Category: All News

  • Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Android OEMs Using Qualcomm’s New Chipset

    Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Android OEMs Using Qualcomm’s New Chipset

    Key Takeaways

    1. Qualcomm unveiled its Snapdragon 8 series chipset ahead of MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400+ presentation.
    2. Realme confirmed it will use MediaTek’s upcoming chipset in a follow-up to the Realme GT6, priced at $496.99.
    3. Qualcomm chose not to disclose which manufacturers will use the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset at its launch.
    4. iQOO is expected to be the first to release a smartphone with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, the Z10 Turbo Pro, later this month.
    5. Competing devices from Meizu, Oppo, Redmi, and Xiaomi may soon be unveiled, with potential models like the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro and Civi 5 Pro.

    Qualcomm revealed its new Snapdragon 8 series chipset yesterday, just days ahead of MediaTek’s presentation of the Dimensity 9400+ at the upcoming Dimensity Developer Conference (MDDC 2025). Currently, two Android manufacturers have confirmed they will utilize MediaTek’s upcoming high-end chipset, with Realme being the latest to announce a follow-up to the Realme GT6, which is priced at $496.99 on Amazon.

    Qualcomm’s Strategy

    In the past, Qualcomm has hinted at which Android manufacturers are on board with their new chipsets. This was evident last year with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8 Elite. However, for the launch of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, it seems the company has chosen not to disclose this information.

    Insights from Digital Chat Station

    Despite Qualcomm’s silence, Digital Chat Station has shared some information regarding when we might see smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. It appears that iQOO will be the first to release the Z10 Turbo Pro later this month, coinciding with the launch of the Dimensity 8400-equipped Z10 Turbo.

    Digital Chat Station also mentions that the Z10 Turbo Pro will soon face competition from devices made by Meizu, Oppo, Redmi, and Xiaomi. However, specific details about these rival products remain unclear. According to recent leaks and rumors, both the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro and Civi 5 Pro are possible contenders for being the first smartphones from Redmi and Xiaomi to feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset. It is likely that Android manufacturers will start releasing teasers related to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 in the coming week.

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    Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Android OEMs Using Qualcomm's New Chipset

     

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  • Honor 400 Lite: 108MP Camera & 3,500-Nit AMOLED Display

    Honor 400 Lite: 108MP Camera & 3,500-Nit AMOLED Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. Design and Build: The Honor 400 Lite features a sleek design with a flat frame, pill-shaped punch hole for the front camera, and a triangular camera layout on the back. It has an IP65 rating for water resistance and can withstand falls from up to 6 ft.

    2. Display: It boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels, along with a peak brightness of 3,500 nits for HDR content.

    3. Camera Specifications: The smartphone is equipped with a 108MP primary rear camera and a 5MP depth sensor, plus a 16MP front camera with an LED flash for low-light selfies.

    4. Battery and Performance: The Honor 400 Lite has a 5,230mAh battery with 35W USB-C charging support, available with options of 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, running on MagicOS 9.0 based on Android 15.

    5. Availability and Pricing: Currently listed on Honor’s global website, the pricing is speculated to be around €350, but there are no confirmed details on availability, especially in the US market.

    The Honor 400 Lite features a sleek and contemporary design that includes a flat frame, a pill-shaped punch hole for the front camera, and a triangular camera arrangement on the back. It measures 0.29 inches in thickness and weighs in at 6 oz. This smartphone has an IP 65 rating, which means it can withstand splashes of water but is not completely waterproof. Interestingly, Honor asserts that users can take underwater photos with this device.

    Durability and Display

    This phone is designed to endure falls from heights of up to 6 ft. The fingerprint scanner is placed on the right edge, and the front of the device showcases a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. The resolution stands at 2412 x 1080 pixels, with an impressive peak brightness of 3,500 nits for HDR content. The pill-shaped punch hole may remind some of the Apple iPhone 16, yet the Honor 400 Lite features a 16MP f/2.45 selfie camera along with an LED flash for low-light selfies.

    Camera and Battery

    On the rear, there’s a 108MP f/1.75 primary camera equipped with a 1/1.67-inch sensor, complemented by a 5MP depth sensor. The phone is also powered by a 5,230mAh battery that supports charging through USB-C at a maximum of 35 watts, but it does not include wireless charging capabilities. The mid-tier device comes with options for either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and offers 256GB of internal storage. It operates on MagicOS 9.0 that is based on Android 15, although it remains uncertain how long it will continue to receive software updates.

