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Xiaomi Confirms 24GB+1TB Variant for the Redmi K70 Ultra

Xiaomi has confirmed a high-storage option for the highly anticipated Redmi K70 Ultra phone. Wang Teng, a high-ranking official at Xiaomi, recently responded to online inquiries on Weibo, explicitly stating the phone will offer a massive 24GB of RAM paired with 1TB of storage.

The Redmi K70 Ultra features the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ CPU

The Redmi K70 Ultra is slated for release this month and boasts impressive specs. It packs a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor and is the first phone to introduce the new generation 1.5K C8+ straight display. This display features an ultra-narrow bezel design with the top and side borders measuring approximately 1.7mm, while the bottom bezel is slightly thicker at 1.9mm. The rear camera setup continues the K70 series’ signature horizontal rectangular DECO design, featuring a 50-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS).

Leaks regarding the Redmi K70 Ultra have been abundant recently. Just yesterday, an “Ice Glass” color variant of the device surfaced, and a unique cooling solution has also been confirmed for the device. Users won’t have to wait too long for the launch though, it is just around the corner.

(Via)

Epic Games is Giving Away “Floppy Knights” for Free this Weekend

This week, Epic Games is giving away the tactical card game “Floppy Knights.” In Floppy Knights, players take on the role of Phoebe, a brilliant young inventor, and her robot-arm bestie Carlton. Together, they summon tangible projections of knights from floppy disks to battle across strategic turn-based encounters. Players will need to select their knights, hone their deck, and execute their strategy to emerge victorious.

An Intel Core i3-4130T and only 4GB of RAM are needed to run the game

The system requirements for Floppy Knights are fairly modest, making it accessible to a wide range of players. To run the game smoothly, you’ll need a 64-bit processor and operating system (Windows 7 or later). An Intel Core i3-4130T or equivalent CPU is recommended, along with 4GB of RAM. The graphics requirements are minimal, with an Intel HD 4400 graphics card being sufficient. Finally, you’ll need 2GB of available storage space to install the game.

Epic Games Floppy Knight

Next week, Epic Games is giving away two more titles: “Arcade Paradise” and “Maid of Sker.” “Arcade Paradise” throws players into the retro world of running their own arcade. You’ll need to buy new cabinets, manage finances, and keep customers happy while also enjoying the classic arcade games yourself. “Maid of Sker” is a first-person horror adventure set in a grotesque hotel filled with sound-based enemies. Players will need to use their wits and remain silent to avoid these horrors.

(Via)

Coolpad launches Cool 50 budget smartphone with 6.56″ display, 256GB storage & 4700mAh battery

Coolpad has launched its latest budget smartphone, the Coolpad Cool 50, in the Chinese market. Let’s check out its specifications.

Coolpad Cool 50 Specifications:

The Cool 50 features a 6.56-inch waterdrop notch display with a 720 x 1612 resolution. While not the sharpest on the market, it offers a comfortable viewing experience for everyday tasks.

Under the hood, the Cool 50 is powered by a 12nm Unisoc T616 octa-core processor clocked at 1.8GHz. The chipset is paired with a GPU based on the G57 architecture.

The phone comes with 4GB of RAM for basic multitasking for most everyday applications. It also features 256GB of internal storage.

The Cool 50 runs a customized version of Android 13, offering a familiar user experience with potential additions from Coolpad. It includes a Type-C charging port for fast and convenient charging and supports basic sensors like gravity, proximity, and light.

In terms of battery life, the Cool 50 is equipped with a 4700mAh battery, providing extended usage times.

The Coolpad Cool 50 is equipped with a dual-camera setup on the rear, comprising a high-resolution main camera and an additional macro lens, although the exact megapixel specifications are unspecified. The phone also features AI infrared face recognition for secure unlocking. Additionally, it supports 4G LTE connectivity and dual SIM functionality.

Coolpad Cool 50

The Cool 50 features a sleek AG glass back, offering a premium look and feel uncommon in budget phones. This material is typically found on more expensive smartphones, providing a step up in aesthetics compared to plastic backs commonly used in this price range.

Pricing and Availability

The Coolpad Cool 50 comes in three color options: Snow Silver, Matte Black, and Sakura Red. The phone is currently available for purchase in China, with a price tag of 999 Yuan (approximately $138).

Affordable itel A80 visits Google Play certification, features Unisoc Tiger T603

itel’s upcoming affordable smartphone has surfaced on the Google Play Console! Phones in itel’s ‘A lineup’ typically feature budget-friendly entry-level devices. The upcoming itel A80 has emerged with the model number A671LC.

Google Play listing confirms that this device is an entry-level phone as the upcoming itel A80 will feature Unisoc Tiger T603 chipset paired with 3GB of RAM. The screen resolution is 720 x 1600, likely equivalent to HD+.

Despite being an entry-level phone, it will come with the latest version of Android out of the box. Google Play certification confirms that the phone will ship with Android 14 preinstalled. Previously, itel introduced the itel A70, which appears to share similar specs with the A80.

