Honor appears to be joining the growing trend of compact premium smartphones, with the new Honor Magic 8 Air. Fresh leaks have suggested that the new model is a part of the brand’s flagship smartphone. So it will likely bring cutting edge hardware and a familiar premium look. So here’s everything we know so far.

Honor Magic 8 Air Rumored Specifications

With compact premium smartphones growing in popularity, Honor is the latest Chinese brand to join the trend. The latest information arrives from known tipster RODENT950, who shared the key details on X (formerly Twitter). While this is also a flagship phone with high end specs, the Magic 8 Air is reportedly switching from Qualcomm to MediaTek for its powerful chipset. Unlike its siblings, this model could pack the Dimensity 9500 over the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

The tipster adds that the device will sport a 6.31-inch LTPS OLED display that likely offers 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. On the rear, you get a 200MP main camera with a 1/1.5-inch sensor size along with a 50MP telephoto shooter. It is unclear if there will be an ultra wide angle lens included in the rear camera module. A sizeable 5,500mAh battery pack is expected to power this device.

One of the more notable aspects of its design will be its super slim design. As the name suggests, this model likely rivals the iPhone Air, with the leak hinting at a 5 to 6mm body. This is quite impressive considering its hefty specs and big battery. The Chinese brand might release the Honor Magic 8 Air sometime in the second half of January 2026.

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Oppo debuted its Reno 15 series in its home market of China, with more models releasing soon after. The latest model to hit the market was the budget friendly Reno 15c, and there are even rumors of a Reno 15 Pro Max model. But a fresh leak has hinted that there is another model in the works. The Reno series might be getting its first ever compact phone, which could be the Oppo Reno 15 Pro Mini.

Oppo Reno 15 Pro Mini Leaked

The Chinese tech giant is reportedly working on a new Reno 15 series phone that could be the first of its kind. In a new report from 91Mobiles, the Reno 15 Pro Mini model is in the works. Industry sources close to the matter have revealed that the brand is working on a smartphone with Reno’s premium design and a relatively compact screen. It will reportedly sport a 6.32-inch AMOLED screen with bezels that might be 1.6mm thin.

We also get some details regarding its design. The Reno 15 Pro Mini could measure just 187 grams heavy and measure 7.99mm thick. The report further adds that this model could launch in a Glacier White color option with a ribbon design, similar to the Reno 15 Pro model. So we can also expect a glass back panel and a rugged design that likely offers an IP66 + IP67 + IP69 rating for water and dust resistance.

As of right now, finer details like its release timeline or hardware are still unknown. But the overall specs could be similar to its larger sibling, the Reno 15 Pro, or fall somewhere between it and the base Reno 15. Keep in mind that this is still just an unconfirmed report, so take this news with a pinch of salt for now.

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In an era where smartphones keep getting larger, both flip phones and compact smartphones have carved out a niche for users who prefer easier-to-hold devices. But since these two kinds of smartphones have their own spin on portability, which one is better? There are advantages on both sides, so let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart.

Design and Portability

Compact smartphones like the Xiaomi 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro focus on delivering high end performance in a smaller form factor. While typical flagship phones often sport bright, tall displays with high resolution, these devices have a more modest size that makes them fit your hands better. They’re designed for one-handed use, easy pocketability, and straightforward reliability. Since these have a conventional smartphone design, one doesn’t need to worry about the hinge mechanism or a weaker foldable screen.

Flip phones, on the other hand, deliver a nostalgic yet futuristic experience. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Motorola Razr 60 Ultra combine modern hardware with the fun of snapping a phone shut. When folded, these models are even more compact than small-screen smartphones. However, the hinge design introduces long-term durability concerns, especially since you miss out on a dustproof design. While newer models are more robust, they still don’t match the reliability of a traditional phone.

