Acer has expanded its range of monitors in India with the introduction of two new 31.5-inch IPS models. Available on Flipkart’s website, the models are named SA322Q and SA322QU.
Resolution and Pricing
The Acer SA322Q monitor features an FHD resolution, while the SA322QU boasts a WQHD resolution. Given the substantial 31.5-inch size of these screens, opting for the higher WQHD resolution could be a more advantageous choice. The monitors are priced at ₹13,699 and ₹16,299, respectively.
Acer SA322Q/U Specifications
The primary distinction between the two monitors is their resolution. Both models offer a 75 Hz refresh rate and a brightness level of 300 nits. When it comes to connectivity, the standard SA322Q model includes VGA and HDMI ports, whereas the SA322QU is equipped with HDMI and Display Port options. Additionally, both monitors feature a 1 ms response time.
Flipkart’s website is currently live, and there’s a 10% discount available when using an Axis Bank Credit Card. To explore the new Acer SA322Q and SA322QU monitors.
The iQOO Neo 9s Pro+, the newest member of the Neo 9 series, has just been launched in China. This smartphone joins the existing standard, Pro, and 9s Pro models, providing another choice for those looking for a high-performance device. Below are its pricing and availability details.
Pricing and Options
The iQOO Neo 9s Pro+ is available in three storage configurations: 12GB RAM with either 256GB or 512GB storage, and 16GB RAM with either 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage. The color options are Buff Blue, Star White, and Fighting Black.
The starting price for the 12GB + 256GB model is CNY 2,999, while the highest-end 16GB + 1TB variant costs CNY 4,099. Below is a detailed breakdown of the pricing in China:
12GB + 256GB: CNY 2,999 (~$412)
12GB + 512GB: CNY 3,399 (~$467)
16GB + 256GB: CNY 3,299 (~$454)
16GB + 512GB: CNY 3,699 (~$509)
16GB + 1TB: CNY 4,099 (~$564)
Global Availability
Currently, the iQOO Neo 9s Pro+ is only available for purchase in China. However, international buyers can purchase the device through Geekwills, a third-party retailer that ships globally. Prices on Geekwills are listed in USD and are slightly higher than the China pricing.
Here is the global pricing offered by Geekwills:
12GB + 256GB: USD 529
12GB + 512GB: USD 599
16GB + 256GB: USD 579
16GB + 512GB: USD 659
16GB + 1TB: USD 739
It’s worth noting that Geekwills is an independent retailer, and its pricing and warranty policies may vary from those directly provided by iQOO.
Specifications
The iQOO Neo 9s Pro+ features a large 6.78-inch OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 3D ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor. The device is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, complemented by an in-house iQOO Q1 chip designed to enhance the gaming experience.
The smartphone has a dual rear camera system comprising a 50MP main sensor and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, while the front camera is 16MP. It is equipped with a 5,500mAh battery that supports 120W fast charging. The phone runs on OriginOS 4 based on Android 14, which includes various AI features.
Xiaomi has officially announced the release date for the Redmi K70 Ultra, also referred to as the Extreme Edition. The smartphone will be introduced on July 19th at 19:00 CST in China, alongside the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 and Xiaomi Smart Band 9.
The Redmi K70 Ultra will feature the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset, ensuring top-tier processing capabilities. Storage configurations will include an advanced 24GB RAM and 1TB storage option, as confirmed by Redmi’s General Manager, Thomas Wang.
Camera System
The phone’s camera setup includes a primary 50MP Sony IMX906 sensor, likely paired with an 8MP ultra-wide sensor and a 2MP macro sensor. Notably, the K70 Ultra is the first Redmi device to incorporate Xiaomi’s proprietary AISP imaging algorithm, designed to enhance overall camera performance.
Another significant feature of the Redmi K70 Ultra is the incorporation of Xiaomi’s Pengpai T1 signal enhancement chip. This chip is said to offer a 12% improvement in WiFi performance, a 20% boost in GPS performance, and a remarkable 58% increase in 5G WiFi signal strength.
Additionally, the phone will include a Surge P2 chip for fast charging, a G1 chip for power management, and a D1 chip for independent display processing. These are all in-house SoCs developed by Xiaomi.
