Redmi will unveil the Redmi K70 Ultra this month (July) in China. The company will probably announce its launch date next week. A new leak on Weibo revealed the device’s configuration before its official announcement. The same leak has also revealed the variants of the Xiaomi Mix Flip, which is expected to debut next month (August) in China.
Redmi K70 Ultra
As per the leak, the upcoming Xiaomi phone with model number 2407FRK8EC will be available in four configurations, such as 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage. The 2407FRK8EC phone is nothing but the Redmi K70 Ultra.
Recent reports have claimed that the K70 Ultra has an OLED panel that offers a 1.5K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, a dedicated X7 graphics chip, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. Under the hood, it will have the Dimensity 9300+ chipset, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a 5,500mAh battery with 120W fast charging support. It will feature a 20-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel + 8-megapixel + 2-megapixel triple camera unit. For durability, it will offer an IP68-rated body equipped with a metal frame.
Xiaomi Mix Flip
The Xiaomi Mix Flip, which bears the 2405CPX3DC model number, will also be available in the same variants as the K70 Ultra, such as 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, 16GB+512GB, and 16GB+1TB.
As per reports, the Mix Flip will have a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a cover display of around 4 inches. Its rear camera setup includes an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel primary camera and a 60-megapixel OmniVision OV60A telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. It is also expected to support 67W fast charging.
Honor Magic V3 series of foldable phones will be announced on July 12 in China. Yesterday, the company released a poster to showcase the design of the device. It showed a brown variant with a leather finish. Today, the brand released the following images to showcase the three other color variants of the Magic V3.
Honor Magic V3 color options
Honor Magic V3
The new images showcase the Magic V3 in three shades, such as Tundra Green, Qilian Snow, and Velvet Black. Compared to the Magic V2 from last year, the V3 offers a major upgrade in the design of its rear camera module. It features a prominent octagonal base that houses three triangular cameras and an LED flash.
Honor Magic V3
The company is yet to disclose the camera details of the Magic V3, but it’s said to feature a periscope telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom support. Under the hood, the device will feature a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and a battery of around 5,000mAh capacity. According to reports, the device will support 66W fast charging and offer two-way satellite connectivity. It is expected to be slimmer than the Magic V2, which measures 9.9mm in the unfolded state.
Honor Magic V3
The Honor Magic Vs3, which will launch with the Magic V3, is said to be an affordable foldable phone. It may come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and compete with the Vivo X Fold 3. A recent leak suggested that the device may come in color options, such as black, white, and green.
The July 12 launch event in China will also see the arrival of the MagicBook Air 14 laptop and the MagicPad 2 tablet. The latter is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset.
OnePlus recently launched the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and a massive 6,100mAh battery. A new leak, courtesy of tipster Digital Chat Station, suggests that the Ouga group of companies, which mainly includes Oppo and OnePlus, will launch a 6,500mAh battery. Furthermore, the tipster leaked some information about what appeared to be the OnePlus 13 and Ace 4.
OnePlus phones with up to 6,500mAh battery in works
According to DCS, the Ouga group will launch a phone with a 6,500mAh battery. The company is currently testing prototypes with this new battery. He added that a OnePlus phone coming in future will be the first to feature it.
It can be said based on DCS’ Weibo post that the two upcoming OnePlus will have a 1.5K and 2K resolution micro-curved flat displays. These appear to be the OnePlus Ace 4 and OnePlus 13, respectively. Both of which are packed with 6,000mAh batteries, with capacities ranging from 6100mAh to 6200mAh.
The OnePlus 13 is likely to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, whereas the Ace 4 may come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. There is a possibility that the Ace 4 may get rebranded as the OnePlus 13R in the global market. These are just assumptions based on OnePlus’ phone launch patterns.
As far as the OnePlus phone with a 6,500mAh battery is concerned, it could be the OnePlus Ace 4 Pro, which is expected to arrive in mid-2025 in China.
Readers should note that since the tipster has not mentioned the names of the devices in the leak, it is advisable to take the report with a grain of salt and wait for further updates.
Foxconn is setting foot further into Vietnam with a huge $551 million investment (roughly 4.013 billion Yuan) in two new projects situated in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam. These projects are slated for completion in July 2026 and will focus on smart technology production.
The company’s facilities will manufacture smart entertainment products and system equipment
The first project, located in Song Khoai Amata Industrial Park, will see an investment of US$263.7 million (approximately 1.92 billion Yuan). This facility will churn out smart entertainment products, aiming for an annual production capacity of 4.18 million units.
The second project is situated in Bac Tien Phong Industrial Park and boasts an investment of US$287.2 million (approximately RMB 2.092 billion). Spanning 12.4 hectares, this location will concentrate on producing intelligent system equipment. Following a period dedicated to installing machinery and testing everything out, official production is expected to kick off in May 2027.
