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  • UL Demko certification reveals enigmatic Google Pixel smartphone featuring 4942mAh battery

    UL Demko certification reveals enigmatic Google Pixel smartphone featuring 4942mAh battery

    Google is actively working on a range of upcoming smartphones. This includes the Pixel 8a, the flagship Pixel 9 series, and the highly-anticipated Pixel Fold 2.

    Pixel 8a Design Leak

    We have already seen a glimpse of Pixel 8a’s design via the leaked retail packaging while renders of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro have also surfaced showing a distinct design language for the company’s upcoming smartphone series. Now, a new element has been added to the mix.

    GH2MB UL Demko Certification

    An upcoming Google smartphone, carrying the model number GH2MB, has been spotted on the UL Demko certification website. The certification confirms that the device will feature a 4,942mAh rated battery, likely to be marketed as approximately 5,000mAh.

    The battery capacity of this mystery device hints that it may not be the traditionally budget-focused Pixel 8a. Its size aligns more closely with the battery expectations for the flagship Pixel 9 series, particularly the Pro variants.

    It’s also possible that this certification relates to the Pixel Fold 2, as a larger battery would be suitable for a foldable phone’s demanding form factor.

    But the listing doesn’t specify what device exactly it is. Further certifications should shed more light on the GH2MB’s true identity and specifications in the near future.

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  • Impressive Design and Portrait Mastery: Review of Realme 12 Pro

    Impressive Design and Portrait Mastery: Review of Realme 12 Pro

    Capitalizing on the success of its predecessor, Realme has once again raised the bar in the mid-range smartphone market with the launch of the Realme 12 Pro series last month. Among the standout offerings, the Realme 12 Pro+ catches attention with its luxury watch-inspired camera deco design and groundbreaking periscope telephoto camera. Meanwhile, its counterpart, the Realme 12 Pro offers the same design language, and shines with its distinct feature—a powerful telephoto camera delivering up to 2x optical zoom. Here, in this review, let us have a closer look to see what the Realme 12 Pro has to offer.

    Realme 12 Pro 5G: What’s in the box?

    The Realme 12 Pro 5G’s retail package includes the following items:

    • Realme 12 Pro handset
    • 67W SuperVOOC charger
    • USB-A to USB-C cable
    • TPU case
    • SIM ejector tool
    • Safety Guide
    • Quick Guide

    Realme 12 Pro 5G review: Design and Display

    It goes without saying that the Realme 12 Pro exudes a “wow” factor with its design. While the Submarine Blue variant is undeniably eye-catching, the Navigator Beige edition of the device takes a more conservative approach. Personally, I lean towards the blue variant; its luxury watch-inspired design, stain-resistant vegan leather finish, and good accents, which are also available on the beige variant, accentuate its appeal even further. It appears that the brand has paid a lot of attention to offering the best possible design for its price. Readers should note that the rear texture easily attracts dirt (as seen in the images), though it is also easy to clean.

    The Realme 12 Pro’s front has a curved-edge display and a leathery finish on the back that improves grip and feels comfortable in the hand. Notably, the phone is IP65-rated for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability against environmental hazards. With a thickness of 8.75mm and a weight of 190 grams, it maintains a balanced profile, offering both substance and manageability.

    The Realme 12 Pro has a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel delivering an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and 10-bit color depth. Realme goes the extra mile by introducing the ProXDR feature, typically found in pricier smartphones, to enhance HDR photo details in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the O1 Video Colour Boost engine, available for select apps, upscales SDR content to HDR, enriching the viewing experience. Users can further customize their display experience with color profile options including Vivid, Natural, and Cinematic. As for protection, the device boasts a 0.5mm tempered high-strengthened glass.

    Realme 12 Pro 5G review: Performance and Software

    While Realme has not advertised it, the Realme 12 Pro is the first phone to feature the 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip in India. The chipset is not designed for high-end gaming, but it does work just fine for casual gaming and day-to-day tasks. Users may experience some choppiness while playing demanding games, but the 12 Pro is not designed for pro-level gaming. The chipset is complemented by LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. And it also offers up to 16 GB of virtual RAM.