The itel A70, launched in 2023, also features the same Unisoc T603 chipset as the upcoming A80. The phone is 8.6mm thick, houses a 5000 mAh battery, and supports 10W wired charging. We can expect the A80 to debut at a similar price point to the current Amazon India price of the A70 at 6499 INR.

(source)

iPhone 16 Pro to get the 5x tetraprism telephoto camera from iPhone 15 Pro Max

Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 16 series in September. In the latest news, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that the iPhone 16 Pro could get the tetraprism 5x telephoto module of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

5x tetraprism telephoto

iPhone 16 Pro could get a zoom upgrade with the tetraprism telephoto module

Last year Apple added a periscope telephoto camera to the iPhone 15 series, although, it was limited to the top model. The iPhone 15 Pro houses the same 3x telephoto module as its predecessor. The 5x periscope telephoto module of the iPhone 15 Pro Max packs a 1/3.06″ sensor, which is slightly bigger than the 1/1.35″ one of the 3x telephoto, which also supports 3D sensor‑shift OIS. Although, the 5x periscope telephoto equips the same 12MP resolution as the previous 3x telephoto.

Apple has already tied up with two camera lens module manufacturers – Largan Precision and Genius Electronic Optical (GSEO), that are reportedly responsible for the manufacturing of the lenses of the periscope telephoto module.

If the latest report is true, both the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max could get the tetraprism telephoto camera.

There have been rumors about a resolution upgrade in the telephoto module of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The phone is expected to get a 48MP larger (1/2.6″ as compared to the 1/3.06″ one from last year) image sensor for the tetraprism telephoto, which could also offer a longer zoom range as compared to its predecessor.

According to a report, Apple’s tetraprism telephoto modules allow for a larger aperture, which lets more light reach the sensor. So, the addition of a tetraprism camera to the Pro model could help it take better zoomed shots in low light conditions.

The next upgrade in the tetraprism tech is expected with the iPhone 19 series, which will feature additional prisms in the tetraprism module. This will increase the focal length and offer a longer zoom range.

(Via)

Sony unveils a new soundbar in India very soon, initial teasers here

Sony is set to launch a new soundbar in India very soon. This follows their successful introduction of the Bravia 7 TV lineup in India. These TVs, featuring miniLED panels, come equipped with four 10W speakers, offering a quite impressive audio experience for a television. It seems Sony aims to elevate the home movie experience even further.

The upcoming Sony soundbar was first spotted on Amazon’s website. Sony India also announced the upcoming arrival of new Sony soundbar on Twitter. While the soundbar has not yet launched, you can sign up for notifications on Sony’s official website to be informed when it becomes available. Sony is promoting the upcoming soundbar with the slogan “From the cinemas to your home.”

The soundbar is expected to support Dolby Atmos, IMAX, and dtsX technologies. With the Acoustic Center Sync feature, users can pair the upcoming soundbar with Sony Bravia TVs for an enhanced audio experience.

iQOO Watch GT launched in China with 100+ sports modes and eSIM support

As scheduled, iQOO has launched a couple of new products in China today – the iQOO Watch GT, a 1TB variant of the iQOO Pad2 Pro, and the iQOO TWS 1i, and the iQOO Neo 9S Pro+. In this article, we will be discussing the iQOO Watch GT.

Offers 21 days of battery life with Bluetooth

The watch comes with a square-shaped design. and weighs only 33 g. While the watch is lightweight, it packs a number of AI features and offers a battery life of 21 days of battery life with Bluetooth. The watch is equipped with a 1.85″ AMOLED display that has a resolution of 390 x 450. It offers a quick-release soft rubber strap design. The strap is black on the outside and yellow inside. It supports eSIM for independent communication.

There is an AI-powered real-time voice transcription feature for note-taking, which allows users to note bits of information or ideas more conveniently on the go. The watch also lets users create watch faces with AI. It packs Baidu maps for navigation. Notably, this is the only watch in its price range that supports Baidu independent navigation.

The iQOO Watch GT is “Swimming grade waterproof” and can withstand the pressure of up to 2ATM. It can monitor steps, distance you have covered, blood oxygen level, sleep quality, and menstrual cycle. In addition to all of these, the watch comes with 100+ sports modes, a fitness course, and a sports coach functionality.

Pricing and availability:

The watch comes in two different versions: Bluetooth and eSIM. The Bluetooth and eSIM versions are priced at 499 yuan and 799 Yuan respectively and are currently available on JD.com.

iQOO unveils 16GB+1TB variant of iQOO Pad2 Pro with Dimensity 9300+!

We know that iQOO Pad 2 series isn’t entirely new, as we previously shared with you the arrival of iQOO Pad 2 and Pad 2 Pro on May 31. You can read our previously released article on the regular iQOO Pad 2 and Pad 2 Pro from the given link. Now, iQOO offers a new RAM and storage configuration for its flagsip tablet.

The Pad 2 Pro now comes with a 16GB+1TB model, which joins the existing 256GB and 512GB variants. The new variant actually shares the identical specifications as the previously unveiled Pad 2 Pro. It’s worth mentioning that iQOO offers UFS 4.0 storage technology on all configurations.