Display and Durability

One of the biggest differences between flip phones and compact smartphones lies in their displays. Flip phones feature flexible AMOLED screens that fold in half, allowing for a larger display when opened. In the folded state, it easily takes up less space in your pockets, but unfurling it offers you a display size that is typically around 6.8 inches or longer. So you technically get the best of both worlds with portability and larger screen real estate. This gives flip phones a clear edge in immersive media consumption and multitasking.

Unfortunately, flexible screens are more prone to wear and tear. The crease in the middle is still visible on most foldables, and protective layers don’t offer the same durability as glass panels. Compact smartphones, in contrast, feature sturdier Gorilla Glass protection and are generally more resilient to accidental drops. If longevity and peace of mind are your priorities, compact devices still take the win here.

Performance and Battery Life

When it comes to performance, both categories are now evenly matched. Most flip phones, such as those from Samsung and Motorola, pack high-end chips like the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the same ones powering compact flagships. You’ll get a smooth multitasking and gaming experience on both.

Although, battery life tends to favor compact smartphones. Flip phones have to make room for hinges and folding mechanisms, leaving less space for large batteries. Compact phones, though smaller, often feature better-optimized designs that support larger battery cells and faster charging speeds. For heavy users, that could make all the difference in daily convenience.

Pricing & Verdict

Flip phones are still significantly more expensive than compact smartphones, even though they share similar specs. The cost of foldable display technology and the complex hinge mechanism drives up pricing. For example, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 costs hundreds of dollars more than the Galaxy S25 despite having similar hardware. Meanwhile, compact smartphones remain a safer bet for those seeking flagship features without premium foldable pricing.

So if you want a smartphone that’s sleek, practical, and reliable, compact smartphones still offer the best value. But if you’re someone who values innovation, design flair, and a touch of nostalgia, flip phones are an exciting option that stands out from the crowd.

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In the ongoing era of compact flagships, the Vivo X200 FE is the latest contender. With its high-end performance and sleek and handy design, it directly competes with the OnePlus 13s. But with slightly different priorities in camera, software, and battery life, which one delivers better value for your needs? Let’s break it down.

Vivo X200 FE vs OnePlus 13s: Design & Display

Both phones cater to users who prefer sleek and manageable devices. The Vivo X200 FE features a glass and aluminum design with flat edges, which is also offered by the OnePlus 13s. However, the X200 FE has a slight edge as it measures 7.99mm in thickness, compared to the OnePlus 13s’ 8.15mm body. This is quite impressive considering the difference in battery size, but we shall get to that later. But one notable advantage is the IP68 + IP69 rating, which is better than the IP65 rating offered on the OnePlus 13s.

On the display side, the Vivo X200 FE has a marginally smaller 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and up to 5000 nits of peak brightness. Meanwhile, OnePlus 13s sports a 6.32-inch LTPO AMOLED panel with 1.5K resolution as well as a 120Hz refresh rate. While the brightness levels tops out at 1600 nits, you get Dolby Vision support as well. So the Vivo X200 FE clearly has some advantages in both design and display here. But what about performance?

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Performance

While OnePlus is a step behind in the Ingress rating and display brightness, it more than makes up for it in terms of raw performance. The Snapdragon 8 Elite on the OnePlus 13s is a true flagship chip that allows for better performance and power efficiency over last gen chips. Even for gaming, it is simply the better phone.

On the other hand, the Vivo X200 FE has an older but still powerful Dimensity 9300+. While this chip doesn’t match the Snapdragon 8 Elite in horsepower, in most games and day to day use, one would be hard pressed to feel a difference. This is a flagship chip from 2024 and easily holds up a year later. But if you play graphically intense games or want the best of the best, OnePlus 13s emerges the victor here.

Camera

Vivo, once again, takes the lead with a more capable and versatile camera system. It packs a triple camera setup that consists of a 50MP Sony IMX921 primary sensor, 8MP ultra wide angle lens, and another 50MP Sony IMX882 telephoto shooter with x optical zoom. For selfies and video calls, you get a 50MP shooter with auto focus. Pairing this with Zeiss tuning, you get excellent pictures as the camera system is nearly identical to the Vivo X200 flagship model.

