Category: Gaming

  • Igor’s Lab Discovers Hotspot Issues in All RTX 50 Graphics Cards

    Igor’s Lab Discovers Hotspot Issues in All RTX 50 Graphics Cards

    Key Takeaways

    1. Significant overheating problems exist in all partner RTX 50 series GPUs, including the RTX 5080, RTX 5070 (Ti), and RTX 5060 Ti.
    2. Flawed power delivery design leads to high temperatures, with some areas reaching up to 107.3°C.
    3. The compact design sacrifices thermal efficiency, causing high thermal density, particularly around voltage converters.
    4. High temperatures were recorded during testing, with the PNY RTX 5070 hitting 107.3°C and the Palit RTX 5080 reaching 80.5°C.
    5. Inadequate cooling solutions contribute to elevated temperatures, potentially shortening the lifespan of these graphics cards to just a few years.

    Tech news and review site Igor’s Lab has released a new report that reveals significant overheating problems with all partner RTX 50 series GPUs, such as the RTX 5080, RTX 5070 (Ti), and RTX 5060 Ti.

    Power Delivery Issues

    The report, referenced by Tom’s Hardware, indicates that the design of the power delivery systems is flawed, with components too tightly packed together. This results in high-temperature zones in the power delivery area, with some temperatures reaching as much as 107.3°C.

    Thermal Anomalies in the RTX 5060 Ti

    Specifically, the 5060 Ti exhibited a lot of thermal irregularities in its power delivery region. The report warns that such elevated temperatures could damage the graphics cards after several years of continuous operation.

    Compact Design Problems

    The issues stem from the compact nature of the component arrangement, which sacrifices thermal efficiency. The report highlights that thin copper layers in the PCB, linked with power lanes, create high thermal density on the board. This is especially apparent around the voltage converters that supply power to the GPU.

    The report also points out that Nvidia’s thermal design guidelines for the RTX 40 series cards focus on optimal conditions instead of worst-case scenarios.

    High Temperature Measurements

    Among the GPUs tested by Igor’s Lab, the Palit RTX 5080 Gaming Pro OC recorded high temperatures between the rear display outputs and the GPU die, reaching up to 80.5°C. Meanwhile, the PNY RTX 5070 hit a staggering 107.3°C in the same region.

    Inefficient Cooling Solutions

    The primary problem identified is the inadequate cooling for the components. Igor’s Lab performed retests on the two graphics cards after implementing a thermal modification. The Palit 5080 showed a temperature of 70.3°C post-modification, while the PNY 5070 decreased to 95°C. It’s important to note that temperatures above 80°C can lead to “ageing effects.” These elevated temperatures will likely shorten the lifespan of these graphics cards to just a few years of use.

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  • RedMagic 10 Air Launch Discounts and Global Release Details

    RedMagic 10 Air Launch Discounts and Global Release Details

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nubia will launch the RedMagic 10 Air worldwide on May 6 with an early access sale starting April 29.
    2. Customers can join early access by spending $1, receiving a $30 coupon for the purchase.
    3. The base price of the RedMagic 10 Air is $549 for 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, while a 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage option costs $699.
    4. The smartphone features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a 6,000 mAh battery with 80 W charging, and a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate.
    5. The RedMagic 10 Air is expected to be less powerful than the RedMagic 10 Pro but remains a strong gaming smartphone for high-end Android games.

    Nubia has officially shared its plans for the worldwide launch of the RedMagic 10 Air, following its recent release in China just last week. Initially, the company hinted that the smartphone would be available outside China starting today. However, this turned out to be incorrect.

    Early Access Details

    Instead, Nubia has announced that the RedMagic 10 Air will be available for purchase starting May 6 through an ‘early access’ sale. To join this early access, customers need to spend $1 between April 29 and May 6, which will grant them a $30 coupon from Nubia. The smartphone is expected to hit the market the day after, at the same pricing.

    Pricing and Specifications

    The RedMagic 10 Air will kick off at a price of $549, featuring 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. If this isn’t enough memory, Nubia also provides an option for 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage for an additional $150, bringing the total to $699 before any launch discounts. Included with these prices is a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a 6,000 mAh battery capable of 80 W wired charging, and a 6.8-inch AMOLED display that offers a resolution of 2,480 x 1,116, with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits and a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

    Performance Comparison

    In comparison, the RedMagic 10 Air is expected to be less powerful than the RedMagic 10 Pro, which is currently priced at $749 on Amazon. Nevertheless, the RedMagic 10 Air is anticipated to be a strong gaming-oriented smartphone, adept at managing virtually all high-end Android games and demanding emulation tasks. For further hardware specifics, refer to our RedMagic 10 Air launch article.