Battery and Display
The Redmi K70 Ultra will house a 5500mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging, enabling quick power refills. It also comes with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
On the front, the phone features a flat 1.5K resolution OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The display uses 3840Hz PWM dimming, which Xiaomi claims provides industry-leading eye protection in low-light conditions. Although the exact screen size hasn’t been disclosed, it is known to be co-developed with TCL.
Xiaomi is expected to keep the Redmi K70 Ultra exclusive to China. However, a modified version of the phone with enhanced cameras may be released globally as the Xiaomi 14T Pro.
On July 18, Htech is set to unveil the Honor 200 and Honor 200 Pro in India. The press releases from the company hint that the 200 series arriving in India might be the same models introduced in China this past May. As the Indian launch approaches, Htech has disclosed key specifications of the Honor 200 series.
Honor 200 series key details confirmed before India launch
Htech has announced that in a market dominated by lithium batteries, the Honor 200 series will feature batteries powered by silicon-based anode technology. This technology employs distributed Li+ transmission to enhance power density by 6% and accelerate charging rates.
The company also mentioned that the Micro-tunnelling Laser Guidance Technology boosts the fast-charging capabilities of the Honor 200 series without sacrificing power density. They have rigorously tested this battery under extreme conditions to ensure both safety and longevity.
The Honor 200 and Honor 200 Pro come with a 5,200mAh silicon-carbon battery. The Pro version supports 100W charging, promising a full charge in 41 minutes, and also offers 66W wireless charging. To optimize performance, the 200 Pro includes a stainless-steel vapor chamber measuring 36,881mm².
Advanced Chipsets and Storage Options
The Honor 200 and 200 Pro will be powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipsets, respectively. The Pro model is also equipped with the Honor C1 + RF enhancement chipset for superior telecommunications and internet connectivity. The 200 series will offer up to 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, running on MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14. Both devices will be available for purchase via Amazon in India.
Xiaomi has officially revealed that its 2024 annual conference will take place at 19:00 on July 19 in China. The event will feature the introduction of several new products, including the new foldable device and the Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport.
Watch S4 Sport Features
The Watch S4 Sport represents Xiaomi’s first foray into professional sports smartwatches. It is expected to feature a titanium body, sapphire glass on both the front and back, and a new rotating crown. Its appearance and design suggest that it could be somewhat comparable to the Apple Watch Ultra in certain respects.
Specifications and Connectivity
Certification listings have indicated that the watch will include a circular OLED screen and a 586mAh battery. It will also support eSIM, enabling usage without a smartphone. In terms of connectivity, the watch will allow you to answer calls, send messages, and open certain app applications directly from the device. Additional features include support for GPS, NFC, and heart rate monitoring.
Additional Details
According to earlier reports, the Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport will support 10W charging and focus on battery life, coming pre-installed with HyperOS.
Realme Watch S2 had its design leaked recently. This new smartwatch signifies the brand’s return to the wearable market after a hiatus of two years. Although there were rumors about the Watch S2 launching on July 30, Realme has now officially confirmed the date.
Realme Watch S2 Launch Date
Realme’s official website has disclosed the release date for its upcoming Realme 13 Pro series. These new smartphones are scheduled to debut in India on 30th July 2024. Alongside the Realme 13 Pro series, the Realme Watch S2 will also be unveiled. For those who might not know, this is the successor to the original Realme Watch S. The teaser poster has highlighted some significant features of the new smartwatch.
The Realme Watch S2 will incorporate an AI voice assistant powered by ChatGPT. Its design features a circular display encased in a golden rim, which could be reminiscent of the Monet Gold on the Realme 13 Pro series. There are two buttons on the right side, likely for navigation and other functionalities. While Realme has not detailed the specs and features, it is anticipated that the Realme Watch S2 will include an AMOLED panel and GPS support, based on the previous generation.
Specifications and Features
Last month, the smartwatch appeared in the FCC database with the model number RMW2401. This listing revealed a digital crown and a metal link strap. Additionally, the FCC lists the device with a 380mAh battery pack, capable of 5W charging. It is possible that Realme might release only one variant of the smartwatch this time, although this remains speculative. More information is expected to emerge as we approach the official release date. Stay tuned for more updates.