Earlier it was rumored that the Huawei Nova series flip phone could be released in July. However, a new leak claims that the phone could be released in early August.
Huawei Pocket 2
The news comes from Weibo (Chinese microblogging site) tipster “Dingjiao Digital”. The Nova series flip phone will be priced relatively lower than the Huawei Pocket 2, launched in February this year. The Nova series flip phone could be priced around 4,000-5,000 yuan (~$550 – $688), which will attract many new users to join the realm of foldable devices. However, the tipster claims that the phone will pack the same processor as the recently released Pura 70 Satellite Messaging Edition.
For those unaware, the Huawei Pura 70 Satellite Messaging Edition is powered by the Kirin 9010E chipset. It features one 2.19GHz Taishan core, two 2.18GHz Taishan cores, three 1.55GHz Cortex-A510 cores, and a Maleoon 910 GPU clocked at 750MHz. Compared to the Kirin 9010, the CPU runs at a 111MHz lower clock speed, while the other cores operate at almost the same frequencies.
The Nova series flip phone will reportedly have a different outer design as compared to the Huawei Pocket 2. As you can see in the image above, the Huawei Pocket 2 comes with a small circular external display. The new flip phone is expected to offer a bigger outer display which will be more functional than that of the Pocket 2.
In order to give you an idea of what to expect, the Huawei Pocket 2 equips a 6.94 inches LTPO OLED inner display that offers a resolution of 1136 x 2690 pixels (~420 ppi) and reaches a peak brightness of 2200 nits. The outer circular display also boasts an LTPO OLED panel, which is measured at 1.15″ and has a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels. The phone packs an XMAGE branded 50MP + 8MP + 12MP + 2MP quad camera setup on the back. The 50MP main and the 8MP 3x telephoto comes with OIS support. The 2MP hyperspectral camera reportedly uses AI. There is a 10.7-center punch-hole selfie camera on the front. The Pocket 2 is powered by the Kirin 9000S chipset.
Tesla has unveiled a new rear-wheel drive version of their Model 3 for the Singapore market, called the “Drive 110”. This version prioritizes affordability over raw performance, making it a potentially attractive option for Singaporean consumers due to the country’s unique car ownership regulations.
The new Model 3 sacrifices some performance for that lower price tag.
This new version boasts a lower price tag of SGD 69,300 (approximately 372,700 Yuan) compared to the standard rear-wheel drive variant. However, it sacrifices some performance with a total power output of 110 kW and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.6 seconds (compared to 6.1 seconds for the standard model). Interestingly, both versions share the same WLTP driving range of 513 km.
Whether this version will be available in mainland China remains unclear, as it’s specifically designed to comply with Singapore’s regulations.
So, why the “Drive 110”? Singapore’s car ownership system requires bidding for a Certificate of Ownership (COE) before purchasing a vehicle. There are two COE categories: Class A (up to 110 kW) and Class B (above 110 kW). Class A COEs are significantly cheaper. Taking both the COE cost and car price into consideration, the “Drive 110” with its Class A COE becomes the more affordable option for Singaporean consumers, despite the reduced performance compared to the standard rear-wheel drive version.
Xiaomi has launched a Mijia expandable suitcase, aiming to make packing a little easier. Available in 20-inch and 24-inch sizes (priced at 379 yuan and 479 yuan respectively), these sleek suitcases come in gray and blue. The secret is a hidden 6.5cm expansion layer that increases capacity by 30%. The 20-inch case, for example, expands to 52L when needed.
The handle and the wheel base can sink to save space between the case and the ground
This design combines a simple, yet innovative design with smart storage solutions. The handle and wheel base sink to utilize the space between the case and the ground, while an interior webbing and a hidden storage compartment in the pull rod maximize every inch.
Durability is a priority too. The PC material from Covestro boasts a multi-layer pressure-resistant structure for a crack-proof shell. The metal powder technology adds a touch of shine and texture, while the large-diameter universal wheels ensure smooth rolling. The all-aluminum alloy pull rod, treated with anodizing technology, adds a premium touch.
Security is another highlight. The internal TSA combination lock offers peace of mind, while the recessed handle on top allows for temporary item placement. Need a quick workstation on the go? Simply pop your laptop on the handle and the user can get to work. Today, the company also announced the launch of its Robot Vaccum in India on July 9 – check that out here.
Xiaomi is expected to launch the Xiaomi 15 series in mid-October. Today all versions of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra (review) receive a price drop of 500 Yuan, which is roughly about $68. With the discount, the series now starts from 5,999 Yuan (~825). You can check out the prices below:
Configuration
Price before July 5
Discounted price
12GB+256GB
6,499 Yuan
5,999 Yuan
16GB+512GB
6,999 Yuan
6,499 Yuan
16GB+1TB
7,299 Yuan
7,799 Yuan
16GB+1TB titanium
8,799 Yuan
8,299 Yuan
A camera centric flagship from earlier this year
The phone is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship chipset, which is paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 port supports 10Gbps data transmission and 4K DisplayPort output.
