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Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro gets a discount of up to 300 Yuan (~$40) with “Summer Special Offer”

Xiaomi launched the Civi 4 Pro (review)smartphone in its home country back in March this year with a price tag of 2999 Yuan ($417) for the 12GB + 256GB version. The 12GB + 512GB version and the 16GB + 512GB were priced at 3299 ($458) and 3599 ($500) respectively. The company has also prepared a “Disney Princess Limited Edition” of the phone which is now up for pre-order.

In the latest news, the regular Civi 4 Pro has received a maximum discount of 300 Yuan thanks to the “Summer Special Offer”. Now the phone starts from 2,799 Yuan. The current pricing of the variants is listed below: You should note that the “Summer Special Offer” doesn’t include the recent Disney Princess Limited Edition.

  • 12GB+256GB – 2,799 Yuan (200 Yuan discount)
  • 12GB+512GB – 2,999 Yuan (300 Yuan discount)
  • 16GB+512GB – 3,299 Yuan (300 Yuan discount)

The Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro equips the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, which is said to be a cut-down version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship chipset from last year. You can see the memory and storage variants above. The phone packs a 4,700 mAh battery and supports 67W fast wired charging.

Not to mention, one of the key selling points of this phone is its cameras. There is a 50MP main, 50MP 2x telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide camera mounted on the rear side of the phone. The main sensor is the 50MP OmniVision OV50K Light Hunter 800, which is measured at 1/1.55″ and rests underneath a fixed aperture of f/1.6.

On the front, you will see a 6.55″ flat AMOLED display with a pixel density of 460 PPI, that reaches a peak brightness of 3000 nits.

Speaking of the in-hand feel, the phone comes with flat sides and weighs 177.6g, 179.3g, or 180.9g based on different variants. Here are the dimensions: 157.2 x 72.8 x 7.5 mm or 7.8 mm.

Xiaomi launches Mitu Kids Watch 7A with 4G LTE, HD video calling, AI tracking & more

Xiaomi has launched the Mitu Kids Watch 7A, a budget model of their popular children’s smartwatch. The 7A boasts improved safety features, clearer video calls, and a long-lasting battery, making it a compelling option for parents seeking peace of mind.

Xiaomi Mitu Kids Watch 7A

Xiaomi Mitu Kids Watch 7A Specifications:

The Mitu Kids Watch 7A is designed with a child’s safety in mind, featuring a comprehensive 9-layer security positioning system. It employs AI-enhanced location tracking, ensuring precise indoor positioning, covering over 4,000 major shopping centers and train stations.

The watch notifies parents if their children enter or exit pre-set zones like home or school, or if there are unexpected changes in their travel routes. Furthermore, it keeps a record of location history for up to 90 days, enabling parents to review their child’s previous locations.

The 2MP front-facing camera with a wider angle enables clearer and smoother video calls. This allows for better visual communication between parents and children, providing a glimpse into the child’s surroundings for added reassurance. The watch also supports 4G LTE and is compatible with China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.

The Mitu Kids Watch 7A features a 1.4-inch TFT display along with 48MB RAM and 256MB inbuilt storage. It packs a powerful 950mAh battery, paired with low-power chips and an optimized power-saving algorithm (2.0). This translates to extended battery life, ensuring the watch stays powered throughout the day without needing frequent charging.

The Mitu Kids Watch 7A comes in three vibrant colors – blue, green, and pink – and features a new, more rugged design for enhanced durability. It’s also 20 meters waterproof, allowing children to wear it during playtime or while washing their hands without worry.

The watch offers various functionalities beyond safety. Children can access professional sports courses like skipping rope, running, and long jump, with guided instructions to promote healthy activity. The watch also integrates with Xiao Ai classmates, a virtual assistant for children, and supports micro chat and Alipay for limited payments with parental controls.

Xiaomi prioritizes data security with the Mitu Kids Watch 7A. Data is encrypted multiple times, and parents can manage third-party app permissions to ensure children’s privacy. The watch has also undergone rigorous testing and certifications, guaranteeing safety and reliability.

Pricing and Availability

The Xiaomi Mitu Kids Watch 7A will be available for pre-order in China starting July 1st at 10:00 AM (CST) at a starting price of 349 yuan (approximately $48).

Exclusive: Vivo Y200 Plus 5G is coming soon

Vivo is trying to increase competition in the budget smartphone market. The company is preparing to launch its new budget smartphone, the Y200 Plus 5G. Gizmochina has spotted the vivo Y200 Plus 5G in the IMEI database.

Vivo Y200 Plus 5G

Vivo will launch new budget smartphone vivo Y200 Plus 5G. With this model, the brand aims to heat up the competition in the mid-range. vivo Y200 Plus 5G model will have the model number “V2422”. We don’t have detailed information about the vivo Y200 Plus 5G. However, the device seems to offer various improvements and enhancements compared to successor, the vivo Y100 5G.

