Category: All News

  • Xiaomi Phones Likely to Receive HyperOS 3 Update Soon

    Xiaomi Phones Likely to Receive HyperOS 3 Update Soon

    While the rollout of HyperOS 2 is still ongoing, it seems Xiaomi has started to focus on its next significant update, HyperOS 3.0, which is expected to be based on Android 16. This new version is anticipated to bring enhancements in performance, design changes, a stronger Xiaomi ecosystem, AI upgrades, and many more features and improvements.

    Possible Release Timeline

    The HyperOS 3 update might arrive sooner than last year’s version since Android 16 is progressing rapidly. It’s important to check if your Xiaomi device qualifies for this major update. XiaomiTime has compiled a list of devices that are likely to receive the HyperOS 3.0 update, including a variety of Xiaomi phones and tablets.

    List of Eligible Devices

    Xiaomi Devices
    – [Xiaomi 15 Series]
    – Xiaomi 15
    – Xiaomi 15 Pro
    – Xiaomi 15 Ultra
    – [Xiaomi 14 Series]
    – Xiaomi 14
    – Xiaomi 14 Pro
    – Xiaomi 14 Ultra
    – [Xiaomi 13 Series]
    – Xiaomi 13
    – Xiaomi 13 Pro
    – Xiaomi 13 Lite
    – [Xiaomi 12 Series]
    – Xiaomi 12
    – Xiaomi 12 5G
    – Xiaomi 12 Pro
    – Xiaomi 12 Pro (Dimensity)
    – Xiaomi 12 Lite
    – Xiaomi 12 Lite NE
    – Xiaomi 12T
    – Xiaomi 12T Pro
    – Xiaomi 12S
    – Xiaomi 12S Pro
    – Xiaomi 12S Ultra

    Redmi Devices
    – [Redmi Note Series]
    – Redmi Note 14 (4G/5G)
    – Redmi Note 14 Pro (4G/5G)
    – Redmi Note 14 Pro+ (4G/5G)
    – Redmi Note 13 (4G/5G)
    – Redmi Note 13 Pro (4G/5G)
    – Redmi Note 13 Pro+
    – Redmi Note 13R
    – Redmi Note 13R Pro
    – Redmi Note 12 4G
    – Redmi Note 12 4G NFC
    – Redmi Note 12S
    – Redmi Note 12 Turbo
    – Redmi Note 12T Pro

    – [Redmi Number Series]
    – Redmi 12
    – Redmi 13
    – Redmi 13C
    – Redmi 14C
    – Redmi 14C 5G

    – [Redmi A Series]
    – Redmi A3 Pro
    – Redmi A4 5G

    – [Redmi K Series]
    – Redmi K80
    – Redmi K80 Pro
    – Redmi K70
    – Redmi K70 Pro
    – Redmi K70 Ultra
    – Redmi K70E
    – Redmi K60
    – Redmi K60 Pro
    – Redmi K60 Ultra
    – Redmi K60E
    – Redmi K50 Ultra

    – [Redmi Turbo Series]
    – Redmi Turbo 4
    – Redmi Turbo 3

    Poco Devices
    – [Poco F Series]
    – Poco F7
    – Poco F7 Pro
    – Poco F7 Ultra
    – Poco F6
    – Poco F6 Pro
    – Poco F5
    – Poco F5 Pro

    – [Poco X Series]
    – Poco X7
    – Poco X7 Pro
    – Poco X7 Pro (Iron Man edition)
    – Poco X6 5G
    – Poco X6 Pro 5G

    – [Poco M Series]
    – Poco M7 Pro 5G
    – Poco M6 Pro (4G/5G)
    – Poco M6 (4G/5G)

    – [Poco C Series]
    – Poco C75 (4G/5G)
    – Poco C65

    [Xiaomi MIX and Foldables]
    – Xiaomi Mix Fold 4
    – Xiaomi Mix Fold 3
    – Xiaomi Mix Fold 2
    – Xiaomi Mix Flip
    – Xiaomi Mix Flip 2

    [Xiaomi and Redmi Tablets]
    – Xiaomi Pad 7
    – Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro
    – Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro
    – Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro
    – Redmi Pad SE
    – Redmi Pad Pro
    – Redmi Pad SE 8.7
    – Redmi Pad Pro 5G

    This is an initial compilation of Xiaomi devices that are likely to receive the HyperOS 3.0 update. The final list may vary slightly, so if your device isn’t listed, please wait for the official announcement.