However, this is a camera-centric device. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra comes with a quad-rear camera setup, all of which has a 50MP resolution. The main sensor is the 1″ Sony IMX989 which offers an f/1.6-f/4.0 variable aperture. The camera system packs two telephoto lenses, a 75mm (3.2x) and another 120mm (5x). In addition, there is an ultrawide with a 12mm focal length. The camera system comes with Leica branding and Leica Summilux lenses in front of the sensors. In terms of imaging software, it integrates the third-generation Leica color science and Xiaomi Image Brain 3.0 and supports advanced photography functions such as UltraHDR, UltraRAW, and UltraZoom beta.
On the front, the phone packs a 6.73″ LTPO AMOLED panel that has a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels (~522 ppi density). It reaches a typical brightness of 1000 nits and a peak brightness of 3000 nits, which is technically not the brightest but is enough to provide an excellent visual experience in bright outdoor situations.
The phone packs a 5,300 mAh battery and supports 90W wired and 80W wireless fast charging. The device equips dedicated chips to enhance the charging speed while maximizing efficiency.
Speaking of the look and feel, the phone comes with flat sides (made of titanium or aluminum). However, both the display and the back panel are slightly curved on the sides. You also get two different options for the back panel – glass or eco-leather. Depending on which material you chose, the phone weighs 219.8 / 224.4 / 229.5 g, all of which are lighter than the 232g Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Keychron, known for its customizable mechanical keyboards, has launched a new keyboard called the B1 Pro in the Chinese market. The keyboard was launched globally back in May this year. Let’s check out its key specs.
Keychron B1 Pro Specifications:
Weighing in at just 425 grams (0.94 lbs), the B1 Pro boasts a sleek 75% layout design with a body thickness of only 5.2mm, making it ideal for carrying in a backpack or briefcase. The keyboard includes 77 keys, with 12 multimedia keys.
The keyboard features spherical keycaps designed to conform to natural finger curvature, promoting typing accuracy and comfort. It also comes with scissor-switch keys with a built-in 3.2° tilt angle that further enhances ergonomics.
The B1 Pro caters to users who juggle between multiple devices. It offers a versatile connection solution with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.2, and wired Type-C options. Bluetooth 5.2 allows for simultaneous connection to up to three devices, perfect for those who work across desktops, laptops, and tablets. For low-latency gaming or situations demanding the fastest response time, the 2.4 GHz connection boasts a 1000 Hz polling rate.
The B1 Pro caters to a wide range of users with its multi-platform compatibility. It offers a Mac layout while remaining fully functional with Windows and Linux. It even features the same multimedia and function key functions as Apple keyboards, providing a familiar experience for Mac users with the added benefit of enhanced tactile feedback from the scissor-switch keys.
Keychron equips the B1 Pro with a proprietary web-based driver for effortless customization across Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. The driver empowers users to remap keys, create macros, and personalize keyboard layouts for optimized workflows.
Keychron boasts an incredible battery life for the B1 Pro – a whopping 1200 hours on a single charge. This translates to roughly 8 months of use with 5 hours of daily typing, practically eliminating the need for constant charging.
Pricing and Availability
The Keychron B1 Pro keyboard is priced at 238 Yuan ($33) and is now available on Tmall in China.
Just ahead of the Amazon Prime Day sales, Best Buy is all set for this July 4th long weekend with some exciting deals. It’s always a good chance to save some bucks during such sales, where there is a discount on every other item. Primarily, the massive discounts are applicable to consumer electronics, including laptops, smartphones, wireless headphones, wearables, and TVs. You could jump to the list of products on sale at Best Buy to save the most. Let’s dive into the details:
Some Best Laptop Deals
You could save a maximum this week-end if you’re looking for a laptop. There are plenty of good deals at the July 4 sale at Best Buy. Below is the deals table:
Massive discounts apply to many TV models, as some are retailing at the lowest price ever. Ranging from affordable to super-premium, there’s a good discount on each unit. Below are the best deals available from Best Buy.
There are some splendid deals on wireless headphones and earbuds, and users could save some money. It is the right time if you want to upgrade your sound experience at an affordable or slightly lower price than usual. Some of the exciting deals in the Wireless headphones segment are listed below:
Want to enhance productivity on the go? Then, you should grab a tablet, as some of them are retailing at the lowest price with some jaw-dropping discounts. Some premium headphones with superficial hardware specifications are also on sale with massive discounts. Below are the deal details:
Apart from the discounts on Best Buy, Amazon is also offering some luxury deals on the eve of the July 4th weekend. The discounts are already at their maximum, but if you want to wait, then hold up your shopping instincts for the upcoming Amazon Prime Sale.
