only shares a coming soon message and does not reveal any finer details like its name, pricing, or specs.
But looking at the teaser poster, we can see silicon eartips with a stem design on the earbuds, while the charging case carries a dual tone finish. The inner parts of the upcoming iQOO TWS earbuds feature a bright yellow hue, while the outside has a dark color. This looks pretty familiar to an existing wireless earphones, which the company launched recently. We’re talking about the iQOO TWS 1i that was unveiled in the brand’s home market of China last month.
It is worth noting that this is still just speculation at this moment. To recall, this model features 10mm audio drivers along with support for 3D panoramic audio. This model comes with support for DeepX 3.0 stereo sound effects for a more personalized listening experience. For gamers, the iQOO TWS 1i also supports 55ms low latency to get rid of any delays and ensure smooth audio and video synchronization. Other notable features included a long 45 hours battery life, fast charging support, IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, and more. The company will likely unveil this alongside the new iQOO Z9s Pro on August 21, so stick around for more updates.
Tecno started work on the new affordable Tecno POP 9 series. Gizmochina has spotted the new smartphones in the IMEI database. The company aims to gain a position in the affordable phone market with the POP 9 series.
Tecno POP 9 series
Tecno wants to increase competition in the smartphone market. The company will soon launch the affordable Tecno POP 9 series. Gizmochina has spotted 2 new smartphone models of the POP 9 series. The Tecno POP 9 series consists of two models: POP 9 4G and POP 9 5G. Tecno’s POP 9 4G smartphone will likely have similar specifications to the previous POP 8. The POP 8 was powered by a Unisoc T606 processor. The POP 9 4G may have similar specifications.
Coming to the Tecno POP 9 5G, this should be quite different from the 4G versions. The POP 9 5G has a 5G SOC, as the name suggests. But we don’t know which processor it has. We only have the model number of the devices.
The Tecno POP 9 4G comes with model number KL4. The POP 9 5G has the model number KL8. The Tecno POP 8 was announced in October 2023. We expect the new POP 9 series to be unveiled in October 2024. But we don’t have an official launch schedule. Therefore, we can’t say anything for sure.
There is currently no detailed information about the technical specifications of these smartphones. However, the devices may offer some innovations compared to their predecessor, the Tecno POP 8. So let’s take a look at the Tecno POP 8 specifications to get an idea about this new smartphone.
This smartphone is powered by the Unisoc T606 processor. At the same time, the device has up to 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage. The smartphone is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery and runs on Android 13 (Go Edition). For those who don’t know; “Go Edition” means a simplified version. Users will be able to use the next-generation features of Android 13 on this operating system, while memory consumption will be quite low.
Google has recently announced a couple of new smart home products. We previously covered the launch of the Google TV Streamer 4K a while back, and now, the brand has unveiled the Nest Learning Thermostat. Similar to the TV Streamer, this gadget is also smarter thanks to AI.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat Specs
The search engine giant has been working on bringing AI to its software like Google Photos, Gmail, and others. But the integration of AI has expanded to its physical products as well. The Google TV Streamer is a great example and the Google Nest Learning Thermostat expands on this as well. Officially, the gadget is dubbed the Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen. It brings a refreshed design and new AI powered features to your smart home.
The company has made its screen bigger with thinner bezels than its predecessor. The panel displays key information like time, temperature, weather, and outdoor air quality. Google’s new Nest Learning Thermostat arrives in three color variants, namely Polished Silver, Polished Obsidian, and Polished Gold. A major smart feature of this device is automatic micro adjustments based on the user’s patterns. These changes are also based on the analysis of the temperature and weather conditions outside. This pebble shaped product can be controlled via the Google Home app.
Pricing and Availability
Google has unveiled the Nest Learning Thermostat and it is currently on pre-order at select Google stores and select retailers. It has a price tag of 279.99 US Dollars in the US and 379.99 US Dollars in Canada. First sales for this device will kick off on 20th August 2024. The Nest Learning Thermostat also comes with additional sensors, which you can buy for 39.99 US Dollars each or for 99.99 US Dollars for a 3 pack.
AMD’s Ryzen 9000 series desktop processors are finally available. MSI has officially announced three PC builds equipped with Ryzen 9000 series processors, the top-of-the-line build uses the Ryzen 9 9950X, paired with the RTX 4080 Super. So let’s take a look one by one.