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    RedMagic 10 Air Launch Discounts and Global Release DetailsRedMagic 10 Air Launch Discounts and Global Release Details

     

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  • Gigabyte RTX 5080 MASTER ICE Thermal Gel Leak Issue Explained

    Gigabyte RTX 5080 MASTER ICE Thermal Gel Leak Issue Explained

    Key Takeaways

    1. A user reported leaking thermal gel from the Gigabyte AORUS RTX 5080 MASTER ICE 16G GPU after about a month of use.
    2. The thermal gel is a “Server-grade Thermal conductive gel” intended for cooling components but is leaking towards the PCB.
    3. The leaking compound is non-conductive, but its movement towards the PCB could lead to significant issues.
    4. Gigabyte has not provided warnings against installing the GPU vertically, which the user did.
    5. A distributor is in discussions with Gigabyte regarding the thermal gel issue and plans to announce a customer service policy on the matter.

    We’ve seen problems with power connectors and PSU cables melting in the RTX 50 series GPUs, but a new “melting” concern has emerged involving one of Gigabyte’s RTX 5080 cards, specifically the AORUS RTX 5080 MASTER ICE 16G. A member of the Quasar Zone community has reported that the thermal gel appears to be leaking from their GPU, which might not seem too serious at first, but it’s moving towards the PCB.

    User’s Experience Shared

    According to a report from a Korean source, translated into English, a user named ‘Rolling around’ uploaded a few images of their Gigabyte AORUS RTX 5080 MASTER ICE 16G that showed thermal compound leaking. The user mentioned this issue arose after about a month of gaming, primarily World of Warcraft, for around two hours each day. Since the GPU was set up vertically, the compound, while not electrically conductive, was making its way towards the PCB, where it could potentially lead to significant problems.

    Details About the Thermal Gel

    The leaking thermal compound is described as a “Server-grade Thermal conductive gel” utilized by Gigabyte in this high-end GPU. The company asserts that this gel is meant for cooling the VRAM and MOSFETs. It’s very flexible yet non-fluid, and it resists deformation from long-term usage or transport. Usually, these components inside the GPU are protected by solid thermal pads. Additionally, Gigabyte is applying this thermal gel solution to several other RTX 50 series cards, including the 5090 XTREME WATERFORCE 32G, RTX 5090 MASTER ICE, RTX 5070 Ti MASTER, and more.

    GPU Orientation Not Restricted

    The user did install the GPU in a vertical position; however, Gigabyte has not issued any warnings or guidelines against this setup.

    A distributor engaged in the conversation and mentioned they are currently discussing the thermal gel issue with Gigabyte, along with future customer service protocols. They plan to release the finalized customer service policy regarding this matter in a separate announcement.

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  • Onimusha Warlords Adds New Difficulty Level After 24 Years

    Onimusha Warlords Adds New Difficulty Level After 24 Years

    Key Takeaways

    1. Onimusha Warlords, launched in 2001, is known for its unique Sengoku-era setting and combat-focused gameplay.
    2. A remastered version was released in 2019, introducing new difficulty modes, language options, and slight updates.
    3. The new “Hell” mode offers extreme difficulty, where any enemy attack results in instant death unless a special talisman is used.
    4. Hell mode is considered Capcom’s toughest challenge since Nightmare mode in Resident Evil 4 Remake.
    5. Upcoming releases include an Onimusha sequel titled “Way of the Sword” and a remaster of Onimusha 2, set for May 23, 2025.

    Originally launched in 2001, the action-horror title Onimusha Warlords gained popularity due to its unique Sengoku-era backdrop and gameplay focused on combat, distinguishing it from similar games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. After a remastered version came out in 2019, featuring all the original content, developer Capcom has now introduced a new difficulty mode, added language options, and made slight updates—24 years after the game’s initial release.

    New Challenge Awaits

    The fresh “Hell” mode offers players an extreme level of difficulty: any attack from enemies will result in instant death for the player character, no matter the enemy type, character improvements, or progress made in the game. The only way to avoid this fate is through a talisman that can revive the player once; apart from that, mastering perfect defense and dodge skills is crucial for staying alive.