Xiaomi is set to launch its Redmi 13 5G smartphone in India on July 9, 2024. Alongside the smartphone, the brand has now revealed its plans to also debut the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Cleaner X10 at the same launch event. The Robot Vacuum will join the likes of the Xiaomi Pocket Power Bank 10000mAh, Xiaomi Power Bank 4i 10000mAh, and Redmi Buds 5C, which are all scheduled to launch on July 9.
The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Cleaner X10, already available in other markets, offers several useful features. It has a 4000Pa suction capacity, which effectively removes dust and pet hair. It has LDS laser navigation technology, which scans and maps the home for accurate cleaning.
The X10 includes a 2.5L disposable bag, which can handle up to 60 cleaning sessions. Its 200ml water tank supports 80 minutes of mopping. The 5200mAh battery provides over 180 minutes of cleaning in standard mode.
Users can control the X10 through a smartphone app, allowing for customized cleaning plans. Xiaomi ensures that home maps are encrypted for security, and the MJA1 Security Chip provides hardware-based protection and secure data transmission.
In related news, the above-mentioned Xiaomi Pocket Power Bank 10000mAh is already available in China as the Xiaomi Pocket Edition Power Bank. It offers 10000mAh power backup, along with a built-in USB Type-C power cable, and a USB-A port as well as a Type-C port for charging. It is capable of providing a maximum output of 22.5W for a single port. A key feature of this power bank is its low-current discharge mode, which is useful for reviving small devices with low battery levels.
Vivo recently announced a new smartphone in its V series called the Vivo V40. It’s a slightly tweaked version of the Chinese Vivo S19 smartphone which launched back in May 2024. The Vivo V40 is currently available in the EU region, however, certifications like the Bureau of Indian Standards indicated that the device is headed for the Indian market as well. So is this device worth the wait?
The Vivo V series smartphones are in the same premium-midrange boat as the Oppo Reno series. As such, it has a good balance of features, however, the brand has paid special attention to the cameras of the V40, offering a ZEISS optics 50 MP primary camera with f/1.88 aperture, optical image stabilization, and 84° field of view. It is paired with another 50 MP ultra-wide sensor that has ZEISS lenses and Autofocus support. It has an aperture of f/2.0 and a field of view of 119°. The front camera is equally as impressive, featuring a 50 MP Autofocus Group Selfie Camera with f/2.0 aperture and a field of view of 92°.
In terms of video capabilities, the rear camera is capable of recording in up to 4K 30FPS, with gyro-EIS stabilization. The front camera can also record videos in up to K4 30FPS.
2. Hardware choice is a bit puzzling
The V40 uses a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, which is also present in its predecessor, the Vivo V30. The processor, launched in November 2023, offers decent performance. However, Vivo has chosen to use LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage in the device. This RAM and storage combination is usually seen in more affordable devices, so it is unclear why Vivo hasn’t upgraded to more advanced options to better match its competitors in the premium mid-range segment.
All that said, users should expect the V40 to perform almost identically to the V30 since it also uses LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 combined with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor.
3. Display & design
The design of this device is one of its strong points as it features a sleek 7.58mm thick body, weighing just 190 grams. All of its edges are rounded, and the back is made of glass with two attractive matte finishes called Stellar Silver and Nebula Purple. The device is also IP68 water resistant, meaning it can survive a plunge into 1.5-meter-deep waters.
On the front, it has a 6.78-inch 1.5K (2800×1260 pixels) Curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and support for HDR10+ with a peak brightness of 4500 nits. The display also houses a fingerprint sensor for biometric unlocking.
4. Large battery with respectable fast charging
The smartphone features a large 5,500mAh battery with 80W wired fast charging. While this isn’t the fastest option available, it can fully charge the device in about 48 minutes. Notably, the device supports USB-PD charging instead of proprietary fast charging technology, allowing you to use any PD charger that supports at least 80W to fast charge the V40.
5. Final thoughts
The Vivo V40 is an attractive smartphone with good cameras, especially the front sensor, which is great for group selfies. In terms of performance, it is capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly. It can also be used for casual gaming, though it may not run heavy games at high frame rates. If you’re looking for a device to take nice photos and selfies, the Vivo V40 is worth considering.
Additionally, the Vivo V30, which was launched in March, is quite similar to the V40. If the release of the V40 leads to a price drop for the V30, it could be a good option to save some money.
Currently, there is no official word on when we can expect the Vivo V40 to land in India, however, chatter around the internet suggests that the brand could unveil it later this month or in August.
Samsung Electronics has announced an expected 13-fold increase in its second-quarter profit, a remarkable turnaround compared to the same period last year. The company’s estimated operating profit for Q2 2024 is set to reach 8.8 trillion won ($6.34 billion), up from just 670 billion won in Q2 2023. This marks the highest profit for Samsung since the third quarter of 2022.
