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OnePlus Nord Buds 3r launch near! Get certified in Canada

OnePlus is working on a new pair of affordable truly wireless earbuds from its popular Nord series. The model in question is the Nord Buds 3r. It was recently spotted in a Canadian certification platform. So here’s everything we know about these earbuds.

OnePlus Nord Buds 3r visits REL certification

OnePlus Nord Buds 3r
OnePlus Nord Buds 2r

The upcoming Nord Buds 3r surfaced on the REL database (via 91Mobiles) carrying the E511A model number. Unfortunately, the certification only reveals the firmware version V0.2.6, and no other finer details like its specs and features were revealed. Just last month, the Nord Buds 3r visited the FCC database with the E511A model number. This confirmed that it is powered by a 58mAh battery pack, which is much larger than the Nord Buds 2r’s 36mAh cell.

Furthermore, the charging case packs a 440mAh battery pack, which is slightly smaller than the previous gen model. The battery on the earbuds has a 112570 model number and the charging case has the 761832-B1 model number. In other words, we can expect a better battery life on the earbuds, which means a longer audio playback. OnePlus launched the Nord Buds 2r back in July 2023, so we can expect the Nord Buds 3r to have a similar launch timeline.

OnePlus Nords Buds 3r

These hearables likely have a similar price tag as its predecessor as well. The Nord Buds 2r is priced at 2,199 INR, so we can expect the Buds 3r to likely cost under 3,000 INR. Last year’s model launched with Dolby Atmos and Dirac Audio tuner, along with ENC for clear calls and Bluetooth 5.3 support. It housed a 12.4mm titanium coated dynamic driver and an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance. So stick around for more as we will be providing more details when additional information is available regarding this matter.

HMD is working on a second Nokia Lumia-inspired phone, the Skyline G2

HMD Global, the company behind the current Nokia-branded phones, seems to be reviving the Lumia name in spirit with its upcoming Skyline series.

Earlier this month, leaks revealed that HMD is working on a new phone called the Skyline. The renders we’ve seen so far suggest that the Skyline will have a design reminiscent of the classic Nokia Lumia line. Now, it appears there might be more to the Skyline story than we initially thought.

Reliable leaker @smashx_60, known for HMD-related leaks, has revealed that HMD is working on a second Skyline device, called the HMD Skyline G2. 

It’s unclear whether this is a direct successor to the first Skyline or a separate device altogether. Regardless, since the first Skyline hasn’t been officially announced yet, the launch of the G2 seems to be quite far off.

Similar to the first Skyline, the G2 is rumored to sport a triple-camera system on the back. While the exact camera setup remains uncertain, the tipster has shared four possible configurations, one of which even includes a 200MP main camera. 

All the setups also include telephoto, ultrawide, and Time of Flight (ToF) sensors and that is because HMD will reportedly be targeting the G2 towards mobile photography enthusiasts.

The most notable difference between the two Skylines appears to be the bezels. The initial leak showed a phone with a prominent chin and relatively thin bezels on the sides and top. In contrast, the G2 is said to have thick bezels on both the top and bottom, giving it a more dated look.

Unlike the original Skyline leak, which included specifications and pricing information, details about the G2 are scarcer. We’ll need to wait for further leaks or official announcements to learn more about the hardware, software, and release date of the HMD Skyline G2.

Vivo V40 shows up on Bureau of Indian Standards website, could launch soon

Vivo is preparing to launch its latest smartphone, the Vivo V40, in the Indian market. Following its global release, which surprised many by omitting a charger in the box, the Indian version appears to follow the same trend. The model number “V2348,” linked to Vivo, has been spotted on the Indian BIS certification website, with approval granted on June 21, 2024.

Vivo V40 BIS Certification

Vivo V40 (global) specs:

The Indian version of the Vivo V40 is expected to carry the same specifications as the global model. The phone features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a 1.5K resolution (2800 x 1260). It comes in two colors: Stella Silver and Nebula Purple.

The Vivo V40 sports a dual-camera setup, including a 50MP f/1.9 main camera and a 50MP f/2.0 ultra-wide-angle camera, promising high-quality photos and videos. Powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, the phone ensures robust performance. It is available in two configurations: 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM with 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, and 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM with 512GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The device has a 5500 mAh battery paired with 80W fast charging.

In related news, Vivo has recently launched the Vivo Pad 3 tablet in China, offering a massive 12.05-inch LCD screen with a 2.8K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It houses the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, which draws power from a 10,000 mAh battery that supports 44W fast charging. Currently, the brand is silent on a global launch date.