The recently launched iQOO Pad 2 Pro features a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset. The tablet boasts a 13-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 3096 x 2064 and 144 Hz refresh rate.

iQOO Pad 2 Pro has a massive 11500 mAh battery and supports 66W fast charging. It also includes an 8-speaker sound system. iQOO claims the tablet has a cooling system that enhances efficiency by 30%. It’s safe to say the iQOO Pad 2 Pro is a true premium tablet. Here’s the pricing of iQOO Pad 2 Pro in China.

  • iQOO Pad 2 Pro – 8GB+256GB – 3299 CNY – 454 USD
  • iQOO Pad 2 Pro – 12GB+256GB – 3599 CNY – 496 USD
  • iQOO Pad 2 Pro – 16GB+512GB – 3999 CNY – 551 USD
  • iQOO Pad 2 Pro – 16GB+1TB – 4499 CNY – 620 USD

(source)

iQOO TWS 1i With Dual Connectivity, 10 Hours Battery Launched In China

iQOO unveiled the Neo 9S Pro+ smartphone in China today. Alongside, the Vivo sub-brand also expanded its range of audio devices. The newly announced offering is dubbed the iQOO TWS 1i. The audio device carries a budget price tag and features an AirPods-like design. Let’s find out what this TWS earphone offers out of the box. 

iQOO TWS 1i specifications and features 

The iQOO TWS 1i has an AirPods-like design featuring a stem and earbuds with silicon ear tips. They are IP54-rated dust and water-resistant. Users can perform various tasks by tapping on the stem of the earbuds. 

On the audio front, the iQOO TWS 1i is equipped with a 10mm high-resolution driver. The sound is tuned by Golden Ears Acoustic lab. The TWS earphones come with e-sports sound effects for an immersive sound experience. The audio device features DeepX 3.0 stereo sound with customized sound effects including strong bass, clear vocals, and clear treble. The iQOO TWS 1i features AI noise call reduction for a clear quality on calls. There is also 3D panoramic audio for an immersive listening experience. It also has a 55ms low latency mode.

The iQOO TWS 1i is powered by a 513mAh battery unit that is claimed to last up to 45 hours with each earbud backed by a 49mAh cell that is said to offer 10 hours of usage. The TWS earphone packs convenient features like camera shutter control, find headphones, jovi voice assistant, caller announcement, and information broadcast. The audio device supports Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and can be paired with two devices simultaneously.

The iQOO TWS 1i is priced at CNY 99 (~$13.65). It comes in Mecha White and Star Yellow colors.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: How do they compare?

After weeks of teasers, Samsung finally launched its latest generation of premium foldable smartphones. But how does the new Galaxy Z Flip 6 compare to another flip phone? Motorola also unveiled the Razr 50 Ultra last week, so let’s pit them against one another.

Samsung Galaxy Z flip 6 vs Motorola Razr 50 Ultra

Galaxy Z Flip 6 vs Razr 50 Ultra: Moto with the taller displays

On paper, Motorola appears to have a slight edge in the display department. The Razr 50 Ultra sports a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED primary display that offers Dolby Vision, FHD+ resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and 3000 nits of peak brightness. For its cover screen, you get a 4-inch LTPO AMOLED panel, with a 165Hz refresh rate, 2400 nits of peak brightness, Dolby Vision, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6, on the other hand, features a slightly shorter 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X main display, FHD+ resolution, 2,600 nits of peak brightness, HDR10+, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The external panel is a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED display with 2,600 nits of peak brightness, 60Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. So Moto’s Rar 50 Ultra not only has taller screens, but brighter and smoother displays as well.

Design: Glass vs Leather

Sticking to the recent trend, Motorola released the Razr 50 Ultra with vegan leather on the back. Its screen is surrounded by an aluminum 6000 series material and a stainless steel hinge. The flip phone is rated IPX8 for water resistance.

Meanwhile, the South Korean tech giant retains the glass back on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 like its predecessor. This is surrounded by an enhanced armor aluminum frame that is tougher and more resistant to scratches. The Z Flip 6 is rated IP48 for both water and dust resistance.

Flagship Specs

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a premium foldable phone that is equipped with Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. In terms of performance, it is faster than the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor which powers the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra. Both smartphones offer 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.

Both devices are powered by a 4,000mAh battery pack. Although, Samsung’s latest flip phone only offers 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. The Razr 50 Ultra edges ahead with 45W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging support.

Camera

Samsung finally upgraded the camera on the Z Flip series with the rear now featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and a 12-megapixel ultra wide angle lens. The front, however, still features the 10-megapixel camera.

Motorola also employs a 50-megapixel main sensor with OIS but pairs it with a 50-megapixel telephoto shooter that offers 2x optical zoom. For selfies and video calls, the front houses a 32-megapixel shooter.

Pricing

Being from its ultra-premium lineup, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 has an exorbitant starting price tag of 109,999 INR for the 12GB + 256GB option, while the 12GB + 512GB variant costs 121,999 INR. It also comes in a Blue, Mint, and Silver Shadow variant.

