Category: All News

  • OnePlus 14 Set to Launch as Flagship Android with Huge Battery

    OnePlus 14 Set to Launch as Flagship Android with Huge Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. The OnePlus 13 has improved battery size, but users seeking larger batteries might want to wait for the OnePlus 14.
    2. Future high-end Android smartphones could feature batteries up to 7,500mAh, with the RedMagic 10 Pro leading the market at 7,050mAh.
    3. The OnePlus 14 is expected to have a 1,000mAh increase in battery capacity compared to the OnePlus 13.
    4. The OnePlus 14 will likely support 100W wired charging and may keep the 50W wireless charging, with a possible upgrade to 80W.
    5. There are rumors of 8,000mAh batteries for mid-range models, like a new version of the Realme Neo 7.


    The OnePlus 13 saw a notable improvement in battery size in 2024, at least on paper. However, those who desire a bigger battery might want to wait for the next model, following a recent leak.

    New Battery Sizes Expected

    This leak suggests that the upcoming high-end Android smartphones could come with batteries boasting capacities of 7,000mAh or even more, potentially reaching up to 7,500mAh in certain devices. If this turns out to be accurate, the $749 RedMagic 10 Pro with its 7,050mAh battery could lead the market.

    Anticipated OnePlus 14 Upgrades

    If these predictions hold up, the OnePlus 14 may feature a battery increase of 1,000mAh compared to the OnePlus 13. Other models like the Oppo Find X9 Pro or Vivo X300 Pro are also expected to join this so-called battery revolution by the end of the year.

    Premium devices with these enhancements were once believed to come with the downside of slower charging rates. However, that perception has changed, as noted by the reliable leaker Digital Chat Station, who indicates that the successor to the OnePlus 13 will likely maintain compatibility with the brand’s rapid 100W wired charging capabilities.

    Charging Features to Remain

    The OnePlus 13 also supports 50W wireless charging, which may also be available in the OnePlus 14, unless there’s a rumored upgrade to 80W charging. Additionally, there are whispers that even larger 8,000mAh batteries could be introduced, although they might initially be reserved for mid-range models, like a newer version of the Realme Neo 7 during their launch.

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  • LG UltraGear OLED 34GX90SA: New Curved Gaming Monitor in US

    LG UltraGear OLED 34GX90SA: New Curved Gaming Monitor in US

    Key Takeaways

    1. LG has launched the UltraGear OLED 34GX90SA gaming monitor in the US, priced at $1,399.99.
    2. The monitor features a 34-inch screen with a resolution of 3,440 x 1,440 pixels and an 800R curvature.
    3. It offers a refresh rate of 240 Hz and a response time of 0.03 ms GtG.
    4. The panel covers 98.5% of the DCI-P3 color space and has peak HDR brightness of up to 1,300 nits.
    5. The monitor includes LG’s webOS interface and various connectivity options, such as Gigabit Ethernet and USB Type-C.


    LG has started offering another OLED gaming monitor in the US, adding to the UltraGear OLED 32GX870A lineup. Just to remind you, the company revealed three new OLED gaming monitors in December 2024, which were showcased at CES 2025 in Las Vegas a month after that. Later, LG launched the UltraGear OLED 34GX90SA as a fourth model in Japan, which became available a month later priced at JPY 199,800 (approximately $1,376).

    Pricing and Availability

    Now, the UltraGear OLED 34GX90SA is available in the US for $1,399.99, either on Amazon or directly from LG. As mentioned before, LG has designed the UltraGear OLED 34GX90SA using the panel from the UltraGear OLED 34GS95QE that was released the previous year. Consequently, this model delivers a resolution of 3,440 x 1,440 pixels on a 34-inch screen with an 800R curvature, a refresh rate of 240 Hz, and an impressive 0.03 ms GtG response time.

    Display Specifications

    Moreover, the panel features 98.5% DCI-P3 color space coverage, peak SDR brightness of 275 nits, and peak HDR brightness reaching up to 1,300 nits (APL 1.5%). To differentiate itself, LG has included its webOS interface, which brings various streaming services right to the monitor. Additionally, the UltraGear OLED 34GX90SA has a similar port layout to the UltraGear OLED 34GS95QE, but it includes Gigabit Ethernet and USB Type-C while sacrificing the USB Type-B port. As illustrated in the image below, the UltraGear OLED 34GX90SA is equipped with the following input/output options:

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  • GPUs Exempt from New Tariffs, But 25% Aluminum Tariffs Remain

    GPUs Exempt from New Tariffs, But 25% Aluminum Tariffs Remain

    Key Takeaways

    1. President Trump’s administration implemented “reciprocal tariffs” affecting around 90 countries, raising concerns about GPU price increases.
    2. A federal order suggests that GPUs are unlikely to be impacted by these reciprocal tariffs.
    3. Graphics cards will still incur a 25% tariff related to aluminum imports from China and other nations.
    4. Important tariff codes for GPUs and related components are missing from the federal order’s list of affected products.
    5. Current tariffs on products from China to the US reach 104%, with China retaliating with 84% tariffs on American goods.


