The Xiaomi 14 Civi was just unveiled in India as the brand’s new affordable flagship phone. Now, it has finally gone on sale in the region. This model arrives with some impressive specs and features, so here’s everything you need to know about its pricing, launch offers, and more.
Xiaomi 14 Civi: Pricing, Colors, & Offers
The Chinese tech giant released the Xiaomi 14 Civi in three color options, namely Cruise Blue, Matcha Green (vegan leather), and Shadow Black. It has a starting price tag of 42,999 INR for the 8GB + 256GB option, while the 12GB + 512GB variant costs 47,999 INR. As a part of its launch offer, the company is giving a discount of 3,000 INR to ICICI Bank credit card holders along with an exchange bonus of 3,000 INR. Buyers also get access to three months of YouTube Premium and 100GB of Google One for six months for free.
The first sale of the Xiaomi 14 Civi has officially kicked off in India as of right now. You can buy this device from Flipkart, Xiaomi India, Mi Home Stores, and authorized retail partners. Talking about its specs, the 14 Civi sports a 6.55-inch AMOLED display that offers a 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut, and 3000 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, while a 4,700mAh battery pack powers this device.
The rear features a 50-megapixel triple camera setup, while the front houses a 50-megapixel dual camera for selfies and video calls. The device in runs on the Android 14 OS based HyperOS custom skin out of the box. For audio, there is a stereo speaker setup. Other notable features include dual-band Wi-Fi 6, 5G connectivity, Bluetooth 5.4, AAC/LDAC/LHDC support, NFC, and an infrared sensor.
Realme has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Realme GT 6, in the global markets. The phone boasts a number of impressive features, including a top-of-the-line display, a powerful processor, and incredibly fast charging.
Realme GT 6 Specifications:
The Realme GT 6 features a stunning 6.78-inch 1.5K (2780 x 1264 pixels) 120Hz 8T LTPO AMOLED display. This display not only offers a smooth and responsive user experience but also gets incredibly bright, with a peak brightness of up to 6000 nits.
Additionally, the display boasts a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut for vibrant colors, 3+1 Pluse low-frequency flicker DC dimming and 2160Hz high-frequency PWM dimming and Al Eye Protection for reduced eye strain, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection for added durability.
Under the hood, the Realme GT 6 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor along with Adreno 735 GPU. The phone comes in three RAM and storage configurations: 8GB RAM with 256GB storage, 12GB RAM with 256GB storage, and a top-end 16GB RAM with a whopping 512GB of storage.
The phone has a large 10,014mm2 3D VC for efficient cooling, along with an Iceberg Vapor Cooling System and GT Mode 5.0. The phone achieves an AnTuTu score of over 1,650,000 and is the first in the 8s series to support 120FPS in PUBG and COD games.
The Realme GT 6 packs a triple-camera system on the back, consisting of a 50MP Sony LYT-808 sensor with OIS, an 8MP IMX355 112° ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP Samsung JN5 telephoto camera. The front-facing camera for selfies and video calls is a 32MP Sony IMX615 sensor. The phone can record videos in up to 4K resolution at 60 fps.
Realme comes with NextAI and it offers various AI features. It comes with an AI Smart Loop, which recognizes what you copy on your screen and suggests relevant apps for sharing. Additionally, it includes AI Smart Removal to help clean up unwanted objects in your photos, and AI Night Vision mode to enhance low-light photography and videography.
Realme hasn’t skimped on the battery either. The GT 6 is equipped with a 5500mAh battery that supports 120W SuperVOOC fast charging. The company claims that this can charge the phone up to 50% in just 10 minutes. Realme also promises that the battery can maintain over 80% health even after 1600 charging cycles, which translates to roughly four years of use.
The Realme GT 6 runs Android 14 with Realme UI 5 on top. The company is promising 3 major Android updates and 4 years of security updates for the phone.
The Realme GT 6 comes in two color options: Fluid Silver and Razor Green. The phone features IP65 water resistance and has a glass back with a Nano Mirror Design for a shiny metal mirror texture and uses a Misty AG Process for the lens.
Pricing and Availability
In India, the pricing for the Realme GT 6 starts at Rs. 40,999 for the 8GB + 256GB model, Rs. 42,999 for the 12GB + 256GB model, and Rs. 44,999 for the top-end 16GB + 512GB model.
The phone will be available for pre-order starting today, June 20th, at 2:30 PM IST, with sales starting from June 25th through Flipkart, realme.com, and offline stores.
In Europe, the 12/256GB model is priced at €600 while the 16/512GB version is priced at €800.
Launch Offers in India
The Realme GT 6 launch comes with some attractive offers to sweeten the deal. Here’s a breakdown: ICICI, HDFC, and SBI banks are offering a flat discount of Rs. 4,000 on the purchase price. You can further reduce the cost by trading in your old phone and availing an additional discount of Rs. 1,000. This reduces the cost of the 16GB+512GB variant of the GT 6 to Rs. 39,999.