Compared to this, Motorola made the Razr 50 Ultra quite affordable, with a 99,999 INR price tag for its lone 12GB + 512GB storage configuration. It is offered in Spring Green, Peach Fuzz, and Midnight Blue.

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

Is Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 really better than its predecessors?

Samsung‘s Galaxy Z Flip series has redefined the pocket-sized phone with its foldable design. With each iteration, Samsung has improved the hinge, display technology, cameras, and overall user experience. The latest release, the Galaxy Z Flip 6, comes with several upgrades. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown comparing the latest Galaxy Z Flip 6 with its predecessors – Flip 5, Flip 4, and Flip 3 – so you can understand the upgrades these devices have received over the years.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

1. Display

Across the board, all Z Flips boast a spacious 6.7-inch main display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. However, the Z Flip 6 takes the crown for brightness, with a peak of 2600 nits compared to the 1600 nits of the Flip 5 and the 1200 nits of the Flip 3 and 4. This significant improvement makes the Z Flip 6 ideal for outdoor use or situations with bright light.

Coming to the cover display, the Flip 3 and Flip 4 retain the smallest 1.9-inch display, while the Flip 5 offers a more practical 3.4-inch option. The Z Flip 6 maintains the 3.4-inch cover display size introduced in the Flip 5, making it perfect for quick notifications, music controls, and even some app interactions without unfolding the phone. However, the refresh rates remain the same across all the devices. Some users had expected the cover display to receive a 120Hz refresh rate upgrade.

2. Performance and Storage

When it comes to processing power, the Z Flip 6 boasts the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, offering a significant leap in performance compared to the Snapdragon 888 in the Flip 3 and the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Flip 4. The Flip 5 utilizes a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, placing it between the Flip 4 and 6 in terms of raw power.

All phones come with 8GB of RAM in their base variants, with higher storage options offering additional RAM. The Z Flip 6 raises the bar with a 12GB RAM option for the most demanding users. Storage options remain consistent across all models, with 256GB and 512GB choices available.

3. Cameras

The camera department sees a shift in the Z Flip 6. It ditches the dual 12MP setup of the previous models and introduces a new 50MP main sensor alongside the existing 12MP ultra-wide sensor. This upgrade promises sharper photos with better detail capture, especially in low-light conditions. The 10MP front camera remains consistent across all models.

Software features like Nightography and AI-powered image processing are present across all models, but the Z Flip 5 and 6 might offer further refinements due to their newer processors.

4. Design and Durability

The foldable design remains a mainstay across the Z Flip range. Samsung has consistently improved its hinge mechanism, with the Z Flip 6 boasting a “dual rail structure” that promises better shock absorption and a slimmer profile when folded (14.9mm) compared to the Flip 5 (15.1mm). The Flip 3 and Flip 4 have a thickness of 17.1mm when folded.

Material choices see a mix of improvements and downgrades. All models use Armor Aluminum for the frame, but the Z Flip 6 comes with improved IP48 dust and water resistance, whereas the Flip 3, Flip 4, and Flip 5 have an IPX8 rating. The Z Flip 5 and 6 utilize Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for better scratch resistance, while the Flip 3 and 4 use Victus+.

5. Battery and Charging

The battery capacity has seen a slight increase throughout the generations. The Z Flip 3 has a 3300mAh battery, while the Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 5 bump it up to 3700mAh. The Z Flip 6 boasts the largest battery at 4000mAh, offering potentially longer usage time.

Fast charging capabilities have also seen improvement. The Z Flip 3 offers 15W fast charging, while the Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 5 take it up to 25W. The Z Flip 6 retains the 25W fast charging and 15W Qi wireless charging.

6. Software

On the software front, the Flip 3 launched with Android 11 and One UI 3.1. The Flip 4 and Flip 5 come with Android 12/13 and One UI 4.1/5.1 respectively. The Flip 6 takes the lead with the latest Android 14 and One UI 6.1.1. The Flip 6 will also get seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates.

The Z Flip 4 introduced FlexCam, which allows for hands-free video capture or selfies at various angles by partially folding the phone. The Z Flip 5 expands on this functionality with a larger Flex Window and the ability to switch between widgets with a pinch gesture.

The Z Flip 6 takes AI features a step further with features like Note Assist, Circle to Search, Interpreter, Live Translate, and more. It also boasts a vapor chamber cooling system, a first for the Flip series, to handle the increased processing power without overheating.

7. Pricing and Availability

The pricing for the base model (with 256GB storage) has remained relatively consistent across the Flips, starting at around $999. The Z Flip 3 and Z Flip 4 are no longer available for purchase directly from Samsung, but you might find them from retailers or carriers. The Z Flip 5 starts at $999.99, while the Z Flip 6 starts at $1099.99, reflecting the upgraded processor and camera.

8. Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series has undoubtedly matured over time, with each generation building upon the strengths of its predecessors. The Flip 6 with its brighter displays, upgraded processor, enhanced camera capabilities, improved durability, and larger battery, offers a compelling upgrade over its predecessors. While the design language remains largely consistent, the internal and functional improvements make the Z Flip 6 a more refined and capable foldable smartphone.

