ZTE has unveiled a new portable WiFi hotspot, the U10L, boasting a budget-friendly price tag, dual SIM card functionality, and support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard. This comes after the recent launch of U10S Pro portable Wi-Fi with up to 10 hours of battery life.
The U10L portable WiFi is priced at 99 yuan (around $14) and it is now available on JD.com. Let’s check out its key specs.
ZTE U10L Portable WiFi Specifications:
The key highlight is the presence of two built-in SIM card slots, one for China Mobile and another for China Telecom networks. This eliminates the need to carry separate SIM cards or fiddle with swapping them when switching providers. Users can reportedly activate and switch between networks through a dedicated public service number platform.
ZTE is also offering official data packages for the U10L, starting from 1GB for just 2.2 cents, promising transparency and avoiding hidden charges. Additionally, buyers will receive 10GB of free trial data during the upcoming 618 shopping festival.
Under the hood, the U10L packs a proprietary chipset from ZTE, which the company claims delivers high performance and low power consumption. This translates to a smoother internet experience for users.
Performance-wise, the U10L supports the Wi-Fi 6 protocol, enabling theoretical speeds of up to 287Mbps. The portable Wi-Fi also features a 2000mAh removable battery, which ZTE claims can provide up to 8 hours of operation on a single charge.
The U10L can connect up to 16 devices simultaneously, making it ideal for sharing a stable internet connection with laptops, tablets, smartphones, game consoles, and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
The device sports a compact and lightweight design, measuring just 108mm x 59.8mm x 16.6mm. It also boasts a stylish and modern appearance, making it easy to carry around.
The Ulefone Armor 25T Pro smartphone has been unveiled and is now available for purchase. The smartphone comes with a compact and rugged design, as well as 5G network support. It has a night vision camera, and thermal imaging and is being offered at a very affordable price. The smartphone has a 6.78-inch screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz and a resolution of 1,080 x 2,460 pixels.
The Armor 25T Pro is 12.5 mm thick and weighs 326 grams. The smartphone comes with a thermal imaging camera with a resolution of 160 x 120 pixels, which covers a temperature range of -20°C to 550°C. The rugged smartphone is said to be able to measure temperatures up to an accuracy of 3°C. It is also equipped with a 64MP night vision camera and a 50MP main camera.
The Ulefone Armor 25T Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, with a dual SIM architecture and an integrated 5G mobile modem. The smartphone has an installed RAM capacity of 6GB and 256GB UFS 2.1 storage. The storage is expandable by up to 2 TB via a microSD memory card. The smartphone has a fingerprint sensor that is integrated into the power button, and facial unlocking is also supported.
The Ulefone Armor 25T Pro can withstand drops and is protected against damage from water and dust ingress. It comes with IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certifications which all underscore its rugged credentials. Furthermore, the display is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. In terms of charging, the smartphone offers up to 30 watts of wireless charging.
Pricing & Availability
The Armor 25T Pro is currently available only directly from Ulefone but its availability could later expand to other channels. The current price of the rugged smartphone is just under $273 and this is inclusive of shipping costs and import fees. Delivery times, according to the company, can be up to three weeks.
Following Google, Samsung, Huawei, and many other Android OEMs who have already started offering numerous AI-based features in their flagships, Apple could finally add some on-device and cloud-based AI features to the iOS 18 for the iPhone 16 series. Reportedly, the heart of Apple’s AI strategy for iOS 18, known as Project Greymatter, includes a series of AI features that the company will integrate across its core apps and services like Safari, Notes, and Photos.
Alongside the notification summarization feature called ‘Greymatter Catch Up’ that lets users listen to the summary of recent notifications through Siri, there will be other new features such as AI-powered photo editing and more.
iOS 18 Generative Playground may let you erase unwanted objects from images
Previously we have mentioned the possibility of the addition of these two features. But now we know more about how the photo editing feature might work. Apple has reportedly developed a new object-erasing feature, where generative AI recognizes, removes an unwanted object, and fills the area with AI-generated content that surprisingly matches its surroundings. It sounds similar to what we have already seen with Pixel, Galaxy, and Huawei devices.