A major driver of this profit surge is the improved performance of Samsung’s semiconductor division. This segment has seen a significant recovery, posting an estimated operating profit of 4.6 trillion won in Q2 2024, compared to a loss of 4.36 trillion won in the same period last year. The increased demand for high-end DRAM chips, particularly those used in artificial intelligence (AI) applications, has fueled this growth. Prices for DRAM chips have jumped by 13% to 18%, while NAND Flash chips used for data storage have risen by 15% to 20%.
AI Boom Boosts Chip Demand
The booming AI sector has significantly impacted Samsung’s profits, with a growing need for advanced memory chips like high-bandwidth memory (HBM) solutions used in AI data centers. This trend has led to increased prices and demand for Samsung’s high-end DRAM chips, essential for AI chipsets and data center servers.
Despite the overall profit increase, Samsung’s mobile business has experienced a decline. The estimated Q2 operating profit for this division is 2.2 trillion won, down from 3.04 trillion won a year earlier. The drop is attributed to higher costs for parts and marketing, as well as investments in AI service development. The number of smartphones shipped remains similar to last year, indicating that external factors like increased costs are impacting profits.
Upcoming Product Launches
Samsung is set to launch its latest flagship foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, along with new mobile accessories on July 10 in Paris. The company is also introducing a new health monitoring ring, aiming to compete with Apple in the high-end market.
Analysts have forecasted Samsung’s Q2 operating profit to be around 8.547 trillion won to 8.8 trillion won. Samsung is expected to release a detailed earnings report at the end of the month. The company’s focus on expanding and diversifying its business divisions, alongside the rising chip prices, suggests a promising future ahead.
Overall, Samsung’s impressive Q2 profit highlights a strong recovery in the chip industry, driven by the surging demand for AI-related memory chips.
Chinese smartphone giant OnePlus is undergoing a leadership reshuffle in India, with veteran Robin Liu returning to head its operations. This comes amidst a boycott from offline retailers and the Indian government’s push for local talent in leadership roles.
Robin Liu Returns as CEO Amid Leadership Shakeup
Liu, who previously served as the head of sales for OnePlus India for nearly two years, replaces Lincle Peng, who has stepped down. This leadership change coincides with the departure of other senior executives, including Samrudh Pai, formerly head of offline business, and Ranjeet Singh, sales director. Singh has been reassigned to lead the online sales channel.
The reshuffle comes at a critical time for OnePlus India. The company has been facing friction with its offline retailer network. In April, major retail chains across several Indian states halted sales of OnePlus phones citing issues like low profit margins, delayed settlements of claims, and product bundling practices. The South Indian Organised Retailers Association (ORA) accused OnePlus of prioritizing online channels and neglecting robust distribution through traditional retail stores.
This discontentment also extended to northern regions, with retailers alleging OnePlus of diverting stock from offline channels to online aggregators, disrupting sales cycles and tax collection. While OnePlus claims to have settled most outstanding claims, ORA members report a remaining 10-20% unresolved, leading to a continued halt in purchases since April.
The appointment of a Chinese executive to lead Indian operations stands in contrast to the Indian government’s efforts to promote local talent in leadership positions. This decision by OnePlus might raise further questions regarding the company’s commitment to the Indian market and its long-term strategy for offline retail partnerships.
OnePlus is having a launch event on July 16 in Milan to unveil the Nord 4 smartphone. The phone is rumored to be a rebranded version of the China-only OnePlus Ace 3V and might sport a metal design, 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chip, and 50MP main camera. Other expected launches include the OnePlus Watch 2R (international version of the Watch 2) and the OnePlus Buds Pro 3.
NordVPN and ASUS have joined forces to integrate the popular VPN directly into ASUS’s networking devices, making it easier than ever for users to protect their entire home network. Traditionally, VPNs require installation on individual devices. With this integration, users simply need a router with built-in NordVPN functionality, eliminating the need for separate software on each machine. This also extends protection to devices that wouldn’t typically support VPN software.
Once users access their router’s self-service page, they can enable the VPN.
The first two routers to receive this integration are the tri-mode connectivity ASUS RT-AX57 Go and the GT-AX11000 Pro, a model designed specifically for gamers. Setting up the integrated NordVPN service is a breeze – users simply need to access the router’s self-service page. “Our goal is to contribute to a more secure internet,” said Vykintas Maknickas, Head of Product Strategy at NordVPN. “By enabling easy setup of VPN services on routers, we can protect entire networks for our customers.”
ASUS is equally enthusiastic about the collaboration. Tenlong Deng, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Networking and Wireless Devices Business Unit at ASUS, expressed his delight: “We’re thrilled to partner with NordVPN and integrate their service into our products. The built-in VPN configuration options offer users a flexible and secure way to explore the internet with complete privacy.”
While NordVPN subscriptions range from £10.39 to £13.19 per month, longer commitments offer significant savings, with one and two-year plans bringing discounts of up to 72%. The Wi-Fi 6-compatible RT-AX57 Go starts at £89.99 ($115), while the high-performance GT-AX11000 Pro costs £399.99 ($510).