(via)

Get the latest OnePlus Pad Pro 12-inch tablet for $499 at Giztop

The OnePlus Pad Pro is a high-performance tablet designed to meet the needs of tech enthusiasts and professionals on the go. Available in grey and green color options, you can buy the Pad Pro for $499 only at Giztop. 

WHERE TO BUY
OnePlus Pad Pro at $499 @Giztop

The device boasts a 12.1-inch IPS LCD display with a stunning 3K resolution of 3000 x 2120 pixels. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, making it perfect for gaming and multimedia consumption. The display supports 10-bit colors and has an 88 percent screen-to-body ratio, providing an immersive viewing experience.

Powering the OnePlus Pad Pro is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, ensuring lightning-fast performance and efficient multitasking. Users can choose between 8GB or 12GB of LPDDR 5 RAM, paired with 256GB or 512GB of UFS storage, allowing ample space for apps, media, and files.

The tablet is equipped with an 8MP front camera featuring a 105° wide-angle lens, ideal for high-definition video calls and selfies. The 13MP rear camera captures clear and detailed photos, enhancing the overall photography experience.

Battery life is another highlight of the OnePlus Pad Pro. It packs a robust 9510mAh battery that supports 67W SuperVOOC charging, ensuring quick and efficient power replenishment. This long-lasting battery life ensures that users can stay productive throughout the day without worrying about frequent charging.

The OnePlus Pad Pro runs on Color OS, based on the Android operating system, providing a smooth and user-friendly interface. It supports multiple languages, including English and Chinese, making it accessible to a diverse user base.

For connectivity, the tablet features Bluetooth 5.3, allowing seamless wireless transfer of photos, music, and other media. It also supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5.0GHz) with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatibility, ensuring reliable internet connectivity.

A key feature of the OnePlus Pad Pro is its multi-layered graphite and silicone heat dissipation system. This system offers a large heat dissipation area of 27,413mm², ensuring the device remains cool and performs optimally during extended use.

Audio quality is enhanced by four Dolby Atmos Quad Speakers, delivering rich and immersive sound. The speakers are Hi-Res audio certified, providing a superior listening experience for music, movies, and games.

Additionally, the OnePlus Pad Pro includes several productivity-enhancing features such as four-finger pinch, two-finger split-screen, parallel windows, and multi-device cross-screen collaboration. These features allow users to multitask efficiently and improve their workflow.

OnePlus Pad Pro is a powerful and versatile tablet that offers an exceptional display, top-notch performance, long battery life, and advanced connectivity options. Its range of features and user-friendly interface make it a valuable tool for both work and entertainment.

Realme C61 launched in India with a budget price, 90Hz display, & big battery

Realme confirmed the pricing and availability details of its upcoming C61 budget phone earlier this week. Now, the Realme C61 has officially been launched in the Indian market. This device comes with a strong and durable build. So here are all the details.

Realme C61 Pricing and Availability

Realme has announced the C61 in India in two color options, namely Safari Green and Marble Black. It is listed in three storage configurations, which includes the 4GB + 64GB, 4GB + 128GB, and 6GB + 128GB variants. It has a starting price tag of 7,699 INR for the base model, while the 4GB + 128GB and 6GB + 128GB options cost 8,499 INR and 8,999 INR respectively. Customers buying the most expensive model also get an instant 1,000 INR discount from the brand’s official website. Meanwhile, Flipkart is offering a 900 INR discount on ICICI, HDFC, Axis, SBI, and Flipkart Axis cards.

Specs

Realme has marketed the tough body of the new C61 model. The brand states that it comes with an ArmorShell Protection with an integrated metallic frame. It also comes with an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance along with reinforced glass for the screen. The front sports a tall 6.78-inch LCD panel that offers HD+ resolution, 560 nits of peak brightness, and 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is equipped with the UNISOC T612 SoC. Realme C61 supports virtal RAM expansion of up to 4GB and microSD card slot to bump the storage.

For optics, you get a 32-megapixel primary camera at the back along with a depth sensor, while the front houses a 5-megapixel selfie shooter. A large 5,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports standard 10W charging. Other notable features include Android 14 OS based Realme UI 14 custom skin, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and TÜV Rheinland High Reliability Certificate.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) faces major challenges in China due to E-Scooter prevalence

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, aiming for a significant launch in China in 2024, is set to encounter substantial challenges, especially due to the country’s extensive use of electric scooters (e-scooters). With over 300 million e-scooters on Chinese roads, adapting FSD to these conditions presents a considerable hurdle.

image for illustration purposes only

Complex Road Conditions in China

The complexity of China’s road conditions is a major factor. Unlike the relatively straightforward road systems in the United States, China’s roads are often crowded and lack dedicated lanes for non-motorized vehicles. For instance, about 30% of roads in central Guangzhou do not have specific lanes for bicycles and e-scooters. This results in e-scooters frequently using motor vehicle lanes, creating a challenging environment for autonomous driving systems like Tesla’s FSD.