    Anticipated Quick Arrival of HyperOS 3

    The rollout of HyperOS 2.0, which is based on Android 15, began in October and is still in progress for eligible devices. However, HyperOS 3.0 is set to be released much faster, thanks to the accelerated development of Android 16.

    Google has already put out the first developer preview of Android 16, with the second one expected this month. According to the timeline, several public beta versions will be available until March, leading to the platform stability phase.

    While Google hasn’t disclosed an exact release date, leaks indicate that Android 16 might launch in early June. In contrast, Android 15 was released in October last year. Therefore, the new operating system is coming much earlier, prompting brands like Xiaomi to prepare for the Android 16-based HyperOS software as quickly as they can.

    Currently, we don’t have an official release date for HyperOS 3.0, but we can make an educated guess. Historically, Xiaomi tends to launch new versions of HyperOS in the same month as the corresponding Android OS. For instance, HyperOS 2.0 was released on October 29, just a week after Android 15. Following this pattern, HyperOS 3.0 could potentially debut in June 2025.

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  • ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra Global Launch on February 6 with AI Features

    ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra Global Launch on February 6 with AI Features

    ASUS introduced the Zenfone 11 Ultra in March of the previous year. Now, the new model, the Zenfone 12 Ultra, has been spotted in the IMEI database during the third quarter of last year. The company has officially announced that the launch will take place on February 6th at 14:30 (GMT+8), which is a month ahead of the previous model.

    AI Enhancements for Photography

    The tagline “Zenfone 12 Ultra unlocks the power of AI” was highlighted in a teaser from ASUS, indicating that artificial intelligence will play a key role in enhancing photography. It will be curious to see how much this new model improves on its predecessor in this area.

    The teaser image also suggests capabilities like 4K video recording and a potential focus-tracking feature for videos. Moreover, it appears there will be numerous new features added and a general enhancement in image quality.

    A Shift in Design Philosophy

    ASUS has moved away from the small Zenfone designs that were common until last year. The company is clearly leaning towards larger, feature-rich devices for the future. Although specific details about the Zenfone 12 Ultra are still unknown, it’s likely that ASUS will continue to share more teasers as the launch date approaches.

    Looking Ahead

    For those who are keen on speculating, it’s important to remember that the Zenfone 11 Ultra was largely a rebranded version of the ROG Phone 8. If ASUS uses a similar approach this time, the Zenfone 12 Ultra may share a lot of features with the recently launched ROG Phone 9.

    The ROG Phone 9 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which can be combined with up to 24GB of RAM and an impressive 1TB of storage, making it a powerhouse in performance. It’s uncertain whether ASUS will keep these specifications for the Zenfone 12 Ultra or introduce something new.

    Sadly, the Zenfone 11 Ultra did not reach the Indian market, although the ROG Phone 8 Pro launched with an initial price of Rs 94,999. It remains to be seen if the Zenfone 12 Ultra will follow a similar trajectory.

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  • Snapdragon 8s Elite Specs Leaked in iQOO Z10 Turbo Geekbench

    Snapdragon 8s Elite Specs Leaked in iQOO Z10 Turbo Geekbench

    Qualcomm is said to be developing the Snapdragon 8s Elite, a more simplified version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. This new chip is anticipated to launch in the second quarter of 2025, taking the place of last year’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. The SD8sG3 has powered devices like the Realme GT 6, Realme GT Neo 6 (in China), Motorola Edge 50 Ultra, Poco F6, Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro, Civi 14 Pro, Redmi Turbo 3, Honor 200 Pro, and iQOO Z9 Turbo. It is thought that the Snapdragon 8s Elite will be used in the next generation of these smartphones. Recently, a Vivo/iQOO phone with this unannounced chip was found in Geekbench’s database, revealing its CPU and GPU information.

    Geekbench Listing for Snapdragon 8s Elite

    A new Vivo/iQOO device has been spotted on Geekbench. The Qualcomm chip inside has a 1+3+2+2 core arrangement, with a primary CPU core running at 3.21GHz. It also includes three CPU cores at 3.01GHz, two cores at 2.80GHz, and two more at 2.02GHz. For graphics processing, the chip features an Adreno 825 GPU.

    Speculation on Upcoming Chip

    These specifications do not align with any current Qualcomm chips, suggesting that it is indeed a future chip. According to tipster Digital Chat Station, this is the Snapdragon 8s Elite, identified by the SM8735 part number. The tipster had earlier indicated that the Snapdragon 8s Elite would maintain an X4 + A720 architecture, similar to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and also follows the 1+3+2+2 configuration.