Cube officially announced the launch of their new Xiaoku Tablet 2S, arriving on July 10th at 10:00 AM. The 4G LTE version with 128GB of storage will be priced at 699 yuan (around $106 USD), with an introductory discount bringing the starting price down to 649 yuan ($99 USD).
The tablet will be priced at 699 Yuan ($96), which is currently 649 Yuan ($89)
The Xiaoku Tablet 2S boasts a 10.1-inch “black diamond” full-laminated display, promising an immersive viewing experience. A long-lasting 7000mAh battery is built-in to keep you powered for extended use. For storage and memory, Cube equipped the device with a generous 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage space.
The operating system is a deeply customized version built on Android 14. This system offers features like multi-window split screen, reading mode, and eye protection mode for a more comfortable user experience. Compatibility with several AI large models like Wenxin Yiyan and KIMI CHAT is also included, hinting at capabilities designed to meet a variety of user needs.
While official CPU details are still under wraps, we can look to the Xiaoku Tablet 2 Lite launched earlier this year for reference. That model, priced at 649 yuan, utilized a Unisoc T606 processor and offered a 4GB RAM and 128GB storage configuration. This launch caters to a budget-conscious user segment looking for a feature-packed tablet experience.
In a surprising turn of events, BYD‘s Denza division acknowledged an unauthorized leak of their new Denza Z9 GT’s interior. Denza sales chief Zhao Changjiang expressed disappointment that media outlets risked hefty fines to publish the information early. He also downplayed the leak’s significance, claiming the video’s poor quality didn’t capture the car’s luxurious feel. To make the fans happy, Denza promises official high-quality interior photos or videos that will be revealed tomorrow morning.
The Z9 GT will have two versions, a plug-in hybrid and a pure electric version
The Z9 GT itself is generating excitement with two planned versions: plug-in hybrid and pure electric. The plug-in hybrid boasts a 2.0T engine paired with three electric motors, offering a powerful driving experience. The pure electric version utilizes a three-motor setup at the front and rear for a potentially thrilling electric ride.
While details are still emerging, some key specs are confirmed. The plug-in hybrid variant measures 5195mm in length, 1990mm wide, and 1500mm tall (1480mm for some models). The pure electric version is slightly shorter in length. Both versions come standard with a panoramic sunroof and an electric rear wing. Optional features include three laser radars, various colored brake calipers and rims, carbon fiber trims, air suspension, and more.
Recently, boAt launched its first Bluetooth speaker called the Stone Lumos in India. Now, the homegrown brand has announced a new smartwatch. It is dubbed the boAt Lunar Oasis. The latest offering features a premium look, turn-by-turn navigation, a vibrant display, heath tracking features, and more. Read on to know what the wearable device offers out of the box.
boAt Lunar Oasis specs and features
The boAt Lunar Oasis has a round dial with a metal body giving a premium look. There are two buttons on the right side along with a functioning crown. The device is IP68-certified dust and water-resistant. The smartwatch features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with 600 nits peak brightness for outdoor visibility. It also has an always-on display mode.
On the health and fitness front, the boAt Lunar Oasis is equipped with a heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, stress, and sleep tracker. It also comes with a sedentary reminder and custom run plans. The wearable device is capable of tracking more than 700 workout activities.
The boAt Lunar Oasis is powered by the brand’s in-house X1 processor for improved overall performance. It features a built-in speaker and microphone for hands-free calling. There is MapmyIndia’s navigation system that provides accurate turn-by-turn navigation without having to rely on a smartphone. The smartwatch also has emergency SOS, QR tray for receiving payments, built-in games, camera and music control, and more. It is backed by a 300mAh battery unit that is claimed to offer 7 days of usage.
The boAt Lunar Oasis costs Rs 3,299. It is offered in Olive Green, Active Black, and Black Metal strap color options. The smartwatch can be purchased from the brand’s official website, Amazon, and Flipkart.
The Razr 50 Ultra is the latest premium flip phone model from Motorola. It is already on sale in various markets like India. But should you buy the Razr 50 Ultra right now or wait for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6? Let’s see how they compare.
1. Razr 50 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Flip 6: Taller display on the Moto?
Since Samsung has yet to announce the Galaxy Z Flip 6, an accurate specs comparison can’t be made. But we’ve covered numerous rumors and reports that offer us a better idea regarding its specs and features. It is expected to sport a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X primary display with a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. For the cover screen, you get a smaller 3.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel which could also offer a 120Hz refresh rate.
On paper, Motorola may have an edge over Samsung’s new premium flip phone. Not only is the primary screen taller, but even the cover display is larger. The main screen is a 6.9-inch LTPO pOLED display with a 1-165Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, DCI-P3 color gamut, and 3000 nits of peak brightness. Its outer panel shares the same variable refresh rate with a 4-inch pOLED panel with FHD+ resolution. Both screens have Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for protection.
