Apple‘s recent iPad Pro ad featuring close-up shots of creative tools being crushed drew criticism for its heavy-handed metaphor. Samsung didn’t miss the opportunity to capitalize on the controversy with a mocking ad of its own.
Now, Xiaomi is jumping into the fray, but for a different motive. The company made a similar ad to tease an upcoming phone launch in India.
On Tuesday, Xiaomi released a video on X (formerly Twitter) that closely resembles Apple’s ad in its setup. However, instead of objects being crushed, the crushing surface grinds to a halt midway and the video concludes with the text “Cinematic Vision,” with the “Ci” and “Vi” highlighted in red.
Those letters form the word “Civi” which is Xiaomi’s youth-oriented smartphone line. Xiaomi’s Civi phones have so far been exclusive to China, with the latest model being the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro.
Though not officially confirmed, rumors suggest the Xiaomi 14 Civi will be the first Civi phone from the brand in India and it’s allegedly a rebrand of the Civi 4 Pro. If true, we can expect the phone to feature a 6.55-inch 1.5K (2750 x 1236 pixels) AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Powering the device will be Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip with support for LPDRR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage. As for the cameras, the rear will have a 50MP main, a 50MP telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide lens while there will be a 32MP sensor on the front for selfies.
The device could come with a 4700mAh battery with support for 67W charging and will run on Android 14-based HyperOS out of the box.
Lenovo has announced two new laptops based on the Windows-on-Arm platform that will use the Snapdragon X Elite chipset – the Yoga Slim 7x 14 Gen 9 and the ThinkPad T14 Gen 6. Let’s take a look at the key details of the two new devices.
Yoga Slim 7x 14 Gen 9ThinkPad T14s Gen 6
Yoga Slim 7x 14 Gen 9
As the name suggests, the Yoga Slim 7x 14 Gen 9 is a slim machine measuring just 12.9mm. It weighs around 1.28kg. Within this thin and lightweight packaging, the machine manages to equip a 70Whr battery and also supports Rapid Charge Express technology that according to the company offers 3 hours of usage for 15 minutes of charging with the new power-efficient SoC.
The chipset also integrates Qualcomm’s Hexagon NPU which supports generative AI-based text-to-image capabilities, among other AI features.
Apart from that, the thin and light laptop boasts the integrated Adreno GPU, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB PCIe Gen 4 M.2 SSD, 3 x USB-C ports (USB4 certification is pending for July 2024), and a 14.5″ 3K 90Hz OLED panel that reaches 500 nits in SDR content and 1000 nits in HDR content. For wireless connectivity the machine offers WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 support. It comes with a backlit keyboard with 1.5mm key travel.
The device is now available for pre-order on Lenovo’s website for $1,289 (~9,245 Yuan)
ThinkPad T14s Gen 6
Just like the previous one, it also powers the Snapdragon X Elite chip and also offers the generative AI capabilities. However, it offers you 32GB LPDDR5X soldered memory, 1TB M.2 PCIe Gen 4×4 SSD, but a smaller 58Whr battery pack that supports Rapid Charge (charges up to 80% within 1 hour).
The display has a 14″ WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS panel that goes up to 400 nits. This machine is 16.9mm in thickness but weighs 1.24kg, slightly less than the Yoga Slim 7x 14 Gen 9.
Speaking of ports, the ThinkPad laptop offers you more options:
2 x USB-C® 4, 40Gbps (supports power delivery & DisplayPort)
2 x USB-A, 5Gbps (1 always on)
HDMI® 2.1 (supports resolution up to 4K@60Hz)
Headphone/mic combo
Optional: Nano SIM slot
The ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 is also currently available for preorder on the company’s website for $2,699 (~19,337 Yuan).
Motorola is getting ready to announce its Razr 50 series of foldable smartphones soon. But ahead of any official announcement, the upcoming Razr 50 was spotted on a Chinese certification platform, revealing its fast charging rates. So let’s have a look.
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra visits 3C
The Razr 50 lineup is the latest generation of flip phones from the brand. Now, the Razr 50 surfaced on the 3C certification database carrying the XT-2453-2 model number. This listing confirmed that it will support 33W wired fast charging, which is similar to its predecessor. Just yesterday, we covered a leak that revealed the full design of the Razr 50 Ultra alongside its specifications and color variants.
Motorola’s higher-end Razr 50 Ultra was also spotted on the BIS platform in India a month ago. In other words, the release of the Razr 50 lineup could be right around the corner. Based on what we know so far, the Ultra variant sports a tall 6.9-inch pOLED display with 1.5K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, its cover panel is a smaller 4-inch pOLED screen. Under the hood, it may be equipped with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, which is paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
A 4,000mAh battery pack may power this device. For optics, we can expect two 50-megapixel cameras on the rear and a 32-megapixel selfie shooter on the front. It will likely also run on the Android 14 OS out of the box. This is all the information we have at the moment, so stay tuned for more updates.
Infinix previously announced its upcoming GT Verse series. Now, it has officially unveiled two new products in this lineup, namely the Infinix GT 20 Pro and the GT Book. So let’s check it out the latest laptop, which features the iconic Cyber Mecha design and LED lighting.