    Device Details and Future Releases

    The Geekbench entry shows that the device runs on Android 15 and has 12 GB of RAM. While the specific phone model is unknown, it might be the iQOO Z0 Turbo or Turbo Pro, which are expected to be among the first devices to utilize the Snapdragon 8s Elite chip. Besides the Z10 Turbo, other devices like the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro, Poco F7, Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro, and a flagship from Realme are also expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8s Elite.

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  • Honor 400 Series Features 7,000mAh Battery and Metal Frame

    Honor frequently releases its number series of smartphones biannually in China. In December 2024, the company launched the Honor 300 series, which consists of the Honor 300, Honor 300 Pro, and Honor 300 Ultra. It is anticipated that the Honor 400 series will be introduced in the first half of this year. A new leak from a Chinese source seems to share preliminary information regarding the battery capacity and construction of the Honor 400 series.

    Honor 400 Series Battery Insights

    This leak suggests that Honor is implementing a substantial battery approach for its 2025 smartphones. For the forthcoming number series, likely named the Honor 400 series, the source indicated that it will sport a battery exceeding 7,000mAh and come with a metal framework to enhance durability.

    Launch Expectations

    The Honor 400 series may debut in May 2025 and is expected to include three models: the Honor 400, 400 Pro, and 400 Ultra. Regrettably, further details about the Honor 400 lineup remain unknown at this time.

    Performance Capabilities

    To recap, the Honor 300 Ultra and 300 Pro utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, whereas the Honor 300 is equipped with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. There’s a chance that the forthcoming Honor 400 Pro and 400 Ultra will be powered by the new Snapdragon 8s Elite chip.

    Recently, a Geekbench listing disclosed the configuration of the Snapdragon 8s Elite chip, which includes: 1 core clocked at 3.21GHz, 3 cores at 3.01GHz, 2 cores at 2.80GHz, and 2 cores at 2.02GHz, along with the Adreno 825 GPU. This chip is also expected to be utilized in other devices, including the iQOO Z10 Turbo / Turbo Pro, Redmi Turbo 4 Pro, Poco F7, and Xiaomi Civi 5 Pro.

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  • Redmi Note 14 and Note 14 Pro Launched Globally from $199

    Redmi Note 14 and Note 14 Pro Launched Globally from $199

    Xiaomi has recently launched its highly anticipated Redmi Note 14 series in the global market. A month prior, the Redmi Note 14 Pro series made its debut in India, and now, the basic Note 14 and Note 14 Pro have made their way to selected markets in Europe and Asia. Keep reading to learn about their pricing and specifications.

    Specs of Redmi Note 14 & Note 14 Pro

    The Redmi Note 14 series consist of two mid-range smartphones that deliver impressive specifications for their price range. However, the global versions differ from the ones that were introduced in India and China. The more advanced Redmi Note 14 Pro features a 6.67-inch curved AMOLED screen boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, peak brightness of 1800 nits, PWM dimming, and protection from Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

    Global Model of Redmi Note 14 Pro

    Internally, the phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Ultra SoC, in contrast to the Dimensity 7300 Ultra found in the Indian version. The camera layout is also altered, showcasing a 200MP triple camera system on the back. It also comes with a robust 5,500mAh battery that supports 45W wired fast charging.

    Pricing and Availability

    On the other hand, the standard Redmi Note 14 shows some slight variations. It features a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, PWM dimming, and 1800 nits peak brightness. This model uses the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra SoC, while the Chinese version was equipped with the Dimensity 7025 Ultra SoC. For photography enthusiasts, this smartphone includes a 108MP dual-camera setup. Notably, the global version of the Redmi Note 14 has a larger 5,500mAh battery compared to the 5110mAh in the Chinese variant.

    The Redmi Note 14 is available in four color choices: Mist Purple, Midnight Black, Ocean Blue, and Lime Green, with a starting price of 199 US Dollars. On the other hand, the Redmi Note 14 Pro, which comes in Aurora Purple, Ocean Blue, and Midnight Black, has a starting price of 299 US Dollars. It is now being rolled out in select regions in Europe and Asia.

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  • Oppo Find N5 Teaser: Thinnest Design and Titanium Build Revealed

    Oppo Find N5 Teaser: Thinnest Design and Titanium Build Revealed

    Yesterday, the Product Manager for Oppo Find announced that the company will soon unveil the first teaser for the highly anticipated Oppo Find N5 foldable smartphone. Today, Oppo shared a new poster that hints at the design of the N5. They have also confirmed that the phone will officially be revealed in February in China.