Vivo Y200 featured an AMOLED display with the size of 6.78 inches and a refresh rate of 120Hz, Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 gen 1 chipset, 5G connectivity support, 64MP main camera, and 16MP front camera. There are many versions of the Vivo Y200. This article is based on the Chinese version of the Y200. Vivo Y200 Plus 5G is expected to come with similar features. However, the specifications of the Vivo Y200 Plus 5G are unknown.

There’s no information yet about when the Vivo Y200 Plus 5G will be introduced and the price. Vivo is expected to launch this model at a budget-friendly price. In this way, the company will appeal to a wide user base. We eagerly await the official launch and technical specifications of the device.

Exclusive: Vivo V40e 5G revealed, coming soon

Vivo continues to offer new products to the smartphone market. In our previous article, we shared special news about the Vivo V40 series. Now there has been a new development about this series. Gizmochina spotted the Vivo V40e 5G in the IMEI database.

Vivo V40e 5G

Vivo V40 series started to emerge slowly with the introduction of the Vivo V40 recently. The Vivo V40 had different features, just like the Vivo executive said. Now they continue to expand the series with the Vivo V40e 5G.

The Vivo V40e 5G’s model number is V2418. Gizmochina had previously spotted the Vivo V40e 4G. In fact, now we are learning that this is the 4G version. Because, to everyone’s surprise, Vivo added a Vivo V40e with 5G.

We don’t have any clear information about the Vivo V40e 5G. The brand’s direct 5G support in the name of the device draws people’s attention. This certainly confirms that the Vivo V40e 5G may have different features compared to the Vivo V40e 4G.

Vivo V40e 5G’s official launch date is not yet known. However, expectations for this new model of Vivo are quite high. Vivo V40e 5G is expected to attract great interest from users just like other members of the Vivo V40 family. We look forward to the official introduction of this new model of Vivo.

Geely Unveils New Boyue SUV with Upgraded Technology Features

Geely has launched a refreshed version of their Boyue SUV, offering a blend of familiar performance and upgraded technology features. The new Boyue retains the proven 1.5TD four-cylinder engine, generating 133kW of power and 290Nm of torque. This engine pairs with a new generation 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Fuel efficiency sees slight improvement, with WLTC fuel consumption reaching 6.29 liters per 100 kilometers for some variants.

The new SUV looks more stylish with the new black sports kit

This Boyue boasts a more dynamic aesthetic with the addition of a black sports kit. This kit includes piano black accents on the lower surround, roof, luggage rack, and rims. Red brake calipers and a sporty rear wing further enhance the look.

Inside, the new Boyue offers a luxurious and tech-forward experience. A 10.25-inch full LCD instrument cluster and a massive 13.2-inch 2K-level digital display greet the driver. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip ensures a smooth and responsive infotainment system.

The Boyue comes loaded with a variety of technology features, including:

  • 4G high-speed network and in-car Wi-Fi
  • AutoNavi online intelligent navigation
  • Dual-zone intelligent voice interaction
  • 540° high-definition panoramic imaging
  • High-fidelity audio system
  • Digital electronic gear lever
  • FOTA (Firmware-Over-The-Air) full-domain upgrades for the vehicle

The new Geely Boyue starts at 87,800 yuan (approximately $13,123 USD) after a limited-time promotional offer. This offer allows a 1,000 yuan deposit to offset 6,000 yuan off the car purchase price if ordered before July 31st. The official guide price ranges from 92,800 yuan to 118,800 yuan (approximately $13,873 USD to $17,828 USD). The new Boyue comes in three paint options: Baikal Blue, Chaka Salt White, and Iceland Rock Gray.

(Via)

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

OnePlus unveiled a new 100W fast charging power bank alongside the Ace 3 Pro at the Launch Conference. This power bank boasts a 12000mAh capacity and comes in two colors: Cloud Green and Silver Wing White. It features one USB-C port and one USB-A port, both capable of delivering SUPERVOOC 100W fast charging. This lets it charge the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro to 60% in just 17 minutes.

The power bank can fast charge compatible computers as well

Beyond OnePlus devices, the power bank supports mainstream charging protocols like PD/PPS/QC, allowing it to charge a wide range of electronics like phones, laptops, tablets, and more. It even supports 45W fast charging for compatible computers and can itself be recharged from 1% to 100% in 90 minutes thanks to its 45W high-speed self-charging function.

For added convenience, the power bank features a dynamic breathing light that displays the current power level with a single click. A double click activates a low current mode specifically designed for safely charging smaller devices like smartwatches and headphones. The 100W fast charging power bank is currently discounted to 269 yuan (approximately $37 USD) from its original price of 299 yuan (approximately $41 USD) and goes on sale July 19th.

(Via)

OnePlus Ace 3 Pro Officially Announced, Features an Advanced Cooling System, Starts at 3,199 Yuan ($440)

The OnePlus Ace 3 Pro has finally made an official debut. Earlier today, the company unveiled some information regarding the device themselves. With the official announcement, we now have all the data we need. Let’s see what the smartphone has to offer.

