Samsung‘s new Galaxy Watch 7 series has recently appeared in India’s BIS certification platform confirming its launch in India. The Galaxy Watch 7 series will consist of an additional Ultra model this time, which will likely be called the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Leaked renders of the Galaxy Watch Ultra have already surfaced on the web.
In the latest news, Passionategeekz has revealed the US pricing and color options of the new watches from Samsung. So, let’s take a look.
The Galaxy Watch 7 40mm model will cost between $299 to $310 (around Rs 25,000). Notably, this is the same as the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. The Galaxy Watch 7 will be available in three different colors – ’Marbal Gray’, Cream white, and Forest Green. The Watch 6 offered only two color options – Gold and Graphite for the 40mm model.
Speaking of the Galaxy Watch Ultra, it is projected to rival the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with its premium features. It will reportedly come in a Titanium Gray color.
According to 91Mobiles, the 47mm version of the Galaxy Watch Ultra could be priced between $699 to $710, which is around Rs 60,000. For context, Apple offers the Watch Ultra 2 for $799 in the US and Rs 89,900 in India.
According to the FCC listing of the Galaxy Watch 7, the device will support 15W wireless charging, which is a significant improvement as compared to the 10W of the Galaxy Watch 6 series.
Alongside the new watches, Samsung will also unveil its sixth generation foldable, the highly anticipated Galaxy Ring, a redesigned Galaxy Buds 3 series, and possibly new laptops in the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, which is expected to be held in the first half of July.
Google has already released early versions of Android 15, which reveal that the new OS is a lot more exciting than the last two iterations. For example, there’s Private Space to hide your private apps/files, app pairing for better multitasking, Theft Detection Lock, new Health Connect features, and more.
Android 15 is definitely going to be an exciting upgrade, but it won’t come to most Google Pixel phones. Go through the list below to find out if you’ll need to upgrade to a new model to enjoy the latest features and enhancements.
These Google Pixel Phones Aren’t Eligible for Android 15
Pixel 5
Pixel 5a 5G
Pixel 4
Pixel 4 XL
Pixel 4a
Pixel 4a 5G
Pixel 3
Pixel 3XL
Pixel 3a
Pixel 3a XL
And older Pixels
These devices are unlikely to get the Android 15 update. We’ve prepared the above list after reviewing the software update policy for every Google Pixel device.
Google Pixel’s Software Update Policy: The Good and the Bad
Google Pixels have had one of the best software update policies, and recent changes made it more difficult for users to consider other smartphones over Pixels.
Up until the Google Pixel 7 series, the brand offered 3 years of Android updates. Then, the Pixel 8 arrived with 7 years of OS updates. This announcement shocked the smartphone industry, as no one was expecting it.
It’s great for Pixel 8 owners, but older Pixel users are equally disappointed as Google didn’t announce an extended OS upgrade for them (not even one extra OS upgrade). This means Android 16 could be the final OS update for the Pixel 7, but the Pixel 8 will receive OS updates until 2021.
Google was the first to announce 7 years of OS updates, but Samsung quickly followed this up by offering the same software support for the Galaxy S24 series.
Android 15 Release Timeline
Google follows a three-step strategy for the Android OS release that also applies to Android 15. First is the developer preview phase, during which the brand releases a couple of early builds for developers.
The first developer preview build for the Android 15 arrived in February, and then the second one in March. In April, we entered the second phase when we had the first beta release. It was more of a public beta release, allowing anyone to download and test the new OS ahead of the public release.
Google has already released multiple beta builds of Android 15, the latest being Beta 2.2. We will likely see a few more beta releases before the OS reaches the platform stability phase for the final touches to prepare for the stable release.
According to the official timeline, platform stability should begin around July-August. The timeline doesn’t reveal the stable release month. However, it’s clear that Google is following last year’s pattern for OS release. Hence, we can expect Android 15 to be publicly available in October.
Top Features in Android 15
1. Private Space: It protects your sensitive files and apps with an additional layer of security. This is similar to the Secure Folder on Samsung phones. This new feature creates a separate space hidden from the regular space.
2. App Archiving: It lets you unarchive apps to save storage while keeping the user data around. So far, this feature has been limited to apps installed from the Play Store, but Android 15 integrates this feature at the OS level, allowing archiving/restoring of any apps, even those installed outside of the Play Store.
3. Theft Detection Lock: It’s one of the most useful additions to Android 15. Whenever someone steals your phone and tries to run away, the phone senses that motion and immediately locks the screen. The phone will lock itself automatically even if it detects suspicious activities like multiple failed log-in attempts or constant attempts to disconnect the phone.
What’s more interesting is that this new feature prevents the device from setting it up again using a different Google account. So, unless they don’t have your Google account credentials, the phone is useless.
4. App Pairs: Android 15 will allow users to save their favourite split-screen combination for quicker access. A shortcut will be created on the home screen to instantly open both apps in the split-screen mode.
5. Improved Health Connect: The new OS includes new data types across fitness, nutrition, and more. Beta 2 brings skin temperature and training plans as additional data types.
6. Partial Screen Sharing: Another useful feature in Android 15 is the ability to share or record a single app rather than the entire screen.