Samsung is a known display maker and would likely pack a bright panel on the Z Flip 6 as well. Incremental upgrades are also expected over its predecessor. But if you really need the screen real estate, Motorola won’t disappoint. Although, it remains to be seen what Samsung has in store for us.
2. Specs & Features
Both brands trade blows in terms of hardware. Being high-end devices, you get top notch specifications on the two devices. Samsung is expected to edge out in performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 on the Galaxy Z Flip 6. This processor is faster than the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 on the Razr 50 Ultra, which is commonly found in flagship killers or affordable flagship phones.
The Galaxy Flip phones have faced criticism for their battery size, but the Z Flip 6 may bump the battery to 4,000mAh. This would make it on par with the Razr 50 Ultra. However, Motorola offers faster 45W wired fast charging and 15W wireless fast charging. Samsung’s new Z Flip 6 would likely top out at 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging.
For optics, Samsung is rumored to have a 50MP + 12MP camera setup on the rear and a 10MP selfie shooter. The cameras on the Razr 50 Ultra packs higher resolution for the telephoto (50MP) and selfie shooter (32MP), but the main sensor matches it with a 50MP resolution.
AI is a part of the feature list on both of these phones. Moto offers a built-in Google Gemini AI assistant, which users can access directly from the external display. Samsung, on the other hand, would unveil the Z Flip 6 with Galaxy AI. So you get access to features like Live Translate AI, which solves the issue of language barriers in real time.
3. Pricing & Verdict
For a starting price tag of 99,999 INR, the Razr 50 Ultra with 12GB + 512GB configuration is a great deal for its Flip design and high-end specs. It is also on sale with an early bird discount with a 5,000 INR discount. Last year, Samsung released the Galaxy Z Flip 5 with a 109,999 INR price tag, which could be reflected in the Galaxy Z Flip 6 as well. We are unsure if the device would get a price hike. But it would likely cost more than the Razr 50 Ultra.
Reading the specs sheet, Motorola might seem like an obvious choice but Samsung is a veteran in the foldable phone segment. The overall experience also depends on the UI and more. So if you’re planning on spending nearly a lakh already, might as well wait for the Galaxy Z Flip 6’s launch to get a another option to choose from.
Qualcomm released the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in October 2023, and a month later, MediaTek announced the Dimensity 9300. Both are the top-of-the-line flagship smartphone chips of their respective brands.
We already have many smartphones powered by these flagship chips from big brands like Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, and Vivo. They are usually found at the top of benchmarking platforms. But which one has more power, features, and efficiency? Let’s find out the answer.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Dimensity 9300: Specs
SD 8 Gen 3
Dimensity 9300
Release Date
October 2023
November 2023
Model Number
SM8650-AB
MT6989
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-X4 @ 3.25 GHz 3 x Cortex-X4 @ 2.85 GHz 4 x Cortex-A720 @ 2 GHz
GPU
Adreno 750 Hardware-accelerated ray tracing Global illumination Snapdragon Game Super Resolution Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2.0 Game Post Processing Accelerator Snapdragon Shadow Denoiser
Arm Immortalis-G720 MC12 HyperEngine Adaptive Gaming Ray tracing support
NPU
Hexagon NPU
NPU 790
Memory
Up to 24 GB LPDDR5X @ 4800 MHz
Up to 24 GB LPDDR5T @ 9600 MHz
Storage
UFS 4.0
UFS 4.0
Camera
200MP single camera 108MP single camera with ZSL 64MP + 36MP dual cameras with ZSL Triple 36MP cameras with ZSL (*ZSL = Zero Shutter Lag)
320MP single camera AI Semantic Analysis Video Engine
Bluetooth 5.4 Wi-Fi 7 support NFC Galileo, Beidou, NavIC, GPS, GLONASS, QZSS
Bluetooth 5.4 Wi-Fi 7 support NFC Galileo, Beidou, NavIC, GPS, GLONASS, QZSS
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Dimensity 9300: Benchmarks
Companies have different software optimizations, creating differences in the benchmarking results. To minimize that, we have taken two smartphones from the same brand for this comparison — the Vivo X100 Pro (Dimensity 9300) and the Vivo X100 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3).
Geekbench 6
Single Core
Dimensity 9300
Vivo X100 (D-9300)
2214
7269
Vivo X100 Pro (D-9300)
2216
6994
Vivo X100 Ultra (SD 8 Gen 3)
2305
6786
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 inside the Vivo X100 Ultra performs slightly better in the single-core test. However, the Dimensity 9300 inside the Vivo X100 Pro edges out the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered X100 Ultra by a small margin in the multi-core test.
The Geekbench 6 CPU testing shows a close competition between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9300 chips. The differences in single-core and multi-core tests are so small that it can go either way with another manufacturer’s phone because of software optimizations.