For the past three years, Samsung’s One UI interface has experienced minimal significant changes. Last year’s One UI 6.0 update primarily focused on the Quick Panel layout. However, a recent leak suggests that a major design overhaul is on the horizon with One UI 7.0, which will be built on Android 15.
A Major Overhaul Expected
According to reliable tipster Ice Universe, One UI 7.0 will introduce a completely new UI design. The tipster stated that it could be "the most changed version in the history of One UI." This update is also expected to feature revamped app icons, marking a rare departure from Samsung’s usual design cycle.
Samsung typically sticks with its icon designs for long periods, often refreshing them every five years or so. If these rumors are accurate, a new icon design language along with a broader UI revamp would make One UI 7.0 a significant update. Previous rumors also suggested the possibility of a vertical app drawer in One UI 7.0, although this hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Beta Program and Rollout Strategy
The rollout strategy is also becoming clearer, with reports indicating a beta program starting within the next two months. The Galaxy S24 series is expected to be the first to test the new update. The beta program could then be extended to older high-end devices like the Galaxy S23 series in the subsequent weeks.
Based on Samsung’s historical update timeline, a stable release of One UI 7.0 could be expected around October or November of this year. High-end and mid-range devices, including foldables, may receive the update before the end of 2024. On the other hand, entry-level and some mid-range phones might have to wait until the first quarter of 2025 for the update.
Samsung is also likely to enhance its AI capabilities, although specific details are currently scarce. We will keep you updated with any new information regarding One UI 7.0.
HMD is gearing up to launch its new series of Crest smartphones. The company has built a reputation for offering budget-friendly phones. In India, HMD phones have gained popularity due to their affordability. Previously, HMD introduced the Pulse phone, which was marketed as HMD Arrow in India. Now, the 'HMD Crest' series is on the horizon.
HMD's Naming Conventions
HMD’s naming strategy can sometimes be perplexing. The HMD Crest could either be a rebranded version of the HMD Pulse series or an entirely new lineup altogether.
HMD Crest in India
As mentioned earlier, HMD is already well-known in India for its affordable pricing. The official webpage for the HMD Crest series has been launched, though it’s currently accessible only in India. This indicates that the upcoming HMD Crest series might be aimed specifically at the Indian market.
Unfortunately, the website doesn’t offer any additional information about the phones. What we do know about the HMD Crest series is that it will include models named HMD Crest and HMD Crest Max.
Samsung’s latest foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6, have arrived, bringing several notable enhancements. Here’s an in-depth look at these new devices, covering their design, features, performance, and overall user experience.
Design and Build
Galaxy Z Flip 6: The Z Flip 6 retains the stylish, compact design of its predecessors and now features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides, along with an IP48 rating for limited dust and water resistance. The device feels robust, with a refined hinge mechanism that reduces the visibility of the crease on the main display. It is available in various colors, including Silver Shadow, Blue, and Mint, with exclusive shades like Black, White, and Peach available on Samsung.com.
Galaxy Z Fold 6: The Z Fold 6 maintains its book-style design with enhancements like a smoother hinge and improved build quality. It offers IPX8 dust and water resistance. The outer screen is slightly larger, making it more functional when folded. It comes in colors like Silver Shadow, Navy, and Pink, with exclusive options such as Black and White on Samsung.com.
Display
Galaxy Z Flip 6: The main display is a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x panel with LTPO technology, supporting a 1-120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and better battery efficiency. The cover display remains a 3.4-inch AMOLED panel but now offers more functionality with additional widgets and interactive elements.
Galaxy Z Fold 6: The Fold 6 features a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x main display with a 120Hz refresh rate and excellent brightness, ideal for productivity and entertainment. The outer display is a 6.2-inch AMOLED, also with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring a seamless experience whether open or closed.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset, an overclocked version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in other Android flagships. The Z Flip 6 receives a boost with 12 GB of RAM, compared to its predecessor’s 8GB, enhancing multitasking and AI features. Storage options include 256 GB and 512 GB.
The Z Fold 6 offers powerful performance with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage, catering to users who need ample space and speed for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Galaxy Z Flip 6: The battery capacity has been increased to 4,000mAh, offering better endurance than the previous model.