7. Notification Cooldown: This new feature prevents users from getting overwhelmed by successive notifications from the same app by lowering the volume.
Which Google Pixel do you have? And what are the Android 15 features you’re excited about the most? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
TCL has launched two new televisions in the Indian market. It is the TCL C69B that includes two models in different screen sizes. They are Google TVs and both pack almost the same specifications apart from a few differences and pricing. Read on to know what the TCL C69B televisions offer out of the box.
TCL C69B specifications and features
The TCL C69B is offered in 43 and 55-inch screen sizes. Both models have a 4K QLED resolution, 93 percent DCI-P3 colour gamut, 600 nits peak brightness, and support for HDR10+, HLG, and Dolby Vision. The televisions feature QLED Pro and T-Screen Pro technologies for boosting contrasts, and bright colors and reducing ambient light interference.
The TCL C69B 43-inch variant has a 60Hz refresh rate whereas the 55-inch model features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. There is also a MEMC algorithm for a blur and tear-free viewing experience. The AiPQ processor ensures real-life details. On the audio front, the TCL C69B is equipped with a 2.1-inch ONKYO subwoofer with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual: X. The 43 and 55-inch models are said to offer sound output of 30W and 35W respectively.
Internally, the TCL C69B packs 2GB RAM and 32GB onboard storage. The televisions run on Google TV with Google Assistant built-in and hands-free voice control. There is also Miracast and access to popular apps including OTT services. The TVs come with auto-low latency mode for gaming purposes. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi, three HDMI ports, and a USB port. The bundled TV remote comes with dedicated hotkeys for popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and more.
The TCL C69B is priced at Rs 32,990 for 43-inch variant whereas the 55-inch model costs Rs 45,990. It can be purchased from Flipkart.
Apple may be shifting its focus back to thinness for its devices, according to a report by Mark Gurman in his PowerOn newsletter. Gurman suggests that the iPhone 17 lineup, along with the MacBook and Apple Watch, could see significant reductions in thickness.
The news comes on the heels of Apple’s recently released iPad Pro, which prioritized a slimmer design without compromising much on performance or battery life—a feat likely made possible by Apple’s own M-seried chips powering the iPad and MacBook lines.
iPad Pro 2024
However, Gurman’s report does not provide specifics on how thin these devices will be or the challenges that might arise. Making a device thinner often means the manufacturer would need to cut some corners in terms of hardware or introduce innovative technology to compensate for it.
Given the compact form factor of phones in general, which require larger batteries and camera sensors, achieving a thinner design without compromising user experience would be a significant milestone for the brand.
For some context, previous MacBooks with a slimmer design, while aesthetically pleasing to look at, faced issues like thermal throttling, keyboard problems, and limited CPU/GPU options. Although Apple Silicon has addressed many of these concerns, a thinner design across iPhones, MacBooks, and Watches could still result in smaller batteries. Efficiency gains from future chips might mitigate this to some extent, but a decrease in overall battery life could be a major concern for heavy users.
iPhone 16 Pro render
Given Gurman’s established track record, Apple’s focus on slimmer devices seems plausible. However, with the iPhone 17 and MacBook/Watch redesigns still over a year away, it remains to be seen on how Apple plans to make this switch without compromising performance and battery life.
What we know for sure is that Apple is currently focusing on the iPhone 16 series, which is expected to debut sometime in September.
OnePlus has announced a collaboration with the world’s largest battery maker, CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited), on a new battery technology called the “OnePlus Glacier Battery.”
According to OnePlus, the Glacier Battery is “a high-performance battery designed for high-performance mobile phones, a breakthrough in battery life experience, and the beginning of a new era.” However, what this precisely means remains to be seen.
For that, OnePlus is holding a “OnePlus Glacier Battery Communication Meeting” on June 20th, where they will reveal more about the new battery technology.
While the company hasn’t confirmed which device will first feature the new battery, it is likely the upcoming OnePlus Ace 3 Pro, which previous reports suggest will have a large 6100mAh battery. The prolific tipster Digital Chat Station corroborated this in a Weibo post earlier today.
Reportedly, the phone will have a dual-cell design with two 2970mAh batteries. This, combined with the Glacier Battery technology, suggests a significant improvement in battery life for the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro.
Despite having such a large battery, the tipster says the Ace 3 Pro will be less than 9mm thick. The phone will also support 100W charging and is expected to charge to 100% in about 30 minutes. Additionally, the tipster revealed that many upcoming OnePlus phones will use the new Glacier Battery, which offers big capacity and fast charging speeds.
Whether the Glacier Battery involves new battery chemistry, improved cell design, or software optimizations remains to be seen. We’ll have to wait for the official announcement on June 20th for more detailed information.
OnePlus Ace 3 Pro’s design has also been leaked in a poster earlier today. Details about its display and processor has been revealed too, which suggests a DisplayMate A+ rating for the panel and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, respectively.
Vivo has just teased the launch of a new budget phone in India. The device in question is the Vivo Y58 5G, which is set to launch later this week. This model appears to have a familiar design and some of its specs were recently leaked as well. So here’s everything you need to know.
