Sigma has shaken up the world of full-frame lenses with the release of their brand new 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art lens. This innovative lens boasts several firsts, making it a highly attractive option for both professional and enthusiast photographers. Here’s a closer look at what makes this lens so special:
The lens has an internal zoom mechanism to eliminate lens creeping
The Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN holds the title of the world’s first full-frame zoom lens with a constant f/1.8 aperture. This impressive feat allows for exceptional low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh) throughout the entire zoom range. Imagine capturing stunning portraits with a dreamy background at any focal length, from wide-angle to slightly telephoto. The constant f/1.8 aperture also rivals the performance of many high-quality prime lenses, offering exceptional image quality without the need to switch lenses for different lighting conditions.
Despite its impressive capabilities, Sigma hasn’t compromised on portability. The lens utilizes an internal zoom mechanism, ensuring the overall length remains constant while zooming. This eliminates the “lens creep” experienced with some zoom lenses and makes it ideal for travel or street photography. Additionally, the focusing distance remains a fixed 30cm throughout the zoom range, simplifying focusing calculations for close-up shots.
The Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN incorporates a sophisticated 18-element, 15-group lens structure. This complex design incorporates 5 SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements and 3 aspherical lenses to effectively minimize chromatic aberrations and other optical distortions. These elements work together to deliver sharp, clear images across the entire frame, even at wider apertures. Furthermore, Sigma’s nano-porous coating and super multi-layer coating technology further enhance image quality by reducing flare and ghosting, especially when shooting in backlit situations.
Sigma hasn’t skimped on professional-grade features either. The lens utilizes a high-speed HLA linear motor for fast and quiet autofocus, ensuring you never miss a fleeting moment. The bidirectional drive focus ring allows for precise manual focus adjustments, perfect for situations demanding meticulous control. The lens also boasts a variety of physical controls, including an aperture ring, an infinite aperture switch, an aperture lock switch, two customizable AFL buttons (for assigning specific functions), and a locking petal-shaped lens hood.
Built to withstand the rigors of professional use, the Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN features a dust-proof and splash-proof lens body. The front lens group also comes equipped with a water and oil-proof coating, making it suitable for shooting in challenging environments. Whether you’re braving the elements or navigating dusty locations, you can be confident your lens will perform flawlessly.
With its exceptional image quality, constant fast aperture, and versatile zoom range, the Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art lens offers a all-in-one package for a wide range of photographers. Portrait photographers will appreciate the beautiful bokeh and low-light capabilities, while landscape and street photographers will benefit from the versatile zoom range and exceptional sharpness.
ASUS launched the ROG 8 series back in January this year. While we are still a couple of months away from the launch of the ROG 9 series, it has made its first appearance on the web with the model number ASUSAI2501C.
ROG Phone 8
According to a report from Android Headlines, the ROG 9 series will consist of two models – the ROG 9 and ROG 9 Pro and they can arrive in Q1 2025. However, it is unclear which model the above number represents.
Like many 2024 flagships, it will also house the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, which will be launched later this year.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 was previously known to boast over 4.00 GHz clock speed. According to Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, the SM8750 prototype sample reached a clock speed of 4.2GHz and scored 3K and 10K in single and multi-core tests respectively. In his words, the Dimensity 9400 is now under pressure.
The score is higher than that of the Apple A17 Pro. What’s surprising is that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 prototype (meaning it could further improve) outperformed the A17 Pro in single-core test.
Speaking of the gaming device from Asus, it’s likely going to focus on performance and use an even better cooling system to sustain it during longer gaming sessions.
In addition to the latest chipset, the ROG 9 series is also expected to retain the trigger buttons for a better gaming experience.
While we don’t know much about the ROG 9 series at this point, here are the offerings of the predecessor to give you an idea of what to expect when it comes to the other aspects of the phone.
The ROG Phone 8 and 8 Pro equip an illumination RGB logo and a Mini-LED programmable matrix respectively. In the front, there is a 165Hz FHD+ LTPO AMOLED panel that goes up to 2500 nits. The base model offers 12 or 16GB RAM options while the Pro model boasts 16GB or 24GB RAM. This is paired with 256GB UFS 4.0 storage for the base model and 512GB/1TB for the Pro model.
Both of them offered 50MP main cameras on the back that is paired with a 32MP 3x telephoto and a 13MP 13mm ultrawide.
Xiaomi has added the Redmi A3x to its Redmi A series, which is now available globally on its website after its first release in Pakistan. This new model is a more basic version of the Redmi A3, aimed at customers looking for an affordable yet functional smartphone.
Redmi A3x specs:
The Redmi A3x features a 6.71-inch screen with a resolution of 1650 x 720 pixels and a 90 Hz refresh rate, ensuring a clear and smooth display. The device runs on a Unisoc Tiger T603 processor with two ARM Cortex-A75 cores at 1.8 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz.
Storage options include either 3 GB or 4 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64 GB or 128 GB of eMMC 5.1 flash storage, which can be expanded up to 1 TB with a MicroSD card. The phone also comes with a 5,000 mAh battery that supports 10 W charging through USB Type-C.