Despite having four Cortex-X4 cores, MediaTek Dimensity 9300 doesn’t score big in the multi-core test compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It’s because only one Cortex-X4 is clocked above 3GHz, while the remaining three max out at 2.85GHz. Qualcomm, on the other hand, has offered higher clock speeds for all the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 cores.
AnTuTu 10
Vivo X100 Ultra (SD 8 Gen 3)
Vivo X100 Pro (D-9300)
CPU
438384
470494
GPU
861400
777221
Memory
349223
378357
UX
342618
336000
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9300 have scored similar CPU points on AnTuTu 10, with the Dimensity chip leading by a small margin. However, the Snapdragon chip has a stronger GPU score.
The memory score on AuTuTu goes in favor of the Dimensity 9300 chip because of a higher frequency of 9600MHz (vs. 4800MHz in Snapdragon 8 Gen 3).
3D Mark WildLife
Vivo X100 Ultra (SD 8 Gen 3)
Vivo X100 Pro (D-9300)
Wild Life
16921
16681
Wild Life Extreme
4859
4935
Solar Bay
8495
7991
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is ahead of the Dimensity 9300 in GPU testing on 3D Mark WidLife. The Vivo X100 Pro and Vivo X100 Ultra used in the testing aren’t really optimized for gaming, so the difference in results isn’t big.
However, when compared against the Red Magic 9 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3), the Wild Life test shows a massive 26% advantage. But the Dimensity 9300 still beats the iPhone 13 Pro (A17 Pro) and Galaxy S23 Ultra (SD 8 Gen 2).
Although the Dimensity 9300 closely competes with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in GPU tests, the latter should be preferred for gaming.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Dimensity 9300: CPU & GPU
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 features a 1+5+2 CPU layout consisting of one Cortex-X4 prime core, five Cortex-A720 performance cores, and two Cortex-A520 power-efficient cores. Comparing it with Qualcomm’s previous flagship chip, we’ve got one more performance core and one less power-efficient core.
Not just a new CPU layout, the new Snapdraon chip also brings improved CPU cores with increased clock speed.
MediaTek, on the other hand, has an aggressive approach with the Dimensity 9300 chip. It has four Cortex-X4 cores and four Cortex-A720 cores. Interestingly, one Cortex-X4 core runs at above 3GHz (3.25GHz, to be precise) while the rest operates at 2.85GHz (max). The remaining four Cortex-A720 cores have a maximum clock speed of just 2GHz. So, the Dimensity 9300 has many performance cores, but they run at a lower clock speed.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has upgraded cores and improved clock speed, which sounds better than MediaTek’s aggressive approach with Dimensity 9300. But both chips look good on benchmarking platforms, as we have seen already.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip has an Adreno 750 GPU with features like hardware-accelerate ray tracing, global illumination, Game Super Resolution, game post processing accelerator, and Snapdragon shadow denoiser.
MediaTek has Immortalis-G720 MC12 inside the Dimenity 9300 for handling GPU tasks. Both are excellent GPUs for smartphones. However, Adreno has a better reputation for gaming performance, which is also reflected in the benchmarking results.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Dimensity 9300: Camera
Qualcomm says Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has the world’s smartest AI-powered camera. It features Spectra triple 18-bit ISPs with real-time semantic segmentation photo and video (up to 12 layers), Visual Analytics 4.0, and supports triple video capture from HDR image sensors with seamless switching between HDR modes.
The Snapdragon chip supports up to 200MP single camera, up to 108MP single camera with zero shutter lag, 64+36MP dual cameras with zero shutter lag, or 36+36+36MP triple cameras with zero shutter lag. It supports 8K HDR video recording at 30fps or 4K recording at 120fps. It also supports 720 slow-mo video recording at 960fps.
The MediaTek 9300 chip supports a higher camera resolution of 320MP, which is yet to be seen in any smartphone. It supports up to 8K video recording at 30fps or 4K at 60fps.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Dimensity 9300: Connectivity
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 features an X75 5G modem with up to 10Gbps (downlink) and 3.5Gbps (uplink). The chip supports all necessary connectivity features such as Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and positing systems (Galileo, Beidou, NavIC, GPS, GLONASS, QZSS).
The Dimensity 9300 chip also supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and the same set of positing systems. It’s also equipped with MediaTek Xtra Range 2.0 technology, which improves the connection reach indoors by up to 4.5mm on a 5GHz connection. The integrated MediaTek 5G modem supports a 7Gbps downlink.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Dimensity 9300: Which Is Better?
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9300 are compelling smartphone chips with flagship performance. Both chips have exceptional CPU performance. However, the Dimensity 9300 can be a little bit disappointing when it comes to sustaining a heavy GPU workload.
The Dimensity 9300 is still one of the best choices for a high-end smartphone. It checks most boxes. However, those focusing primarily on performance and gaming should go for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
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