Vivo Y58 India Launch
As per the official teaser, the Chinese brand will unveil the Y58 model in India on 20th June 2024. The device features a circular camera module on the back and can be seen in two color options in the teaser poster. This include Green and Blue variants. The company didn’t reveal any other finer details regarding this device like its specs, features, and pricing. However, the design seems identical to the Vivo Y200t, which launched in China back in May.
Vivo Y200t
But while the Chinese variant arrived with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC, a fresh leak suggests otherwise. In a tweet, the marketing material for the Indian Vivo Y58 model was revealed by a tipster. This shows that the device will be packed with the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, instead of the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1. This chipset is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. You can apparently extend it by another 8GB via virtual RAM expansion and bump up the storage to 1TB via a microSD card slot.
On the front, it is expected to sport a tall 6.72-inch LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1024 nits of peak brightness. Similar to the Chinese Y58, the Indian variant will also be powered by a massive 6,000mAh battery pack that supports 44W wired fast charging. For optics, you get a 50-megapixel primary camera with a 2-megapixel secondary shooter on the rear. Meanwhile, the front houses an 8-megapixel selfie camera. Other notable features include dual speakers, IP64 water and dust resistance, side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a 7.99mm body that weighs 199 grams.
TECNO has announced the launch of its latest smartphone, the SPARK 20 Pro 5G. Designed to redefine the mid-range smartphone segment, this innovative device will be available starting June 20, 2024, in Saudi Arabia, with subsequent rollouts in markets across the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
Key Features and Upgrades
Performance and Connectivity
At the heart of the SPARK 20 Pro 5G is the powerful MediaTek Dimensity 6080 5G processor. Boasting an impressive AnTuTu benchmark score of approximately 430,000, this chipset ensures seamless performance and efficient multitasking. The integration of Smart 5G functions allows the device to intelligently switch between 4G and 5G networks, optimizing speed and power efficiency.
Enhancing connectivity further, the UPS Ultra Power Signal technology provides robust signal strength and stability, significantly improving data rates. Meanwhile, Linkbooming 1.0 reduces latency by up to 25%, ensuring a smoother, faster online experience. The Super Wi-Fi feature also offers quicker speeds and lower battery consumption, perfect for those constantly on the move.
Immersive Entertainment
The SPARK 20 Pro 5G delivers an unmatched audio-visual experience. Equipped with Hi-Res certified stereo dual speakers and Dolby Atmos support, users can enjoy immersive, high-quality sound. The 400% Big Volume feature amplifies the device’s audio capabilities, offering enhanced sound output that stands out.
Visuals are equally impressive with the 120Hz FHD Hole Screen. This display not only provides stunning clarity and vibrant colors but also includes a Smart Refresh Algorithm that adapts the screen’s refresh rate based on usage, ensuring a smoother experience and improved battery life.
Stunning Design
Aesthetics meet functionality in the SPARK 20 Pro 5G’s design. The Lamé Curve Camera Island Design offers a modern, sleek look. Available in Startrail Black, Glossy White, and Neon Green, the phone’s appearance is stylish and versatile. The wristwatch-grade nano-etched texture and skin-friendly Tech Art Leather material are inspired by high-end car interiors, adding a touch of luxury to the device.
Advanced Camera System
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the phone’s 108MP Ultra Sensing Main Camera. This high-resolution camera ensures crystal-clear photos, while the 3x lossless in-sensor zoom and 10x digital zoom allow for detailed shots even from a distance. The 9-in-1 Adaptive Pixel technology and Super Night Mode enhance image quality in various lighting conditions, making every shot perfect.
Battery and Storage
The SPARK 20 Pro 5G is powered by a robust 5000mAh battery, designed to last longer with its 1600 cycle long-life feature. The 33W Super Charge capability ensures that the device charges quickly, minimizing downtime. With 256GB of internal storage and 16GB of RAM (8GB + 8GB extended), users have ample space for all their apps, media, and files, along with smooth performance for multitasking.
Operating System
Running on HiOS 14 based on Android 14, the SPARK 20 Pro 5G offers a user-friendly interface with a host of new features and enhancements. This latest operating system ensures security, efficiency, and a seamless user experience.
The TECNO SPARK 20 Pro 5G is set to make waves in the mid-range smartphone market. Combining advanced technologies, a high-end design, and powerful performance, it promises to deliver an exceptional 5G experience.
ASUS officially announced the Zenfone 11 Ultra earlier this year. The company recently teased the device in a refreshing new color option. Now, the Zenfone 11 Ultra has finally launched in a Vendure Green color. So let’s have a look.
ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra Vendure Green
To recall, the Taiwanese brand first announced the Zenfone 11 Ultra in four color options, namely Eternal Black, Misty Gray, Skyline Blue, and Dessert Sand. So there are official five color options with the Vendure Green variant. Apart from the green hue, the device features the same specs and features as the other color options. As of right now, the Vendure Green Zenfone 11 Ultra is listed for purchase from the company’s official website. For those unaware, the device is basically a rebranded ROG Phone 8 with some minor changes.