Infinix GT Book Specs
The brand’s latest laptop sports a 16-inch anti-glare display with 1920 x 1200 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 300 nits of peak brightness, and a 16:10 aspect ratio. Under the hood, it is equipped with up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i9, which is paired with up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. It comes with up to 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage. This notebook runs on the Windows 11 OS out of the box.
The highlighting aspect of the Infinix GT Book is its Cyber Mecha design, which is common across the GT Verse procuts. It features a fully customizable RGB LED array called the Mecha Bar at the back of the laptop and a GT Control Center for lighting control. The keyboard also features a four-zone RGB keyboard. Thanks to a dedicated Game Mode, you can switch between three graphics power modes. This includes a Dedicated GPU, Dynamic, and Integrated GPU that can be accessed via MUX switch settings.
Infinix GT Book is powered by a 70Wh battery pack that supports 120W fast charging. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, a USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB Type-C, an HDMI 2.0 port, an SD card slot, and an audio jack. The laptop weighs 1.99 kilograms.
Pricing and Availability
Infinix launched the latest GT Book in two color options, Mecha Silver and Mecha Gray. It also arrives in multiple variants for different CPU and GPU configurations. So let’s check it out:
After a Geekbench listing showing off S19’s performance earlier today, a new leak has surfaced on Weibo shedding light on the design and specs of both the Vivo S19 and S19 Pro.
The leak comes from a tipster named Classmate Wu Datou, who shared what appears to be official marketing posters for the Vivo S19 series.
The first one shows that Vivo will change the rear design for S19 phones. The camera module takes on a new, elongated oval-ish shape that is completely different from the previous iterations.
While the poster doesn’t explicitly name the phone as either the S19 or S19 Pro, a second leak reveals both phones will have a similar design language. It also spills the beans on the camera specifications of upcoming smartphones.
The Vivo S19 Pro will feature a triple-camera setup on the rear. The main sensor will be a 50MP Sony IMX921 with optical image stabilization (OIS).
It is accompanied by a 50MP telephoto lens, also featuring OIS with 50x zoom capability. The telephoto lens uses a Sony IMX816 sensor, and the setup is rounded out by an 8MP ultrawide sensor. The front-facing camera on the S19 Pro is also rumored to be a 50MP sensor.
On the other hand, the standard S19 will sport a simpler camera setup. While it retains the 50MP sensor for selfies, the rear setup will feature a single 50MP primary sensor with OIS alongside an 8MP ultrawide lens.
The first poster also hints at a collaboration between Vivo and the Chinese television series “Fox Spirit Matchmaker” for the S19 series. However, details regarding this partnership are yet to be revealed.
Vivo has just unveiled a new smartphone from its popular Y series. The Vivo Y200 Pro finally arrived in India after weeks of teasers and leaks. Despite its mid-range pricing, this model features an impressively thin and light design, launching right after the Y200 GT and Y200t announcement. So let’s check it out.
Vivo Y200 Pro Specs
The latest phone from the Chinese brand sports a tall 6.78-inch 3D curved AMOLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 1300 nits of peak brightness, and a 105 percent NSTC color gamut. Under the hood, it is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC that is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Users can further expand storage by another 8GB via virtual RAM expansion.
For optics, buyers get a 64-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel bokeh sensor at the back, and a 16-megapixel selfie shooter on the front. A large 5,000mAh battery pack that supports 44W wired fast charging. It runs on the Android 14 OS based Funtouch OS 14 custom skin out of the box. One of the highlight aspects of this device is undoubtedly its 7.5mm body, which makes it the slimmest phone in this segment. Other notable features include an in-display fingerprint scanner, IP54 water and dust resistance, and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) support.
Pricing and Availability
The Vivo Y200 Pro arrives in two color variants, namely Silk Green and Silk Glass. This model also comes with a new Silk Glass design. The lone 8GB + 128GB configuration of the Y200 Pro is priced at 24,999 INR (roughly 300 US Dollars) and it is currently listed for purchase on the Vivo eStore.
Yesterday, Vivo unveiled the Vivo Y200t and Vivo Y200 GT smartphones in China. The brand also unveiled the Vivo Y200, which is positioned higher than the above-mentioned phones. Here is a look at the specifications, features, and price of the Y200.
Vivo Y200 specifications and features
Vivo Y200
The Vivo Y200 measures 164.36 x 74.75 x 7.75-7.61mm and weighs 187-190 grams. The device has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. For selfies, the device is equipped with an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, and its back panel has a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 2-meag-pixel depth sensor.
Under the hood, the Vivo Y200 has the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset. It comes with 8 GB / 12 GB of RAM and 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB of internal storage. The phone runs on Android 14, with a layer of OriginOS 4 on top.
The Y200 has a 6,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging. It offers other features, such as an in-screen fingerprint scanner, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and a USB-C port.
Vivo Y200 price
The Vivo Y200 is available in four configurations in China. These include: 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, and 12GB+512GB, which are priced at 1,599 Yuan (~$225), 1,799 Yuan (~$250), 1,999 Yuan (~$280), and 2,299 Yuan (~$325). It comes in three shades, such as black, white, and orange. The device is positioned higher than the Vivo Y200 GT, which features a 120Hz flat OLED screen and the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chip.