The phone is also available on No Cost EMI for up to 12 months. To entice online buyers, realme is offering 24-hour faster shipment and 6 months of free screen damage protection on purchases through their website and Flipkart.
Vivo has just unveiled a brand-new smartphone model in India. The company’s latest model is the Vivo Y58 5G, which is its latest mid-range handset. It arrives with a premium watch design and some capable specs. So here are all the details.
Vivo Y58: Specs
The Vivo Y58 sports a tall 6.72-inch LCD panel that offers Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 1,024 nits of peak brightness, and global DC dimming. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, which is paired with Adreno 613 GPU. You get 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The device supports virtual RAM expansion of up to 8GB and a microSD card slot to upgrade your storage. Talking about its dimensions, the Vivo Y58 weighs 199 grams and measures 8mm in thickness. It has a large circular camera module at the back, which makes it resemble a high-end watch.
Vivo Y58
The smartphone runs on the Android 14 OS based FunTouchOS 14 custom skin out of the box. A massive 6,000mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 44W wired fast charging. For optics, you get a 50-megapixel AI primary camera and a 2-megapixel bokeh sensor along with an LED flash on the rear. Meanwhile, the front houses an 8-megapixel selfie shooter. Other notable features include an IP64 rating for water and dust resistance, side mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers, a 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth 5.0, and Dual SIM support.
Pricing and Availability
The Chinese brand announced the new mid-range smartphone in two color options, namely Sundarbans Green and Himalayan Blue. The device only has a single 8GB + 128GB variant, carrying a 19,499 INR price tag. You can purchase the Vivo Y58 through the brand’s official Vivo eStore. Its pricing is in line with our previous report.
Google has released the third beta version of Android 15, its upcoming mobile operating system. The update carrying the build number AP31.240517.022 is a major milestone as Android 15 has now reached its “Platform Stability” stage.
In simpler terms, Platform Stability means the core functionalities and how apps interact with the system are now finalized so that developers can now perform final compatibility testing for their apps before the official release later this year.
Beyond developer-focused changes, Beta 3 introduces a few minor user-facing tweaks. One is the integration of Credential Manager for autofill, which streamlines logging into apps and websites by leveraging saved passwords.
Users can also enjoy single-tap sign-up and sign-in using biometric authentication methods like fingerprints or facial recognition. Additionally, the update deprecates WebSQL in Android WebView.
Beta 3 also addresses various bug fixes reported in previous versions. Issues such as malfunctioning Bluetooth LE scans, connection crashes in the Android Emulator, and glitches with the system share sheet have been resolved. Below are all the fixes Google rolled out with Android 15 Beta 3:
- Fixed an issue where disabling polling using the setDiscoveryTechnology method didn't disable polling. (Issue #341196917)
- Fixed an issue that prevented the system sharesheet from loading in some cases. (Issue #340936670)
- Fixed an issue that caused the system Settings app to crash when accessing screen saver options. (Issue #340917853)
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the screen unlock icon to be displayed when notifications were on screen. (Issue #340923963)
- Fixed an issue that prevented mobile network security settings from being changed. (Issue #335438231)
- Fixed an issue with the Android Emulator that caused Simpleperf to crash when running a CPU profile.
Resolved an issue where Bluetooth LE scans could persist in the system after an app crash.
- Fixed a bug in Bluetooth LE legacy advertising, where AdvertisingSet.setScanResponseData did not return ADVERTISE_FAILED_DATA_TOO_LARGE when scan response data exceeded the 31-byte limit.
- Fixed a bug that caused LE connection failures on the GATT server by passing the address type from BluetoothGattServer.connect to native.
Android 15 Beta 3 is available for several Pixel devices from the Pixel 6a to the newest Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. Users enrolled in the Android Beta Program will automatically receive the update over-the-air (OTA).
Note that Android 15 is still under development, so you might encounter compatibility problems with apps or other issues within the OS. Google recommends users report any issues encountered through the Android Beta Feedback app or the Android Beta community forum. While an official release date for Android 15 hasn’t been announced, it is expected to be available sometime in 2024.
Sony unveiled the ULT Wear wireless headphones globally back in April 2024, followed by its Indian release in May. Since its initial announcement, I have been excited to check them out as I already own the WH-1000XM4 and have used the WH-1000XM5 as well.
Officially, the ULT Wear sits right below the flagship 1000XM lineup but these are built for a completely different audience. I’ve had the headphones for a couple of weeks now and let’s just say it had started to convert me into a basshead. But for a Rs 16,990 price tag, is it really worth it?
Sony’s new ULT Wear features a design that is quite similar to the XM4s. Right off the bat, this was good news for me since they felt right at home around my ears. But it’s not just the shape but also its form factor that is familiar. These retain the ability to fold (this was skipped on the XM5) which makes them more compact and you can keep them safe in the hardshell case. This is pretty handy when you’re traveling. The model I reviewed was the off-white version.