In comparison, OnePlus skips the Hasselblad tuning on the OnePlus 13s. So even with the same sensor as the Oppo Find X8 (50MP Sony LYT700), it lacks the various customization that Zeiss brings to the table. I’ve found the OnePlus 13s camera system to be competent but lacklustre as a “flagship” phone. You’re also missing an ultra wide angle lens, and only get a 2x optical zoom on the 50MP telephoto shooter. Lastly, you have a 32MP selfie camera with auto focus on the front.

Battery

OnePlus made headlines with the 13s thanks to its massive 5,850mAh battery pack. On a single full charge, I easily managed to squeeze 1.5 days worth of use from this phone, which charges up quickly with 90W wired fast charging. But Vivo has a definite win here with an even larger 6,500mAh cell with 80W wired fast charging. While the Snapdragon 8 Elite is more power efficient, this is a notable difference in battery capacity. In other words, the Vivo X200 FE is the better option for battery life.

Verdict

While I have yet to get my hands on the Vivo X200 FE, it does seem like the better deal here (at least on paper), since both models have an identical 54,999 INR starting price tag and storage configuration. But once you factor in aspects like OxygenOS with the new OnePlus AI, the overall feel of the UI makes a big difference. Unless you’re in a big hurry, stick around for more reviews to know for sure. However, in most scenarios, the X200 FE is a great deal.

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Vivo and Xiaomi recently unveiled their latest flagship smartphone series in China. While the Xiaomi 15 serves as the base model, it shares striking similarities with Vivo’s X200 Pro Mini. Despite their different branding, both the Xiaomi 15 and Vivo X200 Pro Mini offer the same compact flagship formula. So here are all the similarities between these two premium devices.

Xiaomi 15 and Vivo X200 Pro Mini: The Same Size

Continuing the legacy of the Xiaomi 14, the vanilla Xiaomi 15 retains a compact 6.36-inch flat LTPO OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1.5K resolution, 3200 nits of peak brightness, DC dimming, and minimal bezels. Compared to most flagship phones, this is a noticeably smaller form factor.

On the other hand, the base Vivo X200 still has a taller 6.67-inch screen. However, the Vivo X200 Pro Mini features a smaller 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution, HDR10+, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 4500 nits of peak brightness. It’s clear that Vivo wants to target the compact flagship segment with this new model.

Cutting Edge Hardware

The Xiaomi 15 series and the Vivo X200 series feature the latest flagship grade processors from Qualcomm and MediaTek respectively. The former is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, which is paired with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.

Meanwhile, the latter features the new Dimensity 9400 chipset that is coupled with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage. It is not just the processors that are getting updated, with battery tech also seeing improvements in both models.

Despite their smaller form factor, the Vivo X200 Pro packs a large 5,700mAh battery pack that supports 90W wired fast charging and 30W wireless fast charging. The Xiaomi 15 has a slightly smaller 5,400mAh cell that also supports 90W wired fast charging. However, the wireless fast charging rate is 50W.

Three 50MP Cameras

Another aspect of the two small flagship phones are their camera systems. Both models feature three 50MP image sensors for their primary camera, ultra wide angle lens, and a periscope telephoto shooter that offers 3x optical zoom. While these are similar setups, the image sensors are different in both models. The Vivo X200 Pro Mini also arrives with Zeiss branded lenses, while the Xiaomi 15 boasts Leica optics. For selfies and video calls, the Xiaomi 15 and Vivo X200 Pro Mini houses a 32MP shooter.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi 15 and Vivo X200 Pro Mini deliver a premium experience in a compact flagship form. With similar triple 50MP camera setups, high-end processors, and similar screens, both models bring top-tier performance in a smaller form factor. Xiaomi’s Leica partnership and Qualcomm chipset contrast with Vivo’s Zeiss lenses and MediaTek processor, offering users two compelling choices in the compact flagship market without compromising on quality or innovation.