It sports a tall 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and 2,500 nits pof peak brightness. Under the hood, the high-end smartphone is equipped with the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, which is paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage. These beefy hardware are cooled via a dedicated thermal dissipation system. A large 5,500mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 67W wired fast charging and 15W wireless fast charging.
You get a 32-megapixel selfie shooter on the front. Meanwhile, the rear packs a 50-megapixel primary sensor, along with a 13-megapixel ultra wide angle lens, and a 32-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. For audio, it features stereo speakers tuned by Dirac and supports Hi-Res audio and Qualcomm aptX lossless audio. The device runs on the Android 14 OS out of the box. Other notable features include IP587 water and dust resistance, WiFi-7, Bluetooth 5.3, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, a budget smartphone chipset, in June 2023. A month later, MediaTek released the Dimensity 6100+ SoC to cater to the same segment. We already have phones from major brands such as Xiaomi, Vivo, Samsung, and Realme powered by these two chips.
Although both are octa-core chipsets, they share a lot of differentiation. In this post, we’ll see how the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 stacks up against Dimensity 6100+ to help you pick the right one.
5G / 4G / 3G / 2G Wi-Fi 5 (a/b/g/n/ac) NFC Bluetooth 5.2 QZSS, Galileo, Beidou, GLONASS, NavIC, GP
SD 4 Gen 2 vs Dimensity 6100+: Benchmarks
[Geekbench 6]
Snapdragon 4 Gen 2:
Single core: 856
Multi core: 2053
Dimensity 6100+:
Single core: 738
Multi core: 1935
[AnTuTu]
Snapdragon 4 Gen 2:
CPU: 149471
GPU: 48241
Memory: 108765
UX: 109695
Total score: 416172
Dimensity 6100+:
CPU: 137283
GPU: 61739
Memory: 103560
UX: 115593
Total score: 418175
SD 4 Gen 2 vs Dimensity 6100+: CPU
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 has two Cortex-A78 cores running at 2.2 GHz, while the Dimensity 6100+ has a slightly less powerful Cortex-A76 cores with the same clock speed.
Cortex-A78 is a successor to Cortex-A76, bringing improvements to performance and power efficiency. The remaining 6 cores in both chips are Cortex-A55 power-efficient cores.
So, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 has better performance and power efficiency than the Dimensity 6100+. Geekbench also favours the Snapdragon chip over the Dimensity one, and the CPU score in the AnTuTu test tells the same story.
SD 4 Gen 2 vs Dimensity 6100+: GPU
The graphics tasks in Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 are handled by the Adreno 613 GPU, while the Dimensity 6100+ has a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. Both are mid-range GPUs that should easily handle basic games. But do not expect them to smoothly handle graphics-intensive games such as Genshin Impact and Fortnite.
On benchmarks, the Mali-G57 MC2 (in Dimensity 6100+) performs better than the Areno 613 (in Snapdragon 4 Gen 2). However, the difference is not significant.
SD 4 Gen 2 vs Dimensity 6100+: Memory
Both Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 and Dimensity 6100+ support LPDDR4X memory, but the former also supports LPDDR5 RAM, which is faster and more power efficient than LPDDR4X.
Not just the memory, but the Snapdragon chip has fast storage, too: UFS 3.1 (vs. UFS 2.2 in Dimensity 6100+).
Fast memory and storage results in smoother performance, faster app loading, improved multitasking, and a better gaming experience.
SD 4 Gen 2 vs Dimensity 6100+: Camera
Both Snapdragon and MediaTek chipsets support up to a 108-megapixel single-camera sensor. They also support 16-megapixel + 16-megapixel sensors with noise reduction support. The Snapdragon chip also supports a single 32-megapixel camera sensor with multi-frame noise reduction (MFNR) and zero-shutter lag (ZSL).
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 can take 1080p videos at 60 frames per second (fps), while the Dimensity 6100+ supports up to 2K videos at 30 fps. The former can also take 720p slow-motion videos at 120 frames per second.
SD 4 Gen 2 vs Dimensity 6100+: Display
The maximum display resolution supported by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is Full HD+ (2520 x 1200 pixels) with a 120Hz refresh rate. MediaTek Dimensity 6100+, on the other hand, supports a maximum display resolution of 2520 x 1080 pixels with a 120Hz refresh rate.
So, both chips support decent screen resolution and a higher refresh rate for smooth scrolling.
SD 4 Gen 2 vs Dimensity 6100+: Connectivity
Both chips feature 3GPP Release 15 5G technology, ensuring better power efficiency, download/upload speeds, and reliable connectivity. They support connectivity features such as 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G, NFC, Wi-Fi 5 (a/b/g/n/ac), and necessary positioning systems (GPS, QZSS, Galileo, Beidou, GLONASS, NavIC).
However, the Dimensity 6100+ is ahead of the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in Bluetooth technology. The former chip supports Bluetooth 5.2, while the latter uses a slightly older Bluetooth 5.1 technology. Also, the Dimensity chip has a peak download speed of 3.3 Gbps, which is 2.5 Gbps on the Snapdragon chip.