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is a scaled-down version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship chipset (Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs 8 Gen 3 comparison) designed to cater the premium mid-range smartphone segment. Qualcomm’s key competitor, MediaTek, also has the Dimensity 8300 Ultra targeting the same segment. But how do these two chipsets stack up against each other? Let’s put the two chipsets to the test to see which one is better.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
Dimensity 8300 Ultra
Process Node
TSMC 4nm
TSMC 4nm
CPU Cores
8
8
CPU Architecture
1 x Cortex-X4 @ 3.0 GHz 4 x Cortex-A720 @ 2.8 GHz 3 x Cortex-A520@ 2.0 GHz
1 x Cortex-A715 @ 3.35 GHz 3 x Cortex-A715 @ 3.2 GHz 4 x Cortex-A510 @ 2.2 GHz
GPU
Adreno 735
ARM Mali-G615 MC6
NPU
Hexagon
MediaTek APU 780
Memory
Up to 24 GB LPDDR5X @ 4200 MHz
Up to 24 GB LPDDR5X @ 4266 MHz
Storage
UFS 4.0
UFS 4.0
Camera Support
Up to 200MP Camera Sensor Support Spectra 18-bit Triple Cognitive ISP 4K Videos @ 60 FPS
Up to 320MP Camera Sensor Support Imagiq 980 ISP 4K Videos @ 60FPS
Display
4K Ultra HD @ 60Hz
WQHD+ @ 120Hz
Connectivity
Snapdragon X70 5G Modem Up to Wi-Fi 7 Support Bluetooth 5.4 5G Support
MediaTek 5G Modem Wi-Fi 6E Support Bluetooth 5.4 5G Support
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs Dimensity 8300 Ultra: Benchmarks
[Geekbench 6 scores]
Geekbench 6
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
Dimensity 8300 Ultra
Single-core
2012
1356
Multi-core
5545
4476
[AnTuTu V10 scores]
AnTuTu V10
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
Dimensity 8300 Ultra
CPU
371183
286452
GPU
536455
515523
Memory
368763
298289
UX
276644
248288
Total score
1553045
1348552
Clearly, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 outperforms the Dimensity 8300 Ultra in both Geekbench v6 and AnTuTu v10 benchmarking tests.
While benchmarking results are good for testing chip compatibility, they do not reflect real-world performance. Hence, you should also consider other factors before reaching a conclusion.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs Dimensity 8300 Ultra: CPU
Both are octa-core chipsets but have different core configurations and architectures. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 features a (1+4+3) core architecture, while the Dimensity 8300 Ultra has opted for a (1+3+4) architecture. This means the former has an additional performance core, while the latter has the advantage of an additional power-efficient core.
The Dimensity chip has a Cortex-A715 prime core clocked at 3.35 GHz, but the Cortex-X4 in the Snapdragon chip is more powerful and offers high single-threaded performance. Moreover, the SD 8s Gen 3 has more powerful Cortex-A720 cores (vs Cortex-A715 in Dimensity 8300 Ultra), and that too in higher numbers.
Compared to the Cortex-A510 (in Dimensity 8300 Ultra), the Cortex-A520 (in SD 8s Gen 3) is 22% more power efficient with an 8% performance uplift. Hence, the Snapdragon chip is more power efficient than the Dimensity one.
The CPU cores do not decide a device’s overall performance, as it also depends on factors such as GPU, RAM, and storage, which we’ll examine in the subsequent sections.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs Dimensity 8300 Ultra: GPU
The ARM Mali-G615 MC6 GPU (in Dimensity 8300 Ultra) has a slight edge over the Adreno 735 (in Snapdragon 8s Gen 3) in raw graphical power due to more cores. However, Adreno GPUs are reputable for being power-efficient while offering better performance.
Although the Dimensity 8300 Ultra might offer better GPU performance, it may not be as power efficient as the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is. Adreno 735 (in Snapdragon 8s Gen 3) offers a good mix of both performance and power efficiency.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs Dimensity 8300 Ultra: NPU
One of the key features of these two chipsets is their ability to run generative AI tasks without an internet connection. These octa-core chipsets support generative AI models with up to 10 billion parameters.
So far, only high-end phones from brands like Samsung and Google integrate generative AI. However, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and Dimensity 8300 chipsets should bring these features to slightly cheaper models. But that’s totally up to smartphone manufacturers.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs Dimensity 8300 Ultra: Multimedia
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 features a Qualcomm Spectra 18-bit Triple Cognitive ISP, and the Dimensity 8300 Ultra has MediaTek Imagiq 980 ISP to convert raw data captured by the phone’s sensor into a final image.
While the Snapdragon chip supports up to 200MP single camera, the Dimensity chip supports a maximum of 320MP single camera. However, both chips can take 4K videos at 60 frames per second (FPS).