The Ace 3 Pro is the only Android phone to support 120 FPS gameplay in Genshin Impact

At the heart of the phone lies the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, bolstered by an e-sports grade gaming discrete graphics chip. This powerhouse is paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, claiming smooth operation even after years of use thanks to OnePlus’s “memory gene recombination 3.0” and exclusive storage technology. Gamers will be extremely happy as the Ace 3 Pro is the only Android phone to support native 120 FPS gameplay in Genshin Impact.

OnePlus premieres the second generation of its Tiangong cooling system in the Ace 3 Pro. This innovative system features a new, expansive 9126mm² 10,000-level VC heat dissipation area, marking a 36% improvement over the previous generation. The phone further boasts the industry’s first 2K supercritical thermal conductive graphite for enhanced thermal conductivity and a low-temperature aerospace aluminum middle frame for comfortable long gaming sessions. AI global temperature control management adds another layer of precision cooling.

A stable gaming experience is ensured by the innovative dual golden gaming antenna that tackles signal obstruction caused by the human body.

Powering the device is a long-lasting 6100mAh glacier battery that supports 100W fast charging. Official tests suggest it can last up to two days on a single charge with moderate use. The stunning 1.5K “Oriental Screen” features an 8T LTPO circuit design and Rain Touch 2.0 technology for improved touch response in wet conditions. The phone is also IP65 dust and water resistant, boasts ultra-thin fingerprint unlocking, and prioritizes eye protection.

On the imaging front, the Ace 3 Pro features a powerful Sony IMX890 50-megapixel flagship main camera, complemented by the Find series’ flagship imaging algorithm. The OnePlus Ace 3 Pro comes in three standard colors: Titanium Mirror Silver, Green Field Blue, and Supercar Porcelain Collection. A limited-edition Supercar Porcelain Collector’s Edition is also available. Prices start at 3,199 yuan (approximately $440 USD) and go up to 4,599 yuan (approximately $632 USD) for the limited edition with the highest specs. The phone goes on sale starting July 3rd at 10 am.

Lenovo Legion Go vs ASUS ROG Ally: Battle of the Gaming Handhelds in India

Handheld gaming consoles have become quite popular in recent years. There are many great options like the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck. But in India, gaming handhelds are mostly restricted to the gray market. So far, the ASUS ROG Ally is one of the few portable consoles that is sold in the market. Although, Lenovo is gearing up to release its own alternative. But how does the Lenovo Legion Go stack up against the ASUS ROG Ally? Let’s find out.

Lenovo Legion Go vs ASUS ROG Ally
Lenovo Legion Go (L) vs ASUS ROG Ally (R)

1. Lenovo Legion Go vs ASUS ROG Ally: Legion packs a taller screen

ASUS released the ROG Ally with a 7-inch IPS LCD panel with a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) and a 16:10 aspect ratio. This panel offers a 120Hz refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for protection, along with a variable refresh rate and low frame compensation support as well.

But while these are decent specs, Lenovo sought to bring a better visual experience on its own handheld console. The Legion Go sports a taller 8.8-inch IPS touchscreen display that has a WQXGA resolution (2560×1600 pixels). So you get sharper resolution along with a smoother 144Hz refresh rate panel and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for protection.

2. Performance, Battery, & More

In terms of performance, both gaming handhelds are quite evenly matched, at least on paper. The Legion Go and ROG Ally are equipped with AMD’s Ryzen Z1 series processors. The former has the Ryzen Z1 Extreme while the latter is available in Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Extreme options. Lenovo pairs this chipset with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. You also get an option to expand the storage via a microSD card slot.

On the other hand, the ROG Ally packs 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM but only 512GB of PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD storage. These two models run on the Windows 11 OS out of the box. But another area where the Legion Go edges ahead of the ROG Ally is the battery. ASUS’ console is powered by a 40Wh battery that supports 65W charging. Meanwhile, a 49.2Wh cell runs the Legion Go with Super Rapid Charge support. But this difference shouldn’t impact battery life much considering the larger screen and higher resolution.

Since handheld consoles were built to be portable the weight also factors into the overall experience. Having said that, the ROG Ally weighs 608 grams, which is noticeably lighter than the massive Legion Go. Lenovo’s handheld weighs a hefty 856 grams, so let’s just say you’re getting a light workout.

3. Pricing

The pricing is another major aspect that could determine if the Legion Go is a good alternative to the ROG Ally. ASUS released its portable console for 69,990 INR or about 853 US Dollars for the Z1 Extreme variant (base Z1 costs 64,990 INR). The Legion Go will be announced in India for the first time on 1st July 2024, with its pricing set at 89,990 INR (roughly 1,079 US Dollars). With such similar specs, it seems hard to justify paying an additional 200 US Dollar premium for a slightly larger screen. The higher resolution is welcomed too, but not many graphically intensive games can take advantage of it. We can expect special launch offers and other sweet deals, so stick around for more updates.

Xiaomi MIJIA Hair Dryer Disney Princess Limited Edition with unique purple design unveiled

Xiaomi has unveiled the MIJIA Disney Princess Limited Edition Hair Dryer in its home country. The scheduled launch event for the product coincides with the unveiling of the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Disney Princess Limited Edition smartphone.

Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Disney Princess Limited Edition

The new Xiaomi high-speed hair dryer, MIJIA Disney Princess Limited Edition has a customized appearance highlighting a unique purple design. The handle of the hair dryer is decorated with a picture of the Disney Queen character. The new MIJIA customized hair dryer is understood to be the same model as the MIJIA H501 hair dryer which was launched in 2023. The H501 was originally priced at 279 yuan ($38) but is currently retailing at 249 yuan ($34). The MIJIA H501 comes with a pretty compact design and weighs 345g. The center of gravity of the device’s motor is below its handle, offering a reasonable weight distribution. The design allows the H501 to be used longer without any discomfort to the hands.

Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Disney Princess Limited Edition

The hair dryer is equipped with a high-speed brushless motor with 7 extra-long air outlets that can rapidly generate an airflow of up to 62 m/s. The motor has a speed of 110,000 rpm and its wind speed is up to 5 times that of a low-speed hair dryer. The MIJIA Disney Princess Limited Edition Hair Dryer has a constant temperature of 57ºC which combines with its high-speed drying technology to offer effective drying of the hair and protection of the scalp. The exact pricing and availability details of the new limited-edition MIJIA high-speed hair dryer are not out yet.

Here’s what the President of OnePlus China said about the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro

Today OnePlus launched the performance-focused Ace 3 Pro smartphone in China, which equips the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Li Jie, the President of OnePlus China has shared his views about the newly launched device through a Weibo post. He also noted the key parameters of the device.

A performance-oriented smartphone that starts from 3,199 Yuan (~$440)

Li Jie notes that the OnePlus Ace Pro devices are priced in the range of 3,500 Yuan – 4,500 Yuan (~$480 – ~$620), which makes them a good choice for people who seek value-for-money offerings. Someone asked in the comment section whether the new phone will cost more than 3000 Yuan and Li Jie clearly stated that the price of the phone is definitely more than 3,000 Yuan. The Ace 3 Pro has now launched and it starts from 3,199 Yuan (~$440). The first sale will begin on July 3.

As he noted, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is paired with 24GB RAM and 1TB storage. For sustainability, it packs a 9126mm² VC cooling system. The aerospace aluminum middle frame also reportedly helps dissipate the heat to the outer environment. According to the company official, the phone can play games at native 120fps, however, he didn’t mention specific titles in his post.

He also mentioned that this ColorOS14-powered device comes equipped with special features like Live Photo, Tidal Architecture, and some AI features.

The Ace 3 Pro equips a massive 6100mAh “Glacier Battery” and supports 100W fast charging.

On the front, the phone packs a 6.78″ 8T LTPO “Oriental Screen”. The panel has a 1.5K resolution and can reach a peak brightness of 4500 nits. It also supports a 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut, HDR10+. On the back of the phone packs a 50MP + 8MP + 2MP camera setup. While previously sharing image samples of the Ace 3 Pro, Li Jie revealed that the company is using the Oppo Find series’ image processing algorithm in this device.

(Source)

OPPO Reno 12 Series India Launch Confirmed Along With AI Features And Flipkart Availability

The OPPO Reno 12 series has already debuted in China and global markets. However, it is still yet to make its way to the Indian shores. Now, the brand has confirmed the Reno 12 5G and Reno 12 Pro 5G’s arrival in the country alongside revealing some key details about AI features. The microsite of the upcoming offering has also gone live on the company’s website as well as Flipkart. The latter confirms the Reno 12 series’s availability from the e-commerce platform. 

OPPO Reno 12 series India launch confirmed with AI feature 

The OPPO Reno 12 series will feature a flat frame and a rectangular camera island on the back panel. The core specifications of the smartphones have not been revealed but we can expect it to be the same as the global variants. OPPO has also not announced the launch date of the Reno 12 series yet. 

The OPPO Reno 12 series is confirmed to come with a host of AI features. The brand is teasing the Reno 12 5G and Reno 12 Pro 5G as ‘Your everyday AI companions’. In terms of photography, it will come with AI Eraser 2.0 which will allow removing unwanted elements from pictures whereas the AI Best Face will ensure that your poses don’t turn out awkward in group photos. The phones will also pack AI Studio based on GenAI that will create a stylized portrait in only one photo. 

The OPPO Reno 12 series will also come with productivity-based AI features. The AI Recording Summary is said to be co-developed with Google and Microsoft and it will be capable of summarizing recordings up to 5 hours. Meanwhile, the AI Summary will provide key highlights of long content. The AI Writer will help you write smartly. 

The OPPO Reno 12 series is confirmed to come with AI-loaded voice calling and connectivity features. The AI Clear Voice will reduce background noise by up to 40 dB. The smartphones will come with an industry-first feature called BeaconLink that will allow voice calls via Bluetooth connectivity in case there is a low cellular network or no signal at all. 