The first one packs Ryzen 5 9600X + AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT 10GB graphics
The first one is based on the Ryzen 5 9600X and is equipped with an AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT 10GB graphics card, which can offer a decent gaming and multitasking experience. This build uses the MSI PRO B650M-B motherboard, which provides a solid foundation for the build. This PC comes with a 1TB Kingston NV2 M.2 high-speed SSD.
Speaking of the power supply, it uses the MAG A600DN PSU, which provides a stable power supply. On the exterior, you will be looking at the MSI PAG FORGE M100L “Tomahawk Mini” case, which comes with a transparent side.
This build reportedly costs 5,499 yuan, which is equivalent to US$770.
The second build packs a more capable Ryzen 7 9700X CPU
This build uses the Ryzen 7 9700X CPU, which comes with an 8-core 16-thread design and a maximum acceleration frequency of up to 5.5GHz. It can easily handle many high-intensity workloads and heavy titles. The Ryzen 7 9700X is paired with Lexar 32GB dual-channel DDR5 memory. This build equips the MSI B650M GAMING WiFi motherboard, which comes with built-in WiFi6E for reliable connectivity.
For cooling it packs Limin’s 360 water cooling and PAG FORGE M100L case for a transparent look. This build is priced at 9,499 yuan, which is equivalent to US$1325.
The top-of-the-line build boasts the Ryzen 9 9950X CPU and MSI RTX 4080 Super GPU
The motherboard in this build, the MSI X670E GAMING PLUS, also supports built-in WiFi connectivity. The Ryzen 9 9950X CPU packs 16 cores and 32 threads and reaches a Max Boost Clock of 5.7GHz, where the base clock speed is 4.3GHz. The default TDP of this chip is 170W.
The MSI RTX 4080 Super graphics card pushes the graphics processing capabilities to the top. This build should handle both heavy games and professional graphic design.
Speaking of storage and memory, this build uses the ADATA D500G DDR5-6800MHz high-frequency memory and the Pterosaur S70 Blade 1TB M.2 SSD.
It uses the 850W MAG A850GL PCIE5 power supply and Limin’s WARFRAME PRO 360 ARGB ice armor water cooling system. On the exterior, it offers the MPG VELOX 100R blade case.
A pre-release version of Google‘s upcoming Weather app, intended for the Pixel 9 series, has surfaced online. While the Pixel 9 launch is still a week away, users eager to try out new features can now sideload the app on their Android 14 devices.
Currently, Google bundles weather information within the clock app, but it will be launching a dedicated weather app with the Pixel 9 series. That means Pixel 9 phones will be the first to come pre-loaded with this new app.
The app has a pretty minimalist design. It displays the current weather conditions at the top followed by an hourly forecast. Below that, there’s a large tile that shows a 10-day forecast. This is also the only interactive tile on this APK which you can click to view detailed weather information for the upcoming days.
Below this, you will find separate circular and square tiles that show details like wind speed, sunrise and sunset times, UV Index, and more.
Although you can now sideload the app — I tested it on my Galaxy S22 Ultra, and it works fine — the app might not function properly on every device. Also, make sure the device you’re sideloading it on runs Android 14 or above.
This pre-release version might also be missing features that will appear in the final release. According to a 9to5Google report, the app will eventually offer weather notifications. Additionally, Dylan Roussel on X (formerly Twitter) mentioned that it will include features like weather maps and AI-generated weather summaries.
Following HMD‘s confirmation of a global launch for the HMD Barbie phone on August 28th, its specs and renders have now surfaced on China’s TENAA certification.
When HMD first introduced this phone earlier this year, they made it clear that it would be a classic feature flip phone rather than a smartphone. And the TENAA certification confirms this.
The photos of the actual device reveal a decidely uninspired feature phone aimed at capitalizing on brand recognition rather than innovation. It looks like a toy my sister once wished for to complete her self-made Barbie collection.
As expected, its specs are quite underwhelming. The phone features a 2.8-inch TFT screen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. The certification also mentions a secondary display, which is even smaller at 1.77 inches with a 128 x 160-pixel resolution, but we couldn’t spot it in the images provided by TENAA.
The phone runs on a single-core SoC clocked at a modest 1.05 GHz and comes with just 64MB of RAM and 128MB of internal storage. This setup is unlikely to support much beyond basic calling and texting.
Storage expansion is limited to 32GB via a micro-SD card slot, and the device has 4G LTE for connectivity. It will be powered by a 1450mAh battery which is easily swappable thanks to the user-replacable back cover. For basic photography, you’ll find a single rear camera with an LED flash.