Both Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and Dimensity 8300 Ultra have powerful imaging capabilities. However, you also need a high-quality camera sensor to take stunning shots.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs Dimensity 8300 Ultra: Display
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3-powered devices can have up to QHD+ resolution @ 144Hz or 4K Ultra HD @ 60Hz, while phones with the Dimensity 8300 Ultra chip can go up to WQHD+ @ 120Hz or FullHD+ @ 120Hz. Both chips support HDR10+.
Clearly, the Snapdragon chip supports higher resolution. But again, smartphone manufacturers decide the maximum display resolution of a device powered by either of these two chipsets.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs Dimensity 8300 Ultra: Connectivity
Both chipsets support necessary connectivity features such as 5G, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, GPS, and NavIC, although they differ in terms of Wi-Fi support.
The SD 8s Gen 3 supports Wi-Fi 7, while the Dimensity 8300 Ultra supports up to Wi-Fi 6E. The Wi-Fi 7 technology (in Snapdragon 8s Gen 3) significantly improves the download/upload speed, latency, and congestion management. So, you can expect a faster and more reliable connection with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3-powered phone, compared to Dimensity 8300 Ultra phones.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs Dimensity 8300 Ultra: Conclusion
Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and Dimensity 8300 Ultra are powerful chipsets aiming to capture the mass premium segment. Both the chipsets have impressive benchmarking results and look good on the spec sheet. However, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has powerful cores, offering additional performance advantage over the Dimensity 8300 Ultra. The latter one supports a higher camera resolution and a more powerful GPU.
The chipsets also have GenAI capabilities to perform AI tasks on-device without an internet connection.
Choosing one of these two chipsets boils down to your preference. However, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has an edge over the Dimensity 8300 Ultra in almost every dimension.
OnePlus has rolled out the Android 15 Beta 1 update for the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open. While the first Android 15 Beta is not flawless, it offers security improvements and some minor UI changes. OnePlus 12 (review)has also received a new “Repair mode” functionality with the update, that makes it easy for you to protect your privacy while sending your phone for a repair.
Usually, you need to back up and erase all your data from your phone and before sending it to the technician. After the repair process, you need to reinstall all of it, which takes significant time and effort.
Repair mode in OnePlus 12 currently has room for improvement
OnePlus 12 users on the Android 15 Beta 1 update can now find the Repair mode functionality by going to Settings > System & updates > Repair mode. However, the implementation has still room for improvement.
Upon clicking on the Repair mode option, you will need to go through the setup process that will take you a minute or two before you land on the home screen as a separate user. When you exit the repair mode, the phone will erase all the data it has stored during the process and revert to the state it was in before.
We have already seen similar implementations from Samsung and Pixel. In fact, Samsung offered this functionality in OneUI 5 based on Android 13 which was called Maintenance mode. Google offered the feature as Repair mode to its Pixel devices starting with Android 14 QPR1.
While OnePlus‘s implementation of Repair mode is not as polished as we have seen with the other two brands, it’s still a good thing to have given the time and effort it saves. Hopefully, the company will fix the minor inconvenience before releasing and including it with the stable version.
Earlier this month, iQOO launched the budget-ranged Z9x 5G smartphone in the Indian market featuring a high refresh rate FHD+ display and a massive battery. Starting today, this device will be available to purchase in India, going up against other budget-range 5G phones like the Moto G64.
iQOO Z9x 5G price & availability
The iQOO Z9x is available in three configurations: 4GB + 128GB, 6GB + 128GB, and 8GB + 128GB. The 4GB + 128GB model is priced at ₹12,999, while the 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 128GB models are priced at ₹14,499 and ₹15,999, respectively. There is a Rs. 500 coupon discount available for the 6GB + 128GB and 8GB + 128GB models. Additionally, all three models can be purchased with a Rs. 1,000 bank discount until May 31 with ICICI, HDFC, and SBI bank credit and debit cards.
iQOO Z9x 5G specs:
The iQOO Z9x 5G has a 6.72-inch LCD screen with Full HD+ resolution (2408 × 1080 pixels), a refresh rate of 120Hz, and can reach a brightness of 1000 nits. It features a central punch-hole design. The smartphone runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip, which is built on a 4nm process. It comes with several RAM options: 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB, paired with 128GB storage and an option to extend it via a MicroSD card. The operating system is Android 14-based Funtouch OS 14, with updates promised for two future Android versions and security updates for three years.
In terms of cameras, the iQOO Z9x 5G has a main 50MP camera with an f/1.8 aperture, along with a 2MP bokeh camera with an f/2.4 aperture, and it includes an LED flash. The front camera is 8MP with an f/2.05 aperture and supports portrait mode and live photo features. The battery capacity is 6000mAh, supported by 44W fast charging.
For security, there’s a fingerprint scanner on the side. The phone also features stereo speakers and hi-res audio support. There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones. Connectivity options include dual-SIM support, 5G, WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and several types of GPS. The phone is IP68 certified for dust and water resistance and has earned a TUV Rheinland certification for low blue light.
Adding to the growing pile of rumors surrounding the upcoming Vivo S19 series, the standard Vivo S19 with model number V2364A has now been spotted on the Geekbench benchmark database.