XPeng’s Perspective on Autonomous Driving

Li Liyun, head of autonomous driving at XPeng, highlighted the difficulties that Tesla’s FSD will face in China. He emphasized the need for smart driving systems to be optimized for the prevalent e-scooter usage. XPeng, a leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has already tested its smart driving capabilities in cities like Nanning, Guangzhou, Kunming, and Nanchang. Their Navigation Guided Pilot (XNGP) has successfully handled complex scenarios involving e-scooters, demonstrating the importance of local adaptation.

XPeng’s experience and advancements in autonomous driving provide valuable insights. The company is set to release an updated version of XNGP in July, which will integrate end-to-end large model technology for enhanced performance. This update aims to address the specific challenges posed by the complex and crowded urban environments in China.

source: XPENG – youtube

Market and Regulatory Context

China’s electric scooter market is vast, with 350 million e-scooters and 42.28 million units produced in 2023 alone. Tesla is preparing to register its FSD software with Chinese authorities, targeting an official launch in 2024. A pilot program is currently being conducted in Shanghai’s Nanhui New Town, involving ten Tesla vehicles.

He Xiaopeng, XPeng’s CEO, has tested Tesla’s FSD in the United States and acknowledged its impressive performance in Silicon Valley and on highways. However, he pointed out the significant challenge posed by fast-moving e-scooters, which often travel against traffic in China. This insight underlines the need for Tesla to adapt its technology to the unique conditions of the Chinese market.

The successful adaptation of Tesla’s FSD technology in China hinges on its ability to manage the widespread use of e-scooters and navigate complex road conditions. As the competition in the global self-driving market intensifies, the ability of smart driving systems to optimize for local conditions will be a critical factor for success.

Related:

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Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra silently released in India: Here’s Price, Specs, & More

Back in February 2024, Samsung unveiled its latest Galaxy Book 4 series of laptops in India. This announcement included the Galaxy Book 4 360, Galaxy Book 4 Pro, and Galaxy Book 3 Pro 360. Now, the top end Galaxy Book 4 Ultra model has been quietly released in the region as well. So here are all the details like its price and specs.

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra Specs

The South Korean tech giant’s premium notebook comes with top notch specs and features. It sports a 16-inch AMOLED touchscreen display that has a 2880 x 1800 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, and up to 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra is equipped with either an Intel Core Ultra 9 or Core Ultra 7. You get two options for the GPU as well, namely the RTX 4070 or RTX 4050.

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra

The more expensive variant comes with 32GB of RAM, while the base version features 16GB of RAM. Both variants also house 1TB of SSD storage. For audio, you get a quad speaker setup from AKG, which supports Dolby Atmos. On the front, you also get a 2MP webcam and a backlit keyboard with a numeric key. There is also a fingerprint scanner for security. A 76Wh battery pack powers this device, which charges via a USB Type-C port. Samsung’s Galaxy Book 4 Ultra measures just 1.86 kilograms in weight.

Pricing

As of right now, the Galaxy Book 4 Ultra was found listed on Croma’s website, a known retailer in India. Apart from this, this notebook was also spotted in offline stores as well. It has a starting price tag of 233,990 INR (roughly 2,804 US Dollars), while the high end option costs 281,990 INR (roughly 3,379 US Dollars). Unfortunately, sale has yet to go live, so an official release could be right around the corner.

Exclusive: Nubia preparing to introduce UG Phone U25 5G and UG Kids Watch 1

Nubia continues to develop joint products with Chinese telecom company Telemach. Gizmochina has spotted the UG Phone U25 5G and UG Kids Watch 1 in the IMEI database. This new devices are not expected to have very good features.

UG Phone U25 5G

The UG Phone U25 5G will be an affordable product like its predecessor, UG Phone U23 5G. The UG Phone U23 5G is actually known as a rebranded of the ZTE Blade A73 5G. Therefore, the UG Phone U25 5G is also a rebranded of the ZTE Blade A75 5G.

UG Phone U25 5G’s possible features according to this information are as follows. This 6.56-inch screen will come with an IPS LCD display with HD + resolution. It will also have a 120Hz screen refresh rate. The device will be powered by the Unisoc T760 chipset. It comes with a very large battery with a capacity of 5000mAh.