    Availability and Pricing

    The Honor 400 Lite is already visible on Honor’s global website, though there are no details regarding pricing or availability as of now. Earlier speculation indicates that this mid-range phone might have a price tag around €350, and it is quite improbable that it will be made available in the US market.

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    Honor 400 Lite: 108MP Camera & 3,500-Nit AMOLED DisplayHonor 400 Lite: 108MP Camera & 3,500-Nit AMOLED DisplayHonor 400 Lite: 108MP Camera & 3,500-Nit AMOLED Display

     

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  • Epic Games Store Free Games Next Week: Full List Revealed

    Epic Games Store Free Games Next Week: Full List Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Epic Games Store is currently offering Doodle Kingdom: Medieval and Cat Quest II for free on mobile and PC platforms.
    2. The store has resumed its Mystery Game teasers, featuring cat-related imagery that has sparked online speculation.
    3. Next week’s free game offer includes three titles: Arcadegeddon, Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms, and River City Girls.
    4. Arcadegeddon and Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms are free-to-play games, while River City Girls is priced at $29.99.
    5. The giveaway for the upcoming titles starts on April 10 at 16:00 UTC.

    The Epic Games Store has recently begun offering one game for free on both its mobile and PC platforms. Currently, users can grab Doodle Kingdom: Medieval and Cat Quest II, which is priced at $35 on Amazon.

    Mystery Game Teasers

    In the last few weeks, the store has gone back to its Mystery Game teasers, revealing only the general theme of upcoming titles. For example, the teasers from the past fortnight featured a lot of cat-related imagery, leading to a lot of online chatter and theories.

    Next Week’s Offer

    Now, Epic Games is back to announcing which games will be free for users to add to their Epic Games library in advance. Next week’s offer is set to be quite substantial, with three titles available. Typically, the store gives away one or two games at most, except during the holiday period.

    The titles included are Arcadegeddon, Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms, and River City Girls. However, it’s worth noting that the first two are free-to-play games, meaning they don’t really count as traditional giveaways. On the other hand, River City Girls is priced at $29.99 as of now. The giveaway will officially start at 16:00 UTC on April 10. Check out the video below to see what’s coming with Epic Games’ next PC game giveaway.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons: Hall Effect Sensors Uncertainty

    Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons: Hall Effect Sensors Uncertainty

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo revealed key details about the Switch 2, including screen size, price, and release date.
    2. The new Joy-Cons for the Switch 2 attach magnetically and may include a mouse mode.
    3. Hall effect sensors are being considered to solve the stick drift issue from the original Switch controllers.
    4. There are ongoing uncertainties about the new Joy-Con technology, with no confirmation of Hall effect sensors.
    5. Future events are planned for gamers to experience the Switch 2 firsthand, with more information expected soon.

    Nintendo revealed a lot of details on April 2nd about the Switch 2, answering plenty of questions that gamers had. Now, players are aware of the console’s screen size, its price, and the exact date when it will be released. Additionally, the new Joy-Cons for the Switch 2 attach magnetically, and there is an optional mouse mode. However, it still isn’t known if the analog sticks will also use magnets. To tackle the stick drift issue that plagued the original Switch controllers, Hall effect sensors are being considered.

    Criticisms of Joy-Cons

    Similar to Microsoft and Sony, Nintendo has received criticism for issues with their Joy-Cons. The first Switch’s analog sticks often became unreliable over time. After some usage, players might experience inaccurate movements in games or even random inputs. Hall effect technology addresses this challenge by using magnetic sensors to recognize inputs. This design prevents physical components from colliding, which can extend the lifespan of the analog sticks. Despite gamers requesting it, Nintendo and its competitors have not adopted Hall effect technology in their official controllers.

    Ongoing Uncertainties

    While some journalists have had a chance to try out the Switch 2, many questions remain unanswered. Hopes were raised when the NY Times Wirecutter mentioned Hall effect sensors during its preview, but the writer later explained that this statement was based on speculation. In an Ask the Developer interview, Kouichi Kawamoto from Nintendo only mentioned that the new Joy-Con sticks are more durable and operate more smoothly. Tetsuya Sasaki, the General Manager of the Technology Development Division, reiterated that the controllers have been completely redesigned.

    Leaks and Future Expectations

    In the lead-up to the Nintendo Direct, there were leaks suggesting that stick drift issues were being addressed. Back in January, NextHandheld, known for its reliable information, found Hall effect sensors in a teardown of the Switch 2.

    Unfortunately, the specifications for the Switch 2 Pro Controller do not mention Hall effect sensors. It seems like it’s only a matter of time before gamers receive more information. Journalists anticipate more opportunities to interact with the console in the next few weeks. Moreover, Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events are being organized to give attendees hands-on time with the new system.