    The Realme 12 Pro can be juiced by using a 67W fast charger. It goes from 0 to 100 percent in under 50 minutes, and with typical use, the device can last for the entire day. The Realme 12 Pro runs on Android 14 and Realme UI 5. The phone is confirmed to get Android 15 and 16 OS upgrades and security patches for three years. While it seems that the brand has slightly reduced the number of preloaded apps, it does have some apps that cannot be uninstalled. The most recent security patch that the device received is from December 2023.

    Some of the highlights of Realme UI 5 include File Dock, Flash Capsule (iPhone-like Dynamic Island notifications), Smart Image Matting, and Phone Link (for Windows PC). The overall experience of the OS is quite smooth, with no noticeable hiccups. Here is how the phone performs on the benchmarking apps.

    Realme 12 Pro 5G review: Photography and other features

    The Realme 12 Pro has a Sony IMX882 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS support and a 26mm focal length. There is chatter that its new name is the LYT-600, which is available on the Reno 11 5G as the primary camera. The 12 Pro’s main camera is accompanied by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, 4x in-sensor zoom, and 47mm focal length. The camera department has received a major upgrade, as the predecessor model featured a 100-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. On the front, the 12 Pro has a 16-megapixel Hynix Hi1634Q selfie camera.

    The Realme 12 Pro offers an extensive array of photography modes, including Pro mode, Panorama, Hi-Res mode, Timelapse, Long Exposure, Dual-View, Starry Mode, and more. Standard modes such as Photo, Video, Portrait, Night, and Street are also available. In Photo mode, users can select from options like 0.6x (ultra-wide), 1x (regular), 2x (optical zoom), 4x (in-sensor zoom), and up to 20x digital zoom. Additionally, the camera app features a new watermark feature that displays the main colors of the captured shot. The device also offers special camera filters, such as Journey, Maverick, and Memory, in collaboration with Claudio Miranda, a Chilean cinematographer who is best known for winning an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for his work on “Life of Pi”.

    In daylight conditions, the photography skills of the Realme 12 Pro excel, particularly with its impressive 2x shots. The color consistency and details between the IMX882 and IMX709 lenses are commendable, though the ultra-wide lens may lack in this regard. The telephoto camera performs well in capturing portrait selfies with excellent background blur and subject focus, and it can also be used for macro shots.

    Regarding video shooting, the Realme 12 Pro can record up to 30fps 4K videos, with OIS-enabled shots limited to 60fps FHD videos. However, it lacks the portrait video feature, which is reserved for the 12 Pro+. Videos captured in daylight offer plenty of detail, but the results may be less desirable in low-light conditions.

    Furthermore, the Realme 12 Pro impresses with its haptic feedback, which can be adjusted via O-Haptics for intensity across the user interface, adding to the overall user experience. The device lacks NFC and a microSD slot. The fingerprint sensor works fine, but its position feels a bit low.

    Realme 12 Pro 5G review: Verdict

    Apart from the cameras, the Realme 12 Pro may not appear to be a significant upgrade compared to its predecessor, the Realme 11 Pro. However, the overall package it offers is quite impressive, particularly considering that there are no other phones in its price segment offering a telephoto camera. This feature will particularly appeal to users seeking a device priced around Rs 25,000 that can capture zoomed-in shots without sacrificing details. Regarding the price, the Realme 12 Pro has seen a Rs 2,000 increase over its predecessor. However, current bank offers allow users to avail themselves of a discount of Rs 2,000 using bank or coupon discounts. If you are considering purchasing the device, this could be an opportune time to do so.

    Realme 12 Pro’s only major rivals in the current lot are the Poco X6 Pro, which is a performance-driven phone, and the Redmi Note 13 Pro. Each has its pros and cons, but when it comes to versatile photography, the Realme 12 Pro can outshine its rivals.

    Realme 12 Pro 5G: Variants, Price and Availability

    In India, the Realme 12 Pro 5G is available in the following variants.

    • 8 GB + 128 GB: Rs 25,999 (~$315)
    • 8 GB + 256 GB: Rs 26,999 (~$325)

    Colors: Submarine Blue, Navigator Beige

    WHERE TO BUY

    Buy Realme12 Pro 5G @ Flipkart| Realme India website

    Disclaimer: All of the opinions in this Realme 12 Pro review are mine and based on my own experiences. There has been no editorial input from Realme.