    A Step Up from the Past

    Hell mode surpasses the game’s previous hardest challenge, the Dark Realm. Players have labeled it as Capcom’s most difficult challenge since the Nightmare mode in Resident Evil 4 Remake. Finishing the game in Hell mode grants players a new achievement, aptly named “Hell”.

    The latest update gives both long-time fans and newcomers a chance to test their sword-fighting skills to the max. It also serves as a fantastic way to gear up for the upcoming Onimusha sequel titled “Way of the Sword,” which was revealed during the Game Awards 2024. Before that launches, fans can anticipate the Onimusha 2 remaster, set to release on 23 May 2025.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Leaked Video Highlights Joy-Con Design

    Nintendo Switch 2 Leaked Video Highlights Joy-Con Design

    Key Takeaways

    1. A clip showing the Nintendo Switch 2 in final testing stages has circulated online, revealing diagnostic details like battery level and reboot options.
    2. The Switch 2 features detachable Joy-Cons held in place by magnets instead of slide rails, though some users noted a rattling noise when attached.
    3. There are rumors about a Chinese individual trying to sell an early model of the Switch 2 to gain a competitive edge in accessories.
    4. Nintendo has moved part of its production to Vietnam to avoid tariffs and may have over a million consoles stored in US warehouses before the June 5th release.
    5. Regulatory issues have led Nintendo to halt launch plans for the Switch 2 in China, despite high demand from Chinese gamers.

    With Nintendo speeding up the production of the Switch 2, it was probably only a matter of time before a unit slipped out of the factory. A clip circulating on Chinese social media shows some people looking over the handheld device. In the opening moments of the video, viewers can see diagnostic details such as the battery level and options for rebooting or shutting down the console. This suggests that the device was likely in its final testing stages before retail software was added. Much of the discussion in the video focuses on the design of the Switch 2 and its Joy-Cons.

    Insights on Joy-Cons

    The newest leak regarding the Switch 2 does not bring forth many surprises about what Nintendo has planned for the new handheld. Throughout the short clip, the people handling the device seem particularly intrigued by the detachable Joy-Cons. One individual takes off the right controller and informs the other that it releases via a button on the back. A significant change in the Switch 2’s specifications is that the controllers are held in place with magnets instead of slide rails. However, the participants in the video mention that the console makes a rattling noise when the Joy-Cons are attached.

    Speculations and Rumors

    It’s not clear what the individuals in the leaked footage plan to do with the handheld device. A rumor from January mentioned a Chinese person who wanted to sell a version of the console to an accessories manufacturer. Any company with an early model of the Switch 2 would have a competitive edge. Following US tariffs, Nintendo increased the prices of Joy-Cons and other related accessories. As a result, the need for more affordable options has grown stronger.

    Production and Release

    Reports indicate that Nintendo has shifted part of its production from China to Vietnam to sidestep tariffs. By the end of February, there might have been over a million consoles stored in US warehouses. So far, it looks like these units have remained safe in advance of the Switch 2’s release on June 5th. Nevertheless, it appears that Chinese gamers are particularly eager to get their hands on the handheld. Nintendo has halted launch plans in China due to regulatory issues.

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    Nintendo Switch 2 Leaked Video Highlights Joy-Con DesignNintendo Switch 2 Leaked Video Highlights Joy-Con Design
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  • Switch 2 Pre-Order Lottery Sees 2.2 Million Applications in Japan

    Switch 2 Pre-Order Lottery Sees 2.2 Million Applications in Japan

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo’s CEO, Shuntaro Furukawa, announced 2.2 million applicants for the Switch 2 pre-order lottery in Japan, indicating high demand.
    2. The number of applications exceeded Nintendo’s expectations, far surpassing the available consoles for the first round of pre-orders.
    3. Customers who do not secure a console in the first round will have their applications automatically carried over to a second round, but demand will still likely exceed supply.
    4. Nintendo is working to strengthen its production system to better meet future demand for the Switch 2 and will continue to produce and ship units.
    5. Pre-orders in the US will begin on April 24th, with the console priced at $449.99 and set to release on June 5th, 2025.

    Nintendo’s Japanese account on X recently put out an official message from Shuntaro Furukawa, the CEO, stating that the company has received 2.2 million applicants for the Switch 2 pre-order lottery in Japan alone.

    High Demand for Switch 2

    Furukawa mentioned that even though they are “proceeding with production in advance,” the number of applications was “extremely large,” reaching around 2.2 million people just in Japan. This figure greatly surpassed what Nintendo had expected and is much higher than the amount of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles that will be available from the My Nintendo Store on June 5th.