    President Trump’s administration has put in place what is being called “reciprocal tariffs” affecting around 90 countries, which has raised worries about the potential impact on GPU prices, already expected to rise. However, as per the federal order released on April 7, it appears that components like GPUs are unlikely to be influenced by these reciprocal tariffs. Nonetheless, graphics cards will still face a 25% tariff focused on aluminum for imports from China and other nations.

    Details on Tariff Codes

    The federal order enumerates all products and components impacted by the reciprocal tariffs with their HTSUS or Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States codes. According to Annex II, the order includes “Electronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers,” “Electronic integrated circuits: memories,” and “Parts of electronic integrated circuits and micro assemblies,” along with their respective HTSUS codes.

    Missing Codes

    However, the list does not mention codes for graphics cards or “Printed circuit assemblies for rendering images onto computer screens (graphics processing modules)” and “Parts and accessories of machines with heading 8471, whether or not including fan hubs or LEDs but not including other goods of heading 8541 or 8542).” These are classified under tariff codes 8473301180 and 8473305100, which PCMag points out are both absent from the Annex.

    This indicates that GPUs might be free from at least the reciprocal tariffs. Yet, since they’re categorized as aluminum-related products, they remain subject to the overarching 25% tariffs that were first imposed on imports. While this is the present scenario, there’s a chance for things to worsen as separate chip-focused tariffs may come into play. Currently, products coming from China to the US are facing a total tariff of 104%, while China has responded with retaliatory tariffs of 84% on all American goods.

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  • Bigme Hibreak Launches Non-Cellular Variant: Worth the Upgrade?

    Bigme Hibreak Launches Non-Cellular Variant: Worth the Upgrade?

    Key Takeaways

    1. Bigme launched a new e-reader version of the Hibreak, called ePaper Reader HiBreak, which lacks cellular functions.
    2. The device features a 5.84-inch black-and-white E Ink display with a resolution of 275 ppi and runs on a MediaTek Helio P35 processor.
    3. It includes 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and a MicroSD card slot for up to 1TB of extra storage.
    4. The Hibreak e-reader has a 5MP front camera, a 13MP rear camera, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 3,300mAh battery.
    5. Priced at $299, the e-reader is more expensive than the 4G Hibreak model, leading some buyers to consider the cellular version instead.


    Last year, Bigme launched the Hibreak, an Android 4G smartphone featuring an E Ink screen. Earlier this year, they introduced a 5G version called the Hibreak Pro. Now, there’s a new version of the Hibreak that doesn’t support cellular functions.

    New Device Unveiling

    As first reported by Good e-reader, this new device lacks an official name; however, a sticker on its packaging says ePaper Reader HiBreak. Its design closely resembles the HiBreak, which is listed on Amazon for $269.99, but there are several distinctions between the two models.

    Specs and Features

    The Hibreak e-reader boasts a 5.84-inch black-and-white E Ink display with a resolution of 275 ppi. Unlike the cellular version (4G), it appears there isn’t a color E Ink variant available. This device runs on MediaTek’s Helio P35 processor and comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Additionally, it features a MicroSD card slot that allows for up to 1TB of extra storage.

    In an unboxing video, it was shown that the Hibreak has a hybrid SIM tray, but the section for a SIM card is blocked, preventing users from inserting one. The e-reader includes a 5MP front camera, a 13MP rear camera, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 3,300mAh battery that charges through USB-C. There’s also a single speaker in the earpiece, but it does not have an audio jack. Similar to the Hibreak smartphone, this e-reader operates on the older Android 11.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Bigme Hibreak e-reader isn’t featured on Bigme’s own website, but it can be purchased from Good e-reader for $299. This price is higher than the 4G model, which costs $249 for the black-and-white version, and $279 for the color epaper version. Given the steep price, potential buyers might find it more advantageous to opt for the cellular version instead.