The camera features are also quite remarkable. The 108MP main camera will be accompanied by a 2MP auxiliary camera. There is a 5MP camera on the front. In addition, the device, which offers 5G support, provides fast and uninterrupted internet connection. Finally, it will come out of the box with Android 13-based MyOS 13 software.

UG Kids Watch 1

Nubia’s other product spotted is the UG Kids Watch 1. This smartwatch is specially designed for kids. It offers various features for parents to keep track of their kids. We don’t have clear information about the features of the smartwatch. However, this watch will also have SIM card support. In this way, kids can have direct communication with their parents or can be reached in case of emergencies. In addition, it is estimated to include many innovative features for the safety of kids and the convenience of parents.

Nubia aims to gain a strong position in the low-end smartphone market. UG Phone U25 5G and UG Kids 1 Watch stand out with their features and user-friendly design. These new products offer solutions for a variety of needs for both adults and children. Nubia’s move is considered as an important step to increase brand awareness and reach a wider user base.

Asus announced VivoWatch 6 with a bunch of health-tracking features and a 14-day battery life

Asus has announced the VivoWatch 6, a new flagship smartwatch that offers comprehensive health-management features. The device weighs 60 grams, which means you can wear it comfortably for the whole day.

Asus vivoWatch 6 specs and health-tracking features

The smartwatch equips a 1.39-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, which is protected with Gorilla Glass. The panel reaches a peak brightness of 350 nits.

Asus VivoWatch comes with blood pressure monitoring and ECG support and equips ASUS Blood Pressure and ASUS ECG apps. In addition to that, it can measure body composition, and sleep quality, as well as a Relaxation Index. The watch comes equipped with two sets of medical-grade ECG and PPG sensors. The outer ring of the VivoWatch 6 features a bioelectrical impedance (BIA) sensor to measure body composition.

Placing the thumb and index finger on the watch face sensor also reveals the body fat and skeletal muscle percentages, water content, and basal metabolic rate. This watch can monitor the activity of the autonomic nervous system and uses heart rate variability (HRV) as the basis to calculate the Relaxation Index. This is how it can detect a sudden or unusual increase in the stress level. There is another feature called the Body Harmony Analysis, which tracks the user’s emotional status over a week and presents it in a seven-grid chart.

The VivoWatch 6 also features dual-band GPS and up to 14 days of battery life. “Leveraging cutting-edge innovations and years of medical expertise, ASUS VivoWatch 6 is designed to help users keep track of their long-term health goals easily, allowing them to monitor vital health stats anytime, anywhere to truly achieve preventive healthcare,” said Sharon Pan, senior director of Smart Health Product Planning at ASUS.

The ASUS HealthConnect app offers the user all the tracked health parameters at a glance. The app also includes the Care Track cloud-based service which allows family members to view the user’s location and health status in real time.

Pricing and availability:

Asus didn’t confirm when the VivoWatch 6 will be available for purchase. However, the company did reveal the pricing of the new watch – £110 / €130 / $140./ 1020 Yuan.

(Source)

Qualcomm works closely with OEMs on Android updates easier

Android updates are very important, and it’s good to see that things have gotten better over the last few years. Google started offering longer software support first, and this pushed other brands, like Samsung, to offer more Android OS and security updates. Now, Qualcomm is working on something that should make it easier for brands to provide these updates.

Qualcomm is working to make Android updates easier

Chris Patrick, SVP and General Manager of Handsets at Qualcomm, told Android Authority that Qualcomm has been working with Google and Android manufacturers to change how updates are done. They have been improving the code structure to make updates smoother and easier.

These changes should help brands keep their devices updated with the latest software more easily. Qualcomm will announce something later this year to make this process even better.

Chris Patrick didn’t say exactly when or where this announcement will happen, but it might be at the Snapdragon Summit 2024 in October. This event will also likely introduce the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, which will be used in high-end Android phones like the Galaxy S25 series.

In the past, brands like Samsung gave only a couple of major Android OS updates for their high-end phones, and fewer updates for mid-range and low-end devices. Some phones didn’t get any major updates at all. But Samsung started to improve by offering three major updates. Later, they announced that high-end and some mid-range devices would get four major updates and five years of security updates.

Last year, Google said it would provide Android OS and security updates to Pixel devices for seven years. This was a big deal because even Apple doesn’t promise updates for that long for iPhones and iPads. A few months later, Samsung said it would also offer seven major updates for its high-end phones and tablets, starting with the Galaxy S24.

GC Daily: OnePlus Ace 3 Pro is official, ZTE Voyage 3D brings 3D display at a budget

In today’s tech roundup, we get a sneak peek at the stunning leaked render images of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, showcasing sleek Navy, Silver, and Blue color options ahead of their July 10 unveiling.