But to keep the price tag lower than their flagship lineup, some trade-offs were made. It feels less premium than the 1000XM series. You lose out on the premium soft touch finish for a more rigid plastic finish. The buttons also add to this hollow plastic feel.
The difference was surprising since these looked so similar to the XM4s. But these are mid-range headphones, so the ULT Wear gets a pass. You get a dedicated button for ANC/Transparent mode, a ULT button for the new bass boost mode, and the power buttons. For ports, you get a USB Type-C for charging and a 3.5mm audio jack. There’s a Type-C cable and an AUX cable in the box as well.
2. New sound that packs a punch!
Recent Sony audio products (like the high-end XM5) have moved to a more natural sounding balanced audio profile. But the ULT Wear clearly leans towards the bass. The 40mm neodymium drivers offer impressive lows and deep bass even in the default mode.
However, there were times when instruments got drowned in the song as the bass line was always more pronounced. Meanwhile, the vocals were clear and songs were usually brighter when I hit ‘ULT’ mode. As I mentioned above, there is a dedicated ULT button and it plays a major role here.
The ULT Wear can be used in default mode, ULT 1, and ULT 2. The first option is the closest you can get to a balanced option without tweaking the equalizer, while the other two are made to get the party started. ULT 1 makes the bass punchier and adds more punch to a song.
If you’re into hip-hop and electronic genres, these will liven up the listening experience of your favorite tracks. Things get out of hand when you get to ULT 2. You have left behind all restrictions and just put the bass into full throttle. It is so powerful that it reminds me of cars with modded sound systems that can get obnoxiously bass heavy.
3. How’s the call quality, ANC, & battery life?
Sony ULT Wear is a good pair of headphones for making calls. It has good noise canceling from its microphones, but it did struggle a bit when removing some background noise in loud environments like a busy street. On the other hand, ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) is where these headphones shine.
The ULT Wear packs Sony’s integrated V1 chip for noise cancellation and the brand’s expertise can be seen here. It is easily one of the better ANC headphones in the market right now, comparable even to the flagship 1000XM5. These also come with Wind Noise Reduction tech that covers the mic with a mesh that lowers wind and background noise.
It houses a sensor that detects when you take off these headphones and pauses media and even supports gesture touch controls from the right cup. Sony promises up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on and 50 hours with ANC off. The claims are accurate since I did get over the 24 hour mark with ANC enabled throughout. The quick charge is another boon with just a few minutes offering juice for a couple of hours.
4. Who’s it for? Is it worth it?
For about Rs 17,000 (AMAZON), Sony ULT Wear isn’t exactly affordable. So who are these made for and is it worth its price? To put it simply, these were designed to meet the needs of a certain group of people. These are made for the bass heads. Personally, I have always preferred a more balanced sound profile.
But the fun I had by turning up the bass in some of my favorite hip-hop and electronic tracks made the entire experience very enjoyable. Audiophiles and audio engineers would likely steer clear from the ULT Wear. In a market like India, where bass becomes the main selling point, the ULT is easily recommendable. Many people love that extra bass and this hits just right.
The rumor mill for the OnePlus Watch 3 continues as the device has been spotted on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) certification database in China. This follows previous certifications obtained by the smartwatch, hinting at an imminent launch.
The MIIT listing reveals the smartwatch’s model number as OPWW234, which matches the model numbers seen on certifications from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and TUV Rheinland. Following the naming convention of its predecessor, the OnePlus Watch 2 (model number OPWWE231), it strongly suggests that the upcoming device is indeed the OnePlus Watch 3.
The OnePlus Watch 3 appears to retain the round watch face design with two physical buttons on the right side for user interaction. Design-wise, the wearable looks similar to the OnePlus Watch 2, suggesting an iterative update rather than a significant overhaul.
The technical specifications of the smartwatch are still under wraps, but here’s what has been revealed so far: the OnePlus Watch 3 will have a 500mAh battery and support 10W fast charging. Connectivity-wise, the CMIIT certification hints at eSIM support, allowing for cellular connectivity on the go.
Previous rumor surrounding the OnePlus Watch 3 suggests that the watch will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear W5 SoC or possibly the unreleased Snapdragon W5 Gen 2.
Regarding the launch, a report from last month hinted that the OnePlus Watch 3 would debut alongside the OnePlus Pad 2 and other OPPO devices like the Pad 3 and Enco X3 TWS earbuds in May. However, their launch has reportedly been delayed.
With the launch seemingly postponed, we continue to wait for official information on the OnePlus Watch 3. But with the MIIT certification in hand, it seems the device’s unveiling might not be far off.
In today’s tech news roundup, we talk about the Oppo Watch X and its debut in Europe with a stunning Sapphire Crystal Glass AMOLED display, WearOS 4, and the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, setting a new standard for smartwatches.
However, the upcoming OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite might disappoint with its older Snapdragon 695 processor. Further, exciting advancements in electric vehicle charging by BYD and CATL promise 10-minute recharges, while Finnish startup Flow claims a revolutionary 100x CPU performance boost with its Parallel Processing Unit.