SD 4 Gen 2 vs Dimensity 6100+: Which is Better?
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip is built using a 4nm process node, which is more power-efficient than the 6nm process node used for Dimensity 6100+. It also has powerful CPU cores, combined with faster RAM and storage, leads to better performance.
However, the Dimensity 6100+ has a slight GPU advantage over the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, although the difference is not great. On the connectivity front, it supports newer Bluetooth technology and offers a higher peak download speed than the Snapdragon chip.
If performance is your primary concern, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 should be a good choice. However, for a better connectivity experience, I would recommend the Dimensity chip over the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2. Make a list of your priorities and choose accordingly.
If you need any help or have queries, do let me know in the comments below.
In today’s tech news roundup, we see how OnePlus is set to impress with the Alleged OnePlus Pad Pro, featuring 67W fast charging and the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
Xiaomi made headlines a couple of days ago by firing top executives for corruption, highlighting its zero-tolerance stance. We also discover why Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be pricier and how it will impact flagship smartphones.
Finally, Insta360’s new GO 3S camera offers 4K recording and Apple Find My support in a thumb-sized package.
All of these news and more in today’s newsletter below.
Get excited for OnePlus’ upcoming tablet, the Alleged OnePlus Pad Pro, set to feature 67W fast charging for quick power boosts. The new device is rumored to include the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, promising a powerful performance.
Xiaomi shakes up its International Business Department by firing top executives for corruption in key markets, sending a powerful message against unethical behavior. This bold move underscores the company’s “Zero Tolerance” approach towards corruption and reinforces its commitment to integrity as it competes with tech giants like Samsung and Apple in Europe and taps into the promising growth potential of Latin America.
Get ready for pricier flagship smartphones in 2025! Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset is expected to cost 25-30% more than its predecessor due to the advanced N3E production node it will use. Despite the higher cost, strong demand is anticipated for the chip, especially in the high-end smartphone market with AI features.
Insta360 GO 3S is a pocket-sized camera upgrade with enhanced 4K recording capabilities and Apple Find My support. With improved video resolution, doubled water resistance, and innovative features like MegaView FOV setting and Dynamic Timelapse effect, this camera offers versatility for capturing adventures.
Back in May 2024, Realme officially announced the Realme GT 6T model in the Indian market. The device appears to be a great hit since the company has officially kicked off the Celebration Sale today (17th June 2024). This mid-range smartphone is now available for the same special price tag as its introductory sale. So let’s check it out.
Realme GT 6T Celebration Sale: What’s the Deal?
To recall, the Realme GT 6T was announced with a 30,999 INR starting price tag. But thanks to special launch offers, this model was available for around 24,999 INR. Now, this pricing is returning thanks to the Celebration Sale. The buyers can avail a flat 4,000 INR discount. It is also getting a 2,000 INR exchange offer, which brings down its cost to 24,999 INR again for the 8GB + 128GB option. The 8GB + 256GB variant has an effective price down to 26,999 INR. Meanwhile, the 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB versions are now listed for 29,999 INR and 33,999 INR special price respectively.
Realme GT 6T
Realme GT 6T: Specs
The GT 6T sports a tall 6.78-inch 8T LTPO AMOLED display that offers a variable 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution, and a peak brightness of 6,000 nits. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC. A massive 5,500mAh battery pack powers this device, which supports 120W wired fast charging. It run on the Android 14 OS based Realme UI custom skin out of the box.
For optics, you get a 50-megapixel Sony LYT600 main camera at the back along with an 8-megapixel ultra wide angle lens. On the other hand, the front houses a 32-megapixel shooter for selfies and video calls. Other notable features include Bluetooth 5.4, WiFi 6, dual SIM 5G support, and a comprehensive 9-layer ice-cooling vapor chamber for optimal heat dissipation.
Oppo is set to launch the Reno 12 series smartphones tomorrow, June 18th. The lineup will include at least three phones – the Reno 12, Reno 12 Pro, and Reno 12 FS 5G. The latter was revealed in full, including its price, in a leak earlier this week.
Now, the prices for both the Reno 12 and Reno 12 Pro have also surfaced online, thanks to the publication SpillSomeBeans.
So the base Reno 12 5G will be available in Europe in a single 12GB RAM and 512GB storage variant for EUR 499.99. It will come in Astro Silver and Black Brown color options.
The Reno 12 Pro 5G, on the other hand, will cost EUR 599.99 for the same 12GB RAM and 512GB storage model. Oppo will offer this device in Nebula Black and Nebula Silver shades.
Oppo Reno 12 and Reno 12 Pro Specifications
Almost all the details about the Reno 12 phones have already been leaked. The standard model will feature a 6.8-inch 3D curved AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, 10-bit color depth, and Corning Gorilla Glass protection.
It will be powered by the Dimensity 7300 Energy chipset, a tweaked version of the standard Dimensity 7300, likely with a higher clock speed. This will be paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.
The camera setup includes a 50MP Sony LYT600 main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro sensor on the back, along with a 32MP front sensor. The battery will be a 5000mAh cell with 80W SuperVOOC charging.