OnePlus has launched a new Watch 2 model with eSIM support and a stylish aluminum alloy case in China, enhancing fitness tracking and functionality.

ZTE introduces the Voyage 3D, an entry-level smartphone with innovative AI naked-eye 3D technology for a captivating visual experience.

Plus, OnePlus debuts a powerful 100W Fast Charging Power Bank in China with a 12,000 mAh capacity.

All of this and more stories are below.


Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 render images leaked

The leaked render images of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 reveal the sleek Navy and Silver color options for the Fold 6, and Blue and Silver for the Flip 6. These next-gen models promise advanced displays and cameras, set to be officially unveiled at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10.

Read more


New OnePlus Watch 2 model with eSIM support & aluminum alloy case launched in China

This upgraded smartwatch unveiled at the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro launch event in China boasts enhanced fitness tracking features and a sleek matte finish.

Read more


ZTE Voyage 3D is an entry-level smartphone with a 3D display

The ZTE Voyage 3D is a cutting-edge smartphone featuring a unique AI naked-eye 3D technology, offering a wide 60-degree viewing angle. With its innovative micron-level 3D system and eye-tracking feature, this device also boasts AI-driven 2D-3D conversion for a captivating visual experience.

Read more


OnePlus Debuts New 100W Fast Charging Power Bank with 12,000 mAh Capacity, Available for 269 Yuan ($37)

OnePlus unveils a new 100W Fast Charging Power Bank with 12,000 mAh capacity in Cloud Green and Silver Wing White colors. Featuring SUPERVOOC 100W fast charging capability, it charges OnePlus Ace 3 Pro by 60% in just 17 minutes, supporting mainstream protocols for various electronic devices.

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OnePlus 10 Pro new OxygenOS 14 update released with Bug Fixes & improved gaming performance

OnePlus has started rolling out the OxygenOS 14.0.0.800 update for OnePlus 10 Pro users in India and the EU. The update aims to enhance system performance and security while introducing several new features and fixes.

OnePlus 10 Pro

Firmware Versions

For OnePlus 10 Pro users:

  • India: NE2211_14.0.0.800(EX01)
  • EU: NE2213_14.0.0.800(EX01)

OnePlus 10 Pro 14.0.0.800 update changelog

Changelog

System

  • You can now choose not to show the track when drawing the Lock screen pattern to unlock your device.
  • Integrates the June 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.
  • Improves system stability.
  • Fixes an issue where the volume slider in Quick Settings and the one triggered by pressing the physical volume button might appear at the same time.
  • Fixes an issue where birthdays from Contacts might not be synced in Calendar events.

Games

  • Improves gaming stability.
  • Fixes an issue where the screen might turn black while playing a game.

Communication

  • Fixes an issue where the device might not vibrate for phone calls.

How to Update

The update is being rolled out incrementally. A small percentage of users will receive it initially, with a broader rollout to follow in the coming days. Users can manually check for the update by going to Settings > About Device > OxygenOS > Check for Update.

Bug Reporting

For Indian users, bugs can be reported by opening the Google Dialer and typing *#800#. This method is currently available only in India. Users in other regions are encouraged to provide feedback directly in the community thread.

In related news, OnePlus has recently launched the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro, which features a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It also has a powerful camera setup, spearheaded by a 50 MP IMX890 sensor. Currently, there are no details about the global launch of this device.

(Source)

Xiaomi MIX 5 may feature an under-display camera and unibody ceramic design

Earlier this year, the Xiaomi MIX 5 was spotted in the IMEI database and it had been officially confirmed that the device will not be unveiled in 2024. Of course, leaks about this smartphone keep coming. Digital Chat Station reports that the Xiaomi MIX 5 will come with an under-display camera and unibody ceramic design. We already know that the device will come with an under-display camera.

Xiaomi MIX 5 is coming

A prototype expected to be the Xiaomi MIX 5 was spotted on Geekbench 6. This prototype smartphone was codenamed “Suiren” and powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. A flagship MIX series device to be introduced in 2025 is not expected to be unveiled with the previous year’s flagship SOC. They probably tested the first prototype devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. I expect the Xiaomi MIX 5 to use Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. This, of course, has not been officially confirmed and has not been spotted in any lines of code.

There is no certainty whether the Xiaomi MIX 5 will be unveiled or not. If Xiaomi has a problem with the device, it may abandon the launch. The smartphone is currently in the prototype stage and we are speculating that it might be launched in 2025. When we examine the codename “Suiren”, we see Chinese mythology. Suiren is known as a cultural hero who introduced fire in order for people to survive. The previous Xiaomi MIX 4 had the codename “odin”.