Galaxy Z Fold 6: The Fold 6 also sees a battery life improvement with a larger 4,400mAh battery supporting its dual displays. It supports fast charging, both 25W wired and 15W wireless, ensuring quick recharges when needed. Both devices take around 1:20 hours to fully charge in initial tests.
Cameras
Galaxy Z Flip 6: The camera setup features a new OIS-enabled 50-megapixel main sensor, alongside a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. The selfie camera remains a 10-megapixel sensor. These upgrades ensure better photo quality, particularly in varied lighting conditions, with AI enhancements aiding image processing.
Galaxy Z Fold 6: The Fold 6 boasts a versatile triple camera setup on the back, including an OIS-assisted 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The front cameras offer 10-megapixel (cover) and 4-megapixel (under-screen) sensors.
Software and Features
Both devices run Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1, providing a cohesive and user-friendly interface. The Z Flip 6 introduces new cover screen widgets and interactive wallpapers, enhancing usability without unfolding the device. The Fold 6 benefits from Samsung’s multitasking features, making it a productivity powerhouse with its large screen real estate and app continuity features.
Samsung promises seven years of OS and security updates for both devices, ensuring longevity and security for users. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 also feature Samsung’s latest AI capabilities, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. These AI enhancements improve user interactions and are accessible in the dedicated “Galaxy AI” section in the Settings.
Key AI Features:
Call Assist: Transcribes and summarizes phone calls.
Chat Assist: Offers intelligent suggestions and auto-completion for messages.
Interpreter: Provides real-time translation for conversations.
Note Assist: Organizes notes and highlights key points.
Transcript Assist: Converts voice recordings into text.
Browsing Assist: Recommends and shortcuts while browsing.
Photo Assist: Enhances photo quality with AI suggestions.
Drawing Assist: Offers suggestions and corrections for sketches.
Photo Ambient Wallpaper: Creates dynamic wallpapers from your photo library.
Health Assist: Tracks health metrics and offers personalized insights.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 continues to support the S Pen, though there are no new upgrades to the stylus itself. The S Pen is available as an optional accessory, and there is no storage slot for it on the device. Both devices feature side-facing fingerprint scanners.
Pricing and Availability
Galaxy Z Flip 6: The base model starts at $1,099 in the US. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is priced at $1,799. Both devices have been available for pre-order since July 10, with general availability starting July 24.
In India, both foldable phones are available for pre-orders through Samsung India’s website, Flipkart, Amazon, other online retailers, and offline stores. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 will go on sale in India from July 24, starting at Rs 1,09,999 and Rs 1,64,999, respectively. For detailed pricing and offers, readers can visit the original post.
Final thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6 offer significant improvements over their predecessors, with enhancements in design, display, and AI features. The Z Flip 6’s compact form factor and durable hinge promise a refined foldable experience, while the Z Fold 6 offers a larger screen and versatile multitasking capabilities. AI features like Call Assist, Interpreter, and Note Assist enhance user convenience and productivity on both devices.
Improvements in battery life, processing power, and software support make these devices strong contenders in the foldable market. A more detailed review will be added soon for further insights into their capabilities.
Oppo aims to extend its AI capabilities to 50 million devices by the conclusion of 2024. India is identified as a crucial market for the company’s latest AI expansion strategy.
Launch of Over 100 AI Features This Year
Oppo plans to introduce more than 100 AI features this year, positioning itself as a leader in the platform transition driven by new technology. Peter Dohyung, Oppo’s head of product strategy, has already disclosed the company’s plan for AI integration in its devices.
The integration of AI technology is expected to enhance the camera system. A company official stated that Oppo will “continue to integrate AI to enhance the imaging experience.” However, details on how this will specifically improve the camera system remain unclear. Additionally, a summary feature utilizing generative AI is also in the works.
Data Privacy Measures
The AI features will be deployed with stringent data privacy protocols. This is crucial, as similar AI features from other brands often involve server-side implementations where user data is processed off-device.
Oppo is dedicated to enhancing the user experience through generative AI. The company is making notable efforts in the research and development of this technology, focusing on improving data centers and creating Large Language Models that support AI features.