    Oppo Find N5 Design Insights

    As per Pete Lau, the Chief Product Officer at Oppo and founder of OnePlus, the Oppo Find N5 is set to become the world’s slimmest foldable smartphone. To illustrate its thinness, the company has compared it to a pencil. This suggests that when unfolded, the N5 will be slimmer than a pencil, which is about 7mm thick. There’s a chance that when fully opened, the N5 might measure around 4mm and be less than 10mm when folded.

    Build and Durability Features

    The Oppo Find N5 is also rumored to come with a titanium frame, which should enhance its durability. There’s speculation that it will have an IPX8 water resistance rating, a feature not found in its predecessor, the Find N3, launched in 2023. Reports indicate that the N5 will be equipped with a battery capacity of approximately 6,000mAh, potentially supporting fast charging at 80W or 100W, along with 50W of magnetic wireless charging. The device is also expected to run on Android 15 with ColorOS 15 overlay, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

    Camera and Display Expectations

    Sources suggest that the internal display of the Find N5 may support a 2K resolution. The rear camera setup is anticipated to feature a sleeker design, including an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel primary camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom capabilities.

    Potential Launch of Additional Devices

    There are whispers that the Oppo Find N5 may not be the only product launching in China come February. Speculations are circulating about the release of the Oppo Watch X3 smartwatch series alongside the N5. As for the Find X8 Ultra and X8 Mini, both are rumored to debut in March in China.

    The Find N5 is also likely to see a global release, particularly in some Southeast Asian regions. In markets such as the US, Europe, and India, it might be rebranded as the OnePlus Open 2.

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  • Tipster Confirms No Telephoto Lens on Mix Flip 2: Details Inside

    Tipster Confirms No Telephoto Lens on Mix Flip 2: Details Inside

    Xiaomi is set to introduce its upcoming clamshell foldable phone, probably called the Flip 2, in late June this year. Although the release date is still a bit away, insider leaks have been coming out, showing various details about this new device.

    Design and Camera Changes

    The Flip 2 is rumored to come with a bigger battery and a lighter, sleeker design than the previous model. A recent report has also suggested significant camera modifications for this phone. Unlike its earlier version, the Flip 2 might not have a telephoto lens.

    Digital Chat Station, a trusted tipster, recently confirmed this information in a Weibo post and shared additional specs about the new device.

    Specs of the Xiaomi Mix Flip 2

    As per Digital Chat Station, the Mix Flip 2 will allegedly feature a 50MP main camera with a size of 1/1.5” and a 50MP ultrawide-angle camera measuring 1/2.76”, but it will lack a telephoto lens. The original Mix Flip had a dual-camera system, including a 50MP main lens and a telephoto lens. Skipping the telephoto lens in the new model appears to be a risky decision since many people might favor telephoto options over ultrawide ones.

    Even though this may be our viewpoint, Xiaomi likely has valid reasons for this choice, which will be clearer when the device is officially launched.

    Improvements and Features

    Despite this, the tipster indicates that the Flip 2 will fix some issues seen in the previous version, such as the absence of wireless charging and an official water resistance rating. The new version is expected to come with an IPX8 rating.

    Moreover, the Flip 2 is anticipated to sport a 6.85-inch LTPO AMOLED main display with a resolution of 1.5K. It will also support NFC and include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

    Additionally, earlier reports suggest that the smartphone will run on a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and include a battery with a capacity of around 5,600mAh to 5,700mAh.

    Source:
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  • iPhone Sales Drop in China Amid Rising Local Brand Competition

    iPhone Sales Drop in China Amid Rising Local Brand Competition

    Apple is having a tough time in China, with falling iPhone sales. Reports show that iPhone shipments in December 2024 fell by 10–12 percent from the same month in 2023, which indicates that the company’s market share is decreasing in one of its biggest markets. While the overall smartphone sales in China have been stable, Apple seems to be losing ground to local brands that provide more feature-rich products at competitive prices.

    2025 iPhones Might Not Rescue Apple’s Situation in China

    Looking forward, Apple’s careful planning for production in 2025 shows it understands these difficulties. Even the upcoming iPhone SE 4 (also known as iPhone 16e), which is expected to debut in the first half of 2025, might not be enough to change this downward trend. Predictions suggest that shipments for the first half of 2025 could drop by 6 percent compared to the previous year, making it clear that Apple is preparing for a challenging year ahead.