The Redmi A3x is equipped with an 8 MP main camera and a QVGA lens for basic photos, along with a 5 MP front camera. Other features include a 3.5 mm headphone jack, dual SIM capability, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and it runs on Android 14. The device will receive two major Android updates and security updates through 2027.
Pricing
While the pricing in regions like the EU remains undisclosed, the device is available in Pakistan for PKR 18,999 ($68) for the 3GB RAM + 64GB storage model.
In related news, Xiaomi is preparing to release the Xiaomi 14 Civi in global markets, including India. An image of the device’s retail box recently surfaced online revealing key specs and confirming that it is a rebrand of the Chinese Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro.
Earlier today, ASUS introduced the ROG Ally X. At the ongoing Computex 2024, the Taiwanese brand also unveiled three new PCs under its ProArt lineup. These include the ProArt PZ13, ProArt P16, and ProArt PX13. All three offers are geared towards creators. The ASUS ProArt PZ13 is a tablet computer and a Microsoft Surface Pro competitor with its detachable design. It is also a part of the Copilot Plus program. Read on to know more details about this device below.
ASUS ProArt PZ13 key specifications and features
The ASUS ProArt PZ13 is quite similar to the Surface Pro. It is usable as a standalone tablet as well as a mainstream laptop with a detachable keyboard that also has a kickstand. The device aims to offer mobility. It is only 9mm thick and weighs 0.85 kg. The ProArt PZ13 is IP52-rated dust and water-resistant. It is also MIL-STD-810H military-grade certified for withstanding durability.
The ASUS ProArt PZ13 boasts a 13.3-inch Lumina OLED screen bearing a 3K resolution. It has support for Dolby Vision, a 60Hz refresh rate, a 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut, and a 0.2ms response time. ASUS says that the display is Pantone Validated and also VESA DisplayHDR 500 True Black certified. The device features a 5MP IR front camera and a 13MP rear snapper.
Under the hood, the ASUS ProArt PZ13 is powered by a Snapdragon X processor with a TDP of up to 20W. It packs 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and up to 1TB SSD storage. There is a thermal system onboard for heat dissipation. The device also has a dedicated AI chipset with up to 45 TOPS performance. There are a range of AI features including copilot, recall, live captions, cocreator, as well as creator apps StoryCube and CapCut.
The ASUS ProArt PZ13 is backed by a 70WHr battery unit that is claimed to offer long hours of work and play. Connectivity options on the device include two USB 4.0 ports, WiFi7, and a SD card reader.
The ASUS ProArt PZ13 is set to be available in the third quarter of this year and the pricing will be revealed closer to launch.
Qualcomm‘s next flagship mobile processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, will introduce a major change for its smartphone’s SoC line in the form of custom-designed Oryon CPU cores.
Today, tipster Digital Chat Station revealed a detail that suggests a major boost in performance that will put pressure on MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400.
The tipster claims that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s high-performance core has a clock speed of staggering 4.2GHz. It was 2021 when the Snapdragon 888+ made headlines for reaching 3GHz speed, and now, just three years later, we’re talking about over 4GHz for a smartphone SoC.
Furthermore, the tipster revealed that a laboratory prototype of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 scored impressively on benchmarks, likely Geekbench with 3,000 points in single-core and 10,000 points in multi-core.
Compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it’s a jump of 35.5% and 33.9% in single-core and multi-core performance, respectively. Below are the average Geekbench scores for the latest smartphone SoCs:
Processor
Single-Core
Multi-Core
Apple A17 Pro
2999
7903
Dimensity 9300
2264
7857
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
2213
7466
Apple A16
2671
7271
Snapdragon 8 Gen2
2036
5697
Dimensity 9200
1905
5119
In response to a user comment, the tipster also confirmed that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm node.
While this will improve performance and efficiency, Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 phones are expected to come with a higher price tag due to increased wafer costs from TSMC. A report earlier today revealed that the phones with the new SoC will cost around 4,500 yuan.
To put that into context, Xiaomi 14 launched for a starting price of 3,999 yuan (~ $550), so we are talking about a direct price increase of around 500 yuan (~ $70). Also, Xiaomi 15 is rumored to be the first smartphone to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 SoC.
The foldable phone market is heating up, with both Samsung and Vivo vying for dominance. In 2023, Samsung released the Galaxy Z Fold 5, and just recently, Vivo countered with the X Fold 3 Pro. Both phones boast cutting-edge technology and innovative designs, but how do they stack up against each other? Here’s a deep dive into how the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro edges out the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 in several key areas.
The X Fold 3 Pro boasts a larger main display. Its 8.03-inch AMOLED panel dwarfs the Z Fold 5’s 7.6-inch screen, offering more real estate for multitasking, gaming, and watching videos. Not only is it bigger, but the X Fold 3 Pro also boasts a higher resolution (2480 x 2200 pixels) compared to the Z Fold 5’s (1812 x 2176 pixels). This translates to sharper visuals and crisper text. The X Fold 3 also comes with a larger 6.53-inch cover display compared to Z Fold’s 6.2-inch display.
Both phones offer 120Hz refresh rates for smooth scrolling and transitions. However, the X Fold 3 Pro goes a step further with a peak brightness of 4500 nits, significantly exceeding the Z Fold 5’s 1750 nits. This advantage ensures superior outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight.