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Honor and Vivo might be on the same wavelength with their next gen smartphones. The Vivo X200 series is expected to feature the X200 Pro Mini as a new compact flagship phone, and now, a new rumor hints that the Honor 300 could be another small smartphone as well. So here’s everything we know so far.

Honor 300: New Competition to Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16?

The new rumor arrives from known tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website). The social media post claims that the upcoming Honor 300 series is expected to bring a new small sized smartphone model. While the name of this device wasn’t revealed, it could be the base version in the new premium lineup. If the Honor 300 is the brand’s new small phone, it would likely compete with the handful of similar models in the market.

This includes the Motorola Edge 50 Neo, Google Pixel 7a, and the Galaxy S23 FE. To recall, the Honor 200 series only features the Honor 200, Honor 200 Pro, Honor 200 Lite, and Honor 200 Smart. Back in August, we also covered a report that shared renders of the Honor 300 Pro and its unique rear design. Considering the Honor 200 series launched back in May, the Honor 300 series will likely launch around the same time next year.

This means that we still have a long while before its release and also shows a new rising trend. Smartphones with small screens lost in popularity to large screen devices. Even in the premium segments, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and Apple’s iPhone 16 are some of the only compact flagship phones. So it seems brands are once again making new smartphones that target those who prefer smaller phones. It is worth noting that this is still just an unconfirmed report, so take this news with a pinch of salt for now and stick around for more updates.

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There aren’t a lot of options for compact smartphones or small phones, to begin with, and most of the popular choices target the flagship segment. There’s the base Apple iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 which are some of the best-known options, but here’s a list of good compact smartphones available in India for a budget.

Motorola Edge 50 Neo

One of the best compact smartphones that doesn’t break the bank is the Motorola Edge 50 Neo. It launched as one of the most affordable and feature packed options for its price. The device was released for 23,999 INR and arrived in three bright color variants. One of its notable aspects is the 6.4-inch pOLED display with a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3000 nits. The Edge 50 Neo’s screen is the tallest in this list.

Under the hood, the device is equipped with the Dimensity 7300 SoC. For optics, you get a 50MP (Main) + 13MP (Ultrawide) + 10MP (Telephoto) on the rear, while the front houses a 32MP selfie shooter. The device is built using a plastic frame and either a plastic back or a vegan leather variant. Other notable features include WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Android 14, a 4,310mAh battery with 68W fast charging, and dual stereo speakers.

Google Pixel 7a

The Google Pixel 7a was announced last year as a mid range Pixel series smartphone. You can buy this phone right now for 31,999 INR via Flipkart. It’s the smallest compact smartphone in this list thanks to its 6.1-inch OLED display that offers FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the Pixel 7a is equipped with the Tensor G2 processor. A 4,386mAh battery pack powers this device with support for 18W wired and wireless charging.

The rear features a 64MP (Main) + 13MP (Ultrawide) dual camera setup. For selfies and video calls, there is a 13MP shooter on the front. Overall, this is a great option for those that need a budget mid range phone that has a compact form factor.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 FE is its budget flagship phone from last year. This model is the most premium out of all models in this list, with an aluminum frame and glass back. It is currently on sale via Flipkart for 29,999 INR. Under the hood, the smartphone features the Exynos 2200 SoC in India, but the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 option was also listed on Flipkart last year. The front sports a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with HDR10+, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 1450 nits of peak brightness.

For photography, the rear has a 50MP (Main) + 8MP (Telephoto) + 12MP (Ultrawide) triple camera setup, while the front houses a 10MP sensor for selfies and video calls. A 4,500mAh cell powers this device, which supports 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. Other notable features include an under display fingerprint scanner, Samsung DeX, dual stereo speaker setup, and Android 13 OS out of the box with 4 major OS upgrades promised.