The OPPO Watch X features a Sapphire Crystal Glass AMOLED display, WearOS 4, and Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip. With a sleek circular design, dual operating systems for enhanced performance, and a host of health and fitness features including heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, this smartwatch is an impressive addition to the wearables market.
The upcoming phone is expected to feature the older Snapdragon 695 processor, possibly a cost-cutting measure to keep the phone affordable. Despite this, the phone will still pack impressive features like a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, a larger 5,500 mAh battery, and upgraded 80W fast charging.
Battery giants BYD and CATL are on the brink of revolutionizing electric vehicle charging with ultra-fast-charging lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, potentially allowing for full recharges in just 10 minutes. Upcoming advancements aim to eliminate lengthy stops during road trips, emphasizing the need for upgraded charging infrastructure to support these lightning-fast speeds in the near future.
Finnish startup Flow claims to boost any processor’s performance by 100X
Finnish startup, Flow, introduces a groundbreaking chip technology, Parallel Processing Unit (PPU), claiming to boost CPU performance by up to 100x without extra power or heat. This innovative approach transforms CPUs to handle tasks in parallel, akin to converting a single-lane road into a multi-lane highway for faster processing speeds.
Earlier this month, we found out that Xiaomi is working on a new tablet called the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 4G. We recently also shared a live image of the tablet. Now, the Redmi Pad 8.7 SE 4G tablet, with model number 24076RP19I, has cleared the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification, confirming its imminent release.
The Redmi Pad 8.7 SE 4G also appeared in the IMEI database under the same model number. Though the BIS certification does not provide detailed specifications, other certifications offer some insights.
According to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) certification, the tablet will run on Xiaomi’s Hyper OS 1.0. It will support dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 4G LTE, and include an FM receiver. The device was also listed in Singapore’s IMDA (Info-communications Media Development Authority) database, indicating a global launch is near.
The tablet’s name suggests it will feature an 8.7-inch screen. For clarity, the Redmi Pad SE which debuted in September 2023 in China and April 2024 in India features an 11-inch display. With that in mind, it looks like this model could be a more affordable version of the Redmi Pad SE.
Further specifications and the official release date of the Redmi Pad 8.7 SE 4G are yet to be announced. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. Till then, take a look at the specifications of the Redmi Pad SE to get an idea of what to expect.
Redmi Pad SE specs:
The Redmi Pad SE has an 11-inch 8-bit LCD screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, a 90Hz refresh rate, a 180Hz touch sampling rate, and 400 nits peak brightness.
It uses a Snapdragon 680 processor and offers three RAM options: 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, along with 128GB of eMMC 5.1 storage. There is also a microSD card slot for expanding memory up to 1TB.
The tablet features an 8,000mAh battery, providing over 28 hours of video playback, and supports 10W charging via a USB Type-C port. It includes a 3.5mm audio jack and has a quad-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos tuning and Hi-Res audio support.
Running on Android 13-based MIUI for Pad, the device has AI face unlock. It comes with an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. For connectivity, it offers dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0. The tablet weighs 478 grams and measures 255.53 × 167.08 × 7.36 mm.
Following its recent launch in the Indian market, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra has entered the competitive premium smartphone segment. We’ve already compared it to close rivals like the Xiaomi 14 Civi and iQOO 12.
Today, we will take a closer look at how the Edge 50 Ultra stacks up against another strong competitor, the OnePlus 12. This comparison will lay out the key specifications of both phones to help you decide which one might be the better choice for you.
Both phones boast the top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. The OnePlus 12 opts for the current-best Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivering the best performance for demanding tasks and gaming you can expect from an flagship Android phone.
The Edge 50 Ultra, on the other hand, uses a slightly modified Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. The key difference is that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the OnePlus 12 has a 3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 core, while the Edge 50 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has a 3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 core. This means that, theoretically, the OnePlus 12 should have better performance on paper, though real-world use is unlikely to show a significant difference.
Both phones offer plenty of RAM options. The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra maxes out at 16GB, while the OnePlus 12 offers up to 24GB. Storage options are identical, with both phones offering up to 1TB.
2. Display
The OnePlus 12 features a 6.82-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Edge 50 Ultra, on the other hand, offers a slightly smaller 6.7-inch P-OLED display with a higher 144Hz refresh rate. Both displays are protected by scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus, with the OnePlus 12 using the latest Victus 2 version.
The difference in display size is likely negligible for most users, but the higher refresh rate on the Edge 50 Ultra could be attractive to gamers seeking an extra edge in fast-paced titles. However, the OnePlus 12 has the brightest display on paper, with a peak brightness of 4500 nits compared to the Edge 50 Ultra’s 2500 nits. Despite the difference, both displays should be sufficiently visible in outdoor scenarios.