2. Design and Durability
Both phones boast improved durability measures. The X Fold 3 Pro utilizes a lightweight carbon fiber hinge certified to withstand 500,000 folds. Samsung claims the Z Fold 5’s flex hinge can handle over 200,000 folding cycles.
Both phones boast robust designs with water resistance (IPX8) and durable materials like Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for protection. The X Fold 3 Pro also features innovative dual 3D ultrasonic fingerprint readers for added security compared to the Z Fold 5’s side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
3. Performance
The X Fold 3 Pro packs the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a generation ahead of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy found in the Z Fold 5. This translates to better overall performance and improved power efficiency.
The X Fold 3 Pro also offers a higher RAM (LPDDR5X) option, with a 16GB variant compared to the Z Fold 5’s max of 12GB. In terms of storage, both devices offer up to 1TB UFS 4.0 inbuilt memory.
4. Camera
The X Fold 3 Pro features a well-rounded camera system with a focus on versatility. It boasts a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 64MP 3x telephoto lens for zooming in on distant subjects, and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor for capturing expansive landscapes.
The Z Fold 5, on the other hand, offers a more standard setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
The X Fold 3 Pro also boasts dual 32MP front-facing cameras for high-quality selfies and video calls, compared to the Z Fold 5’s single 10MP front camera and 4MP under-display camera.
While both systems offer impressive image quality, the X Fold 3 Pro’s camera setup benefits from Vivo’s custom V3 imaging chip, which may result in improved image processing and overall performance.
5. Software
Both phones feature the latest Android 14 with custom UI skins on top. Vivo runs on OriginOS while the Z Fold 5 runs on One UI. The Z Fold 5 boasts improved multitasking features and S Pen compatibility, which the X Fold 3 Pro lacks.
6. Battery Life and Charging
The X Fold 3 Pro packs a larger 5700mAh battery compared to the Z Fold 5’s 4400mAh battery. This translates to potentially longer usage time on a single charge, especially for heavy users.
Additionally, the X Fold 3 Pro supports a blazing-fast 100W wired charging solution, significantly faster than the Z Fold 5’s 25W wired charging. Even wireless charging is faster on the Vivo phone, offering 50W compared to the Z Fold 5’s 15W.
7. Pricing
In terms of pricing, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro delivers significant bang for your buck. Starting at 9,999 yuan ($1385) for the 16GB/512GB variant, it undercuts the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5’s starting price of $1799.99 (256GB) by a sizable margin. Even the higher-tier 1TB X Fold 3 Pro comes in at 10,999 yuan ($1524), considerably cheaper than the top-of-the-line Z Fold 5 (1TB) priced at a hefty $2159.99.
8. Conclusion
While both the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 are impressive foldable smartphones, the X Fold 3 Pro comes out on top in almost every category. Its larger, brighter display, sleeker and more durable design, powerful performance, versatile camera system, bigger battery, faster charging, and additional features make it a clear winner in this head-to-head comparison.
If you’re in the market for a high-end foldable smartphone, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is definitely worth considering. However, it’s important to note that it’s currently only available in China, so availability may be a limiting factor for some users.
OPPO F27 series is reportedly set to launch on June 13 although the brand has not revealed anything official. The lineup is expected to include two devices namely the F27 Pro and F27 Pro+. The former will arrive as the successor to the F25 Pro that debuted in India earlier this year. Key details of F27 Pro were leaked recently. Now, the OPPO F27 Pro+ variant has been spotted on multiple platforms revealing some information.
OPPO F27 Pro+ appears on multiple databases
The OPPO F27 Pro+ has been spotted on the Geekbench benchmarking platform, BIS certification website, and Camera FV-5 database. It is listed with model number CPH2643 on the first two websites. The BIS listing does not reveal any key details.
As per Geekbench, the OPPO F27 Pro+ has a motherboard codenamed k6877va_64_k419 and it comprises of six cores clocked at 2GHz and two cores ticking at 2.60GHz. This suggests that the device will be powered by a Dimensity 7050 processor. It will pack 8GB RAM and run on Android 14 OS out of the box. In the benchmarking platform’s single-core and multi-core test results, the smartphone scores 886 and 2,305 points respectively.
Coming to the Camera FV-5 database, the OPPO F27 Pro+ will come with a 64MP sensor with f/1.7 aperture and EIS. It is expected to feature an 8MP front-facing selfie snapper. This is everything we know about the OPPO F27 Pro+ at the moment. We can expect the brand to start sharing official details in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the OPPO F27 Pro is rumoured to be the first IP69-rated smartphone in India. It is tipped to come with a 3D curved AMOLED display and a dual-tone leather back panel.
ASUS finally released a brand-new handheld gaming console dubbed the ROG Ally X. This portable gaming system arrives as an updated version of the ROG Ally, which launched last year. But what improvements does the ROG Ally X offer? Here’s every notable upgrade in the latest gaming handheld model.
1. ASUS ROG Ally X: Doubles the battery capacity from the ROG Ally
It is worth noting that the ROG Ally X is a mid-cycle update rather than a true successor. This is evident from the fact that it still sports the same 7-inch LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and retains the Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset under the hood. However, a major improvement in the newer model is the battery pack.