Reportedly, Apple has developed an “internal application” called the Generative Playground that may let users experience the above-mentioned AI-powered photo editing feature. It could come integrated into iMessage for easy sharing. iOS 18 could also let you generate personalized emojis.
iOS 18 will also offer an automated response generation capability based on LLMs that will be intelligent enough to consider factors like names, calendar events, locations, times, and more. Siri is also undergoing development that aims to improve the text-to-speech functionality for more natural and smooth output and a better experience overall.
Notes app will also get some major improvements with AI
The Notes app will also get a major upgrade with iOS 18 and macOS 15 to offer text-based generative AI capabilities such as speech-to-text conversion and summarization. Speaking of a practical use case, users will be able to record audio directly from the notes app, convert it to text, and summarize it. Accessing information from an entire meeting or lecture could finally become easy for an iPhone.
The company will announce whatever it has been developing in the upcoming WWDC conference, set to take place from June 10 to June 14.
After a series of leaks and rumors, Honor has finally confirmed the launch of its first flip-style foldable phone, the Magic V Flip. Scheduled to debut in China on June 13th, this phone is expected to feature the largest cover display on any flip phone.
The phone’s other specifications are also expected to be competitive. So, what can we realistically expect from this new foldable contender? Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed and rumored features of the Honor Magic V Flip.
Foldable phones with a clamshell design are no longer a novelty in 2024. Samsung and Motorola got there first, making flip phones popular again which drew the attention of other brands like Vivo, Oppo, and others into the market.
So, Honor is entering an existing market with established players. But they’re doing things differently to attract users, particularly women, who Honor seems to be targeting with this phone.
According to rumors, the Magic V Flip will feature a cover display measuring over 4 inches in size, the largest yet on a flip foldable. As you can see in the image above, the display has very thin bezels and a subtle curve to it to make it easier to grip.
The bigger display will improve the phone’s usability when folded, allowing for tasks like checking notifications, composing messages, or even using a limited set of apps without unfolding the entire device.
Official images confirm that the device will have a dual-camera cutout on the cover display likely a wide and ultrawide lens combo. A more interesting detail is that the LED flash is placed on the bottom half of the device. The device will launch in three colors – Camellia White, Champagne Pink, and Iris Black.
2. Internal Display
While specifics about the internal display are scarce, teasers suggest a large, uninterrupted foldable screen. Honor boasts an “IMAX Enhanced” certification for its book-style Magic V foldable so that the feature could extend to the Flip variant.
The hinge, a crucial element in any foldable device, is another area where details are limited. Durability and a minimized crease will likely be the key selling points for V Flip considering its book-style foldables are known for having barely visible creases.
3. Performance and Battery
The Magic V Flip is confirmed to pack 12GB of RAM, with storage options ranging from 256GB to a whopping 1TB. However, the specifics about the device’s processor are still under wraps.
Battery life is often a concern with foldable phones due to the design constraints on fitting a large battery. The Magic V Flip, however, appears to stand out in this area as it will pack a big enough 4,500mAh battery, as revealed by previous certifications.
If true, it will be the largest battery on a flip foldable so far. Additionally, the certification confirmed 66W fast charging support for quick top-ups.
4. Camera and Others
While the cover display will have a dual-camera setup, details regarding the megapixel count, sensor size, and capabilities are still unknown. Honor has yet to reveal the camera specifications for the unfolded phone either.
The Magic V Flip will launch with the latest version of Magic UI, Honor’s custom skin based on Android 14. While specifics about optimizations for the foldable form factor are unknown, it’s reasonable to expect features that leverage the dual displays for multitasking and enhanced functionality.
5. The Verdict
The Honor Magic V Flip stands out among current flip phones with its large cover display and bigger battery in a classic clamshell design. However, key details such as the internal display quality, hinge durability, and camera capabilities are still unknown, making it hard to judge how the Magic V Flip will compare to its competitors. The upcoming launch will shed more light on Honor’s foldable ambitions.
Arm Holdings, is aiming to roll 100 billion Arm devices out in 2025. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish Arm as a key player in the rapidly expanding AI chip market, projected to grow from $30 billion in 2024 to over $200 billion by 2032.
To achieve this, Arm will establish a dedicated AI chip division. The division aims to produce prototypes by spring 2025 and begin mass production by the fall of the same year. The manufacturing will be managed by contract manufacturers, including potential collaborations with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (TSMC) and others. The development costs for these AI chips are expected to reach hundreds of billions of yen, with financial backing from Arm and contributions from SoftBank.