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  • Tesla to Fix Model Y 12V and USB Outlets in Sentry Mode

    Tesla to Fix Model Y 12V and USB Outlets in Sentry Mode

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is introducing an Accessory Power mode to keep 12V sockets powered overnight or during use.
    2. The previous solution for battery drain in Sentry Mode cut power to 12V outlets, affecting accessory use.
    3. Sentry Mode was found to drain 14% of battery capacity in 24 hours, prompting optimization of video processing.
    4. The new update will include a “Keep Accessory Power On” option, allowing continuous power until battery drops below 20%.
    5. The Accessory Power feature will work independently of Sentry Mode, preventing previous phantom battery drain issues.


    Tesla owners who have had to leave their devices charging in their vehicles overnight or run a small fridge will be pleased to hear that an upcoming Accessory Power mode will restore power to their 12V sockets.

    Previous Battery Drain Issues

    Last year, Tesla addressed a significant battery drain problem linked to Sentry Mode, which it has now activated automatically to safeguard against vandalism. This was part of the 2024.32.6 software update. However, the solution it implemented was quite simplistic; it cut off power to the 12V outlets and USB ports when no one was in the car while in Sentry Mode. This less than smart fix meant that many Model Y owners couldn’t keep accessories like the Acopower TesFridge working overnight or charge laptops and tablets in their vehicles without power by morning.

    Confusing Power Management

    The way Tesla tackled the phantom battery drain issue in Sentry Mode, which drained 14% of the battery pack’s capacity in just 24 hours, was a bit puzzling. It was partly because of the Vision cameras recording during Sentry Mode, so Tesla optimized the video processing algorithms to significantly lower their power usage. However, for devices and accessories that needed to stay plugged into the Model Y while the driver was away, the company simply cut off power to the 12V and USB sockets. This rough approach is set to be improved with the new Accessory Power mode.

    Exciting Update Ahead

    With the upcoming Spring Update, Tesla is expected to introduce a new “Controls > Charging” menu option that allows users to select “Keep Accessory Power On.” This will ensure that all 12V sockets and USB ports receive continuous power until the vehicle’s battery level drops below 20%.

    The best part is that the new Accessory Power feature won’t require Sentry Mode to function, avoiding the risk of the phantom battery drain issues cropping up again.

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  • Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Leak: 30% GPU Performance Boost Expected

    Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Leak: 30% GPU Performance Boost Expected

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will feature a 16 MB cache in its Adreno GPU, leading to a 30% performance increase over the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s Adreno 830.
    2. The CPU of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is expected to be 25% faster than its predecessor.
    3. There are rumors that the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 may surpass Apple’s smartphone chips, but these claims are often seen as speculative.
    4. Early reports suggest potential boost speeds of 5.0 GHz for P-cores and 4.0 GHz for E-cores, but these may change by the final version.
    5. Ongoing updates from leaker Digital Chat Station provide insights into the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2’s expected performance against competitors.


    Now that the Snapdragon 8 Elite has been out for a while, talks about its successor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, are starting to appear. Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station has been regularly sharing updates, and today we learned some details about its GPU features.

    GPU Specifications

    The Adreno GPU in the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will feature 16 MB of cache. With this, alongside other factors like improved LPDDR6 or LPDDR5X memory and a higher CU count, we can expect a performance increase of about 30% compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s Adreno 830. On the CPU front, Digital Chat Station suggests that the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will be 25% quicker than its predecessor, which reinforces their previous leak from a few days ago.

    Performance Expectations

    There are whispers that it might finally surpass Apple’s smartphone chips, but these claims have turned into an annual rumor before launches. Last year, a lesser-known leaker on Weibo, known as The Undead, mentioned that the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (previously called Snapdragon 8 Gen 5) would arrive with much higher boost speeds (5.0 GHz for the P-cores and 4.0 GHz for the E-cores). However, no other leakers have backed this up. These numbers might hold true for an early sample, but the final version of the chip may have to dial back since the Snapdragon 8 Elite struggles to maintain its top speeds as it is.

    Conclusion

    Digital Chat Station on Weibo keeps feeding us information, which helps to piece together what we can expect from the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. As we anticipate its release, it’ll be interesting to see how these specs translate into real-world performance against competitors.

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  • Xiaomi May Allow Smartphone SoC Overclocking with Android 16

    Xiaomi May Allow Smartphone SoC Overclocking with Android 16

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi may introduce overclocking features for CPUs and GPUs in Android 16.
    2. Users can adjust parameters like voltage and frequency, but there’s a maximum limit for safety.
    3. A “Chip performance dashboard” will likely facilitate access to these features without needing a rooted phone.
    4. Users can optimize performance or underclock for better battery life, but caution is advised for inexperienced users.
    5. These features may debut with Xiaomi’s in-house SoC, potentially limiting Qualcomm’s influence on user modifications.