The Pro model will have the same chipset, battery, and charging capabilities, with a similar camera setup to the Reno 12, except that the macro sensor will be replaced by a 50MP ISOCELL JN5 telephoto lens. The front will feature a 6.7-inch curved AMOLED panel with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection and other similar properties to the standard Reno 12.
Samsung is set to unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 6 at its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10 in Paris. Ahead of the launch, the global variant of the Z Flip 6 has emerged on the Geekbench benchmarking website providing details about the device’s capabilities.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 global/European model, with model number SM-F741B, achieved a single-core score of 2247 and a multi-core score of 6857 on Geekbench. These scores highlight the device’s octa-core processor and 12GB of RAM, indicating a fast and smooth user experience. The smartphone will launch with Android 14.
The listing mentions the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Made for Galaxy SoC, featuring a customized pineapple motherboard for better performance. The SoC includes varied cores for optimized speed and efficiency, along with an Adreno 750 GPU for graphics. Unfortunately, the report does not reveal any further details. That said, a recent report leaked the entire spec sheet of the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 specs (leaked):
As per the leak, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 will feature a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 2640 x 1080 resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate. It also has a 3.4-inch cover display with a 720 x 748 resolution. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset, it shares the same clock speeds as the Galaxy S24 series, with cores at 3.39 GHz, 3.1 GHz, 2.9 GHz, and 2.2 GHz. Storage options include 256 GB and 512 GB.
The phone’s camera setup includes a 50 MP f/1.8 main camera, a 12 MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 10 MP front-facing camera without autofocus. It supports video recording in 4K 60 FPS, 1080P 60 FPS, and slow motion at 1080P 120 or 240 FPS. Connectivity features will include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB 3.2 Gen 1.
As per the report, the Z Flip 6 folds to a compact 85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9 mm and weighs 187g unfolded (165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm). It houses a 4000mAh battery with 25W fast charging.
Samsung‘s cutting-edge Galaxy Watch 6 series is currently available with heavy discounts on the Samsung India website. The brand is offering ₹8000 Instant Discount on the following watches:
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 BT/LTE 40mm
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic BT/LTE 43mm
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic BT/LTE 47mm
Offer Details:
Valid for purchases made between till June 30, 2024, 11:59 PM.
Applicable on EMI or Full Swipe payments using leading banks’ Credit/Debit Cards.
No cost EMI options of 3m, 6m, and 9m may be available.
For EMI transactions, choose a tenure above 6 months to avail of the discount.
Offer available on Samsung eStore: samsung.com/in (Web and Mobile).
Terms & Conditions:
Valid for full and EMI transactions (no partial payments).
Retain charge slip for 180 days.
Not valid on corporate cards, Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit cards, or EPDS purchases.
Cannot be combined with other offers unless specified.
One card can avail of the discount once per month.
Processing fees/bank charges are subject to issuer bank T&Cs.
For cancellations/rejections, the offer is not reapplicable with the same card within 24hrs.
With these offers, the Galaxy Watch 6 40MM LTE model will drop down to an effective price of ₹19,999 ($239). The Watch 6 Bluetooth model which has a price tag of ₹25,999 will drop down to ₹17,999 ($215). The 44mm Bluetooth model is already selling for ₹19,999 ($239).
Galaxy Watch 6 series specs:
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 comes in two styles: Classic with a rotating bezel and a standard version with super slim bezels. Both have a tough Sapphire Crystal screen and an always-on display. The standard Watch 6 comes in two sizes (40mm and 44mm) with a bigger screen and battery in the larger size. The Classic Watch 6 also comes in two sizes (43mm and 47mm) with similar screen and battery differences between sizes. Battery life is estimated at 30 hours with the always-on display and 40 hours without.
These watches are packed with health-tracking features, including heart rate, temperature, and sleep tracking. They also have advanced body composition analysis. The Galaxy Watch 6 runs on the latest Wear OS software and charges quickly with wireless fast charging. They can connect to your phone via LTE, Wi-Fi, and have built-in GPS. Plus, they are built tough and water-resistant.
Earlier this month, Oppo debuted the F27 Pro+ smartphone (full review) in the Indian mid-range segment. The device has landed in the sub-₹30,000 price range, which places it against competitors like the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus and the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G. Since we have already compared the F27 Pro+ against the Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus, we will put it against the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G in this article.
Realme 12 Pro PlusOppo F27 Pro+
Design
While the Realme 12 Pro+ 5G offers a well-balanced set of features, Oppo has particularly emphasized the design aspect of the F27 Pro Plus—and it’s not just about aesthetics. The F27 Pro Plus is the first smartphone in India to feature an IP69 (and IP68) water and dust resistance rating. This is the highest IP rating available, meaning the device can withstand complete submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes and endure close-range exposure to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, such as those from a hose.
Moreover, the device’s body has a military-grade shock resistance certification (MIL-STD-810H) and is constructed with a 360° Armour Body for superior drop protection. In addition to this touch exterior, Oppo has provided a vegan leather finish to the device.