If you’re considering upgrading from an older Z Flip model or venturing into the world of foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 presents a compelling option. However, for users who prioritize cost savings, the Z Flip 5 could still be an attractive choice, as it offers many of the same core features at a lower price point.

iQOO Neo 9S Pro+ Launched In China With Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 And Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanner

iQOO as unveiled new devices in China today. The Vivo-sub-brand announced a new smartphone, TWS earphone, smartwatch, and more. The latest phone is the iQOO Neo 9s Pro+. It is the fourth model in the Neo 9 series that already comprises standard, pro, and 9s Pro variants. The device is the top-end offering in the lineup with the flagship Snapdragon processor while the rest of the specifications and design remain the same. 

iQOO Neo 9S Pro+ specifications and features

The iQOO Neo 9S Pro+ has the same design as the other Neo 9 series models. It features a flat frame with two camera rings on the back panel. On the display front, the smartphone comes with a 6.78-inch OLED display bearing a 1.5K resolution, a 1,400 nits peak brightness, and a 144Hz LTPO refresh rate. The screen is integrated with a 3D ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. 

The iQOO Neo 9S Pro+ dual rear camera setup consists of a 50MP Sony IMX921 main sensor with OIS and a 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens. There is a 16MP front-facing selfie snapper. The rear camera is capable of shooting up to 8K videos and slow motion up to 1080p.

In terms of hardware, the iQOO Neo 9S Pro+ houses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor under the hood. There is also iQOO Q1 chipset onboard for an enhanced gaming experience. It packs up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. The device is equipped with a 6K VC cooling system for heat dissipation. The smartphone draws its power from a 5,500mAh battery unit with support for 120W fast charging. Software-wise, it ships with OriginOS 4 based on Android 14 and is loaded with AI features like meeting record assistant, copywriting, screen recognition, and more.

The iQOO Neo 9S Pro+ is offered in Buff Blue, Star White, and Fighting Black colors. It starts at CNY 2,999 (~$412) for the base 12GB + 256GB variant whereas the 12GB + 512GB retails at CNY 3,399 (~$467). The 16GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB options are priced at CNY 3,299 (~$454) and CNY 3,699 (~$509) respectively. The top-most 16GB + 1TB configuration carries a price tag of CNY 4,099 (~$564). 

Vivo Y18i Spotted On Geekbench, BIS, TUV Rheinland Certifications

Vivo is preparing to launch a new Y-series smartphone. The upcoming offering is expected to be the Vivo Y18i. It has appeared on multiple certification websites including Geekbench, BIS, TUV, and EE. We had previously exclusively spotted the device on IMEI database. The listing on the benchmarking platform reveals some key details of the smartphone. The Vivo Y18i would be the fourth offering in the Y18 series. Read on to know below. 

Vivo Y18i bags multiple certifications

The Vivo Y18i is listed with model number V2414 on Geekbench, BIS, TUV, and EE. This suggests its imminent launch. As per the benchmarking platform, the device is expected to be powered by a Unisoc T612 processor comprising of eight cores clocked at 1.82GHz. It will pack 4GB RAM but we can expect more options at launch. The upcoming offering scores 419 and 1,461 points in Geekbench’s single-core and multi-core test results. 

The BIS, TUV, and EE certifications do not reveal any key details of the Vivo Y18i. It is expected to be a budget smartphone and more information can crop up in the coming days. The upcoming offering will join the Vivo Y18, Y18e, and Y18s that are already available in global markets.

To recall, the Vivo Y18 and Y18e feature a 90Hz HD+ display measuring 6.56 inches and having a waterdrop notch. Both phones are equipped with a MediaTek Helio G85 processor paired with 4GB RAM onboard. They are backed by a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 15W charging. The devices are also IP54-rated and have dual rear cameras with the Y18 featuring a 50MP main sensor and Y18e having a downgraded 13MP lens. 

Via

Samsung Galaxy F05 and M05 launch imminent, appears on the certification

Recent activity at the Wi-Fi Alliance suggests Samsung is prepping two new entry-level smartphones – the Galaxy F05 and Galaxy M05. These phones would join the existing Galaxy A05 and A05s launched in 2023.

The Wi-Fi Alliance certification listing confirms that both the F05 and M05 will support dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity. This is the only technical detail revealed so far. The certification process typically precedes a phone’s official launch, so the appearance of these models suggests an imminent release.

The model numbers for the F05 and M05 are SM-E055F/DS and SM-M055F/DS respectively. The “DS” suffix denotes dual-SIM card functionality, allowing users to have two active lines on the same device.

Beyond Wi-Fi and dual-SIM support, specifics about the F05 and M05 remain unknown. However, based on Samsung’s usual strategy, it’s likely these phones will share similar specifications with the Galaxy A05. So let’s take a quick look at it. 

Samsung Galaxy A05 Specifications

So the Galaxy A05 has an Infinity-U display measuring 6.7 inches and an HD+ resolution. It lacks a fingerprint scanner and instead relies on face unlock via the 8MP selfie snapper on the front. The device has a dual rear camera setup of a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth lens.