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  • Introducing Philips’ New Power Bank: 140W Two-Way Fast Charging, Display, and Massive 27000mAh Capacity

    Introducing Philips’ New Power Bank: 140W Two-Way Fast Charging, Display, and Massive 27000mAh Capacity

    A new Philips-branded power bank has launched in China. We have no information on the manufacturer but the accessory is probably a licensed product like most Philips consumer electronics goods.

    Compact Design with High Power Output

    The battery pack resembles a chocolate bar. It is comparatively smaller for the capacity it offers. It also supports higher power output and sports a display.

    Introducing the Philips 140W Two-Way Fast Charging Power Bank

    The accessory is officially called Philips 140W Two-Way Fast Charging Power Bank. It bears model number DLP2303G/93.

    Powerful Charging Capabilities

    As the name suggests, the product can output up to 140W from two of its USB Type-C ports. There’s also a USB Type-A port, which is limited to 22.5W.

    Even while using two Type-C ports simultaneously, they can deliver 65W output each. When one of them is used alongside the Type-A port, they retain their top speed of 140W.

    Compact and Convenient

    The accessory houses a 27000mAh battery and supports USB PD (Power Delivery) 3.1 protocol. Despite featuring a large battery, it measures only 154.6 x 52.8 x 49.5mm in dimensions due to its shape.

    Additionally, the power bank has a TFT LCD screen. This display shows the battery remaining and the current power output from all three ports.

    Unlike most power banks on the market, this one is not only suitable for smartphones but also laptops. Given its size, it can be also easily carried anywhere, including on flights. But unfortunately, it comes in a single black color option.

    Pricing and Availability

    As far as price is concerned, the Philips 140W Two-Way Fast Charging Power Bank retails at ¥599 (~$85) in China. It ships with a 140W capable USB Type-C cable.

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  • Play Protect’s real-time update effectively combats financial fraud

    Play Protect’s real-time update effectively combats financial fraud

    Since its launch, Google Play Protect has been scanning installed apps for malware, however this still does not guarantee that customers’ banking apps are 100% safe. Hackers merely need to gain access to the one-time password (OTP) that users received through SMS, enter the right verification code, and they can easily access the victim’s bank account.

    Fraud protection on Google Play Protect

    Play Protect will now check on the permissions an app requires, the ones that hackers most frequently abuse: RECEIVE_SMS, READ_SMS, BIND_Notifications, and Accesibility. This is a brand-new functionality that Google revealed for the Play Protect. Hackers can view incoming SMS messages and notifications with these permissions, and they can even use the device without the user’s awareness with accesibility permission.

    Fraud protection on Play Protect

    Since this functionality was developed in collaboration with Cyber Security of Singapore, Google only makes it available in Singapore for now. Users in Singapore will be the first to receive this fraud prevention tool from Google. This is a new feature from Google that always keeps an eye on what apps are doing in the background regarding permissions.

    Google states that this allows users to use banking apps safely. Play Protect fraud protection kicks in when users install a third-party application, such as an APK file downloaded from the internet. If the app requests all 4 permissions, a report will be provided to the user.

    It’s a really smart move to check these four permissions: RECEIVE_SMS, READ_SMS, BIND_Notifications, and Accesibility. This stops hackers from spying on SMS and notifications coming into the user’s phone, thereby limiting users’ data given to the app so hackers can’t access the user’s bank account.

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  • Google One Achieves Over 100 Million Subscribers

    Google One Achieves Over 100 Million Subscribers

    Google One, Google’s cloud storage subscription service, has reached a major milestone by exceeding 100 million paying subscribers. CEO Sundar Pichai underscores the company’s plans to boost future expansion with its recently launched AI Premium Plan.

    Pricing Plans

    Google One offers a way for users to increase their storage capacity beyond the free 15GB provided with services like Gmail, Drive, and Photos. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the pricing plans:

    • Basic (100GB): $1.99/month or $19.99/year. Includes sharing with up to five users, additional photo editing features like Magic Eraser, VPN access, and dark web monitoring.
    • Standard (200GB): $2.99/month or $29.99/year. The primary difference is a 3% reward on Google Store purchases.
    • Premium (2TB and up): Starts at $9.99/month or $99.99/year, offering larger storage, Google Workspace premium features (for tools like Meet and Calendar), and a 10% reward on Google Store purchases. There are higher tiers than 2TB for those needing even more storage.

    Apart from this, the company recently launched the AI Premium plan ($19.99/month) that introduces powerful tools built on Google’s Gemini AI model.