Samsung Galaxy S25 could also use MediaTek Dimensity 9400

A new rumor from South Korea suggests a major shift for Samsung‘s upcoming flagship line. The Galaxy S25, expected in January 2025, might move away from its usual strategy of using only Qualcomm Snapdragon and Samsung Exynos processors. 

Instead, the S25 could also utilize MediaTek’s Dimensity chips, specifically the Dimensity 9400, alongside the traditional options. It would be a significant change, if and only if this pans out, equipping the Galaxy S25 with three different SoCs.  

However, it’s important to note that this is purely speculative. The rumor suggests that Samsung is considering this change, but nothing has been confirmed yet. 

Galaxy S24 Ultra

The reasons behind choosing MediaTek is because of rising costs for Qualcomm’s next-generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and production issues with Samsung’s Exynos 2500.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 reportedly costs around $190-200 per unit, with the 8 Gen 4 reaching $260. This significant price increase could strain Samsung’s margins. 

Additionally, the Exynos 2500 is said to be facing production challenges, currently achieving only a 40% yield rate. Mass production typically requires a 60% yield, and while Samsung aims to improve this by August, there is still uncertainty.

Given these factors, MediaTek does seem like an attractive option for Samsung. Especially considering that Dimensity chips are known for being more affordable than their Snapdragon counterparts.

Moreover, the upcoming Dimensity 9400 is rumored to use the same 3nm N3E manufacturing process as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, possibly offering similar performance.

Another aspect to consider is negotiation leverage. By introducing MediaTek as a viable alternative, Samsung could pressure Qualcomm to offer more competitive pricing for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

Ultimately, the Galaxy S25’s processor situation remains unclear. While the inclusion of MediaTek is an intriguing possibility, it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions.

(Source)

Apple Watch Series 10 Leaked Raw Render Could Disappoint Those With Thinner Wrists

Apple’s annual Fall event is a few months away. As usual, it will see the launch of the next-generation iPhones and Apple Watch. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch with a special offering reportedly labelled Watch X on the cards. Past reports suggest that the Cupertino-based tech giant may introduce a major overhaul to the Watch Series 10 including a thinner design and larger display. Now, raw CAD-based renders give us a first glimpse at this year’s Watch Series 10. It’s worth noting that there is still no clarity between Watch Series 10 and Watch X. 

Apple Watch Series 10 leaked CAD-based renders 

As per the leaked renders, the Apple Watch Series 10 will feature a familiar design as its predecessors. It will have a square dial with a rotating crown on the top right side and a physical button below it. 

Coming to the changes, the Apple Watch Series 10 is seen with a bigger display. It will reportedly feature a 2-inch screen which is quite an upgrade from the 1.7-inch on the Watch Series 9. Additionally, the Watch Ultra 2 has a 1.93-inch display. This will make the upcoming offering the biggest screen Apple Watch so far. The increase in screen size will result in to increased dimensions of the smartwatch. Dimensions-wise, it will measure 46 x 39.7 x 11.6mm making it bigger than the Watch Series 9 but smaller than the Watch Ultra. In other words, it will sit between the two models. 

As for the confusion between the Apple Watch Series 10 and Watch X, the CAD-based renders don’t seem to reveal any significant overhaul on the former. Hence, it could be a minor refresh with the Watch X coming out as an anniversary model. Previously, it was reported that the Watch X could feature a magnetic band attachment system which is not seen in the renders. 

Source

Snapdragon X Plus outperforms Apple M2 / M3 chips in Cinebench, but is still relatively power-hungry

The new Snapdragon X Plus-powered Surface Laptop 7th Edition was compared with the M2-powered Apple MacBook Air by YouTube creator Luke Miani. He used Cinebench to measure the CPU capability of the machines and the results are somewhat shocking. However, in some areas, the M2 MacBook Air still performed better than the Surface Laptop. So let’s take a look.

Battery life and performance

Luke Miani ran Cinebench twice, 10 minutes each time, for a total of 20 minutes. The test shows that the power efficiency of Apple Silicon is still superior to Qualcomm’s new offering. When the M2 MacBook Air lost 10% of its battery during testing, the Snapdragon X Plus-powered Surface Laptop 7th Edition was already down to 65%.

Speaking of the battery capacity, there is not much of a difference between the two machines. The M2 MacBook Air is equipped with a 52Wh battery, while the Surface Laptop 7th Edition is equipped with a 54Wh battery. So the result we saw was due to the significantly higher power consumption of the Snapdragon X Plus during the testing. On the other side, the keyboard area of the Surface Laptop reached 45°C while the MacBook Air was at 36°C. You should also keep in mind that the Surface Laptop has an active cooling mechanism.

However, in Cinebench, the Surface Laptop also achieved a significantly higher score as compared to the M2 MacBook Air. It even outperformed the M3 MacBook Air in the test. Nonetheless, the Snapdragon SoC is still new and needs some work in different aspects. You can see the results below (lower is better).

While the Cinebench test highlighted the power efficiency difference between the two chips, the Surface Laptop performed relatively better in normal video streaming when it comes to battery life. With a total of 7.5 hours of video playback the MacBook Air reached 36% while the Surface Laptop was at 12%.