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy A05 is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G85 processor. It packs up to 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. There is a microSD card slot for additional storage needs. The smartphone draws its power from a 5,000mAh battery unit with support for 25W fast charging. Software-wise, it runs on Android 13-based OneUI 5.1 Core out of the box.

Connectivity options on the Samsung Galaxy A05 include 4G, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, and a USB-C port. It is offered in Light Green, Black, and Silver colors.

(Via)

Exynos 2200 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 1: Which Offers Superior Performance?

Exynos 2200 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

Samsung announced the Exynos 2200 mobile chipset in January 2022, whereas the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 arrived two months earlier in November 2021. Both are high-end chips for smartphones. In fact, both use the same cores and the core cluster is also unchanged.

There are a lot of similarities between the Exynos 2200 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 on the spec sheet, making it difficult to pick the right one. To help you with that, I’ll bring the benchmarking numbers and share with you some critical points that you must know to make a better purchase decision.

Exynos 2200 vs SD 8 Gen 1: Spec Sheet

Exynos 2200SD 8 Gen 1
Release DateJanuary 2022November 2021
Process Node4 nm (Samsung)4 nm (Samsung)
CPU1 x Cortex-X2 @ 2.8 GHz
3 x Cortex-A710 @ 2.5 GHz
4 x Cortex-A510 @ 1.8 GHz
1 x Cortex-X2 @ 3 GHz
3 x Cortex-A710 @ 2.5 GHz
4 x Cortex-A510 @ 1.8 GHz
GPUSamsung Xclipse 920
AMD RDNA 2 architecture
Variable rate sharing (VRS)
Adreno 730
Snapdragon Elite Gaming
Unreal Engine 5 support
NPUYesHexagon
MemoryUp to 24 GB
LPDDR5 @ 3200 MHz
Up to 24 GB
LPDDR5 @ 3200 MHz
StorageUFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Camera200MP single camera
64MP+32MP dual cameras
200MP single camera
108MP camera with zero shutter lag
AI Semantic Analysis Video Engine
Video Recording8K @ 30/60fps, 4K @ 120/240fps4K/8K @ 120fps
Slow-Mo: 4K @ 120fps, 720p @ 960fps
Display4K @ 120Hz, QHD+ @ 144HzOn-device: 4K Ultra HD @ 60Hz, QHD+ @ 144Hz
External: 4K @ 60Hz
Video Playback8K @ 60fps8K @ 30fps
Modem5G modem
Downlink: 7.3 Gbps
Snapdragon X65 5G modem
Downlink: 10 Gbps
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.2
Wi-Fi 6
NFC
Bluetooth 5.3
Wi-Fi 6E support
NFC

Exynos 2200 vs SD 8 Gen 1: Benchmarks

(Geekbench 6)

Exynos 2200 vs SD 8 Gen 1 - Geekbench
Exynos 2200SD 8 Gen 1
Single Core15961753
Multi Core37863902

The Geekbench test measures the CPU performance. Unsurprisingly, the Exynos 2200 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 have got similar results.

(AnTuTu 10)

Exynos 2200 vs SD 8 Gen 1 - AnTuTu 10
Exynos 2200SD 8 Gen 1
CPU294759281156
GPU323119310236
Memory198765194927
UX212867213314
Total Score1029510999633

Like Geekbench, the AnTuTu results are also pretty similar for the Exynos 2200 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The Exynos chip has slightly higher scores, although the difference is not big.

According to Geekbench and AnTuTu results, the Exynos 2200 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 have comparable CPU and GPU performance.  

Exynos 2200 vs SD 8 Gen 1: CPU & GPU

The Exynos 2200 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 are 8-core chipsets fabricated using Samsung’s 4nm process node. In fact, both chips use the same cores – one Cortex-X2 prime core, three Cortex-A710 performance cores, and four Cortex-A510 power-efficient cores. But the prime core in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip runs at a higher clock speed of 3 GHz (vs. 2.8 GHz in Exynos 2200).

In addition to a faster prime core, the Snapdragon chip has the advantage of having larger L2 and L3 caches. This should give the Snapdragon chip additional performance boost.

The Exynos 2200 chip has a Samsung Xclipse 920 GPU that uses the AMD RDNA 2 architecture. It supports variable rate shading (VRS) to optimize GPU workloads and provide a stable frame rate. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, on the other hand, has an Adreno 730 GPU. The chip comes with Snapdragon Elite Gaming and support for Unreal Engine 5.

Both are high-performance GPUs but the Adreno 730 in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 does a better job at gaming. It offers a higher frame rate and stable performance for a long gaming session, compared to the Exynos 2200.

Exynos 2200 vs SD 8 Gen 1: Camera

Both smartphone chips support a maximum of 200MP single camera resolution. The Snapdragon chip uses an 18-bit Qualcomm Spectra ISP and offers features like AI-based auto exposure, AI-based auto-focus, multi-frame noise reduction, and low-light photography architecture.