Unsurprisingly, the overall design leans heavily into the Barbie aesthetic. The phone is a vibrant shade of pink, with a big Barbie logo prominently displayed on lid of the device. The back, however, has a contrasting silver finish. The device measures 108 x 55 x 18.9 mm and weighs 123 grams.
There’s no information on pricing yet, but we’ll find that out in a couple of weeks. Expect it to be an affordable option.
Vivo is making one of its Y series smartphones more affordable in the Indian market. The Chinese brand unveiled the Vivo Y58 back in June 2024. This model is a budget mid range device that offers a massive battery, a smooth display, and a sleek design.
Vivo Y58 5G: New Price
The company’s Vivo Y58 model was initially launched in a lone 8GB + 128GB variant with a 19,499 INR price tag. But now, the smartphone got a 1,000 INR price slash, which brought its cost down to just 18,499 INR. This price change is currently live and can be purchased from the Vivo India e-store, Flipkart, and other partner stores like Amazon India. The Vivo Y58 is available in two color options, namely Sundarbans Green and Himalayan Blue.
Vivo Y58 5G
Specs
Talking about its specs, the device sports a tall 6.72-inch LCD panel that offers an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 1024 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, Vivo equips with Y58 5G with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC that is coupled with the Adreno 613 GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage. Users can even expand the storage via a microSD card slot (up to 1TB). For photography, you get a 50-megapixel dual camera setup with an LED flash on the rear and an 8-megapixel shooter for selfies and video calls on the front.
A massive 6,000mAh battery pack powers this device that supports 44W wired fast charging. The Vivo Y58 runs on the Android 14 OS based Funtouch OS 14 custom skin out of the box. Other notable features include an IP64 water and dust resistance rating, stereo speakers, a 3.5mm audio jack, a side mounted fingerprint scanner, hybrid Dual SIM (nano + nano/microSD), and Bluetooth 5.1 support.
The Nothing CMF Phone 1 took the internet by storm as the brand’s more affordable entry for buyers. It features budget level specifications and features, as well as a design that make it stand out from the crowd. But how does this device compare with other budget level Android entries? In this article, we pitch the CMF Phone 1 against the iQOO Z9 to find out which is better.
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CMF Phone 1 vs iQOO Z9: 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.
iQOO Z9:
Unlike the CMF Phone 1, the iQOO Z9 isn’t a modular device, but it packs good looks. This device comes with a dual rear camera setup with a large cutout. On the right side of this device sits the power button and volume rocker keys. At its base you’ll find the SIM tray slot, the USB-C port, microphone, and speaker. Available colour options on this device are Brushed Green and Graphene Blue.
Major differences:
Modular design on the CMF Phone 1.
Traditional design on the iQOO Z9.
CMF Phone 1 vs iQOO Z9: Display
CMF Phone 1 and iQOO Z9:
When it comes to the display performance of these devices, they come with some similarities. First they both come with AMOLED screen displays but the CMF Phone 1 comes with a higher peak brightness. Despite featuring the same screen size, the iQOO Z9 comes with slimmer bezels than the CMF Phone 1.
Major differences:
Brighter display on the CMF Phone 1.
Slimmer bezels on the iQOO Z9.
CMF Phone 1 vs iQOO Z9: Cameras
CMF Phone 1 and iQOO Z9:
These devices come with the same rear and front facing cameras. A main 50MP sensor and a secondary 2MP depth sensor with 4K video recording capability. Up front, this device gives users 16MP sensors with no 4 K video recording ability.
Major differences:
Nil.
CMF Phone 1 vs iQOO Z9: Performance
CMF Phone 1 and iQOO Z9:
These devices make use of a processor that is just a generation apart from one another. The CMF Phone 1 comes with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, while the Vivo Z9 comes with the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 processor. Both devices offer up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB worth of storage capacity.
Major upgrades & differences:
The Dimensity 7300 processor on the CMF Phone 1.
CMF Phone 1 vs iQOO Z9: Software
CMF Phone 1 and iQOO Z9:
Both devices run on Android 14 out of the box but use different software programs. The CMF Phone 1 uses the Nothing OS, while the iQOO Z9 makes use of the Funtouch 14 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.
iQOO Z9 runs iOS 17 out of the box.
CMF Phone 1 vs iQOO Z9: Battery life and charging
CMF Phone 1 and iQOO Z9:
While both devices come with a 5000mAh battery capacity the iQOO Z9 comes with faster charging. Yes it features 44W fast charging while the CMF Phone 1 comes with 33W fast charging.