ASUS has doubled the battery pack to 80Wh, up from 40Wh on the original handheld console. The ROG Ally didn’t have the best battery life, but the Ally X should be a bit more respectable in this regard even when running intense video games.
2. Even storage & memory take a leap
The battery pack isn’t the only aspect that got doubled in the ASUS ROG Ally X. The brand has also doubled the storage on the handheld. It now houses 1TB of M.2 SSD, which is up from 512GB on its predecessor. That’s not all, the ROG Ally X now houses a full-size 2280 module.
This means that buyers can even use a larger driver later on. It also opens access to various third-party add-on options. Furthermore, the memory also got a slight bump from the original ROG Ally. You can now get up to 24GB of RAM, which is up from 16GB on the regular Ally. It also comes with a faster LPDDR5X RAM.
3. Improved cooling for better performance
ASUS has decided to add a brand-new fan system to the new handheld gaming console. The brand claims that the new fans on this model offer 24 percent better airflow than the previous model, despite being 23 percent smaller in size. It even utilizes larger heat pipes.
Since portable gaming systems need to have robust cooling any improvement in thermal dissipation is highly welcomed since they allow for a smoother gaming experience over longer periods. So now, the performance mode draws 17W (up from 15W), and the silent mode draws 13W rather than 10W. This basically translates to slightly better performance when gaming.
4. Refreshed Design
The changes aren’t just on the inside, but on the exterior as well. The ROG Ally X comes with a new black exterior, which is slightly thicker than before. Although, there is a better grip overall and the buttons are also a bit more ergonomic. A notable change is the new precision D-Pad. Unfortunately, there are still no Hall Effect joysticks, but these do employ stiffer springs that should offer better durability.
That’s not all, the ROG Ally X now comes with a new third vent on top and the brand has skipped its proprietary XG mobile connector for a second USB-C port. There is also support for USB 5 and Thunderbolt 4. So you can hook up an external GPU if you want. All in all, ASUS is just working on the formula from the first gen model. These changes make the Ally series into a more rounded handheld console, improving upon the original’s shortcoming.
Android 15 is the next major upgrade from Google, and it has already been confirmed to bring plenty of exciting features and enhancements. While we’re still waiting for its public release, Xiaomi has already revealed an initial batch of its phones and tablets that will get the Android 15 upgrade.
Xiaomi will release the Android 15 update to its eligible device with MIUI 16 skin at the top. However, devices that have already been upgraded to HyperOS will get the new OS with a new HyperOS skin.
If you have a Xiaomi, Redmi, or Poco device, you must be wondering if it is eligible for the Android 15 upgrade. Check out the list below to find out.
Xiaomi, Redmi, & Poco Devices Eligible for Android 15 Update
[Confirmed List]
(Xiaomi)
Xiaomi 14
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Xiaomi 13 Lite
Xiaomi 13T
Xiaomi 13T Pro
Xiaomi 12
Xiaomi 12 Pro
Xiaomi 12T
Xiaomi 12T Pro
(Redmi)
Redmi Note 13
Redmi Note 13 5G
Redmi Note 13 Pro
Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
Redmi Note 12
Redmi 13C
Redmi 12
Redmi 12 5G
(Poco)
Poco M6 Pro 5G
Xiaomi has confirmed the Android 15 eligibility for these devices on its software support page. However, this is not the complete list. More devices are expected to get the new OS upgrade mentioned below.
[Unconfirmed List]
(Xiaomi)
Xiaomi 14 Pro
Xiaomi 13
Xiaomi 13 Pro
Xiaomi 13 Ultra
Xiaomi 12 Lite
Xiaomi 12S
Xiaomi 12S Pro
Xiaomi 12S Ultra
Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro
Xiaomi Civi 3
Xiaomi Civi 2
Xiaomi Civi 1S
Xiaomi Mix Fold 3
Xiaomi Mix Fold 2
Xiaomi Pad 6
Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro
Xiaomi Pad 6 Max 14
Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro 12.4
Xiaomi Pad 5 Pro 12.4
(Redmi)
Redmi Note 13 4G
Redmi Note 13 5G
Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G
Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
Redmi Note 13R
Redmi Note 13R Pro
Redmi Note 12 4G
Redmi Note 12 Turbo
Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G
Redmi Note 12 Pro Speed
Redmi Note 12R
Redmi Note 12R Pro
Redmi Note 12T Pro
Redmi Note 12S
Redmi K70
Redmi K70E
Redmi K70 Pro
Redmi K60
Redmi K60 Pro
Redmi K60 Ultra
Redmi 13R
Redmi 13C
Redmi 13C 5G
Redmi 12
Redmi 12 5G
Redmi Pad Pro
Redmi Pad Pro 5G
Redmi Pad SE
Redmi Turbo 3
Redmi A3
Redmi A3x
(Poco)
Poco F6
Poco F6 Pro
Poco F5
Poco F5 Pro
Poco X6
Poco X6 Neo
Poco X6 Pro
Poco M6
Poco M6 Pro
Poco M6 Pro 5G
Poco Pad
Poco C65
Poco C61
Poco C51
These Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco devices are expected to get the Android 15 update, per the software update policy.