The Realme 12 Pro Plus also comes with a vegan leather back, however, it only features an IP65 dust and water resistance, which means that the device is dust-tight, however, it cannot withstand submersion or high-pressure water jets. On the front, the device comes with a secondary tempered high-strength glass, which falls behind in comparison to the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the Oppo F27 Pro+.
Display & performance
Both smartphones feature Curved AMOLED displays measuring around 6.7 inches. Both offer an FHD+ resolution with a 120 Hz refresh rate, 240 Hz touch sampling rate, and a peak brightness of 950 nits. Both feature an under-display fingerprint sensor.
As for specifications, the Oppo device comes with a Dimensity 7050, while the Realme offering has a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip. Surprisingly, these chips are not that far apart in performance, however, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 has a 26% lead in multi-core performance. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is also slightly better for gaming than the Dimensity 7050.
Both devices ship with a maximum of 256GB storage, however, the Realme offering has a 12GB RAM variant while the Oppo device comes with 8GB RAM. So in terms of daily performance, users won’t notice a difference, however, the Realme 12 Pro Plus will give a slightly better performance in intensive tasks like gaming. As for the battery, both devices offer the same 5,000mAh capacity with 67W fast charging support.
Cameras
The camera department is where the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G pretty much outclasses the Oppo F27 Pro+. It comes with an OIS-assisted 50MP Sony IMX890 primary sensor, an OIS-assisted 64MP OmniVision OV64B 3x periscope telephoto shooter, an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a 32MP selfie camera.
In comparison, the Oppo F27 Pro+ only has two cameras at the back, which includes the 64-megapixel primary and 2-megapixel marco sensors. For selfies and video calls, you get an 8-megapixel camera.
Pricing
The Oppo F27 Pro+ 5G is available in two storage options: 8GB RAM with 128GB storage, priced at ₹27,999, and 8GB RAM with 256GB storage, priced at ₹29,999. In contrast, the Realme 12 Pro Plus is offered in three memory configurations in India: 8GB RAM with 128GB storage for ₹29,999 ($360), 8GB RAM with 256GB storage for ₹31,999 ($385), and 12GB RAM with 256GB storage for ₹33,999 (~$410). However, the 8GB RAM with 256GB storage variant of the Realme 12 Pro Plus is currently available at a discounted price of ₹29,999 for a few more days, matching the price of the Oppo F27 Pro+ 5G.
Verdict
The Realme device is an overall better offering, mainly due to its powerful camera system, It also has a slightly better processor that will be a better pick if you like to game on your smartphone. The display and battery are identical.
That said, if you are looking for a phone that can withstand harsh weather and some accidental drops, then there is no better option than the F27 Pro+ at this price range.
Several reports have claimed that the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro is the next OnePlus phone for the Chinese market. It is likely that the brand may roll out official teasers of the phone starting this week. However, some images of the phone have already appeared on Weibo, revealing its design in two color options.
OnePlus Ace 3 Pro design, display, chipset details emerge
OnePlus Ace 3 Pro image
A Weibo user has shared the images that give the first look at the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro. Before reading ahead, readers should know that the authenticity of the images could not be verified. Nevertheless, the images showcase the phone in white and blue options.
The Ace 3 Pro can be seen sporting a round camera module on the back. Unlike the recent flagship phones from OnePlus, the Ace 3 Pro’s camera module does not fuse with its side frame. The other images show that the device is equipped with a curved-edge OLED screen on the front that offers a 1.5K resolution.
The Chinese text describes that the Ace 3 Pro’s display will offer enhanced eye protection. It features improvements in display quality, brightness, eye comfort, lifespan, and smoothness, achieving a DisplayMate A+ rating. Under the hood, the device will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The images also show the presence of an alert slider on the left side and buttons for volume and power on the right.
Rumors have claimed that the Oneplus Ace 3 Pro will be equipped with a 6,100mAh battery with 100W charging. It is expected to arrive with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It will have a 50-megapixel + 8-megapixel + 2-megapixel triple camera unit and a 16-megapixel front camera. However, these details are not mentioned in the leak.
The ASRock DeskMate X600, a mini PC co-developed by ASRock and Polar Night, has arrived on JD.com. This tiny powerhouse packs a lot of capability into its mere 3.5-liter size.
The chassis is available in three colors, Obsidian Black, Moonlight Silver and Starry Grey
The DeskMate X600 is built to handle AMD‘s latest Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series desktop processors, giving users the freedom to choose their performance level. Pricing starts at 1348 yuan (approximately $202 USD) for a barebones configuration (no CPU, wireless network card, RAM, or SSD). Pre-built options with Ryzen 5 8600G or Ryzen 7 8700G processors, along with RAM and storage, are available starting at 3848 yuan (approximately $573 USD).
The DeskMate X600 prioritizes both aesthetics and thermal management. The sleek chassis comes in three colors: Obsidian Black, Moonlight Silver, and Starry Gray. The durable 2mm anodized aluminum alloy shell is complemented by a strategically placed 7010 fan at the bottom for effective heat dissipation.
The DeskMate X600 boasts several features designed to enhance performance. A 10-phase power supply X600 motherboard ensures stable power delivery. Four DDR5 memory slots support high-speed memory overclocking up to 7200+ MT/s. A PCIe Gen4x16 slot offers flexibility for future upgrades.