Xiaomi launches Mijia Cold Water Kettle with 1.6L capacity, leak-proof design & more

Xiaomi has unveiled a new addition to its Mijia line – a cold water kettle designed for convenient refreshment during the hot summer months. The kettle is currently available for purchase in China at a price of 79 yuan (approximately $11). Let’s check out its key specs.

Xiaomi Mijia Cold Water Kettle

Xiaomi Mijia Cold Water Kettle Specifications:

The Mijia Cold Water Kettle boasts a space-saving flat body design measuring only 95mm wide, allowing it to fit perfectly into the side door of your refrigerator. This thoughtful design maximizes refrigerator space and ensures the kettle stays cool for easy access to refreshing beverages.

The kettle comes with a leakproof design, achieved through a silicone sealing ring and threaded mouth, allowing you to store the kettle horizontally or even upside down without worrying about spills.

The kettle features a built-in cold brew filter compartment. This compartment allows you to cold brew tea, brew hot beverages, or even use it for low-temperature fermentation. When not using the cold brew function, the filter compartment can be conveniently removed for regular cold water use.

It comes with a 300-mesh filter screen that ensures a clear and flavorful drinking experience by filtering out tea leaves, fruits, coffee grounds, and other unwanted particles. The kettle body itself is crafted from food-grade AS material, known for its durability, resistance to breakage, and safety for storing beverages.

It can withstand temperatures ranging from -10°C to 92°C, making it suitable for a variety of drink preparations. However, users are advised not to expose the filter compartment to hot water as it may deform under heat.

The kettle also comes with a 90-degree rotating lid that allows for easy pouring without removing the entire lid, while the V-shaped spout ensures smooth and even water flow, preventing splashes. Additionally, the kettle features built-in scale units for precise water measurement, ideal for creating perfect drink ratios.

For easy cleaning and maintenance, the kettle boasts a wide opening and a comfortable ergonomic handle. The filter compartment lid also features a handle for convenient removal.

Honor Magic V3 Teased To Be Thinner Than Its Predecessor And Come With AI Features

The Honor Magic V2 still has the title of the world’s slimmest horizontal folding phone. It launched in July last year measuring just 4.7mm and 9.9mm thick when unfolded and folded respectively. Now, the brand is readying the foldable phone’s successor. Honor has shared an official teaser of the Magic V3 on the microblogging platform Weibo revealing some key details. 

Honor Magic V3 will take the foldable phone’s thickness to next level

The Honor Magic V3 is touted to be an ultra-thin and versatile folding phone. The company continues to deepen its research and innovation in the field of folding screens. Honor isn’t stopping even after the Magic V2’s achievement in the thickness aspect. The Weibo post shows the phone how slim it looks when folded along with a protruding camera island on the back panel. Surprisingly, the Magic V2 and even its upcoming successor are thinner than many slab phones in the market. 

The exact dimensions of the Honor Magic V3 remain unknown at the moment. But we can definitely expect it to be thinner than its predecessor. 

In a separate post, Honor also confirmed that the Magic V3 will come with AI features like AI eye protection and AI anti-fraud. The foldable phone is teased to be coming soon. So we can expect to learn more details about the device in the coming days. The Magic V3 is rumoured to launch next month in China.

As per leaks, the Honor Magic V3 is tipped to be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. It is speculated to be backed by a large 5,000mAh battery unit despite having a slim form factor. As per a 3C certification listing, the foldable phone will reportedly support 66W fast charging and also satellite connectivity.

OpenAI bans China-based developers, but this may spark growth in the local AI sector

OpenAI’s decision to block access for China-based developers will reshape the AI landscape in the region. Industry insiders and analysts believe this move will not hinder but rather accelerate the growth of the Chinese AI sector.

Zhou Hongyi, CEO of Qihoo 360, anticipates that the ban will drive Chinese users towards local AI models. Qihoo 360 has already developed its large language model (LLM). Despite OpenAI’s services being officially unavailable in China, developers have been using VPNs and APIs to bypass restrictions. However, the new ban is prompting a swift response from Chinese tech firms eager to capitalize on the opportunity.

In reaction to OpenAI’s ban, several Chinese companies are offering incentives to attract developers. Beijing-based Zhipu AI, for example, has launched a “special house-moving plan” to facilitate the transition to its platform. Major firms like Alibaba, Baidu, Baichuan, and 01.ai are also providing various perks, including discounts, freebies, and technical support. Baidu is offering free AI model fine-tuning and 50 million free tokens, while SenseTime Group Inc. is providing 50 million free tokens and Zhipu AI is giving away 150 million tokens along with training sessions.

source:openai.com

The ban could significantly impact the market, leading to an exit of smaller startups that emerged during the “battle of a hundred models.” There are concerns about whether other open-source models, like Meta’s Llama, will also cut off access to Chinese developers.

OpenAI’s move will likely benefit local LLMs by reducing competition, but Chinese developers might face challenges accessing advanced global algorithms. This aligns with the US government’s efforts to limit Chinese access to advanced AI and semiconductor technology, impacting the broader US-China tech competition.