3. Design
As for the design, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra boasts a unique feature with its back panel material options. You can choose between a wooden back or a silicone polymer back with a leather-like texture. This offers users a choice compared to the standard glass back on the OnePlus 12.
Additionally, the Edge 50 Ultra has an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, offering superior protection against the elements compared to the OnePlus 12’s IP65 rating.
4. Camera
Camera specifications are often a deciding factor for smartphone purchases. The OnePlus 12 features a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. On the other hand, the Edge 50 Ultra also offers a triple-lens configuration with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
Both smartphones feature optical image stabilization for their main and telephoto lenses. The OnePlus 12 has an additional edge with Hasselblad color calibration for possibly more natural-looking photos.
However, we recommend you go through detailed camera comparisons by reviewers to determine which phone offers sharper, more natural images and performs better in low-light conditions.
Switching to the selfie camera, the Motorola Edge 50 Ultra boasts a higher resolution sensor at 50MP compared to the OnePlus 12’s 32MP offering.
5. Battery and Charging
The OnePlus 12 comes out ahead in terms of battery capacity with a 5400mAh unit compared to the 4500mAh battery in the Edge 50 Ultra.
However, the Edge 50 Ultra offers faster wired charging at 125W compared to the OnePlus 12’s 100W (80W in the US variant). Both phones also support wireless charging, where the Edge 50 Ultra maintains a slight advantage with 50W compared to the OnePlus 12’s 40W.
6. Software
Both phones ship with Android 14, the latest operating system version available. However, the user experience can vary based on the custom user interface (UI) each manufacturer uses. Motorola is known for its near-stock Android experience, which includes minimal pre-installed apps. In contrast, OnePlus’ OxygenOS interface offers additional features and customization options alongside the core Android experience.
7. Price
Pricing is a major factor when you decide to buy a smartphone. The OnePlus 12 is a premium offering with a starting price of Rs 64,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB configuration and goes up to Rs 69,999 for the 16GB RAM and 512GB setup. The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra is available in a single configuration with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, priced at Rs 59,999 in India.
8. Conclusion
The Motorola Edge 50 Ultra and the OnePlus 12 are formidable competitors in the flagship smartphone market. Choosing between them largely depends on individual preferences. Gamers might prefer the Edge 50 Ultra for its faster refresh rate display, while those who prefer a larger battery and higher resolution display might lean towards the OnePlus 12.
The Edge 50 Ultra offers a unique design aesthetic and faster-wired charging. However, the ultimate decision could hinge on a deeper dive into software features, real-world camera performance, and pricing comparisons. These factors will play crucial roles in determining the superior choice in this battle of flagships.
It was recently revealed that Motorola plans to launch some new smartphones in the global market including the Moto G85. The device recently emerged on the TENAA certification database revealing a majority of its specifications. Now, tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore has shared the remaining specifications along with renders of the smartphone.
Moto G85 specs:
As per Sudhasnhu, the Moto G85 features a 6.67-inch 3D Curved OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a pixel density of 395ppi. It is powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor.
The phone’s camera system includes a 50 MP main sensor (Sony IMX882) with an f/1.79 aperture, Pixel Quad 1.6μm, PDAF, and OIS; an 8 MP ultrawide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, 118.6° field of view, 1/4.0″ sensor size, 1.12µm pixel size, and autofocus; and a 32 MP selfie camera with an f/2.45 aperture and 0.7µm pixel size. It supports 1080p video recording at 60 fps.
The device is equipped with a 5000mAh battery that supports 30W charging with QC 3+ and PD 3.0 standards. It will come with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage and runs on Android 14. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GPS (A-GPS), GLONASS, and USB 2.0. The audio system features two microphones, Dolby Audio stereo speakers with an intelligent PA system, and Dolby Atmos support.
The phone also includes a range of sensors: proximity, ambient light, accelerometer, gyroscope, and electronic compass. Its dimensions are 161.91 x 73.06 x 7.59 mm, and it weighs 171 grams.
Oppo has recently launched the Oppo Watch X in Europe, following its initial debut in China back in March 2024. The smartwatch is quite similar to the OnePlus Watch 2 in terms of specifications.
Oppo Watch X Specs
The Oppo Watch X has a circular design with a polished stainless steel case. It features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display protected by Sapphire Crystal Glass, with a 466×466 pixel resolution and 1000-nit peak brightness. The display supports Always-on technology.
The watch includes two physical controls: a rotating dial and a button on the right side. It is MIL-STD 810H certified for durability and has IP68 water resistance up to 50 meters.
The Oppo Watch X runs on a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. It uses two operating systems: WearOS 4 and RTOS. Color OS runs on the W5 Gen 1 chip, while RTOS, using a BES2700 chip with 4GB of eMMC storage, handles background tasks and light activities like calls and notifications.
The dual operating systems provide a battery life of up to 100 hours, with a full charge taking about 60 minutes. That said, the watch also has VOOC Flash Charging that provides a day’s worth of battery on a 10-minute charge.