Xiaomi’s Software Update Policy: A Mixed Bag
The Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has long offered only three years of OS updates to its flagship phones; that’s recently changed to four. The announcement went live in October last year, a month after Google announced seven years of OS updates to its Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.
Software updates are crucial, especially major OS upgrades that bring many new features and exciting upgrades. They keep your device relevant in the coming years.
Xiaomi was clearly lagging behind Samsung, OnePlus, and Google in this department. Last year, it finally took a bold step to announce four years of OS updates, putting the company’s software update policy on par with that of other major Android smartphone brands.
It’s good to see Xiaomi offering longer software support, but I’m still unhappy with the brand as it doesn’t reveal the software policy for most devices. So, users are left in the dark as to how many generations of Android updates their device will get.
From the past rollouts, I can say their high-end devices get three OS updates. However, the recent ones are eligible for four. Mid-range and budget phones typically get two Android updates, but select devices get an additional generation of Android OS.
When Will Xiaomi Start Rolling Out Android 15 Update?
Android 15 development is in full swing. Google has already released multiple developer previews and beta builds. In the coming weeks, the latest OS will enter platform stability to finish things up and prepare for the final release.
Google is expected to release Android 15 in October. Around this time, Xiaomi will start rolling out the stable Android 15 update to its eligible devices, starting with recent flagship modes.
The company has already announced the Android 15 beta program for several devices, including Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 13 Pro, and Xiaomi Pad 6S 12.4. If you have any of these devices, sign up for the beta program to get an early taste of Android 15. Check out our guide on how to download and install Android 15 beta on Xiaomi devices.
Android 15: What Exciting About the New OS?
Here are the major changes in Android 15:
1. Satellite Connectivity
One of the most talked-about features in Android 15 is the satellite connectivity support. It lets you send texts to others even if your device isn’t connected to a cell tower nearby, as long as you have access to the open sky.
What’s better is that the OS supports satellite connectivity for SMS and MMS apps as well as preloaded RCS apps. Unlike iPhones, this feature will not be limited to emergency uses only on Android 15.
2. App Archiving
Similar to offloading apps on iPhones, Android 15 will allow users to uninstall unnecessary apps while keeping the user data around. There won’t be any data loss; you can continue where you left off after reinstalling/unarchiving the app.
Android already has app archiving via the Google Play Store. This means you can only archive and restore apps through the Google Play Store. But Android 15 integrates this feature at the OS level, allowing users to archive/restore apps, even those installed outside of the Google Play Store.
3. App Pairs
Android 15 lets you save your favourite split-screen app combinations for quick access. For example, if you take a lot of notes from YouTube, create an app pair for YouTube and your favourite notes app. Tapping on the app pair will instantly open both apps in the split screen mode.
This is one of the most valuable additions to Android 15 to save time and effort. However, this functionality could be limited to large-screen devices as the official website explicitly mentions “large screen devices”.
4. Private Space
Android 15 introduces “private space” to keep your sensitive apps and files away from prying eyes under an additional layer of authentication. This is similar to Secure Folder on Samsung phones.
Users can set a separate lock screen for the private space. The apps in your private space do not show in the recent view, and all downloads are hidden from the other (regular) space. It’s a great way to protect your banking apps and other secret apps from others’ views.
5. Partial Screen Sharing
Android 15 lets you share or record a single app rather than the entire screen. So you don’t have to worry if you accidentally open a sensitive app while sharing your screen with someone. This feature is already available to Pixel owners, now extending to all Android 15 devices.
6. Notification Cooldown
Google has introduced the “notification cooldown” feature with Android 15 to prevent people from getting overwhelmed by too many notifications from the same app. This feature lowers the volume of successive notifications from the same app.
7. High-Quality Webcam
The new operating system significantly improves the webcam video quality. It adds a new “HQ” symbol in the webcam preview mode, tapping on which disables the power optimizations to offer an improved video quality.
It’s rumoured that Google might also introduce the “Battery health” feature in Android 15, which will show us the remaining battery health. iPhones have had this feature for years, and it could finally come to Android devices as well. Fingers crossed.
What are your expectations with the new Android OS? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Xiaomi is actively rolling out its new HyperOS operating system to all of the eligible devices. After recently rolling out the update to the POCO X4 GT, the brand has now made the update available for global users of the Mi 10 Pro.
The Mi 10 Pro is more than four years old at this point as it made its debut in February 2020. The smartphone was launched with Android 10 onboard and received Android 13 as its last update. That being said, the brand has decided to treat users with the HyperOS update. That being said, there is a catch. HyperOS is the brand’s latest software based on Android 14. However, older devices like the Mi 10 Pro are getting an Android 13-based HyperOS build. Nonetheless, there are many improvements with this update which comes with firmware version 1.0.1.0.TJAEUXM.
Mi 10 Pro HyperOS update chengelog
System
Updated Android Security Patch to March 2024. Increased system security.