In the long term, the lack of access to global tools may slow down Chinese AI progress. Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai estimates it will take two years for Chinese AI models to match their US counterparts. This situation might also accelerate the migration of Chinese tech startups overseas to find more stable markets.

Microsoft, however, is maintaining access to OpenAI models for eligible Hong Kong customers through its Azure cloud platform, with no changes to Azure OpenAI service offerings in Hong Kong. This continues to provide some developers in the region with the tools they need.

Overall, OpenAI’s ban is not a setback but a catalyst for growth and transformation in the Chinese AI sector. With over 200 home-grown LLMs, including 117 approved for public release, China is poised to strengthen its position in the global AI industry.

Related:

Redmi K70 Ultra teased in China ahead of launch with a water & dust resistant design

Amid various rumors and reports, The Redmi K70 Ultra has officially been teased by a senior executive of Xiaomi. The upcoming device is highly anticipated in China. But ahead of its release, the device will arrive with a water and dust resistance body. So here are all the details.

Redmi K70 Ultra comes with an IP68 rating

Redmi K70 Ultra

The Chinese tech giant’s Wang Teng (General Manager of Redmi) shared a poster image, which confirmed support for the IP68 rating. This means that the Redmi K70 Ultra is water resistant in fresh water to a maximum depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. It is also protected from dust so the user does not need to worry about an extra case.

The senior official also added that this makes it perfect for users who love to travel during the summer. To recall, the Redmi K70 Ultra was spotted on the IMEI database earlier this month with the 2407FRK8EC model number. Just recently, a Weibo tipster confirmed some of the key specs and features of this new device. The smartphone will reportedly pack a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ SoC. Since the Redmi K70 Pro launched last November with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, it seems like Redmi is moving away from Qualcomm for its flagship model.

REDMI-K60-Ultra-Review
Redmi K60 Ultra

The high-end Dimensity chip is paired with up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. A large 5,500mAh battery pack is expected to power this device, which may offer a 120W wired fast charging. The front sports an 8T OLED display that offers 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. This screen is surrounded by a metal middle frame, while the back has a glass panel. For optics, you get a 50MP + 8MP + 2MP triple camera setup on the back. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stick around for more updates.

Realme 12 4G launches with OLED display, Snapdragon 685 processor

Following a two-year hiatus, Realme’s number has re-entered the Pakistani smartphone market with two new devices – the Realme 12+ and the Realme 12 4G. 

While the 12+ mirrors the global model with its Dimensity 7050 and 5G capabilities, the 12 4G is the Realme 12 line. Let’s walk through its specifications and price here.

Realme 12 4G Specs Price

Realme 12 4G Specifications

The Realme 12 4G features a 6.67-inch OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080 x 2400px resolution. The display can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, is protected by an unnamed strengthened glass, and has an under-display fingerprint sensor. The front also has a punch-hole cutout for a 16MP camera. 

On the back, the phone has a 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor with f/1.9 aperture and OIS support. Accompanying the main camera is a 2MP depth sensor. 

Powering the device is the Snapdragon 685, a 6nm processor with four high-performance cores clocked up to 2.8 GHz (Kryo 265 Gold – based on Cortex-A73) and four power-efficient cores running at up to 1.9 GHz (Kryo 265 Silver – based on Cortex-A53). Memory options include 8GB of RAM and 128/256GB of storage.

Realme is also offering a dedicated microSD slot for storage expansion alongside dual SIM card slots, a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio, and dual speakers for stereo sound. The phone also has an IP54 dust and water resistance rating.

The battery capacity is 5,000mAh which supports faster 67W charging. Realme claims the phone can reach 50% charge in just 19 minutes and achieve a full charge in 47 minutes. The phone comes bundled with an even faster 80W charger.

Pricing and Availability

The Realme 12 4G comes in two storage options: 8GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB.  The pricing starts at PKR 60,000 (approximately USD 215, EUR 200, or INR 18,000).  It will be available for purchase through Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok platforms alongside Realme 12+.

Exynos 1380 vs Snapdragon 778G 5G: Which Delivers Superior Performance?

Exynos 1380 vs Snapdragon 778G 5G

Samsung announced the Exynos 1380 mobile chipset in February 2023, whereas the Snapdragon 778G 5G chip was announced in May 2021. Despite being a three-year-old chip, Snapdragon 778G 5G is still popular among mid-range phones.

The Exynos 1380 is another powerful mid-range chip built using Samsung’s 5nm process node. Both chipsets look strong on the spec sheet and target the same user segment, making it a little more work to pick the right one.

In this post, we’ll compare the Exynos 1380 and Snapdragon 778G 5G mobile chipsets and find out how they stack up against each other.