Digital Chat Station stated that the device may come with a ceramic build, like the previous MIX series. This is an already existing tradition of the Xiaomi MIX series. This tradition is expected to continue with the Xiaomi MIX 5. We hope Xiaomi will launch the MIX 5 and we will have the chance to experience the device.

Via

Galaxy S25 Ultra design leaks suggest slimmer profile and rounded corners

Lately, Samsung has been in the news for its upcoming foldables and wearables, but the company’s next S-series flagship isn’t far from the spotlight either. 

A recent post from frequent leaker Ice Universe on the Chinese social media platform Weibo offers some interesting details about what to expect from the S25 Ultra. 

The tipster claims a design shift for the next flagship. Ice Universe suggests the S25 Ultra will be slimmer than its predecessor, measuring 8.4mm thick compared to the S24 Ultra’s 8.6mm.

Galaxy S25 Ultra Design

Although this difference in size is marginal, the post also reveals that Samsung isn’t compromising on camera capabilities for the sake of slimness. While specifics are still under wraps, rumors suggest the S25 Ultra will feature an improved 200MP main camera, along with 50MP ultrawide, 50MP 3x telephoto, and 50MP 5x telephoto lenses.

In a separate post on X (formerly Twitter), the tipster revealed another detail about the design. According to Ice Universe, the S25 Ultra will “not crush your palm again” and will be “really rounded!” 

This means the S25 Ultra will move away from the sharp corners Samsung introduced with the S24 Ultra and will likely adopt a curved design similar to the S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra. The tipster seems quite confident about this change, stating there’s a “100%” chance of it happening.

While this seems like a reliable leak, another rumor earlier this week suggested that Samsung might introduce MediaTek chips into the S25 series for the first time. This would take the SoC count for Samsung’s S-series flagship to three, including Qualcomm, Samsung’s own Exynos chips, and MediaTek.

However, the same source that reported this news cautions that the possibility of MediaTek chips remains a rumor, and its actual inclusion should be viewed with skepticism.

Samsung has plenty of time before launching the Galaxy S25 series. Currently, the company’s focus is on the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and wearables, including the Galaxy Ring, Buds 3 series, and new Galaxy watches, all of which will be unveiled at the July 10th Unpacked event.

OnePlus 9/9 Pro Update Brings UI/Gaming Improvements and Fixes Call Vibration Issue

OnePlus has begun rolling out the latest OxygenOS 14.0.0.701 update for OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro users in the EU and India. The update is being released in small batches and will soon be available to all users in these regions.

OnePlus 9 Pro
OnePlus 9 Pro

Firmware Versions

For OnePlus 9 users:

  • India: IN: LE2111_14.0.0.701(EX01)
  • EU: LE2113_14.0.0.701(EX01)

For OnePlus 9 Pro users:

  • India: IN: LE2121_14.0.0.701(EX01)
  • EU: LE2123_14.0.0.701(EX01)

Key Updates and Improvements

System

  • Lock Screen Clock: The update introduces a horizontal layout for the lock screen clock.
  • Lock Screen Pattern: Users now have the option to hide the track when drawing the lock screen pattern.
  • Volume Adjustment: Quick Settings now includes an option to adjust volume levels.
  • Floating Windows: Users can resize floating windows by dragging the bottom and can close mini windows by swiping up.
  • Security Patch: The June 2024 Android security patch is integrated to improve system security.
  • System Stability: The update improves overall system stability.
  • Bug Fixes: Issues such as overlapping icons on the Home screen and Recent tasks screen, and simultaneous appearance of volume sliders in Quick Settings and physical volume button have been resolved.

Gaming Improvements

  • Black Screen Issue: The update fixes a problem where the screen might turn black during gameplay.
  • Stability: Gaming stability has been improved.

Communication Fixes

  • Vibration for Calls: An issue where the device might not vibrate for phone calls has been fixed.

As mentioned above, the update is currently being released in small batches, so expect it to arrive on your device in the coming days. However, if you wish to check for it manually, you can do so by navigating to Settings > About Device > OxygenOS > Check for Update.

(Source)

Vivo Pad 3 launched with ~$385 starting price, offers 144Hz display, Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 10,000mAh battery

Vivo recently listed the Vivo Pad 3 tablet on its official website in China. While the brand confirmed its configurations and color options, it did not reveal its price. Today, the brand has finally confirmed its price.