Strategically, there is a possibility that the AI chip business could be spun off and integrated under SoftBank once mass production is underway. This move aligns with SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son’s vision of transforming SoftBank into an AI powerhouse. Son has earmarked a $64 billion investment to drive innovations across various sectors, including data centers, robotics, and power generation. He envisions integrating AI, semiconductor, and robotics technologies to revolutionize industries such as shipping, pharmaceuticals, finance, manufacturing, and logistics.
At the Computex forum in Taipei, Arm highlighted their target of having 100 billion Arm devices worldwide by the end of 2025, emphasizing the role of AI-ready devices. Furthermore, Arm unveiled new AI chip designs and software tools aimed at enhancing AI capabilities in smartphones. These new designs are expected to improve compute and graphics performance by over 30% and accelerate AI inference by 59% for machine learning and computer vision tasks.
Arm’s strategy includes providing ready-for-manufacturing blueprints, a departure from their previous approach of offering abstract designs. This shift aims to expedite the development process for their partners, such as Samsung and TSMC. Samsung is already collaborating with Arm on 3nm process technology to meet the growing demand for generative AI in mobile devices. TSMC is working with Arm to enhance AI performance and efficiency through their Open Innovation Platform ecosystem
With these initiatives, Arm is not positioning itself as a competitor but as an enabler, helping its customers bring AI-driven chips and devices to market more swiftly. Chris Bergey, Arm’s General Manager, expressed the company’s vision of combining a platform for tightly coupled accelerators with customer Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to foster the rapid development of powerful AI chips and devices.
As Arm moves forward with its plans, it aims to capture a significant share of the burgeoning AI chip market, capitalizing on the unmet demand currently dominated by Nvidia. The company’s focus on AI chip development is a pivotal step in SoftBank’s broader strategy to lead the AI revolution and transform various industries through cutting-edge technology.
At Computex 2024, ASUS introduced two new gaming laptops, the TUF Gaming A14 and A16. These models are designed for gamers and come equipped with AMD Ryzen AI processors and NVIDIA RTX 40 series GPUs.
ASUS TUF Gaming A16
Asus TUF Gaming A16/A14 specs:
The TUF Gaming A16 features a 16-inch display and is built with a thin 17.9 mm chassis, offering a 90% screen-to-body ratio. The display offers 2.5K resolution, 400 nits of brightness, a 165 Hz refresh rate, and a 3 ms response time. It fully supports the sRGB color gamut. It includes a larger touchpad and full-sized arrow keys for better control. This model also provides a variety of connection options such as two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a USB 4 port with DisplayPort 2.1, a USB 3.2 Type-C port supporting 100W power delivery, an ethernet jack, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5 mm combo jack.
The laptop is powered by the latest AMD Ryzen AI processors and can be equipped with up to an RTX 4070 GPU and LPDDR5X-7500 memory. It also includes a 90 Wh battery and advanced cooling technology to manage heat.
The smaller TUF Gaming A14 shares many of the A16’s features but includes an RTX 4060 GPU and a 73 Wh battery. It has a slightly lower system TDP of 100W, which can be increased to 110W in Turbo mode. The 14-inch display also provides 2.5K resolution, 400 nits of brightness, a 165 Hz refresh rate, and a 3 ms response time.
Both laptops are built to be durable, with the A14 featuring a military-grade chassis and an FHD webcam that supports Windows Hello.
In related news, ASUS has also debuted the ROG Prism Delta 2, a tri-mode headset for gamers. It has a long battery life of up to 110 hours, along with low-latency 2.4GHz connectivity using a convenient Type-C receiver.
OnexPlayer has launched a new iteration of its X1 gaming tablet cum PC, the OnexPlayer X1 Ryzen Edition. This Ryzen Edition boasts an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor and starts at a competitive price of 6899 yuan (roughly $952). The X1 initially launched earlier this year with Intel Core Ultra processors.
OneXPlayer X1 Specifications:
Aside from the processors, the rest of the specs remain almost the same as the previous iteration. The X1 Ryzen Edition features a large 10.95-inch 2.5K display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for tear-free gaming. The display offers a bright 540 nits peak brightness and a comfortable 16:10 aspect ratio. To further enhance the viewing experience, the tablet supports DC dimming technology for flicker-free visuals.