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    Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons: Hall Effect Sensors Uncertainty

     

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  • Galaxy S25 Edge Release Date Leaked: Details Inside

    Galaxy S25 Edge Release Date Leaked: Details Inside

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S25 Edge will be unveiled on May 13 through an online event.
    2. There is uncertainty about when consumers will be able to purchase the Galaxy S25 Edge.
    3. The Galaxy S25 Edge will have similar specifications to the Galaxy S25+, but with one less camera and a slimmer design.
    4. The Galaxy S25 Edge is expected to have a higher price tag compared to the Galaxy S25+.
    5. The success of the Galaxy S25 Edge may influence Samsung’s future phone designs.

    Despite showcasing the Galaxy S25 Edge earlier with the regular Galaxy S25 lineup, Samsung has not yet revealed the launch date for this sleek flagship. There have been some speculations about an April release, while others suggest it might not come until June. However, well-known insider Max Jambor (via Sammobile) has provided a clear answer to this question.

    Upcoming Announcement

    Max has confirmed that the Galaxy S25 Edge will be unveiled on May 13 through an online event. Since it’s just one device, hosting a full event seems a bit excessive, but it’s too significant to simply announce in a press release like the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series. Sadly, Max does not mention when consumers can actually purchase the new Galaxy S25 Edge.

    Pricing and Features

    In terms of specifications, it appears to be quite similar to the Galaxy S25+, but with one less camera and a slimmer design. The phone is expected to come with a higher price tag. The reasoning behind choosing a thinner and pricier Galaxy S25 Edge over the Plus model isn’t very clear, but it will certainly attract some buyers. After all, it is the first of its type, and how well it does will likely influence Samsung’s decision to create more similar models in the future.

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  • Razer Closes Downtown San Francisco Store After 9 Years of Decline

    Razer Closes Downtown San Francisco Store After 9 Years of Decline

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Razer Store in San Francisco aimed to create a community experience for gamers, focusing on interaction rather than just sales.
    2. The store closed on March 31 due to decreased foot traffic and various economic factors affecting retail in the area.
    3. The store had fewer than ten visitors per day, indicating a significant decline in customer interest.
    4. Pre-pandemic trends showed a drop in foot traffic, signaling trouble for the store long before its closure.
    5. Other Razer locations in cities like London and Las Vegas are thriving, featuring more modern and inviting designs.

    When the Razer Store opened at the Westfield San Francisco mall in 2016, it was meant to be a place for gamers to come together, participate in tournaments, and experience Razer products up close—something that isn’t easily done online or in larger retail chains. This concept was more about creating a memorable experience than just focusing on sales figures. Sadly, the store closed its doors for the last time on March 31, and it seems the rest of the mall will likely follow suit by the end of April.

    Reasons for Closure

    This closing is just one of many retail spaces in the city shutting down due to various factors like remote work trends, uncertainty in the tech market, and the rough conditions around downtown, all leading to fewer people shopping. When a brick-and-mortar store relies on foot traffic and attention from passersby, having no shoppers in the vicinity is definitely a warning sign.

    Low Visitor Count

    As reported by the San Francisco Examiner, the Razer store saw less than ten visitors each day. Given that this store is right by one of the mall’s entrances, it’s likely that the number of people visiting the store is close to the overall count of those entering the mall daily.

    Local Observations

    Having lived in San Francisco and visiting the Westfield mall every few weeks, it was clear that the Razer store was in trouble even before the pandemic hit. Foot traffic had already been dropping, and it seemed like the Razer store was often deserted throughout the week.

    Meanwhile, other Razer locations, including those in London, Santa Clara, and Las Vegas, are still doing well. These shops are more recent than the one in San Francisco and feature brighter, more inviting designs.

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  • BYD to Challenge Tesla’s Dominance in Electric Motors and Batteries

    BYD to Challenge Tesla’s Dominance in Electric Motors and Batteries

    Key Takeaways

    1. BYD is expected to outsell Tesla in electric vehicles by 2025 and may surpass Tesla in technology as well.
    2. Tesla faces financial challenges, including $200 million in unsold Cybertruck inventory, while BYD’s advancements position it as the leading EV manufacturer.
    3. BYD’s new 1 MW EV platform features cutting-edge technology, including a high-speed electric motor and fast-charging battery.
    4. BYD’s vertical integration as a major battery manufacturer gives it a competitive edge in developing efficient EV technologies.
    5. While Tesla excels in production cost management and autonomous driving software, BYD’s new self-driving system will be provided free with its vehicles, enhancing its data collection capabilities.