    While PCs and laptops allows users some flexibility in adjusting their hardware, doing the same on smartphones is much more complex. Xiaomi might change this with Android 16, if the latest information from Kacper Skrzypek is included in the final version.

    Potential Overclocking Features

    Xiaomi could allow users to overclock their CPU and GPU. It appears that some adjustable parameters may include voltage and frequency. However, you can’t just crank it up as much as you want because there’s a limit to how high you can go. After setting the parameters, the device will restart to check if it can actually handle the new settings.

    If it can’t, the settings will go back to the original defaults. These options are likely to be located in a new “Chip performance dashboard.” Until now, accessing these features generally needed a rooted phone, so it would be great if that requirement is removed.

    Fine-Tuning Performance

    This should ideally allow tech enthusiasts to optimize their smartphones even more and gain better performance when required. On the flip side, underclocking the SoC for enhanced battery life will also be available. But if you’re not experienced with over/underclocking, it’s wise to leave these settings alone.

    There’s a strong possibility that this feature could launch with Xiaomi’s long-anticipated in-house SoC, as Qualcomm may not be thrilled about users tinkering with clocks and possibly damaging their phones in the process.

  • RTX 5060 Ti Price Leak: Good News or Trouble from US Tariffs?

    RTX 5060 Ti Price Leak: Good News or Trouble from US Tariffs?

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RTX 5060 Ti is expected to be announced on April 15, with reviews and sales starting on April 16; the RTX 5060 may launch in May.
    2. Initial pricing for the RTX 5060 Ti could be $429 for the 16 GB model and $379 for the 8 GB variant, making them competitive against previous models.
    3. The RTX 4060 Ti faced criticism for its pricing, as the performance increase over the RTX 3060 Ti was minimal, highlighting pricing concerns in the market.
    4. The final retail price of the RTX 5060 Ti is still uncertain and may be influenced by high demand and fluctuating market conditions.
    5. Recent US tariffs on imports from Taiwan and China could lead to higher consumer prices for the RTX 5060 Ti if they remain in place.


    The RTX 5060 Ti is expected to release soon, as rumors suggest that the announcement could happen on April 15. Last month, we shared that Nvidia might reveal both the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti on this date. Reviews and the official sales for the RTX 5060 Ti are anticipated to be available the following day, April 16. The RTX 5060, however, is rumored to hit the market in May.

    Specifications and Pricing Uncertainty

    We have some insights into the specifications for both the RTX 5060 and the RTX 5060 Ti, but the final pricing for these GPUs remains a mystery. It’s common for GPU prices to fluctuate until officially announced. However, Nvidia appears to have communicated the final price of the RTX 5060 Ti to its AIB partners about a week before the launch.

    As per details shared on Board Channels (through VideoCardz), Nvidia is expected to set the initial price for the RTX 5060 Ti at $429 (RMB 3,599) for the 16 GB model. Meanwhile, the 8 GB variant of the RTX 5060 Ti is said to be priced at $379 (RMB 3,199), which is $50 less. If these figures are correct, they seem quite competitive, especially when compared to the launch prices of the RTX 4060 Ti models.

    Comparison to Previous Models

    The RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB debuted at $399, whereas the 16 GB version was priced at $499. This $100 price gap drew a lot of negative feedback, as the RTX 4060 Ti didn’t offer a significant performance boost compared to the RTX 3060 Ti. Consequently, Nvidia faced criticism for imposing an extra $100 charge for an additional 8 GB of VRAM.

    Despite this, we still don’t know what the actual retail price of the RTX 5060 Ti will be. The high demand, which has caused prices for mid-range GPUs like the RX 9070 to soar, could impact the final consumer pricing for the RTX 5060 Ti.

    Market Challenges Ahead

    Additionally, the recent tariffs imposed by the current US government on countries like Taiwan and China may worsen the already struggling GPU market. The US has enacted a 32% tariff on goods from Taiwan and an astonishing 104% on imports from China, following the latest increases. Both nations play a crucial role in Nvidia’s supply chain. If these tariffs remain in place, US consumers might find themselves facing much higher prices than the leaked MSRPs for the RTX 5060 Ti.


  • LG UltraGear 32GX870A: New 480Hz OLED Gaming Monitor with USB-C

    LG UltraGear 32GX870A: New 480Hz OLED Gaming Monitor with USB-C

    Key Takeaways

    1. The UltraGear OLED 32GX870A features a WOLED panel, supporting up to 240 Hz at 4K and 480 Hz at 1080p with a 0.03 ms GtG response time.
    2. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync technologies to minimize image tearing during gameplay.
    3. The monitor has a maximum brightness of 275 nits for SDR and 1,300 nits for HDR.
    4. Enhanced connectivity includes webOS, a USB Type-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode, and two HDMI 2.1 ports, but it lacks USB Type-B connectivity.
    5. The UltraGear OLED 32GX870A is priced at $1,399.99 and is available for purchase through major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.