Major differences:
Faster charging on the iQOO Z9.
CMF Phone 1 vs iQOO Z9: Final Verdict
Considering the fact that these devices are very similar in specifications some might have a hard time picking which to purchase. If you’re out for a device that will turn heads and has better performance then the CMF Phone 1 is for you. But if you want something simple yet powerful and comes with faster charging, the iQOO Z9 is the pick for you.
Xiaomi’s Redmi Pad Pro 5G, previously launched in India, has expanded its reach to European and UK markets. While the tablet is mostly similar to the already available Redmi Pad Pro, the key upgrade is 5G connectivity.
The Redmi Pad Pro 5G comes with starts at £279 in the UK and €379.90 in the Eurozone. Configurations vary by region, with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage available. Pre-orders include a free cover, and additional accessories like the Redmi Buds 5 or the Redmi Smart Pen stylus.
Redmi Pad Pro 5G specs:
The Redmi Pad Pro 5G supports dual SIMs, allowing 5G connectivity on both. It has the same specifications as the earlier Wi-Fi-only model. The tablet has a 12.1-inch 2.5K LCD screen with a resolution of 2560 × 1600 pixels, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and a 180Hz touch sampling rate. The display reaches up to 600 nits of brightness, supports Dolby Vision, and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
It runs on an Octa-Core Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor with a clock speed of up to 2.4 GHz, paired with an Adreno 710 GPU. The tablet offers 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, expandable up to 1.5TB via microSD. The operating system is Android 14-based HyperOS.
For cameras, it has an 8MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. Other features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, an infrared sensor, quad speakers with Dolby Atmos support, and dual microphones.
The tablet measures 280 × 181.85 × 7.52 mm and weighs 571 grams. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ac) on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, Bluetooth 5.2, and USB Type-C 2.0. It has a 10,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.
In other news, more details about the Xiaomi 15 Ultra have emerged. As per a leak from tipster Ice Universe, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will have a quad-camera setup, including a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens with 4.x optical zoom.
OnePlus has launched a new monthly update series for its OxygenOS system, targeting both phones and tablets. From what we’ve been able to understand, this isn’t a standard over-the-air (OTA) update. Instead, it will upgrade OnePlus’ own apps and add some new system features to enhance the software experience.
According to OnePlus, the new update series will be available for phones and tablets carrying the firmware versions U120P01(BRB1EX01) and U120P01(BRB3EX01).
The update has already started its phased deployment from August 2nd and is expected to reach users across Asia-Pacific regions like India, Hong Kong, and Singapore, as well as select Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, by September 6th.
The main advantage of this new series is faster access to updates for OnePlus’ self-developed apps and new features, avoiding the usual staggered OTA rollout. This means quicker bug fixes, performance improvements, and possibly new functionalities.
The initial update, U120P01, is relatively minor, focusing on optimizing the unit converter interface within the Calculator app and general system stability improvements.
Changelog OverviewCalculator
• Optimizes the Unit converter interface on the Calculator to make it neater and more intuitive.
System
• Improves system stability.
The update series is compatible with a wide range of OnePlus devices, including current flagships and some older models. Eligible devices include:
OxygenOS 14: OnePlus 12 series, OnePlus Open, OnePlus 11 series, OnePlus 10 series, OnePlus 9 series, OnePlus 8T OxygenOS 13.1.0/OxygenOS 13: OnePlus Nord 4 5G, OnePlus Nord 3 5G, OnePlus Nord 2T 5G, OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G, OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G, OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G, OnePlus Nord CE 2 lite 5G, OnePlus Pad, OnePlus Pad Go Older Models: OnePlus 8, OnePlus 8 Pro, OnePlus Nord 2 5G, OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G, OnePlus Nord CE 5G
Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings > About Device > OxygenOS card. As with most OTA updates, OnePlus is using an incremental rollout strategy, initially reaching a limited number of users before a wider release.
Oppo is expected to unveil the Find X8 series of smartphones in October of this year in China. The Find X7 series included two models, the Find X7 and the Find X7 Ultra. However, recent reports suggest that the X8 lineup will comprise as many as three models, such as the Find X8, the Find X8 Pro, and the Find X8 Ultra. In a recent Weibo post, tipster Digital Chat Station leaked the battery and charging details of all three phones. In a new post on the microblogging platform, the tipster shared the display specifications of the X8 series.