The listing reveals the Vivo S19 will be equipped with an octa-core processor codenamed “crow” with a 1+3+4 core configuration. This cryptic codename likely refers to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset.
The benchmark results show a score of 920 points in the single-core test and 3,414 points in the multi-core test. While not flagship-level performance, these scores suggest the S19 should be capable of handling everyday tasks and some light gaming.
The Geekbench listing also hints that the phone will feature 16GB of RAM and will have Android 14 out of the box.
While the standard S19 has a more modest processor, leaks suggest the Pro variant will be equipped with a flagship-grade MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ processor.
Details are scarce about the vanilla S19, but the S19 Pro is said to feature a sizable 6.78-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1.5K (2800 x 1260 pixels).
There will be a triple-camera setup on the rear consisting of a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide sensor, and a 50MP telephoto lens for capturing portraits. Selfies are expected to be handled by a 50MP lens.
Vivo S19 Pro was previously spotted on a 3C certification site with 80W charging support and rumor suggests a 5000mAh battery capacity. The S19 is said to house a bigger 6000mAh battery while the charging speed is same at 80W.
Samsung India has made some beneficial changes to its Samsung Care+ program, offering more value at no extra cost. Now, customers can make two claims per year under the revised program, covering both screen protection and accidental or liquid damage.
Samsung revises Care+ program with new benefits
Samsung Care+ benefits
For those who don’t know, Samsung Care+ is the official support program for Galaxy devices, providing complete coverage without depreciation. It offers the convenience of both walk-in and pick-up/drop-off options for registering claims. The program ensures that repairs are done by expert technicians using genuine Samsung parts, which helps maintain device performance and longevity.
At present, Samsung Care+ provides four different protection plans designed for various Galaxy devices, including smartphones, tablets, watches, and laptops. These plans start at Rs 399 and are supported by a network of service centres across the country.
Apart from confirming two claims per year under the revised Samsung Care+, the South Korean tech giant also claimed that the program also simplifies the claim process, eliminating the need for documentation, and prioritizes data privacy. Customers can monitor the status of their claims or repairs using an easy-to-use tracking system.
Samsung Care Plus can be availed through Samsung’s website, the Samsung Experience store, and the My Galaxy app available on Samsung devices. These upgrades to Samsung Care+ make it easier for Galaxy device users to keep their devices protected and in good working order.
In addition, Samsung has also announced the ‘Back to Campus’ campaign to provide attractive discounts for students. The new campaign brings offers on Samsung’s recent devices, such as the Galaxy Book 4 series of laptops, the Galaxy Tab S9 and Galaxy Tab A series of tablets, and the Galaxy S24 lineup, among other products.
Samsung has introduced special offers on select Galaxy Book, Galaxy Tab, and Galaxy smartphone devices under its new ‘Back to Campus’ campaign in India. The campaign, tagged ‘Show Them How It’s Done,’ aims to provide students with accessible technology solutions to support their academic and personal growth. Here is all the information about the new campaign aimed at the students.
Key highlights of Samsung’s ‘Back to Campus’ campaign
Samsung launches ‘Back to Campus’ campaign
Samsung’s new ‘Back to Campus’ campaign offers up to 10 percent off through the Student+ program, bank cashback of up to Rs 12,000 and upgrade bonuses up to Rs 8,000 on Samsung laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The company is also offering up to 24 months of no-cost EMI.
The campaign covers a range of devices including laptops, such as Galaxy Book 4, Galaxy Book 3, and Galaxy Book 2 series; tablets like Galaxy Tab S9 and Galaxy Tab A9 series, and smartphones, such as A-series and S-series.
Student Exclusive Offers
Galaxy Book 4 Pro 360: Available at a net price of Rs 153,990 to Rs 1,69,990. The Book 4 lineup features Intel Core Ultra processors and Intel Arc GPU for enhanced performance and visuals. It includes a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with anti-reflective and Vision Booster features.
Galaxy Tab S9 WiFi 128GB: Priced at Rs 60,999, down by Rs 12,000. The series is equipped with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with HDR10+ support. It offers IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Additionally, the bundled S Pen brings improved sensitivity for a better user experience.
Galaxy S24 (8GB+128GB variant): Starting at Rs 61,999 with a combined discount of up to Rs 13,000. The key highlight of the Galaxy S24 series is that it is Samsung’s first device to offer Galaxy AI with features like Live Translate, Chat Assist, and Circle to Search. These AI features are also available on Galaxy Tab S9 series through the One UI 6.1 update.
These offers are available on Samsung.com, select retail stores, and other online platforms starting May 17. For more details, visit the Samsung website or your nearest store.
Yesterday, there were a bunch of PC announcements in China and globally. We also saw the Redmi Pad Pro go global alongside a 100-inch affordable TV from Hisense.
Last month, Xiaomi introduced the Redmi Pad Pro in China, featuring a large display and a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor. While it was anticipated that this tablet would be launched globally as the POCO Pad, Xiaomi has surprised everyone by releasing the Redmi Pad Pro in the European market instead.
Hisense introduces a 100-inch TV boasting a 144Hz refresh rate, available from 8,999 Yuan ($1,244). A cutting-edge offering that promises an immersive viewing experience at an attractive price point.