    LG has unveiled its latest gaming monitor, the UltraGear OLED 32GX870A, which utilizes its cutting-edge WOLED panel technology. This release comes after the company introduced the UltraGear 27G850A, based on Nano IPS technology, which also featured a dual refresh rate. Previously, LG launched the UltraGear OLED 455GX950A, capable of switching between 1080p and 5K2K resolutions, achieving refresh rates of 330 Hz and 165 Hz, respectively.

    Impressive Performance Details

    The UltraGear OLED 32GX870A takes things further by allowing outputs of up to 240 Hz at 4K and 480 Hz at 1080p, all while boasting incredibly fast 0.03 ms GtG response times. LG claims that this monitor supports both AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync technologies, helping to reduce image tearing during high refresh rates. Additionally, it can reach a maximum brightness of 275 nits for SDR and 1,300 nits for HDR.

    Feature-Rich Design

    In essence, the UltraGear OLED 32GX870A shares the same panel technology as the previous year’s UltraGear OLED 32GS95UE. However, LG has enhanced it with webOS, a USB Type-C port that offers DisplayPort Alt Mode and 90 W Power Delivery, along with a DisplayPort 2.1 port. Note that this DisplayPort delivers a peak bandwidth of 54 Gbps (UHBR 13.5), which is less than the 80 Gbps (UHBR 20) required to avoid Display Stream Compression (DSC) at resolutions of 4K and refresh rates of 240 Hz.

    Connectivity and Pricing Information

    The UltraGear OLED 32GX870A is also equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and two USB 3.0 Type-A ports. Oddly, it lacks USB Type-B connectivity. Nevertheless, consumers can buy this new monitor in the US for $1,399.99 through Amazon, Best Buy, or directly from LG. For additional technical specifications, visit LG’s official website.

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  • New PS3 Emulator for Android Surpasses RPCS3-Android

    New PS3 Emulator for Android Surpasses RPCS3-Android

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RPCS3-Android emulator has been discontinued, but a new emulator called RPCSX-UI-Android has been launched by the same developer.
    2. RPCSX-UI-Android maintains a similar user interface and experience as RPCS3-Android, requiring users to download PlayStation 3 firmware for proper emulation.
    3. The new emulator supports both PKG and ISO game formats and offers compatibility with physical and virtual controllers.
    4. RPCSX-UI-Android includes bug fixes and enhancements, but may still face performance issues with certain PlayStation 3 games as it is in early development.
    5. The emulator is available for download on GitHub, with a changelog detailing improvements over the previous version.


    PS3 emulation has reached a significant point with the launch of RPCS3-Android by the developer behind RPCS3. Since it first came out, this Android version of the well-known PlayStation 3 emulator has received numerous updates, leading to various improvements in emulation.

    Discontinuation and New Beginnings

    Despite the promising start for PS3 emulation on Android, the developer has stopped support for RPCS3-Android. The bright side is that the same developer has rolled out a new emulator called RPCSX-UI-Android for PlayStation 3 on Android devices. Fundamentally, the software is similar to its predecessor, maintaining the same user interface but under a different title.

    Emulation Experience

    The overall experience with the new PS3 emulator, RPCSX-UI-Android, remains consistent with the previous version, RPCS3-Android. For instance, users will need to download a PlayStation 3 firmware to emulate games properly. In terms of game compatibility, RPCSX-UI-Android supports both PKG and ISO formats, just like the earlier version.

    Controller Support and Features

    Additionally, the emulator offers support for both physical and virtual controllers. An example of a physical controller is the Abxylute S9 mobile controller, which is currently priced at $69.99 on Amazon. The new emulator also includes a virtual home button, allowing players to easily access functions such as screen recording, taking screenshots, and loading save states.

    Updates and Performance

    With RPCSX-UI-Android, users can expect several bug fixes and enhancements compared to the previous RPCS3-Android version. However, it’s worth noting that this new emulator is still in its early development phase and may struggle to run all PlayStation 3 games smoothly.

    Download Information

    For those interested in downloading the latest PS3 emulator for Android, the developer DHrpcs3 has made it available on GitHub. A comprehensive changelog is also provided for users who wish to explore the improvements that RPCSX-UI-Android offers over its predecessor, RPCS3-Android.

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