Vibrant aesthetics
New animation language makes interactions with your device wholesome and intuitive
Natural colors bring vibrancy and vitality to every corner of your device
Our all-new system font supports multiple writing systems
Redesigned Weather app not only gives you important information, but also shows you how it feels outside
Notifications are focused on important information, presenting it to you in the most efficient way
Every photo can look like an art poster on your Lock screen, enhanced by multiple effects and dynamic rendering
New Home screen icons refresh familiar items with new shapes and colors
Multitasking
Multitasking is now even more straightforward and convenient with an upgraded multi-window interface
The update is already available in China and is being pushed to EU users and other regions. If the OTA update notification has not popped on your device yet, you can manually check for it by navigating to Settings > About Phone > Tap on MIUI 14.
Xiaomi has quietly launched a new Redmi phone in the European market. It is the Redmi 13 4G. The device arrives as the successor to the last year’s Redmi 12. The latest offering retains the same design but packs upgrades compared to its predecessor. In other news, the Xiaomi sub-brand recently launched the Redmi Pad Pro in the global markets. Read on to know what the Redmi 13 4G offers out of the box.
Redmi 13 4G specifications and features
The Redmi 13 4G has the same design with two protruding camera sensors on the back panel and a LED flash unit. The phone is IP53-certified dust and water-resistant. There is a side-mounted fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button. On the front, the Redmi 13 4G features a 6.79-inch display bearing an FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate.
On the optics front, the Redmi 13 4G has dual rear cameras comprising of a 108MP primary sensor paired with a 2MP depth lens. The former is upgraded from 50MP on its predecessor. However, the latest offering lacks an ultra-wide-angle unit. There is also an upgraded 13MP selfie snapper on the front.
Under the hood, the Redmi 13 4G is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G91 Ultra chipset. It packs up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The device draws its power from a slightly bumped battery unit of 5,030mAh with support for 33W fast charging. The smartphone runs on HyperOS-based Android 14 OS out of the box.
The Redmi 13 4G starts at EUR 199.99 for the 6GB + 128GB variant and EUR 229.99 for the 8GB + 256GB option. It is available in select European markets and offered in Blue, Pink, Gold, and Black colors.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld is leaked to come with a larger 8″ display and the Intel Core Ultra 200 Lunar Lake chip. In addition, it will also offer better battery life according to the leak.
Claw 8 AI+ could offer over 10 times higher AI performance than the Claw A1M
Tipster @momomo_us has posted the details on X (formerly Twitter). He has also mentioned that the upcoming Claw 8 AI+ handheld will equip a Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port, enhanced LB/RB buttons, and a lighter AC power adapter.
According to the leak, MSI has also collaborated with Bethesda to build a Fallout-themed special edition version of the MSI Claw. This special edition will feature a slightly smaller 7″ FHD display and offer a design that is inspired by the vault, Pip-Boy, and roots from the Fallout series. However, it’s not clear whether it is going to be a rebranded version of the existing MSI Claw A1M or a version of the Claw 8 AI+.
Unfortunately this is all the information the tipster could share.
Speaking of the Lunar Lake series chip, it could come out in Q3 2024. The Claw AI+ with the new chip is expected to be a strong competitor to the ROG Alley X, which is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and offers a smaller 7″ display.
MSI has embedded the term AI in the product name, and we will have to see what kind of advantages it brings to the table and how it improves the overall gaming experience. The upcoming Core Ultra 200 chipset is expected to offer over 100 TOPS in AI performance. Notably, this is more than 10 times higher than the AI capabilities of the existing Meteor Lake series chips that power the Claw A1M.
The GPU in the Core Ultra 200 series is also expected to boast the new Battlemage GPU architecture, which will hopefully contribute to implementing a better gaming experience as compared to the current generation product.
vivo, one of the important names in the smartphone market, continues to expand its mid-segment product range. As you know, vivo has introduced the vivo Y200 Pro 5G model in recent months. vivo, which received very positive feedback from this model, started working to develop new models. In our database, we have detected the vivo Y300 Pro 5G model, one of the newly developed smartphones.
vivo Y300 Pro 5G
The model number of the vivo Y300 Pro 5G was spotted as V2402. The previous, the vivo Y200 Pro 5G, had the model number V2401. There are not many details about the vivo Y300 Pro 5G yet. There is no exact information about when the company will officially introduce this device or what technical specifications it will have. However, it may be possible to make some predictions by looking at Vivo’s past models and trends in the market.
We expect the vivo Y300 Pro 5G to be a mid-range smartphone like previous models. For example, it is thought that some of the features that were highly appreciated in the vivo Y200 Pro 5G can be continued in the Y300 Pro 5G. vivo Y200 Pro 5G model had a 6.78-inch FHD+ resolution AMOLED display with high color saturation. This screen was able to offer a 120HZ screen refresh rate to its users.
It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset. The 64MP main camera was accompanied by a 2MP depth camera. There was a 16MP selfie camera on the front. It had a huge 5000mAh battery, supported by 44W fast charging. Y200 Pro 5G came out of the box with the Android 14-based FunTouchOS 14 interface.