Apple is resorting to significant price cuts on its iPhone 15 lineup in mainland China to revive sluggish sales. Major online retailers like JD.com and Alibaba’s Tmall platform are offering the phones at new lows.
Chinese drone maker DJI has launched the Agras T50 and Agras T25 drones for agricultural applications. The drones are designed to deliver precision services in agricultural operations. The two drones are available in the global market.
Dell has expanded its laptop offerings with a new range of devices powered by Qualcomm‘s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors. These models span across the XPS, Inspiron, and Latitude series, catering to various needs and budgets.
OnePlus India sent us a unit of Nord CE 4, just like the Nord CE 3 last year. So having experienced both handsets, I have expressed my opinion on them in this post.
Before I begin sharing my thoughts, I would like to let readers know that the brand had no editorial input or early look at this article.
The Nord CE 4 and Nord CE 3 look a way different from one another. However, they are almost identical in terms of dimensions, weight, as well as in-hand feel.
The CE 4’s dual rear camera modules are smaller and are placed on a slightly raised platform along with a ring LED flash. Whereas, the camera modules on the CE 3 are larger and the regular LED flashlight sits parallel.
However, the OnePlus logo is placed at the centre of both phones. Their build quality is also about the same with the back panel and the flat frame made of plastic. Both offer an IP54 rating for splash resistance as well.
The duo arrives in two colors, with grey being the common hue on both. The hero color for Nord CE 3 is Aqua Surge (sky blue), while it is Celadon Marble (jade-like finish) for Nord CE 4. They ship with a high-quality color-matching silicone case.
I prefer colors that stand out, so I love the hero colors of both compared to their grey counterparts (Grey Shimmer for CE 3 and Dark Chrome for CE 4).
2. Identical display with some key upgrades
Both Nord CE 3 and Nord CE 4 flaunt an identical OLED display with a few notable differences.
Their panels measure 6.7 inches in size and sport a centered punch hole at the top. The screens offer a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 394 PPI, and up to a 120Hz refresh rate.
The touch sampling rate and PWM dimming are also identical at 240Hz and 2160Hz, respectively. They also support 10-bit color depth and HDR10+ content.
I find both panels to be pleasing and eye-friendly. However, the display on Nord CE 4 is slightly better.
Because the latest model’s screen can get brighter. Additionally, it supports ProXDR, which means it can show HDR images/videos in native gallery application(Photos) and social media apps like Instagram.
That’s not all, Nord CE 4 also has Aqua Touch feature, which helps in registering touches even when the display glass is wet.
3. More powerful but not noticeable
The Nord CE 4 has a newer and better chipset as compared to the Nord CE 3. However, both of them arrive with the same 8GB LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 storage.
The newer chip is better in all aspects. But you wouldn’t notice the difference in real-time as both phones feel about the same in day-to-day usage.
The difference can be felt while playing games or performing intensive tasks like rendering.
But there’s one thing that bothers me coming from flagships. That is jittery animations now and then on both handsets.
This wasn’t an issue when I first reviewed the Nord CE 3 with OxygenOS 13 (Android 13). It started occurring after updating to OxygenOS 14 (Android 14). Since the Nord CE 4 ships with the latest software, it also has the same issue.
It is worth noting that this is not a dealbreaker for general consumers. I can feel the difference as I constantly switch between smartphones across different price segments as part of my job.
4. Balanced cameras
The Nord CE 4 comes with a dual camera system instead of triple cameras like the Nord CE 3. The latest model drops the 2MP macro, which is of no use to most people.
The CE 4 has a newer mid-range primary sensor called Sony LYT-600. On the other hand, the CE 3 features an older flagship Sony IMX890 sensor. Both cameras offer 50MP megapixels and OIS.
The ultrawide and selfie cameras are identical on both. They come with an 8MP Sony IMX355 ultrawide unit and a 16MP front-facing shooter.
I found the cameras on the CE 4 to perform better. That’s mostly because of a better ISP and a different algorithm. But still, both of them are not the best when compared to the competitors.
Some devices from other brands now provide a telephoto camera, which is quite useful for portraits and product shots. Also, I find the HDR processing on Nord CE 4 to be flat.
Overall, the camera performance is balanced on the CE 4. It’s just not the best in the segment.
AI EraserOriginal Image
Anyways, the CE 4 recently received the AI Eraser feature, which can be used to remove unwanted objects from your pictures. At present, it is not known whether this feature will be made available on the older CE 3.
5. Good endurance and charges rapidly
The Nord CE 4 draws energy from a 5,500mAh battery. On the other hand, the Nord CE 3 has a smaller 5,000mAh battery.
Both devices can easily last through a day and some more. The CE 4 lasts longer, owing to its larger battery.
The CE 4 also charges faster at 100W compared to 80W charging on the CE 3. But due to the difference in battery sizes, the overall charging time is more or less the same on both (around 30-40 minutes).
The required fast charger and cable are included in the box.
6. Some nitpicks
The Nord CE 4 is an upgrade in almost all aspects, except for one. It lacks NFC, which is present in Nord CE 3.