Health features include an 8-channel heart rate sensor and a 16-channel blood oxygen sensor for continuous heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, and stress tracking. It also offers sleep analysis, including a Sleep Snoring Risk Assessment.
The watch supports over 100 sports modes with automatic recognition for activities such as running, walking, cycling, and swimming. It includes dual-band GPS (L1 + L5) with a 5-satellite positioning system (Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and QZSS) for accurate navigation.
Pricing & availability
The Oppo Watch X is now available in the UK at a discounted price of £279, with a future retail price of £299. In EU countries, the smartwatch will be sold for €329.
Chinese smartphone manufacturer OnePlus has confirmed that on June 24, it will be launching the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G smartphone in India. This highly anticipated successor of the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G has created a lot of excitement as the brand has confirmed that it will feature a 50MP Sony LYT-600 main camera, which will be a major improvement over its current camera hardware.
That said, not everything is fine and dandy as tipster Paras Guglani has revealed some disappointing news. As per a spec sheet shared by the Paras on X (formerly Twitter), the Nord CE 4 Lite 5G will be launching with the Snapdragon 695 processor. For those unaware, the Snapdragon 695 is a 6-nanometer-based processor launched back in October 2021. This processor has been a workhorse for the past few years, appearing on many budget-midrange 5G smartphones, including the Nord CE 3 Lite 5G.
Although disappointing, the news isn’t a shocker as we know that the Nord CE 4 Lite 5G will be a rebrand of the Oppo K12x, which also uses this processor. The brand’s decision to opt for this old processor rather than going for something like a Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 might be a cost-cutting measure to still be around the affordable sub-₹20,000 range, even with upgrades like the new Sony LYT-600 primary camera, and a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2100 nits. Not to mention that the brand plans to replace the side-mounted fingerprint sensor with an in-display sensor.
OnePlus has also confirmed a battery increase from 5,000 mAh to 5,500 mAh. We can expect the fast charging to also be upgraded to 80W from 67W since the Oppo K12x has 80W fast charging. All of these specs combined make the upcoming Nord CE 4 Lite 5G an impressive device, even with the old processor. That said, it remains to be seen how Sony’s new LYT-600 sensor behaves when combined with the aging Snapdragon 695.
Now that the 618 (June 18) shopping festival is almost over in China, phone manufacturers are expected to unveil new smartphones in the home market. Reports have claimed that OnePlus may announce the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro in July in China. So far, reports have revealed almost everything about the device. However, a new leak, courtesy of tipster Experience More, has revealed the device’s configurations.
OnePlus Ace 3 Pro configurations (rumored)
According to the tipster, the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro will be available in options, such as 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, and 24 GB RAM + 1 TB storage. The leak also states there will be a Collector’s Edition, which will be available in a ceramic white shade. This special edition will come in two options, such as 16GB+512GB and 24GB+1TB.
The regular OnePlus Ace 3 Pro is expected to come in green and black options. The green model is expect4ed to feature a vegan leather finish, whereas the black edition may come equipped with a matte glass on the back.
In terms of pricing, the base model of the Ace 3 Pro could be priced at 2,999 Yuan (~$415), whereas the topmost model’s price may exceed 4,000 Yuan (~$550) mark.
OnePlus Ace 3 Pro specifications (rumored)
As per other reports, the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro will have a 6.78-inch curved-edge OLED panel that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device will have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, LPDDR5x RAM, UFS 4.0 storage, and a 6,100mAh battery with 100W fast charging. It will be equipped with a 16-megapixel camera on the front and a 50-megapixel (Sony LYT-800) + 8-megapixel + 2-megapixel triple camera unit on the back.
OnePlus has been pushing out major software updates for many of its smartphones introducing new animations, new touch controls and other improvements. The OnePlus 10R is yet to receive this update, however, the brand has released OxygenOS 14.0.0.620 for the device, which comes with multiple welcome changes.
You can now choose not to show the track when drawing the Lock screen pattern to unlock your device.
You can now adjust the size of a floating window by dragging its bottom and swiping up to close a mini window.
Integrates the June 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.
Improves system stability.
It is worth noting that this update is currently rolling out to Indian users only. And as usual, it will be made available in batches, meaning that some users might receive it early, while others might have to wait for a few more days. To manually check for an update, go to the settings page, choose “About device,” and click on the blue ribbon. If an update is available, you can download and install it from there.
If you come across any bugs, you can report them by dialing *#800# and selecting the “Submit bugs” option. Please note that this method of bug submission is only available to users in India.
In related news, OnePlus has dropped the price of the OnePlus 11R to just ₹27,999 in India. This is a massive price cut of ₹12,000, as the smartphone debut in February 2023 for ₹39,999. Although it one generation old, it is still a good buy at the sub-₹30,000 price range, giving stiff competition to the likes of the Poco F6 and the Realme GT 6T.