While vivo’s official launch date is not yet known, more information is likely to emerge in the near future. As we learn more about the company’s new model, we’ll have a clearer information of the vivo Y300 Pro 5G’s specifications and release date. For now, it is possible to say that this model is a candidate to gain an ambitious place in the mid-segment smartphone market. It is eagerly awaited to see what innovations Vivo will offer to users with this new smartphone.
Huawei might soon announce the Nova 13 series of premium mid-range smartphones in China. But ahead of any official announcement, a fresh report has revealed more details regarding the Nova 13 Lite and hinted at some of its upgrades.
Huawei Nova 13 Lite may get a much-needed 5G upgrade
An unknown Huawei smartphone had previously been spotted on the PSD-AL00 model number on 3C certification. This device was expected to be the Nova 13 series but the exact model was unclear. However, a NoteBookCheck report has claimed that this device is likely the successor to the Nova 12 Lite. To recall, the Nova 12 Lite was the entry-level model of the premium mid-range smartphones.
Huawei Nova 12 Lite
However, these devices came equipped with 4G and LTE networking. But the upcoming model could finally support 5G processors. So we can also expect the base Nova 13 and the higher end Nova 13 Pro and Nova 13 Ultra also to feature 5G connectivity. Unlike the previous generation, the Nova 13 Lite would skip the Snapdragon 778G for a 5G Kirin processor. This device is even expected to launch sometime later this year.
Based on the 3C certification, the Huawei Nova 13 Lite is expected to support 66W wired fast charging. In other words, the more expensive Pro and Ultra variants could benefit from a faster 100W wired fast charging. These will likely also include variable-aperture rear cameras. It is still unsure whether Huawei will launch the Nova 13 series in the global market outside of China in 2024.
The Huawei Nova 13 series apparently had its launch pushed back to July 2024. In related news, the Nova 13 Pro and Nova 13 Ultra are rumored to be equipped with the Kirin 9010 processor and feature the XMAGE imaging technology. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stay tuned for more updates.
After launching the Airdopes 311 Pro last week, Boat is back with a new pair of earbuds called the boAt Airdopes 300. These new earbuds come at an affordable price point with features like low latency mode and ASAP Fast charging.
Boat Airdopes 300 specs:
The Airdopes 300 features 10mm dynamic drivers and provides high-quality sound. The earbuds also come with Spatial Audio and 24-bit Audio Processing support. For gamers, the earbuds offer a low latency of 65ms in BEAST mode, ensuring smooth and snappy audio playback.
One of the key highlights is the Multipoint connectivity that simplifies managing connections across multiple devices. The earbuds also incorporate four microphones and AI-driven algorithms that enhance call clarity by using ENx technology to isolate voice from background noise.
Another key feature of the earbuds is the long battery life. Boat claims that the Airdopes 300 can last up to 50 hours when combined with the charging case, and a quick 10-minute charge delivers about 150 minutes of playtime, thanks to ASAP Fast charging technology. Additional user-friendly features include In-Ear Detection for auto-play and pause, and Swift IWP technology for quick pairing.
For durability, the earbuds are IPX4-rated, providing resistance against water and sweat, which makes them suitable for use during physical activities.
Pricing & availability
The Airdopes 300 TWS earbuds are available in two colors: Chrome White and Gunmetal Black, and are priced at Rs. 1,399. They can be purchased from boAt’s website, as well as other major retail platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and local stores starting today.
In related news, iQOO is gearing up to launch the iQOO Buds in India. The earbuds have already picked up BIS certification and are expected to be similar to the China-exclusive iQOO TWS 1e, which made its debut back in December 2023. We can expect it to feature up to ANC as well as a 55ms low latency mode.
The OnePlus 12 was recently confirmed to launch in a brand-new Glacier White color option. Now, the company has officially launched the new variant of the flagship smartphone, confirming its pricing and availability. So here are all the details.
OnePlus 12 Glacier White: Pricing & Availability
To recall, the Chinese brand unveiled the OnePlus 12 back in January in a Flowy Emerald and Silky Black color option. Now, the Glacier White variant has been announced for a starting price tag of 64,999 INR for the 12GB + 256GB storage configuration. The device will go on sale on 6th June 2024 and it will be available for purchase via Amazon, the brand’s official website, OnePlus Experience stores, and other retail outlets.
The company is even offering a flat 3,000 INR instant discount with select partner banks on the OnePlus 12 Glacier White. It is worth noting that those buying the device before June 20 also get another 2,000 INR coupon. You can even get your hands on this device with an exchange offer that is worth up to 12,000 INR. OnePlus has also announced the OnePlus Bonus Drop, which can be bought for just 99 INR between June 3 and June 5.
Those who purchase this Bonus Drop get the OnePlus Duffel Bag (Silver Gray) as a freebie with the OnePlus 12 Glacial White. Keep in mind that this is available in limited quantities at the moment. Apart from the color, the new variant offers the same features and specifications as the regular OnePlus 12.
The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max already have impressively thin bezels, but a new leak suggests that Apple might make them even thinner with the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.
According to a Weibo user, the bezels on these new models could be reduced by up to 40%, which would make the screen-to-body ratio even more immersive.
The rumor lines up with earlier reports that Apple plans to give the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max larger displays, with sizes of 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches respectively.