Thus, you cannot make contactless payments. However, digital payment in India is dominated by QR scan-based UPI, so it is not an issue for most consumers.
But if you often travel to other countries or are a student who will be moving soon to a different country for education, it could be a dealbreaker.
As for software support, both CE 3 and CE 4 are eligible for two Android updates and three years of security updates. The former has already received one Android update and almost a year of security updates.
Thus, the newer CE 4 will be updated to Android 16 while CE 3 will be limited to Android 15. This is not a major drawback as Android is now a mature operating system and there won’t be app compatibility issues for years to come.
7. Another winner from OnePlus
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 follows the tried and tested formula adopted by its predecessors. It is a well-balanced smartphone that does not ace in any category but nails all the basics.
With the ‘OnePlus’ brand power in play, it acts as a superior option over products from other Chinese brands in consumers’ minds. The device also delivers on that front.
From the unboxing experience to after-sales support, consumers get a premium experience, which is unlike other brands that are popular in this price segment.
Just like the Nord CE 3, the Nord CE 4 continues to be my recommendation for most people who are looking for a reliable smartphone around ₹25,000.
Weirdly, OnePlus is still selling the older CE 3. It can be grabbed at less than ₹20,000 at times. In such a scenario, the predecessor offers more value for money despite the upgrades on the newer model.
However, when the price difference is only ₹2,000, it’s better to get the latest model instead.
8. Price and availability
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 retails at the following price tags in India.
8GB + 128GB – ₹24,999
8GB + 256GB – ₹26,999
It can be availed in either Celadon Marble or Dark Chrome from Amazon, OnePlus.in, OnePlus Experience stores, and authorized retailers.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 is currently only sold in a single 8GB + 128GB memory configuration. It carries an official price tag of ₹22,999 but often goes on sale for ₹18,999 on Amazon.
It comes in Aqua Surge and Grey Shimmer color options. The product could be discontinued in the near future.
Each year, Chinese phone brands announce new smartphones, variants, and offers for the 618 (June 18) shopping festival. New phones such as the iQOO Neo 9S Pro, Oppo Reno 12 series, Honor 200 lineup, and Vivo S19 series will be unveiled just in time for the upcoming shopping festival. Today, Vivo Vice President Huang Tao took to Weibo to confirm that a low-priced variant of the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro will debut during the 618 promotion.
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro coming soon in 12GB+256GB variant
According to Tao, since its release, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro has captured 39 percent of the market share, with a significant number of former Apple users switching to this foldable screen phone. It has garnered widespread praise from consumers, boasting a recommendation rate of 72%, making it the most popular product in the X series over the past two years.
To cater to the growing demand for foldable screen phones, Vivo has decided to launch a new 12GB+256GB version of the X Fold 3 Pro during the 618 promotion, starting at 6,999 Yuan (~$970). Tao stated that this initiative aims to make foldable flagship phones more accessible, allowing more people to experience their practical and user-friendly features. Additionally, Vivo will provide 24-month interest-free instalment plans, with daily payments as low as 9.7 yuan, making it easier for consumers to own this high-end foldable phone. Furthermore, Vivo will offer trade-in subsidies up to 1,400 yuan, with some models eligible for a 0 yuan exchange, giving consumers more options.
At present, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is the only Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered foldable phone available on the market. In China, it is available in two options, such as 16GB+512GB and 16GB+1TB for 9,999 Yuan (~$1,380) and 10,999 Yuan (~$1,520). It comes in black and white shades.
Yesterday, iQOO held a launch event in China to unveil the iQOO Neo 9s Pro smartphone, which has the Dimensity 9300+ chip onboard. Apart from unveiling the Neo 9s Pro, the brand also released a poster to confirm the key specifications of the iQOO Pad 2 and Pad 2 Pro tablets. Here is a look at what to expect from both models.
iQOO Pad 2, Pad 2 Pro specifications
iQOO Pad 2
According to the brand, the iQOO Pad 2 will feature a 12.1-inch LCD panel that offers a 2.8K resolution and up to 600 nits of brightness. On the other hand, the Pad 2 Pro will have a 13.1-inch LCD screen offering a 3.1K resolution and up to 900 nits of brightness. Both tablets will offer a 144Hz refresh rate.
The iQOO Pad 2 will pack a 10,000mAh battery that promises around 11.5 hours of battery life. It will arrive as the world’s first tablet powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3v chipset.
The iQOO Pad 2 Pro, on the other hand, will pack a larger 11,500mAh battery, delivering 14.8 hours of battery life. It will be the first-ever tablet to feature the Dimensity 9300 Plus chipset. The company confirmed that both tablets will offer other features, such as a 3D cooling system, support for Ray Tracing technology, and Monster+ mode.
As per a Weibo post by tipster Digital Chat Station, the iQOO Pad 2 will have a 5-megapixel front camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera. It will come in configurations, such as 8+128GB/8+256GB/12+256GB/12+512GB and support 44W charging.