    Innovations in the iPhone 17 Series

    The iPhone 17 series, set to launch in September 2025, is rumored to include models with exciting design changes, like an ultra-thin form and a foldable option. While these features might attract a specific group of users, they also bring potential issues. The ultra-thin iPhone (often referred to as the iPhone 17 Slim) could have parts as thin as 5.5mm, and the foldable version might only work with eSIM technology. This could create problems in the Chinese market, where eSIM-only devices don’t have widespread support.

    Furthermore, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 may be produced in larger quantities than the iPhone Plus, but its effect on overall sales could be minimal due to lower-quality components, high prices, and a user experience that doesn’t significantly set it apart from existing models. As competition grows and challenges like eSIM adoption continue, Apple’s chance to regain strength in China will rely on better aligning its future devices with local preferences and providing real improvements to justify its higher prices.

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  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Elite: Key Details and Benchmark Leaks

    Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Elite: Key Details and Benchmark Leaks

    Qualcomm is reportedly preparing to introduce the Snapdragon 8s Elite (SM8735), a new mid-range chipset aimed at closing the performance gap between high-end and budget-friendly smartphones. Leaks indicate that the 8s Elite will provide remarkable performance, competing with some Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship devices, all the while keeping a more affordable price.

    Performance Insights

    Well-known leaker Digital Chat Station mentions that the 8s Elite is likely to achieve an AnTuTu score close to 2 million. This score puts it in a performance category similar to devices powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, although it may lag slightly behind.

    Architecture Details

    Interestingly, the new chipset will not incorporate Qualcomm’s custom Oryon cores, introduced with the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Rather, it will utilize a more traditional CPU setup, featuring a Cortex-X4 prime core alongside A720 efficiency cores, resulting in performance akin to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

    It is also anticipated that the 8s Elite may experience a minor drop in GPU-heavy tasks when compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This could be a strategic decision by Qualcomm, aiming to optimize power usage while keeping prices competitive in the mid-range market.

    Future Devices and Market Impact

    The SM8735 chipset was previously seen in Xiaomi’s HyperOS software earlier this year. Speculations suggest it may power future devices like the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro or the Redmi K90. DCS also notes that the Snapdragon 8s Elite is set to be widely adopted by prominent smartphone brands. Besides Xiaomi, companies like Honor, iQOO, and Oppo are expected to create slim photography-centric phones using this chipset. These smartphones are anticipated to launch around April, hinting at a possible reveal of the 8s Elite in March or April.

    With the introduction of the Snapdragon 8s Elite, competition in the mid-range market is likely to heat up, prompting manufacturers to provide even more powerful and feature-rich devices at appealing price points. Consumers can look forward to an expanded selection of high-performance options at lower costs, presenting an attractive alternative to flagship devices for those desiring a powerful smartphone experience without the hefty price tag.

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  • Casio G-Shock Urban Utility Watches: Biomass Plastic & Eco Colors

    Casio G-Shock Urban Utility Watches: Biomass Plastic & Eco Colors

    Casio Japan recently unveiled two fresh G-Shock models, the GD-010CE-5JF and GA-010CE-2AJF, which emphasize durability and eco-friendliness. These timepieces are set to launch in January 2025, with the GD-010CE priced at ¥17,050 ($110) and the GA-010CE at ¥20,350 ($132).

    Eco-Friendly Materials

    The primary resin components, which consist of the case and bezel, are crafted from biomass plastic, contributing to a smaller environmental footprint. The bands are made from CORDURA re/cor, a robust material that utilizes recycled Cordura and PET yarn. They are dyed through FOOD TEXTILE’s innovative method that transforms food waste into organic dyes. Specifically, the GA-010CE sports a band colored with dye extracted from red turnips, while the GD-010CE features dye from echinacea. This technique yields soft, natural hues and distinct textures.

    Built to Last

    Both models are designed to be dependable, boasting a remarkable 10-year battery life, made possible by a large-capacity battery paired with efficient energy consumption. The carbon core guard structure provides durability while ensuring the watches remain lightweight. They’re also water-resistant up to 20 ATM (200 meters) and are equipped with LED lights for better visibility in low-light situations—on the GA-010CE’s dial and the GD-010CE’s LCD.

    Feature-Rich Options

    The watches are packed with features, including world time for 48 cities, a stopwatch, a timer, and five alarms (one of which includes a snooze function), along with a fully automatic calendar. A needle retraction feature enhances the readability of the LCD, and users have the option to toggle the operation sound on or off. Additionally, the Neo Bright coating provides improved visibility.

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