Commuting with electric vehicles (EVs) has long been hampered by charging times that look pretty pale in comparison to the convenience of gas station fill-ups. Sure, planning and route optimization can work for longer trips, but that approach may soon be obsolete. Chinese battery giants BYD and CATL are on the cusp of launching ultra-fast-charging lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that, in theory, could be fully recharged in just 10 minutes.
Upgrading the charging infrastructure is crucial in the long run
Battery technology is undergoing a rapid evolution. Recent years have seen significant improvements in both range and charging speed for EVs. BYD and CATL’s upcoming batteries are the latest example, aiming to revolutionize charging times. These companies are reportedly set to debut their ultra-fast-charging LFP batteries by the end of this year, potentially eliminating the need for lengthy charging stops during road trips.
The key to these rapid charge times lies in the 6C charging rate boasted by both the BYD Blade 2.0 and CATL Qilin 2.0 battery packs. In simpler terms, the “6” signifies that the charging multiplier is six times the battery capacity. For instance, a 100-amp-hour battery could be charged with a massive 600-amp current.
However, there are hurdles to overcome. Upgrading the charging infrastructure is crucial to support these speeds. Without an update to the charging network, owners of these advanced batteries won’t be able to fully benefit from their technology and will be limited by slower charging options. It’s also important to remember that batteries can’t maintain peak charging speeds throughout the entire charging cycle. Expect some strategic marketing around these new batteries, with a focus on specific charging windows, like 10% to 80% in 10 minutes. The 2024 Zeekr 001 with its 5C-rated battery is a prime example, achieving an 11.5-minute charge time for this range.
Specific details about the upcoming 6C batteries from BYD and CATL are still undisclosed. However, reports suggest that existing DC fast chargers designed for 4C-rated batteries (four times the charging speed compared to the capacity) can deliver up to 480 kW of power and a maximum current of 615 amps. Achieving even faster charging would necessitate an increase in either voltage or amperage (or both). While technically feasible, equipping thousands of DC fast chargers with such high-rated utility connections would require significant financial investment.
Progress is underway, though gradual. China has seen the deployment of the first 600 kW fast chargers from Huawei earlier this year. Additionally, Li Auto, the manufacturer behind the Mega minivan capable of gaining 310 miles of range in a 10-minute charge, has plans to install 5,000 5C-capable fast chargers by next year.
In comparison, Tesla‘s Supercharger network, the dominant DC fast charging network in the US, offers up to 250 kW of power from its V3 stalls. While respectable, there’s room for improvement, as evidenced by other US providers. Electrify America offers stalls delivering up to 350 kW, and Gravity Charging’s hub in New York boasts an impressive 500 kW per connected EV.
The future of EV charging appears to be speeding towards faster and faster charging times. While infrastructure upgrades and technical hurdles remain, the advancements by BYD, CATL, and other players in the battery technology space are paving the way for a more convenient and time-efficient electric vehicle ownership experience.
Huawei is rolling out a software update for the Mate 60 series, bringing HarmonyOS 4.2.0.130 to these smartphones. The focus of this update is threefold: enhancing the camera experience, introducing a new accessibility feature, and implementing general system optimizations.
Telephoto images will look much better and clearer with the new update
The update promises an overall improvement in the photo-taking capabilities of the Mate 60 series. Users can expect better image quality across various shooting scenarios. Specifically, telephoto photos should benefit from increased clarity, allowing for sharper details when zooming in. Portrait mode also sees an upgrade, with enhanced clarity and a more natural look for portrait shots.
The Mate 60 Pro+ and Mate 60 RS Master specifically gain a new accessibility feature called Smart Scanning. This function allows users to leverage the phone’s rear camera for quick QR code scanning and initiating payments while the phone is in desktop mode. The process is straightforward:
A QR code prompt appears on the screen.
Double-click the back of the phone or tap the QR code prompt at the bottom of the desktop.
Upon successful recognition (accompanied by a beep), you’ll be redirected to the corresponding service page.
Follow on-screen prompts to complete the desired action, such as launching an app or visiting a website.
For unified payment codes or situations with multiple codes, the default payment method will be automatically used.
It’s important to note that Smart Scanning is currently available on select Huawei models, including the Mate 50 series, Mate X3 series, Mate 60 series, and P70 series. The HarmonyOS update goes beyond camera improvements. The update also addresses other areas of the phone, including the overall user experience of the system. It also integrates the latest June security patches to enhance system security.
Microsoft released a preview update for Windows 11 Build 26241 today for Insiders in the Canary channel. This update focuses on improvements and bug fixes designed to enhance the overall desktop experience.
Microsoft is also aiming to prevent unnecessary notification clutter with the new update
The update delivers a range of improvements and fixes to address various issues that Insiders might have encountered. While the specific details aren’t available, Microsoft aims to improve the overall stability and performance of Windows 11.
Drag-and-Drop to Address Bar: Users can now use the File Explorer address bar for a more streamlined workflow. Simply drag and drop files directly onto the path displayed in the address bar for quicker navigation.