The Exynos 2200 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chips are capable of recording 4K as well as 8K videos at higher frame rates. The Snapdragon chip supports 4K slow-mo videos at 120fps and 720p at 960fps. 

Exynos 2200 vs SD 8 Gen 1: Display

The Exynos 2200 chip supports 4K display resolution with up to 120Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 also supports 4K display, but a lower screen refresh rate of 60Hz.

Both chips support QHD+ display resolution with up to 144Hz refresh rate. The Snapdragon chip allows up to 4K resolution for the external display with 60Hz refresh rate support, while no such things are mentioned on Samsung’s official website.  

Exynos 2200 vs SD 8 Gen 1: Connectivity

Both chips support necessary connectivity features, although there are several differences you should know about. The Snapdragon chip has X75 5G modem which offers up to 10Gbps download speed, whereas the integrated 5G modem inside the Exynos 2200 has a peak download speed of 7.35 Gbps.

The Exynos 2200 chip supports Bluetooth 5.2, whereas the Snapdragon chip supports a newer standard, Bluetooth 5.3. Both chips support 5G/4G/3G/2G, Wi-Fi 6, and NFC. However, the Exynos 2200 doesn’t support QZSS and NavIC positing systems, which the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 does.

Exynos 2200 vs SD 8 Gen 1: Which Is Better?

The Exynos 2200 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chips have comparable CPU performance. However, the Snapdragon chip leads the GPU race by offering a higher FPS and better performance retention.

While the rest of the specifications are nearly similar, the Snapdragon chip supports a newer Bluetooth standard, more positing systems, and offers a higher peak download speed.

If I had to pick one between the Exynos 2200 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, I’d go with the Snapdragon one.

If you have any questions, write them in the comment section below. I’ll respond at the earliest possible.

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Realme 13 Pro series design teased: 3 color options & vegan leather confirmed

An official teaser has showcased the design of the upcoming Realme 13 Pro series. The new smartphones are set to launch in India soon, but ahead of its announcement, its color options and rear design has been revealed. There are three colors to pick from, and one features vegan leather.

Realme 13 Pro Series Design & Colors

The Chinese brand took to X (formerly Twitter) to show off the Realme 13 Pro series. Realme has been teased in multiple color options, namely Monet Gold, Monet Purple, and Emerald Green. It is worth noting that the Emerald Green is the variant that offers vegan leather material on the rear. For the design of the Realme 13 Pro series, the company has partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) for a well crafted design that is inspired by Monet masterpieces.

Realme 13 Pro Series
Realme 13 Pro series inspired by Monet masterpieces

The brand incorporates light and shadow that reflect the design captured by Monet. Realme 13 Pro series’ rear panel uses AG glass that has shimmering particles to reproduce the dynamic light reflection. This enables the shimmering light and shadow effect. The back also houses a large circular camera island that the company calls Sunrise Halo design. It has a 360 degree luxury watch-level texture surrounding the camera module.

Another recent teaser revealed the dual camera setup that consists of a 50-megapixel Sony LYT 701 primary sensor (first in the world) and a 50-megapixel Sony LYT 600 periscope telephoto shooter. Realme employs key AI features of HYPERIMAGE+ that promise to improve image clarity and dynamic range. The company is rumored to launch the Realme 13 Pro and Realme 13 Pro+ in India later this month. Fresh teasers and reports should surface soon, so stay tuned for more as we will be providing more updates.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 official color option leaks months before official launch

With Google‘s hardware event scheduled for August 13th, leaks are starting to surface about what to expect. While the focus will likely be on the Pixel 9 family and the Pixel Watch 3, a new leak suggests there might be another product joining the lineup: the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

The leak from usually reliable Dylan Roussel suggests that the Buds Pro 2 will come in four color options: Raspberry, Mojito, Porcelain, and Haze. The original Pixel Buds Pro was launched in 2022, so a refresh this year seems likely.

GOogle Pixel Buds Pro 2 color options leak

The “Raspberry” color is particularly interesting as it resembles the rumored pink colorway for the Pixel 9. The “Mojito” color is a light sage green, while “Porcelain” and “Haze” are more neutral options.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has also received UL Demko and Safety Korea certifications with the model number GH8tQ. The former certification reveals that the case has a Li-ion battery capacity of 650mAh, a slight upgrade from the 620mAh of the Pixel Buds Pro. 

Google rates 31 hours of playback with ANC disabled on the original earphones, so we can expect a few more hours with the new model. The Safety Korea regulatory filing also includes a live image of the charging case battery unit.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much more known about the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. So, let’s quickly review what the existing Buds Pro offers.

Pixel Buds Pro Specifications

The Pixel Buds Pro features a custom-made six-core audio processor and supports ANC for an interrupted listening experience. Google has fitted the buds with dedicated sensors that measure the pressure in your ear canal so the earbuds can actively relieve it and stay comfortable. 

The Pixel Buds Pro also offers seamless switching between commonly used Android devices without the need to access the Bluetooth menu. The buds can also be connected to two audio sources at once. 