On the other hand, the Pad 2 Pro will have an 8-megapixel front camera and a 13-megapixel rear camera. It will be available in 8+256GB/12+256GB/12+512GB/16+512GB variants. The tablet will also have other features, such as eight speakers and a USB-C Gen 1 port. Both tablets will be available in three shades, such as gray, silver, and blue. The pricing of both tablets will be confimed on May 31.
The brand OUKITEL has been synonymous with durability, reliability, and affordability. And now this top rugged mobile phone manufacturer is introducing the OUKITEL C38 smartphone to its budget phone lineup. With OUKITEL C38, the brand leaps forward, not only in terms of functionality but also in design aesthetics.
The standout feature of the OUKITEL C38 lies in its back design, where elements of fashion seamlessly blend with classic aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese ink wash artistry, the device boasts a ceramic-like texture adorned with graceful curves. This unique design not only exudes elegance but also adds a vibrant and youthful vibe to the smartphone. The introduction of a captivating mint green color option further enhances its appeal, perfectly capturing the essence of spring and the coolness of summer.
Despite its sleek and stylish exterior, the OUKITEL C38 doesn’t compromise on convenience. With a thickness of only 8.8mm and weighing just 200g, it offers an incredibly portable experience with a smooth and comfortable grip. Users can enjoy the benefits of a large 6.6-inch 2K display without any compromise on handling.
Durability is another hallmark of the OUKITEL C38. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection ensures the screen remains intact against everyday wear and tear, providing users with peace of mind.
Under the hood, the OUKITEL C38 packs a punch. With 6GB of RAM, expandable up to 24GB, and 256GB of ROM, expandable up to 1TB, users can securely store their photos, music, and other digital files without worrying about running out of space.
Powered by a 5150mAh battery, the smartphone offers over a month of standby time and 26 hours of continuous music playback, ensuring uninterrupted usage. Performance is not compromised either, thanks to the octa-core MediaTek processor that ensures exceptional responsiveness and smooth multitasking.
Photography enthusiasts will delight in the triple camera setup of the OUKITEL C38. The 48-megapixel Sony main sensor captures crystal-clear images, while the 32MP Samsung sensor on the front enables stunningly clear selfies.
OUKITEL has not only focused on design and features but also on affordability. Priced at just $149.99, the OUKITEL C38 offers a 35% discount from its original price of $229.99, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Starting on May 17, the OUKITEL C38 smartphone will be officially available for purchase from the OUKITEL Official Store, offering users a perfect blend of fashion, functionality, and affordability in one sleek package.
Hisense has launched a new gargantuan TV, the Vidda NEW S100 Pro, boasting a massive 100-inch display with a 144Hz refresh rate for potentially smooth visuals. However, some aspects of the TV raise questions about its overall performance.
The TV has a 5-unit 2.1-channel speaker system and Bluetooth 5.4
The TV features a 3840 x 2160 resolution panel, but with a limited 192 partition count for backlight dimming. This may result in reduced contrast ratio and potential blooming in dark scenes. Additionally, while the display covers 85% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and supports 10-Bit color, these specifications are fairly standard for high-end TVs and may not be exceptional.
On the positive side, the Vidda NEW S100 Pro comes equipped with a 5-unit 2.1-channel speaker system, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 for seamless streaming, and 4GB of RAM with 128GB of storage space. The port selection is also versatile, offering 2 HDMI 4K 144Hz interfaces, 2 HDMI 4K 60Hz interfaces, a USB-A 3.0 interface, an RJ45 network port, a USB-A 2.0 interface, and an antenna input.
The Hisense Vidda NEW S100 Pro is currently available on JD.com for a starting price of 8,999 yuan (approximately $1,360 USD). With its enormous size and 144Hz refresh rate, this TV might appeal to those seeking a truly massive home theater experience.
Dell has expanded its laptop offerings with a new range of devices powered by Qualcomm‘s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors. These models span across the XPS, Inspiron, and Latitude series, catering to various needs and budgets.
The Latitude 7455 and 5455 laptops are designed for business professionals
The iconic XPS 13 gets a refresh with the inclusion of the Snapdragon X Plus chip. Dell promises exceptional performance while maintaining the XPS series’ signature sleek design.
Inspiron 14 with Snapdragon X Plus
The Inspiron 14 Plus prioritizes endurance, boasting a claimed battery life of 15 hours. This, coupled with the Snapdragon X Plus processor, makes it ideal for users on the go. The QHD+ 400 nit display ensures vibrant visuals for work or entertainment. Pre-orders are now open, starting at $1,099. The standard Inspiron 14 also leverages the Snapdragon X Plus processor, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.
Dell caters to the business crowd with the Latitude 7455 and Latitude 5455. Both laptops offer the option of Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus processors, catering to different performance demands. The Latitude 7455 boasts a QHD+ touchscreen display and cutting-edge Qualcomm Wi-Fi 7 technology, with optional 5G network support for seamless connectivity. The Latitude 5455 comes equipped with the Snapdragon X Plus processor and an FHD+ display, offering a more budget-friendly option within the business segment.
While the Inspiron 14 Plus is available for pre-order now, the launch timeframe for the Latitude 5455 and Inspiron 14 is set for later this year.
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