Oppo Find X8 series display specifications (rumored)
The above leak suggests that the Find X8 series will have a variety of displays, including 1.5K flat screens, 1.5K shallow curved screens, and 2K shallow curved screens. It appears that he is talking about the Find X8, the X8 Pro, and the X8 Ultra, respectively.
DCS’ post further suggests that the prototypes of these phones currently use displays from Tianma Microelectronics (TM) and Beijing Oriental Electronics (BOE). Notably, the 2K 8T LTPO display from BOE with the new substrate is impressive, showing significant improvements in display quality, brightness, and dimming strategies. In addition, the screen is surrounded by ultra-thin bezels on all four sides.
The Find X8 Ultra, which is expected to launch in January 2025, is likely to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Speculation suggests that the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro will come equipped with the Dimensity 9400 chipset.
The tipster recently revealed that the Find X8, X8 Pro, and X8 Ultra will pack 5,600mAh, 5,700mAh, and 6,100mAh or 6,200mAh batteries, respectively. The series is expected to run on Android 15 with a layer of ColorOS 15.
The Find X8 Ultra is expected to feature a quad-camera setup that includes a pair of periscope telephoto cameras, similar to the X7 Ultra. In addition, it is also expected to support two-way satellite connectivity and feature an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor.
DCS responded that the Pro variant has dual periscope telephoto cameras, an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a larger battery when asked about notable differences between the Find X8 and X8 Pro. Hence, it appears that the Find X8 will have an optical-type in-screen fingerprint sensor and a triple camera unit.
MediaTek’s next flagship processor, the Dimensity 9400, is expected to launch in October, ahead of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, which is planned for an October 21st reveal.
A new leak from Digital Chat Station suggests that the Dimensity 9400 will have a 30% improvement in single-core performance compared to its predecessor.
Based on benchmarks, this increase over the Dimensity 9300 (which scored 2,207 in Geekbench 6.2) suggests a potential score of around 2,869 for the Dimensity 9400. This would put it very close to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s single-core performance of 2,884. This performance boost could likely be due to the collaboration of MediaTek with Arm on the development of the Cortex-X925 CPU core, codenamed Blackhawk.
Additionally, the leak suggests the Dimensity 9400 achieves this performance while using only 30% of the power consumed by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for similar tasks, highlighting a focus on efficiency.
The Dimensity 9300 featured an all-performance core design, a strategy likely to continue with the 9400. While this approach enhances raw power, it can cause thermal throttling. However, the reported efficiency gains of the Dimensity 9400, along with the use of Samsung’s faster 10.7 Gbps LPDDR5x memory modules, could address these thermal issues and position the chip as a strong competitor in the smartphone processor market.
Both the Dimensity 9400 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 are expected to be manufactured on TSMC’s N3 process node, leveling the playing field in terms of raw power.
The real wildcard in this upcoming generation might be Samsung’s Exynos 2500. Rumored to mark a comeback for Samsung’s mobile chip division, it uses the 3GAP process node and incorporates the innovative GAAFET (Gate-All-Around Field-Effect Transistor) technology instead of the traditional FinFET design.
Additionally, there are rumors of an RDNA 3-based integrated GPU suggesting the Exynos 2500 might become a strong contender in the mobile gaming arena.
While MediaTek’s focus on single-core performance and efficiency promises a competitive offering, the true performance picture will only become clear with benchmark results and real-world testing.
iQOO unveiled the iQOO Neo 9S Pro featuring the all new Dimensity 9300 Plus chipset in May this year. It was announced with a starting price of 2,699 Yuan (~$375). Recent reports have claimed that the company is working on the iQOO Z9 Turbo equipped with the same chipset. Being a Z-series phone, it is likely to be priced around 2,000 Yuan (~$280) in China. The arrival of the Z9 Turbo+ seems to be close at hand as it has been approved by the MIIT regulatory body in China.
iQOO Z9 Turbo+ bags MIIT certification
iQOO Z9 Turbo+ MIIT certified
As can be seen above, a new Vivo device bearing the V2417A model number has been approved by the MIIT authority. As per a Weibo post from reliable leaker Digital Chat Station, the said model number is associated with the upcoming Z9 Turbo+.
Unfortunately, the MIIT certification has no information about the specifications of the iQOO Z9 Turbo+. It is likely that the phone may go official either by the end of this month or in September. Here is a look at what the rumor mill has leaked about the device so far.
iQOO Z9 Turbo+ specifications (rumored)
iQOO Z9 Turbo
There’s a possibility that the iQOO Z9 Turbo+ could be largely similar to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3-powred iQOO Z9 Turbo, which debuted with a price tag of 1,999 Yuan (~$280) in April in China. As per leaks, the iQOO Z9 Turbo+ will have a flat OLED screen that offers a 1.5K resolution and an in-screen fingerprint sensor.