Moreover, they offer a run-time of up to 7 hours with ANC active, and with the feature turned off, users can enjoy playback of up to 11 hours without the need to put it in the charging case. The earbuds offer wireless and quick charging and can last for up to one hour by charging only for 5 minutes. Lastly, the earbuds have an IPX4 splash-resistant rating while the case is rated for IPX2 water resistance.

Redmi K70 Ultra offers the slimmest bottom bezel in the brand’s history

Redmi officially announced the K70 Ultra yesterday, which will be released this month. Official images of the phone in the new “Ice Glass” Color Option have already revealed some design changes. In a separate teaser, the company has also revealed some of the display parameters of the new phone.

Redmi K70 Ultra’s 1.7mm bezel looks narrower than the predecessor

In line with previous rumors, the phone equips a 1.5K new generation display panel. According to the image shared by the company, the phone will have a 1.7mm ultra-narrow bezel on top and two sides, which looks slimmer as compared to the predecessor. The bottom bezel is slightly thicker and is measured at 1.9mm. You can see the difference in the images above. The bottom bezel is reportedly the narrowest in the brand’s history.

Notably, the display equips a flat design just like its predecessor. Wang Teng, general manager of the Redmi brand, said talked about the advantages of the flat design of the K series. He says that it has neither blind spots in the field of vision, nor it will suffer from accidental touches when the buttons are used. He also mentioned that the flat design is more useful when it comes to gaming.

The official revealed earlier that the phone equips a C8+ display panel jointly developed by Xiaomi and TCL Huaxing. The panel also offers 3840 Hz high-frequency PWM dimming when the brightness is below 60 nits and DC dimming above that. With all of these, the panel is projected to be eye-safe, especially when it comes to using the phone in low-light conditions.

For performance, the phone packs the Dimensity 9300+ chipset and a newly designed cooling system (known as 3D ICE cooling system), which reportedly enables the phone to 120fps in games like Genshin Impact. In addition to the Dimensity chipset, the phone also packs an independent graphics D1 chip.

itel Color Pro Display & Chip leaked: Dimensity 6080 & 6.6″ LCD panel

A recent teaser and report revealed that the itel Color Pro is in the works with a special design on the back. Now, a fresh leak has confirmed more details regarding its hardware as well. We have information regarding the processor that powers this device and its display specs.

itel Color Pro Leak

Sources close to the matter shared the details with MySmartPrice. Previous teasers confirmed that the itel Color Pro packs a color changing rear panel dubbed the IVCO technology at the back. But the details of the display on the front were still unknown. However, the sources have claimed that the upcoming smartphone will sport a 6.6-inch LCD panel. This screen has a water drop notch for the selfie camera and offers an HD+ resolution.

itel Color Pro 5G
Itel Color Pro Teaser with IVCO tech

The specs are in line with our expectations of the itel Color Pro being a budget mid range model. It is rumored to launch under the 15,000 INR price range. Under the hood, the new handset will reportedly be equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 SoC, which is a 5G enabled chipset. This is an octa core processor that is based on the 6nm process, having two Cortex A76 cores, sixe Cortex A5 cores, and a Mali G67 GPU. itel plans to debut the phone with NRCA (5G+++) for improved connectivity and speeds.

To recall, this is the same chipset that powers the Redmi Note 13 5G. Based on what we know so far, promo posters have confirmed the color changing rear design along with a dual camera setup at the back. Unfortunately, other key specs like its battery, storage configurations, and more are still unclear. The brand is expected to launch the itel Color Pro at the end of this month, so stick around for more updates.

Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 don’t support Android seamless update

Samsung‘s latest foldable flagships, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, boast impressive specs and innovative features like on-device generative AI. However, these premium devices don’t seem to include a feature that’s become increasingly common on Android phones: seamless updates.

Introduced by Google nearly a decade ago, seamless updates allow Android phones to download and install updates in the background, minimizing downtime. Users can continue using their phones uninterrupted while the update installs on a separate system partition.

In contrast, traditional updates require a full reboot, locking users out of their devices for several minutes. While this might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, seamless updates offer a smoother experience, especially for those who frequently update their phones with security patches.

Samsung’s Galaxy A55, released earlier in 2024, was the first Samsung phone to adopt seamless updates, raising hopes that this feature would become standard across the company’s lineup. However, initial tests by SamMobile using developer tools suggest the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 lack this support.

Missing seamless updates from the factory likely means it won’t be added later. Implementing seamless updates requires a dual-partition system layout, and modifying this on existing devices can lead to stability issues – a risk Samsung likely won’t take.

The culprit behind this omission might be software size. Flagship Galaxy devices tend to have bloated software compared to mid-range counterparts. 

The A55’s firmware reportedly weighs in at around 8GB, while the Z Fold 5 and S24 Ultra have firmware sizes of 14GB and 16GB, respectively. This additional software may simply not leave enough space for a dedicated update partition on the Fold 6 and Flip 6.

With a commitment to seven years of software updates, users can expect numerous firmware downloads for the Z Fold 6 and Flip 6. While these updates will bring security patches and bug fixes, they will unfortunately require the traditional reboot process, interrupting use for a few minutes each time.