Unlike a typical two-in-one, it comes with a detachable controller with ergonomic grips and customizable buttons. This transforms the device into a handheld gaming console reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch, perfect for on-the-go entertainment. The package also includes a magnetic detachable backlit keyboard for those productivity tasks.
Under the hood, the OnexPlayer X1 Ryzen Edition packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen 7 8840U processor. This is paired with LPDDR5X-7500 memory in either 32GB or 64GB configurations. Storage options include PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 2280 SSDs with capacities ranging from 1TB to a whopping 4TB, ensuring ample space for games and applications.
The X1 boasts Harman-certified dual speakers, featuring a high-performance full-range speaker unit for rich and immersive sound. In terms of connectivity, the device comes loaded with options, including dual USB 4.0 ports, a TF card slot, a USB-A 3.2 port, two USB-C 4.0 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an Oculink interface for connecting to external graphics docks.
The tablet cum PC is equipped with a sizable 16890mAh battery. This translates to up to 169 minutes of gameplay in Genshin Impact, 8 hours of office work, or an impressive 11 hours of video playback on a single charge. When it’s time to refuel, the included 100W gallium nitride charger ensures a quick turnaround, minimizing downtime.
Pricing
The OnexPlayer X1 Ryzen Edition comes in three storage configurations, all starting at competitive prices. The base model with 32GB of memory and 1TB of storage starts at 6899 yuan (around $952). Upgrading to 2TB bumps the price to 7399 yuan ($1,022), while the top-of-the-line option with 64GB of memory and a whopping 4TB of storage reaches 9599 yuan ($1,325).
Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the Xiaomi 14 Civi smartphone in India on June 12. After a recent leak of the retail box of the device, the brand has now confirmed a bunch of specifications through the 14 Civi’s Flipkart microsite.
As per the details on the microsite, the smartphone has a 50 MP primary camera with Leica’s Summilux Lens. The primary camera is paired with a 50 MP Portrait telephoto camera that offers 2x zoom, along with a 12 MP ultra-wide lens with a 120-degree field of view.
On the front, it has a 32 MP + 32 MP dual selfie camera capable of recording videos in 4K resolution. The phone will have a slim 7.4mm metal body with a premium vegan leather finish on the back. The display is confirmed to be a ‘floating quad-curve’ display with 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. The panel will offer over 68 billion colors, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ support. For Audio, it will feature stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos tuning.
Under the hood, it is confirmed to house a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, with Android 14-based HyperOS running the software side. The device will draw power from a 4,700mAh battery, paired with 67W fast charging. Lastly, the microsite confirms three color options: Crusie Blue, Matcha Green, and Shadow Black. Details about the pricing could emerge in the coming days.
In related news, tipster DCS has leaked some details about the camera system of the upcoming Xiaomi 15 series smartphones. These devices are expected to be among the early adopters of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, so we can expect them to launch around Q4 2024.
If you were looking for a pair of gaming headphones to add to your setup, today marks the announcement of the ASUS ROG Prism Delta 2, a tri-mode gaming headset designed for marathon gaming sessions. This feature-packed headset boasts an incredible battery life of up to 110 hours, ensuring you can stay immersed in your favorite worlds without worrying about running out of juice (as long as you keep the flashy RGB lighting deactivated).
The headset has dual-material earmuffs for a comfortable fit while long gaming sessions
Comfort is paramount for long gaming sessions, and the ROG Prism Delta 2 takes this seriously. Its dual-material earmuffs provide a comfortable fit that won’t leave your ears feeling fatigued after hours of use. On the audio front, the headset packs a serious punch with 50mm titanium-plated driver units, promising crisp and clear audio for both in-game soundscapes and detailed music reproduction.
Gone are the days of juggling connections. The ASUS ROG Prism Delta 2 offers ultimate flexibility with its tri-mode connectivity. Utilizing ROG SpeedNova wireless technology, you can connect the headset using low-latency 2.4GHz wireless with the included Type-C receiver, standard Bluetooth for mobile devices, or the classic 3.5mm wired connection for broad compatibility.
For those who multitask while gaming, the innovative DualFlow audio technology is a game-changer. It allows you to connect two devices simultaneously, letting you seamlessly switch between in-game audio and voice chat with teammates on your phone, all without ever needing to disconnect.
The official launch of the ROG Prism Delta 2 is slated for the third quarter of 2024. This solid headset looks to be a strong contender for the throne of best gaming headset What do you think about this one?
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.
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