Vivo Pad 3 price

Vivo Pad 3

The Vivo Pad 3 is now available for pre-orders in China. It comes in options, such as 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage for 2,499 Yuan (~$345), 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage for 2,799 Yuan (~$385), 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage for 3,099 Yuan (~$425), and 12 GB RAM + 512 GB storage for 3,399 Yuan (~$465). It can be bought in shades, such as Spring Tide Blue, Thin Purple, and Cold Star Gray.

Vivo Pad 3 specifications

The Vivo Pad 3 tablet features a 12.05-inch LCD screen with a 2.8K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 600 nits. Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, the tablet comes with LPDDR5x RAM and offers storage options of UFS 3.1 (128 GB) or UFS 4.0. It houses a 10,000mAh battery with 44W fast charging support.

For cameras, the Pad 3 includes a 5-megapixel front camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash. Additional features include a six-speaker system, a 3D VC cooling unit, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and a USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1) port. It also runs on OriginOS 4 based on Android 14.

The Vivo Pad 3 is just a renamed version of the iQOO Pad 2, which went official in May in China. At present, there is no clarity on whether the iQOO Pad 2 or Vivo Pad 3 will be available in markets outside of China.

Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Disney Princess Limited Edition launched with a mirror and platinum structure on the back

Xiaomi launched the Civi 4 Pro back in March this year. As scheduled, the company launched a special edition of the phone called the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Disney Princess Limited Edition. While it houses the same internals, it offers a striking design on the back. This phone targets female users.

This special edition is inspired by the Disney classic story “Snow White”

According to the company, the design of the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Disney Princess Limited Edition is inspired by the Disney classic story “Snow White”. However, the protagonist is not the traditional Snow White, but the unique Black Queen. That’s why the phone and the packaging come in a dark purple color.

The back of the Civi 4 Pro Disney Princess Edition is cleverly designed with a decoration called “Mirror of Truth”. This is surrounded by dark patterns full of magic, which makes it stand out. The accessories of the phone also come in the same dark purple color. Even the packaging box comes with a unique poison apple-shaped hand rest, which can be directly attached to the back of the phone when used with the official customized phone case.

Turning on the phone you will see the theme of this special edition on the UI. The system interface comes with two sets of “Princess and Queen” themes. You will also notice a change as you switch between light and dark mode.

The display panel is a 6.55-inch AMOLED with a resolution of up to 1236×2750 and a refresh rate of 120Hz. It supports Doby Vision, reaches a peak brightness of 3000 nits, and offers a pixel density of 460ppi.

Cameras are one of the highlights of the series. The Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Disney Princess Limited Edition is equipped with a main selfie camera with a focal length of 26mm and a wide-angle selfie camera with a 100° viewing angle. Both of the front cameras come with 32MP sensors.

The back of the phone includes a 50MP + 50MP + 12MP camera setup. The 50MP main comes with an f/1.6 aperture a sensor size of 1/1.55″, and OIS stabilization. The other 50MP module is a 2x telephoto and the 12MP module is the ultrawide.

Speaking of performance, the phone equips the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, a slightly cut-down version of the latest flagship chipset from Qualcomm.

Pricing:

The phone is only available in 12GB+512GB version and is priced at 3299 yuan (~$453).

Upcoming Red Magic 9S Pro+ scores 2.36M on AnTuTu, has Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version, 6,500mAh battery

The Red Magic 9S Pro is all set to debut on July 3 in China. Ahead of the launch, a Nubia phone with NX769S_V2A has appeared on AnTuTu. It appears that the variant that has appeared on the benchmarking platform will have the Red Magic 9S Pro+ marketing name. It is likely that the other variants of the phone may have the Red Magic 9S Pro branding. Here is a look at the details that have emerged through the AnTuTu listing of the Pro+ model.

Red Magic 9S Pro+ AnTuTu listing

Red Magic 9S Pro Plus AnTuTu
Red Magic 9S Pro Plus AnTuTu listing

The Red Magic 9S Pro+ AnTuTu listing identifies its chipset as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. However, the brand has already confirmed that it will have the overlocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version chipset. The chipset configuration includes 1 x 3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3 x 2.96GHz Cortex-A720, 2 x 2.2GHz Cortex-A520, and 2 x 1.1GHz Cortex-A720 cores. In comparison, the regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers a maximum speed of 3.3GHz and slightly slower GPU performance.

The listing confirms that the device comes with a 120Hz display, 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage, and Android 14. As mentioned above, the 24GB+1TB variant may have the Pro+ branding, whereas the other variants could have the Red Magic 9S Pro name.

The Red Magic 9S Pro+ scored 485,3643 points in the CPU test, 979,908 points in the GPU test, 507,149 in the memory test, and 397,122 points in the UX test. Additionally, the Red Magic 9S Pro equipped with 16 GB of RAM, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Leading Version, and Android 14 has also been spotted at Geekbench. The device scored 2319 and 7215 in the single-core and multi-core tests of Geekbench 6, respectively.

Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Geekbench

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the Red Magic 9S Pro will have a 6,500mAh battery and an under-display selfie camera. The other specs of the phone are likely to remain identical to those of the Red Magic 9 series. On July 3, Nubia will also announce a new gaming laptop.

iQOO Neo 7 Pro gets new FuntouchOS update with bug fixes, June 2024 security patch & UI optimization

The iQOO Neo 7 Pro gaming-focused midrange smartphone, which made its debut back in July of 2023 has just received a new update fixing some of its pestering issues, while also improving the user experience.

Vivo iQOO Neo 7 Pro

The FuntouchOS update comes with firmware version PD2232BF_EX_A_14.1.7.9.W30, weighing around 302MB. It has the June 2024 Android security patch in addition to all the changes mentioned below.

Changelog

System

  • Updated to the June 2024 Google security patch to improve system security
  • Optimised touchscreen sensitivity
  • Optimised system Ul localisation
  • Fixed the occasional issue where navigation keys disappear after you switch system navigation to “3-button” navigation

Apps

• Optimised third-party app compatibility to fix the occasional issue where some apps do not work properly

Control Centre

• Fixed the occasional issue where the Wi-Fi switch doesn’t work

Multimedia

• Fixed the occasional issue where an exception occurred to the output of the audio channel

The update is currently being pushed out to more and more devices by the brand, so users can expect the OTA notification to pop up in the coming days. That said, if you wish to check for the update manually, you can navigate to Settings, and scroll down to System Update, where you can check the availability of the update.

In related news, iQOO is working on a new smartphone called the iQOO Neo 9S Pro+. This new device will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with LPDDR5x RAM, and UFS 4.0 storage. Unfortunately, it looks like the device will likely be exclusive to the Chinese market.

(via)

From Pixel 9 to Android 15: Here’s what you can expect from the upcoming Made by Google event

Google‘s annual hardware showcase, the Made by Google event, will arrive earlier than usual this year. Traditionally held in October, the 2024 edition will take place on August 13th at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, instead of its usual venue in New York City. Although Google hasn’t revealed much about the event, leaks, rumors, and the official invite teaser give us some hints about what to expect. Here’s a breakdown of what’s likely in store.

Made by Google August 2024 what to expect

Pixel Lineup in Focus

The Pixel series has been the centerpiece of Made by Google events for years, and 2024 will likely be no different. The teaser video for the event features the Roman numeral IX (9), confirming the Pixel 9 series is on its way.

Leaks and rumors so far suggest there could be four devices in the Pixel 9 family:

  • Pixel 9: The base model, expected to succeed the Pixel 8.
  • Pixel 9 Pro: A higher-end version with improved camera specs and processing power.
  • Pixel 9 Pro XL: A new larger version of the Pixel 9 Pro for those who prefer a bigger screen.
  • Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Google is reportedly renaming its foldable phone lineup. Instead of calling it Pixel Fold 2, the moniker will reportedly align with the Pixel 9 series and be branded the “Pixel 9 Pro Fold.”

Although detailed information is scarce, we can expect these devices to feature Google’s upcoming Tensor G4 chip. In fact, three Pixel 9 phones, excluding the foldable, have already been leaked running AnTuTu with the expected G4 chip.

Beyond Pixel Phones

While smartphones will be the main attraction, Google might also showcase other hardware products. A strong contender is the Pixel Watch 3, the successor to the Pixel Watch 2 launched in 2023. 

Rumors suggest that the Pixel Watch 3 will come in two sizes: the standard 41mm and a new XL model with a 45mm display. With the Pixel phones expected in August, a similar timeframe for the Pixel Watch 3 seems plausible.

There’s also a possibility of Google unveiling other hardware at the event, such as new Pixel Buds or a Nest smart home device. However, there haven’t been any substantial leaks or rumors to suggest such announcements.

Android 15

The Made by Google event isn’t just about hardware. Google is likely to dedicate a portion of the event to showcasing the next iteration of its mobile operating system, Android 15.

The first teaser captioned “Get Ready for Magic at Made by Google” also suggests a focus on Google AI. We could expect advancements in Assistant capabilities or new AI-powered features integrated into Pixel devices and other products.

Livestream

Specific details about the livestream haven’t been announced. However, based on past events, it’s safe to expect a live stream on YouTube.

All in all, the Made by Google 2024 event will likely feature the next generation of Pixel smartphones, including a foldable phone, alongside software updates like Android 15 and advancements in Google AI.