Enhanced File Selection: A thin border now surrounds the selected area in File Explorer, providing a clearer visual indication of the chosen files or folders.
Crash Fix: An issue that caused File Explorer to crash when entering the Home directory in previous updates has been addressed.
Taskbar and Notifications
App Icon Flickering Resolved: A bug that caused app icons to flicker on the taskbar has been squashed, ensuring a smoother visual experience.
Smarter Notification Recommendations: Microsoft has refined the logic behind notification recommendations. Now, the system will only suggest turning off notifications for apps that haven’t been interacted with by the user for an extended period. This should help prevent unnecessary notification clutter.
Lexar has unveiled three new memory card lines designed to meet the needs of videographers and content creators: the SILVER, SILVER PLUS, and SILVER PLUS microSDXC. All three series support capturing high-resolution videos at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth recordings.
The SILVER series guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s
The Lexar SILVER series adheres to the V30 standard, guaranteeing a minimum sustained write speed of 30MB/s. This ensures consistent performance for video recording. Notably, the microSD card variant in this series boasts IPX7 water resistance, allowing you to use it worry-free in various conditions. The Lexar SILVER UHS-I SDXC cards deliver read speeds of up to 205MB/s and write speeds of up to 140MB/s. These cards are available in 128GB and 256GB capacities, priced at $29.99 (approx. RMB 218) and $59.99 (approx. RMB 436) respectively.
Lexar bumps up the write speed in the SILVER PLUS series to 150MB/s, offering an improvement over the standard SILVER line. This series is available in both SDXC and microSDXC formats, catering to a wider range of camera types. The SDXC cards range from 64GB to 256GB, priced from $14.99 (approx. 109 Yuan) to $59.99 (approx. 436 Yuan). The microSDXC cards come in various capacities, including individual 128GB options and bundles offering multiple cards. Prices start from $24.99 (approx. 182 Yuan) and go up to $89.99 (approx. 654 Yuan) depending on the bundle chosen. It’s important to note that the performance specifications for the microSDXC versions match those of their SDXC counterparts.
To complement these new memory cards, Lexar has also launched a USB-A/C dual-head card reader. This reader provides a convenient way to transfer your captured footage to your computer and is priced at $17.99 (approx. 131 Yuan).
Samsung has filed a trademark application for “990 EVO Plus” with the Korea Industrial Property Information Service Center (KIPRIS), according to a report on June 19th. All this suggests an upcoming upgrade to the company’s popular 990 EVO solid-state drive (SSD).
The trademark application specifies storage products like flash drives and SSDs
Samsung’s EVO Series SSDs are known for their balance of performance and endurance, making them a popular choice for everyday users and professionals alike. The current 990 EVO boasts impressive read/write speeds and power efficiency, features likely to be further enhanced in the upcoming Plus model.
The trademark application specifies storage products like USB flash drives, NAND flash memories, and SSDs. This reinforces the expectation that “990 EVO Plus” refers to an upgraded SSD within Samsung’s EVO lineup.
Interestingly, Samsung also filed a trademark for “9100 PRO.” While this trademark falls under the storage and semiconductor category, it deviates from Samsung’s current naming conventions for consumer-grade storage products. The purpose of the “9100 PRO” trademark remains unclear.
Flow Computing, a Finnish startup, has introduced a novel chip technology with the potential to boost Central Processing Unit (CPU) performance significantly. Their Parallel Processing Unit (PPU) promises to double a CPU‘s capabilities and, with software adjustments, achieve up to 100x speed improvements – all without increasing power usage or heat generation.
PPU Promises Compatibility and Efficiency
Traditionally, CPUs handle tasks sequentially, one after another. Flow’s PPU acts as a companion chip, optimizing these tasks in real time. This allows the CPU to transition from serial processing to a parallel processing model, significantly streamlining operations. The analogy used by Flow’s CEO, Timo Valtonen, compares this shift to transforming a single-lane road into a multi-lane highway, enabling smoother traffic flow and faster processing speeds.
The PPU achieves this feat by managing tasks at incredibly short nanosecond intervals. By handling numerous processes simultaneously, it bolsters overall throughput without requiring changes to the CPU’s clock speed or underlying architecture.
While the potential benefits are undeniable, Flow acknowledges challenges in adoption. Integration of the PPU necessitates alterations at the chip design stage, potentially disrupting existing manufacturing processes.
Despite these hurdles, Flow has demonstrated the technology’s effectiveness through FPGA-based testing. Additionally, they have secured an initial €4 million in funding from venture capital firms. Currently, the company seeks industry partnerships to further develop and commercialize their solutions.
The success of Flow’s technology hinges on overcoming integration hurdles and demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world applications. If successful, the PPU could represent a major leap forward in CPU performance, impacting various sectors that rely on intensive processing power. From artificial intelligence and scientific computing to edge computing and autonomous systems, the potential applications are vast.
The tech industry will be closely watching Flow’s progress to see if their PPU technology can truly usher in a new era of high-performance, low-power CPUs.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