    AI Premium Features

    These features offer advanced capabilities like generating drafts in Gmail, organizing content in Slides, and providing data visualizations within Sheets. Subscribers on plans with 5TB or more storage currently have a limited-time trial of AI Premium features until July 31, 2024, for free.

    Google intends to make AI Premium available to other subscriber groups, including Google Fi Unlimited users and those who pay for Google One through third-party billing providers.

    Pichai emphasizes that the addition of these AI features is pivotal to the service’s continued growth. This subscriber milestone for Google One interestingly coincides with YouTube Music + Premium also reaching 100 million users.

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  • Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro

    Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro

    iQOO recently held a media briefing in Mumbai, offering attendees a firsthand look at the impressive camera features of the upcoming iQOO Neo 9 Pro. The event provided an opportunity to explore the device’s photography and videography capabilities with the Neo 9 Pro, which is set to debut in India on Feb. 22.

    Camera Features

    The two-day event showcased the main camera, portrait mode, and night mode capacities of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro. For those who don’t know, the device features a 50-megapixel Sony IMX920 main camera with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS support. It is the same primary camera that is available on the Vivo X100. The main snapper is joined by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens with a 116-degree FOV.

    Camera Samples

    • Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro
    • Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro
    • Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro
    • Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro
    • Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro

    In portrait mode, the Neo 9 Pro allows users to switch between 1x and 2x focal lengths. For an enhanced photography experience in night or low-light conditions, users can make use of the Super Night Vision mode, which enhances the details when there is less light.

    Specifications

    In terms of other specs, the company has already confirmed that it will feature a 6.78-inch AMOLED LTP panel that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and the iQOO Q1 Supercomputing chip. It will arrive in two variants, such as 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage and 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. The phone will offer up to 12 GB of virtual RAM and a 5,160mAh battery with 120W fast charging. It will be available in shades, such as Fiery Red and Conqueror Black.

    The above specs show that the iQOO Neo 9 Pro will be a performance-driven phone. But the camera samples will not disappoint in the photography department.

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  • Enhanced Security: WhatsApp to Sync Chat Locks Across Devices

    Enhanced Security: WhatsApp to Sync Chat Locks Across Devices

    WhatsApp, the widely-used messaging application owned by Meta, is working on a new security feature to further strengthen user privacy. The new feature will synchronize chat locks across all devices connected to your account.

    Improved User Privacy

    In simpler terms, if you decide to lock a conversation on your smartphone, that lock will also be applied to the same conversation when accessed through WhatsApp on your computer, tablet, or any other linked device.

    WhatsApp Beta Update

    This nifty upgrade was first noticed by WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp updates. It was found in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.4.14 update, available to download for all the enrolled beta testers via the Google Play Store.

    Enhanced Security Options

    WhatsApp introduced the ability to lock specific chats last year. They later introduced another feature called Secret Lock, allowing users to set a unique password different from their device password. This password hides the Locked chats folder, making it invisible to anyone who doesn’t know the code.

    Synchronization Across Devices

    However, a downside to these features is that they are device-specific settings. This means that these locks must be set up separately on each device—your computer and phone—rather than being synchronized automatically.

    The upcoming change will streamline this process, automatically extending your security choices across all platforms where you use WhatsApp. This improved chat lock feature will likely be rolled out in the upcoming WhatsApp update.

    • Enhanced Security: WhatsApp to Sync Chat Locks Across Devices
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  • Leaked Before Launch: Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro Image, Key Specifications, and Launch Timeframe

    Leaked Before Launch: Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro Image, Key Specifications, and Launch Timeframe

    Several reports suggest that Xiaomi will be hosting a launch event in China this month to introduce the Xiaomi Ultra smartphone for the Chinese market. Additionally, it is expected that the event will also witness the unveiling of a new tablet. While there has been some uncertainty regarding whether this tablet would belong to Xiaomi’s Pad 6 lineup or a potential Pad 7 series, an image discovered on Xiaomi’s global website indicates that the upcoming tablet will be named the Xiaomi Pad 6s Pro.

    Xiaomi Pad 6s Pro Design and Key Specifications (Rumored)

    The image of the Xiaomi Pad 6s Pro reveals that it will have a design language similar to the existing Pad 6 products, which include the Pad 6, Pad 6 Pro, and Pad 6 Max. Reports suggest that the Pad 6s Pro has been designed to seamlessly integrate with Xiaomi’s upcoming car, the SU7, with the help of HyperOS.