Here’s the spec sheet for a quick overview:

Exynos 1380SD 778G 5G
Release DateFeb 2023May 2021
Process Node5 nm Samsung6 nm TSMC
CPU4 x Cortex-A78 @ 2.4 GHz
4 x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz
1 x Kryo 670 Prime (Cortex-A78) @ 2.4 GHz
3 x Kryo 670 Gold (Cortex-A78) @ 2.4 GHz
4 x Kryo 670 Silver (Cortex-A55) @ 1.8 GHz
GPUMali-G68 MP5Areno 642
NPUYes, 4.9 TOPSHexagon 770, 12 TOPS
MemoryUp to 8GB LPDDR5 RAM
3200 MHz (frequency)
Up to 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
3200 MHz (frequency)
StorageUFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Camera200MP single camera
64MP (ZSL) single camera
16+16+16 MP triple cameras
200MP single camera
64MP (ZSL) single camera
36+22 MP (ZSL) dual cameras
22+22+22 MP (ZSL) triple cameras
Video Recording4K @ 30 fps4K @ 30 fps
720p slow-mo @ 240 fps
DisplayFHD+ @ 144HzFHD+ @ 144Hz
Connectivity5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.35G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2

Benchmarks

[Geekbench 6]

Exynos 1380

  • Single core: 979
  • Multi core: 2771

Snapdragon 778G 5G

  • Single core: 939
  • Multi core: 2811
Exynos 1380 vs Snapdragon 778G 5G - Geekbench

[AnTuTu V10]

Exynos 1380

  • CPU: 184416
  • GPU: 130783
  • Memory: 116200
  • UX: 151230
  • Total score: 582629

Snapdragon 778G 5G:

  • CPU: 194499
  • GPU: 136185
  • Memory: 118841
  • UX: 138451
  • Total score: 587976
Exynos 1380 vs Snapdragon 778G 5G - AnTuTu

CPU Performance

Both Exynos 1380 and Snapdragon 778G 5G are octa-core chips, although they have different core clusters. The Exynos chip has four Cortex-A78 performance cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and four Cortex-A55 power-efficient cores with 2.0 GHz clock speed.

The Snapdragon chip has one Kryo 670 Prime (Cortex-A78) core running at 2.4 GHz, three Kryo 670 Gold (Cortex-A78) at the same clock speed, and four Kryo 670 Silver (Cortex-A55) running at 1.8 GHz.

On the Geekbench platform, which measures CPU performance, both chips have obtained similar scores in single-core and multi-core tests. However, the CPU test on AnTuTu tests favours Snapdragon 778G 5G over Exynos 1380 by a small margin.    

GPU & NPU Performance

The Exynos 1380 chipset has Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, while the Snapdragon 778G 5G chip has Adreno 642 to handle graphics tasks. Both are capable GPUs for lightweight to medium gaming needs. However, the Adreno 642 (in Snapdragon 778G 5G) has a slight edge over the Mali-G68 MP5 (in Exynos 1380) on GPU benchmarks, such as 3D Mark WildLife Extreme.

The Snapdragon 778G 5G also has an AI advantage as the Hexagon 770 inside the chip can perform 12 trillion operations per second (TOPS), while the NPU in Exynos 1380 has 4.9 TOPS capacity.

Camera Capabilities

Both Exynos and Snapdragon chips have a triple image signal processor (ISP). It’s the Spectra 570L on the Snapdragon chip, but Samsung hasn’t revealed the name of the ISP.

Both chips support up to 200-megapixel single camera and up to 64-megapixel single camera with zero shutter lag. The Snapdragon chip also supports zero shutter lag for 36-megapixel + 22-megapixel dual cameras and 22-megapixel + 22-megapixel + 22-megapixel triple cameras.

The chipsets support up to 4K video recording at 30 frames per second (fps). The Snapdragon chip also supports 720p slow-mo videos at 240 fps.

Connectivity Features

Both Exynos 1380 and Snapdragon 778G 5G chips have all the necessary connectivity features like 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth (5.3 on Exynos, 5.2 on Snapdragon) and satellite systems (GLONASS, Beidou, GPS, QZSS, Galileo). 

The Exynos chip has an integrated 5G modem, offering up to 3.79 Gbps of download speed and up to 1.28 Gbps of upload speed. The Qualcomm 778G 5G, on the other hand, has a Snapdragon X53 5G modem with 3.7 Gbps maximum download speed and 1.6 Gbps maximum upload speed.

Miscellaneous

Both Snapdragon 778G 5G and Exynos 1380 support Full HD+ resolution display with up to 144Hz refresh rate. They don’t differ in terms of display capabilities.

Both chips also support UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR5 RAM, although the Snapdragon chip supports higher RAM of 16GB RAM (vs. 8GB on Exynos 1380).

Exynos 1380 vs Snapdragon 778G 5G: Which is Better?

Snapdragon 778G 5G and Exynos 1380 are good mid-range chipsets. Both have similar CPU performance. However, the Snapdragon chip has a slight GPU advantage, resulting in better gaming performance. It also has a better NPU with higher TOPS than Exynos 1380.

Exynos 1380’s advantages include a newer Bluetooth standard and an advanced fabrication process that results in better power efficiency.

Choosing one of these two chipsets really comes down to your needs. But If I had to pick one, I’d go with the Snapdragon 778G 5G.

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