    Tesla is predicted to lose its top spot in the electric vehicle market by 2025, according to a report from market research company Counterpoint.

    BYD’s Rise in Sales

    The report states that BYD is likely to outsell Tesla in electric vehicles for the first time within a year. More troubling for Tesla and Elon Musk, however, is the expectation that BYD will surpass Tesla in technological advancements as well, rather than just sales. This may explain why Chinese authorities are cautious about allowing BYD to establish a factory in Mexico, fearing that it could enable American manufacturers like Tesla to access their technology.

    Financial Challenges Ahead

    Currently, Tesla has $200 million in unsold Cybertruck inventory, based on their recent shipping figures. Nevertheless, the new Model Y might still find success in markets outside of China. Despite this, the Counterpoint study suggests that even in such scenarios, BYD will take the lead as the largest EV manufacturer in the world by 2025, primarily because it now possesses superior technology.

    Innovative Technology from BYD

    BYD has introduced its new 1 MW EV platform, which offers an unmatched combination of powertrain and drivetrain capabilities. For instance, this high-voltage architecture enables the creation of the industry’s fastest electric motor, capable of exceeding 30,000 rpm while maintaining the same size. Additionally, the fast-charging 10C battery designed specifically for the 1MW system can recharge in just 5 minutes. BYD is also planning to establish a network of over 500 charging stations, all expected to be functional in under a month.

    Vertical Integration and Competitive Edge

    Such advancements have been made possible by BYD’s vertical integration, as it is the second-largest battery manufacturer in the world. This strategy not only allows them to develop custom EV powertrain technologies but also to achieve manufacturing efficiencies that may be challenging for Tesla to match, especially given the thermal efficiency issues with its own 4680 batteries.

    Areas Where Tesla Still Excels

    Tesla continues to excel in production cost management and its autonomous driving software. However, BYD has recently announced that it will provide its new self-driving system called Eye of God free of charge with all of its vehicles. This move could enable BYD to quickly gather millions of miles of driving data to analyze, as it works to catch up with Tesla’s $8,000 FSD option.

    Grab Your Tesla Gen 2 Wall Connector

    You can get the 80A Tesla Gen 2 Wall Connector with a 24′ cable on Amazon.

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    BYD to Challenge Tesla's Dominance in Electric Motors and Batteries
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  • Keychron M5 Vertical Mouse: 8kHz Wireless & 30,000 DPI Sensor

    Keychron M5 Vertical Mouse: 8kHz Wireless & 30,000 DPI Sensor

    Key Takeaways

    1. Keychron has expanded its product line with the new M5 8K gaming mouse, featuring 8 kHz wired and wireless polling.
    2. Priced at $69, the M5 8K is more affordable than similar models like the Logitech MX Vertical and MX Master 3S, which cost $99.99.
    3. The mouse includes dedicated buttons for DPI and polling rate adjustments, along with a three-way switch for connectivity options (2.4 GHz, USB-C, Bluetooth).
    4. The Keychron Launcher software allows for extensive customization, including remapping, macros, and advanced sensor settings.
    5. The design of the M5 8K is simple, lacking RGB lighting, and it weighs 95 grams, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity.

    Keychron is well-regarded for its outstanding mechanical and Hall-effect keyboards — our latest assessment of the K4 HE showcases this — but the brand has also dedicated some time to enhancing its range of wireless gaming mice. Following upgrades to the M3 and M7 models, which now feature 8 kHz wired and wireless polling, Keychron has unveiled the M5 8 kHz. The M5 8K boasts numerous gaming functionalities, yet it also presents the characteristics of an effective ergonomic productivity mouse, creating a product that may be somewhat perplexing.

    Pricing and Comparisons

    The Keychron M5 8K is priced at $69 on Keychron’s website, making it $30 less expensive than similar models like the Logitech MX Vertical and MX Master 3S, which retail for $99.99 on Amazon. Integrating the well-liked PixArt 3950 sensor into a vertical mouse design is a clever decision, and the ability to personalize the M5 8K further enhances its versatility.

    Features and Customization

    Similar to the previously mentioned M3 8K and M7 8K, Keychron has incorporated dedicated physical buttons for adjusting DPI and polling rates. Additionally, there’s a three-way switch located at the bottom of the M5 8K that allows users to choose their connectivity mode (2.4 GHz, USB-C, and Bluetooth). Our ongoing evaluations of the M3 8K and M7 8K have shown these toggles and software-free configuration features to be quite helpful. The Keychron Launcher provides extensive customization possibilities, including complete remapping, macros, detailed DPI adjustments, and advanced sensor settings such as lift-off distance, angle snapping, and motion sync.