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Sony is all set to launch the Xperia 5 IV flagship smartphone at a launch event tomorrow, where the company is expected to officially unveil the compact flagship.

The launch event for the Xperia 5 IV will take place on 1st September at 03:00 AM Eastern Time or 12:30 PM IST. The event will also be live streamed by the company on its official YouTube channel.

You can watch the Sony Xperia 5 IV launch event live by clicking here or through the following embedded video.

Based on the leaks, the phone is expected to be a compact device as it has been teased by the company with the tagline “Be Creative. Go Compact.” In terms of design, it is likely to be similar to the Xperia 1 IV.

As for the specifications, the smartphone could feature a 6-inch display, offering an OLED panel and a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor. There’s also a possibility that instead, the phone may pack Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC.

The device is expected to have up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. In the camera department, there will be a triple-camera setup on the back, but details about the sensors remain unknown.

The phone will come with a dual stereo speaker, IP68 ratings for water and dust resistance, wireless charging support, and more. To know for sure what the device packs, we will have to wait for a few more hours for the official launch event.

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Last month, ASUS launched its latest Zenfone series smartphone in the form of the ASUS Zenfone 9. The phone runs the Android 12 operating system out-of-the-box, but the company is working on updating the software.

Now, the company has officially announced the Android 13 beta program for the ASUS Zenfone 9 smartphone, and the new software is already being rolled out to those who are enrolled in the beta program.

Those who want to enroll in the Android 13 beta program for the Zenfone 9 can open the Settings app on their phone and navigate to System > System update menu and tap on the gear icon at the top-right corner and select “Enroll in the Beta Test Program” from there.

It’s not an open process yet, so once you submit the application to enroll in the beta testing programs, the company will take a decision. If you are selected for the beta testing program, then you will get the new Android 13 beta update on your phone. It’s noteworthy that the software may have bugs and issues and could impact the user experience as well as the phone’s performance.

The ASUS Zenfone 9 features a 5.9-inch SAMOLED display with a Full HD+ screen resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate with 445PPI pixel density, HDR10+ support, and a 112-percent DCI-P3 color gamut.

Under the hood, the device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, coupled with up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage.

In the camera department, there’s a dual-camera setup on the back consisting of a 50-megapixel Sony IMX766 primary sensor coupled with a 2-megapixel Sony IMX363 ultra-wide sensor with 113 degrees field of view. On the front side, there’s a 12-megapixel Sony IMX663 snapper for taking selfies and video calling.

The IP68-rated water and dust-resistant smartphone is powered by a 4,300mAh battery and has 30W fast charging support. The company claims that the battery can be charged from zero to 50 percent in under 30 minutes.

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Apple first launched its iPhone SE compact smartphone in 2016 and the company updated the same with the launch of its successor last year, which too is named iPhone SE. Now, the Cupertino-based tech giant is gearing up to launch the latest iteration of the model.

This time, Apple is expected to launch two devices in the iPhone SE lineup, which includes the standard iPhone SE as well as the iPhone SE Plus. Now, the specifications of the Plus variant seems to have leaked online.

As per the report, the upcoming Apple iPhone SE Plus will come with a 6.1-inch LCD display and is expected to be powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chipset — the same chip that currently powers the iPhone 12-lineup, with 5G connectivity support.

However, there’s also a possibility that the device could be powered by the 7nm Apple A13 Bionic chipset used for the iPhone 11 lineup. As for the camera, it is said to feature a 12MP single camera sensor on the back and a 7MP front-facing snapper.

It will also likely have IP67 ratings, making the smartphone water-resistant for up to 1 meter. The report also indicates that along with the Face ID, the phone may come with Touch ID support with the fingerprint sensor being embedded on the power button.

The Apple iPhone SE Plus is expected to come in at least two color options — Black and Red. As for the pricing, it is being claimed that it could cost around $499, which is about $100 more than the iPhone SE currently available in the market.

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