Setsuna Digital, the Weibo user, claims that the iPhone 16 Pro Max could have bezels as thin as 1.15mm, while the iPhone 16 Pro might have slightly thicker bezels at 1.20mm. They are still very thin surpassing even the most minimal ones currently found on smartphones.
While Setsuna Digital isn’t a tipster we’ve heard of in the past, the leak seems credible because the reliable leaker Ice Universe confirmed that the iPhone 16 Pro will have bezels thinner than those of the Galaxy S24 and claimed it will be the phone with the “narrowest bezels in the world.”
The tipster even shared a mockup render of the phone to show the incredibly thin bezels on the upcoming iPhone.
iPhone 16 Pro Max render by Ice Universe
Though the exact details of how Apple will achieve this are under wraps, leaks suggest that the company might use a “Border Reduction Structure” technology to make it possible.
It’s uncertain whether this technology will lead to a price increase for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max considering the significant effort and resources likely involved.
OnePlus is working on a new premium tablet model, which could be dubbed the OnePlus Pad 2. This high-end tablet offers top-notch hardware like a flagship grade processor. But ahead of any official announcement, the device was spotted on a popular benchmarking platform. So let’s check it out.
OnePlus Pad 2 surfaces on GeekBench
The Chinese brand’s upcoming tablet was seen on GeekBench carrying the OPD2404 model number. To recall, the original OnePlus Pad came with the OPD2203 model number. Looking at the benchmark listing, the device managed to score 2,079 points in the single-core test and 6,077 points in the multi-core test. It managed to achieve these high scores thanks to an upgrade in processor.
The last gen OnePlus Pad came with the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 SoC. Although, the newer OnePlus Pad 2 might be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. This flagship chipset is paired with 8GB of RAM, but we can expect other memory variants. This model runs on the Android 14 OS out of the box. Unfortunately, other finer details like its specs, design, and more are still at large.
But based on previous reports, the Pad 2 is rumored to sport a tall 12.4-inch display on the front with a 90Hz refresh rate. There’s a chance it will offer an OLED panel. A massive 9,510mAh battery pack is expected to power this tablet, which likely supports fast charging. So stick around for more as we will be providing more updates.
The rumor mill has now started talking about the next-generation flagship phones that are expected to launch in the last quarter of this year in China. Xiaomi is expected to announce the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip in October. There is a possibility that its sub-brand, Redmi, may announce the Redmi K80 series in November. Recent reports have spilt a few details about the Redmi K80 Pro. A new leak, courtesy of tipster Experience More, has shed some additional information about the device.
Redmi K80 Pro key specifications (rumored)
According to the tipster, the Redmi K80 Pro will feature an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint scanner. So far, Redmi phones have used optical-type under-display fingerprint scanners. Hence, the K80 Pro could be the first Redmi phone with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor onboard.
The other thing that the leaker mentioned is that the Redmi K80 Pro’s telephoto camera will support up to 3x optical zoom. This will be an upgrade, as the predecessor model’s telephoto camera supports 2x optical zoom.
According to previous reports, the Redmi K80 Pro will have a flat OLED panel offering a 2K resolution. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset and a 5,500mAh battery with 120W fast charging support will power it. The other details of the K80 Pro are yet to be revealed.
The Redmi K80 series is expected to sport a new design on the back. As far as the rear material is concerned, the K80 and K80 Pro are both expected to flaunt a glass back. The K70 Pro debuted with a price of 3,299 Yuan (~$455) last year. Now that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 phones are expected to arrive with increased price tags, the K80 Pro may carry a starting price of around 3,799 Yuan (~$525).
Realme released the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 powered GT Neo 6 SE as the GT 6T globally. They’re also bringing the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 powered Chinese GT Neo 6 to the global market as the GT 6 on June 20th.
However, Realme has plans for an even more powerful GT 6 specifically for the Chinese market. A recent leak on Weibo revealed some key details about this upcoming phone.
According to the leak, It will feature a flat BOE-supplied S1 display with a 1.5K resolution. It could be the same 6.78-inch OLED panel with a peak brightness of 6000 nits as the Neo 6 and Neo 6 SE.
Under the hood, the device is expected to house Qualcomm’s current best Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Additionally, the leak suggests a massive 6,000mAh battery with 100W charging support.
The camera department might see a 50-megapixel primary sensor, though further details remain unclear. The leak also mentions a metal middle frame for a premium build quality.
The Chinese GT 6 will likely face stiff competition from other flagship contenders like the Redmi K70 Ultra, OnePlus Ace 3 Pro, and iQOO Neo 9S Pro+.
While the Redmi phone will use the Dimensity 9300+ chip, the others are expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
It’s unclear when Realme will unveil its 8 Gen 3 powered GT 6 in China, but a Weibo post from a prolific tipster Digital Chat Station revealed that several Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 phones have launch dates moved up to June or early July.
The reason, Qualcomm will launch its next-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip in October, and new phones featuring this chip are expected to arrive the same month, They will likely dominate the high-end smartphone market then.
Considering this rumor, we can expect not only the Realme GT 6 but also the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro to launch within this month or at the beginning of next month. The Redmi K70 Ultra is already rumored to launch in June.
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