    Design and Weight

    In terms of aesthetics, the M5 8K is quite simple, with neither the black nor white variant featuring any RGB lighting other than the charging indicator LED on the left side of the mouse. The M5 8K also does not have any TPU overmolding that can become sticky after a few months or years of usage. Weighing in at 95 grams, the M5 isn’t categorized as a lightweight gaming mouse, yet it isn’t overly heavy for productivity tasks either.

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  • Affordable and Cool Third-Party Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

    Affordable and Cool Third-Party Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo has announced the Nintendo Switch 2 along with new accessories, including third-party options that may offer better features and prices.
    2. The Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is a USB-C device priced at $50, designed for GameChat and specific minigames, but has a basic design.
    3. Hori’s camera features a unique Piranha Plant design from Super Mario Bros., allowing it to close for privacy when not in use.
    4. The Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Camera connects via USB-C and can be detached from its base for direct connection to the Switch 2.
    5. The camera is currently available for pre-order in Germany for €39.99 (about $44), with no pricing details for other countries yet.

    Along with the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo has revealed a range of new accessories for this gaming handheld. As anticipated, various third-party makers are launching their own accessories, which may provide better features than those from Nintendo, and could even be more affordable. Some of these accessories are beginning to appear, including the Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Camera.

    Camera Details

    The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is a USB-C device that connects to the Switch 2, enabling GameChat and allowing for some specific minigames. With a price tag of $50, its design and functionality aren’t particularly impressive. It appears to be just a standard-looking camera mounted on a stand. If you’re in the market for something with a bit more flair, the Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Camera might be just what you need.

    Hori’s Unique Design

    Hori is a well-known name in the world of Nintendo Switch accessories (the OLED model is currently priced at $339 on Amazon), and their latest offering features a design inspired by the Piranha Plant from the beloved Super Mario Bros. games. The camera cleverly hides inside the plant’s mouth and can be closed for privacy when it’s not in use. This accessory connects via USB-C, and according to the images, the plant element can be detached from the pipe base and plugged directly into the Switch 2.

    Availability and Pricing

    Currently, the Hori Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is available for pre-order in Germany at Mediamarkt for €39.99 (approximately $44). There is no information about pricing in other countries at this time. While this is the first alternative camera for the Nintendo Switch 2 that we’ve come across, it probably won’t be the last one we see.

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  • CMF Phone 2: New Camera Setup Revealed in Exciting Video

    CMF Phone 2: New Camera Setup Revealed in Exciting Video

    Key Takeaways

    1. The CMF Phone 2 features a unique pill-shaped camera module with one camera and an LED flash, alongside two separate rear cameras.
    2. Camera specifications remain unknown, but enhancements are expected based on the tagline “In search of the perfect shot.”
    3. The phone is anticipated to have a 6.3-inch OLED screen with 1080p+ resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate.
    4. It is rumored to include a 5,000 mAh battery with 33-watt USB-C charging support.
    5. The phone is expected to run on the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 processor, but pricing and launch date details are still unconfirmed.

    In a recent post on X, Nothing has shared the first teaser video for the new CMF Phone 2, which follows the CMF Phone 1 (around $289 on Amazon). The teaser highlights a unique pill-shaped camera module that accommodates one camera and an LED flash. This design aligns with previous leaks indicating that the upcoming CMF Phone 2 will sport three rear cameras: two positioned separately on the body, while the third is combined with the flash in a single module.

    Camera Specifications Still Unknown

    Details about the camera specifications for this mid-range phone have not been disclosed yet. The original CMF Phone 1 was equipped with a 50 MP main camera and a 2 MP depth sensor, so it’s anticipated that Nothing will add an ultrawide camera to the mix this time. The teaser also reveals the phone in an orange hue, which is a signature color of Nothing’s budget-focused CMF sub-brand. The tagline “In search of the perfect shot” suggests that there may be enhancements in the camera department. Despite Nothing announcing that the CMF Phone 2 will be released soon, further information about the device remains unconfirmed.

    Expected Features and Rumors

    Speculations indicate that the CMF Phone 2 will come with a 6.3-inch OLED screen featuring a resolution of 1080p+ and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, along with a robust 5,000 mAh battery that supports 33-watt USB-C charging. It is believed that the phone will run on the MediaTek Dimensity 7400, which is equipped with four ARM Cortex-A78 performance cores that can reach a maximum frequency of 2.6 GHz, and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores operating at 2.0 GHz. The pricing and exact launch date for this mid-range device are yet to be announced.

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