    The tablet is expected to feature a 12.4-inch LCD display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It is rumored to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. While there is no information available about the battery size, it is expected to support 120W fast charging.

    Expected Features and Specifications

    Since the Pad 6s Pro belongs to the Pad 6 series, it is likely to inherit many of its specifications from the existing Pad 6 Pro and Pad 6 Max. This suggests that the tablet might come with a dual-camera system on the back, consisting of a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 2-megapixel secondary sensor. On the front, it may sport a 20-megapixel camera for selfies. The tablet is also expected to house a large 10,000mAh battery and a quad-speaker setup.

    Pricing and Availability

    As of now, there is no information available regarding the price or the markets that will receive the Xiaomi Pad 6s Pro. However, it is speculated that the tablet might be officially announced on February 22.

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  • Tipped: Key specifications and price range of the Vivo Y200e

    Tipped: Key specifications and price range of the Vivo Y200e

    Vivo is reportedly gearing up to launch the Vivo Y200e 5G in India. A recent report not only revealed the main features of the device but also claimed that it will break cover this month. Now, a new leak, courtesy of tipster Abhishek Yadav, has revealed the key specifications and price range of the device.

    Vivo Y200e 5G Specifications (Rumored)

    The specs revealed in the leak suggest that it will be a tweaked version of the Y100 5G, which recently debuted in Indonesia. In India, the device will rival the likes of the Oppo A79, the Samsung Galaxy A15, and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite.

    • 6.67-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display with up to 1200 nits of brightness
    • Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
    • 6 GB / 8 GB of RAM
    • Up to 8 GB of extended RAM
    • 128 GB of storage
    • FunTouch OS 14-based Android 14
    • 5,000mAh battery with 44W fast charging support
    • Dual speakers with 300 percent audio booster support
    • 16-megapixel selfie camera
    • 50-megapixel main camera, 2-megapixel depth sensor, and flicker sensor
    • Leather back with a thickness of only 7.79mm
    • Diamond Black variant weighs 185 grams, Saffron Delight model weighs 191 grams

    Pricing and Availability

    The leak also states that the device will be priced at under Rs 20,000.

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  • Introducing the Boult Z40 Ultra Earbuds in India: 35dB ANC, Touch Control & Dual Connectivity

    Introducing the Boult Z40 Ultra Earbuds in India: 35dB ANC, Touch Control & Dual Connectivity

    Launch of Boult Z40 Ultra Earbuds in India

    Boult, an Indian electronics company, has recently introduced the Z40 Ultra earbuds in the Indian market. These completely wireless earbuds come packed with a variety of appealing features that position them as a compelling choice within their price range.

    Specifications of Boult Z40 Ultra Earbuds

    The earbuds feature a top-tier design incorporating metallic edges and an IPX-5 rating, combining style with practicality for fitness enthusiasts. With 32dB noise cancellation, the earbuds effectively block out ambient noise, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in their audio.

    Fitted with 10mm drivers, these earbuds offer exceptional bass quality, thanks to Boult’s BoomX Technology. Moreover, the brand provides three equalizer modes – Hifi, Bass, and Rock – enabling users to personalize their listening experience. The Z40 Ultra earbuds are also equipped with quad-mic ENC technology, ensuring crystal-clear and noise-free voice calls.

    Incorporating a Sonic Core Dynamic chip, these earbuds enhance noise cancellation, audio reception, and overall music enjoyment. They employ Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless connectivity and boast features like Blink & Pair technology, a 45ms low latency mode for gaming, and dual device connectivity. Each earbud is equipped with touch controls for music playback, call management, volume adjustment, access to virtual assistants, and toggling between transparency mode and EQ modes. Additionally, these earbuds promise an impressive 100 hours of playback time without ANC activated.

    Price and Availability Details

    The Boult Z40 Ultra earbuds will be priced at Rs. 1,999 in the Indian market. Customers can select from three color options: Beige, Black, and Metallic. While a specific sale date has not been announced by the brand, interested buyers can register for notifications on Amazon to receive updates.

    • Introducing the Boult Z40 Ultra Earbuds in India: 35dB ANC, Touch Control & Dual Connectivity
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