The Dimensity 9300+ powered device is expected to pack a 6,000mAh battery. The rest of the specs of the phone are under wraps.
To recall, the Z9 Turbo features a 6.78-inch flat OLED panel that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3-powered phone has LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a 6,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging support. It has a 16-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel (main) + 8-megapixel (ultrawide) dual-camera system.
Until last year, Chinese smartphone brands were focused on offering faster charging solutions while slightly reducing battery size. However, this year, the trend has shifted to launching phones with larger silicon batteries instead of lithium-ion types and offering fast charging at around 100W. By doing this, phones can maintain longer battery life and provide more efficient performance. A new Weibo post by tipster Digital Chat Station suggests that Xiaomi may launch a device equipped with a 7,500mAh battery in future.
Xiaomi reportedly testing multiple battery and charging configurations
According to the tipster Digital Chat Station, Xiaomi is currently researching various fast charging solutions for their batteries. It is considering multiple configurations, including a 5,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging, which can fully charge in 18 minutes, and a 5,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging, which takes 34 minutes to fully charge.
Additionally, it is looking into a 6,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging that charges in 30 minutes, a 6,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging that requires 49 minutes for a full charge, a 7,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging that charges in 40 minutes, and a 7,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging that takes 63 minutes to fully charge.
Some of the recent Xiaomi phones, such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro series, Redmi K70 Pro, K70, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi K60 Ultra, K60 Pro, K50 Ultra, K50 Pro, Xiaomi 13T Pro, Xiaomi 12T series, and Xiaomi 11T Pro, already offer 5,000mAh+120W combination. The K70 Ultra, which debuted last month, offers a 5,500mAh battery with 100W rapid charging.
Usually, batteries of around 6,500mAh to 7,500mAh are good enough to power entry-level tablets. However, now that phone brands are working on phones with silicon batteries with increased energy densities, it may not be long before we see phones packed with 7,500mAh batteries.
Today’s roundup showcases the dynamic landscape of the tech world, from news about foldables to upcoming wearables and the best mid-range smartphones.
Today’s Highlights:
OnePlus Open Apex Edition: Dive into the details of OnePlus’s luxurious new foldable variant. We’ll explore its upgraded storage, VIP mode, and what sets it apart from the standard edition.
Google Pixel Watch 3 Rumors: Get the scoop on the latest leak suggesting significant improvements in display brightness and battery life for Google’s upcoming smartwatch. We’ll discuss what this could mean for the wearable market.
Huawei’s Tri-Folding Innovation: Uncover the exciting rumors about Huawei’s upcoming tri-folding phone. We’ll examine the potential for ‘PC-level’ applications and the reported minimal crease, potentially revolutionizing the foldable phone landscape.
Best Phones Under ₹50,000: Explore our comprehensive guide to the top smartphones in this competitive price range. We’ll break down the best options for performance, camera capabilities, and overall value.
Plus, don’t miss our roundup of other headline-grabbing stories, including Android 15 update eligibility, Amazon’s Great Freedom Sale deals, Realme’s latest budget offering, and a comparison of Snapdragon chipsets!
The OnePlus Open was released last year in Emerland Dusk and Voyager Black color options. Now, the brand has launched the foldable phone in a new color variant along with bumped-up storage and additional features. Commenting on the launch, CEO Kinder Liu states that the OnePlus Open Apex Edition offers a more luxurious option with some new additions. Read on to learn everything about the device below, including the pricing and discounts.
The Pixel Watch 3 is expected to be officially announced at Google’s hardware event on August 13 alongside the Google Pixel 9 series. Ahead of the launch, a new leak claims that the Pixel Watch 3 will come with an improved display and battery life.
Huawei is known to be working on a tri-folding device for a while. The company has also filed a number of patents for the folding technology it’s working on. A relatively recent one shows a tri-folding phone with two hinges and a flexible screen that folds outwards.
Finding a high-performance smartphone under ₹50,000 can be a game-changer, blending advanced technology with premium features. This price range offers a range of impressive options, from stellar battery life and top-notch performance to exceptional camera systems. Whether you’re looking for the best value, unparalleled speed, or a versatile camera setup, there’s a standout choice to meet your needs. Explore these top picks that balance cutting-edge features with cost-effectiveness, making them perfect for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
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