The DeskMate X600 caters to various storage needs with two M.2 slots, one supporting PCIe 5.0 and the other PCIe 4.0, and an additional 2.5-inch SATA slot for even more storage. The DeskMate X600 comes equipped with a Realtek 2.5G wired network card for reliable wired connections. While it doesn’t have a built-in wireless network card, the e-commerce platform offers a configuration with a MediaTek Wi-Fi6E card for wireless connectivity.
A standout feature of the DeskMate X600 is the dedicated slot on top that allows users to connect an external graphics card via a PCIe extension cable. ASRock claims this method offers superior bandwidth and stability compared to Thunderbolt 4 and OCuLink solutions.
The 360 V9 driving recorder has launched on JD.com, offering a feature set designed for both everyday driving and capturing action-packed moments. The V9 boasts two recording modes: driving and sports. It also supports voice control with “0” delay, allowing for convenient operation both inside and outside the car.
The V9 automatically switches to time-lapse recording mode for up to 24 hours after parking
This dashcam features a built-in 1/2.7-inch back-illuminated image sensor and supports 4K resolution for crisp and detailed recordings. Additionally, the BSI back-illuminated starlight technology enhances image quality in low-light conditions, ensuring clear visuals even at night.
For added security, the V9 automatically switches to time-lapse recording mode for up to 24 hours after parking and turning off the engine. The optional V9 battery compartment unlocks additional features like front and rear dual LCD screens (1.54-inch each).
The V9 prioritizes secure storage of crucial footage. In the event of a collision, the recorder automatically captures and stores emergency video using a separate, non-overwriting mechanism. Built-in iGS motion stabilization (except in specific modes) helps counteract image jitter for smoother recordings.
The V9 comes with a built-in 1700mAh battery offering 150 minutes of recording time. It supports fast charging and can be used while plugged in, reaching 80% charge in just 30 minutes. The recorder also boasts a “new quick-release design” for easy removal and a spring-loaded buckle for a secure connection, ensuring stability even during sports activities.
The V9 offers a 140-degree wide-angle field of view with AI algorithms for correcting image distortion caused by the wide angle. Additionally, it automatically adjusts for particularly bright or dark areas within the recording frame, maintaining an overall balanced image quality.
The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in China is getting closer to a major milestone with the nearing completion of the world’s largest acrylic sphere. This massive structure will play a crucial role in capturing and analyzing neutrinos, subatomic particles that hold mysteries about the universe.
The sphere has been constructed from 263 large spherical panels
The acrylic sphere boasts an impressive diameter of 35.4 meters, dwarfing the previous record holder of 12 meters. Donchamp (Jiangsu) Material Technology Co Ltd., based in Taizhou, Jiangsu province, is responsible for developing and manufacturing this giant sphere.
The sphere is a marvel of engineering, meticulously constructed from 263 large spherical panels, each 12 centimeters thick. A team of 50 workers from Donchamp is currently finalizing the installation process, aiming for completion by the end of July.
The JUNO observatory itself resides 700 meters underground in Jiangmen, Guangdong province. This deep location shields the experiment from background radiation, allowing for more precise detection of neutrinos.
Once operational, JUNO will utilize the acrylic sphere to contain 20,000 metric tons of liquid scintillator. This special liquid will emit light when struck by neutrinos, allowing the observatory’s 45,000 photomultiplier tubes to detect and record these elusive particles.
By studying neutrinos, scientists hope to gain a deeper understanding of the universe’s evolution, the nature of dark matter, and the processes that power exploding stars, supernovas. With the completion of the giant acrylic sphere, JUNO is poised to become a leading facility in the field of neutrino research.
JBL is gearing up for an exciting launch in India with its latest wireless earbuds, the JBL Live Beam 3, set to hit the market on June 18th. Following its unveiling at CES 2024 and the activation of its microsite on Amazon, JBL India, and JBL Malaysia websites, the brand has now revealed that these earbuds have a price tag of Rs. 13,999. The JBL Live Beam 3 promises top-tier audio quality and a range of innovative features.
JBL Live Beam 3 specifications:
The earbuds are equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers powered by JBL’s Signature Sound, ensuring high-quality audio output. They come with a customizable SmartCase that allows users to control JBL Spatial Sound, manage music and calls, and personalize the screensaver. The earbuds offer Hi-Res audio with LDAC support and feature True Adaptive Noise Cancellation with a smart ambient mode, providing users with either an immersive listening experience or awareness of their surroundings.
Six microphones ensure clear and crisp call quality. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 48 hours of playtime with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) off, and up to 40 hours with ANC on. It also has Speed Charge technology, providing 4 hours of playtime with just 15 minutes of charging. Additionally, the earbuds support wireless charging for added convenience.
The JBL Live Beam 3 earbuds utilize Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable and efficient connection. They are compatible with the JBL Headphones app, allowing users to customize EQ settings and switch between Smart Audio and Video modes. Available in Black, Blue, and Gray, the earbuds cater to various style preferences. Starting June 18th, the earbuds will be available to purchase on Amazon India.
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