    Second Round of Pre-orders

    Nintendo noted that a “significant number of customers” will not be able to get their console in the first round, but the My Nintendo Store will automatically carry those applications over to the second round. Despite this, the company clarified that even with the extra units for the second lottery, they still won’t be able to meet all the demand.

    Furukawa also stated that they are “currently working on further stregthening our production system” to better meet demand in the future. Nintendo plans to keep “producing and shipping a considerable number of Nintendo Switch 2 units” going forward. Additionally, they confirmed that third-party retailers will be starting their pre-orders soon.

    Pre-order Details

    According to The Verge, the original Nintendo Switch had sold 360,000 units in its opening week in Japan. Pre-orders in the US are set to kick off on April 24th, following a slight delay due to US tariffs. The console will retail in the US at its initial price of $449.99. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to release on June 5th, 2025.

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  • Figment e-ink Handheld: Transform Books into Interactive Games

    Figment e-ink Handheld: Transform Books into Interactive Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. E-ink displays offer excellent readability in bright sunlight and consume very little energy but have slow refresh rates, making them unsuitable for gaming.
    2. Figment’s new gaming handheld will feature a 7.5-inch e-ink display, designed primarily for text-based games and interactive storytelling.
    3. The device is powered by a low-performance ESP32 processor, sufficient for displaying text and images but requiring an internet connection for certain features.
    4. The Figment handheld can display standard books offline, providing flexibility for users.
    5. The project is still in early development, and interested individuals can sign up for updates on its progress.

    E-ink displays are designed to mimic real paper, and the latest models perform remarkably well, allowing for easy reading in bright sunlight and boasting very low energy use. However, their slow refresh rates make them generally unsuitable for gaming handhelds.

    A Unique Gaming Experience

    Despite this, Figment plans to incorporate an e-ink screen in its new gaming handheld, which is mainly geared toward text-based games or “Choose Your Own Adventure” style books. Specifically, Figment has chosen a 7.5-inch e-ink display housed in a casing about the same size as an Asus ROG Ally. The device features a D-pad with four buttons on the left and three action buttons on the right.

    Prototype and Performance

    The current version is built with a 3D-printed shell and powered by an ESP32 processor, which is not very strong. Nevertheless, since the handheld only needs to show text and images, Figment doesn’t require high performance. One drawback of the slower processor is that some features necessitate an active internet connection. This mainly includes the ability to create “Choose Your Own Adventure” games from existing e-books using AI technology.

    Future Developments

    On the bright side, Figment can still display standard books without needing an internet connection. The project is still in development and at an early phase, so it remains uncertain if the Figment handheld will ever reach store shelves. Those interested in Figment can sign up with their email to stay informed about this fascinating project.

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    Figment e-ink Handheld: Transform Books into Interactive Games
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  • Diablo 4 May Arrive on Switch 2, but Live Service is Challenging

    Diablo 4 May Arrive on Switch 2, but Live Service is Challenging

    Key Takeaways

    1. Exciting third-party games for the Nintendo Switch 2 include Cyberpunk 2077, Borderlands 4, Hades 2, and Hogwarts Legacy.
    2. Rod Fergusson from Blizzard mentioned a potential for Diablo 4 on the Switch 2, highlighting its capability to handle such games.
    3. The main challenge for Diablo 4 is managing live services on a handheld console due to potential internet connectivity issues.
    4. Fergusson is optimistic that solutions will be found to address live service challenges on the Switch 2.
    5. Diablo 3 and Diablo 2 Resurrected will be available on the Switch 2, allowing backward compatibility for players.

    A bunch of exciting third-party games have been revealed for the Nintendo Switch 2, such as Cyberpunk 2077, Borderlands 4, Hades 2, and Hogwarts Legacy, among others. Although no titles from Blizzard were included in this announcement, Rod Fergusson, who leads the Diablo team at Blizzard, mentioned that there is a “chance” to bring Diablo 4 to the Switch 2. The main issue that needs to be resolved is how to manage live services on a handheld console.

    Interview Insights

    In a recent interview with Gamertag Radio, hosted by Danny Pena, Rod Fergusson discussed the potential of Diablo running on the Nintendo Switch 2. While he did not provide any concrete confirmation, he emphasized that there is definitely a chance, stating that the Switch 2 has the capability to handle games like Diablo 4. “It’s great that the Switch 2 has the power to run a game like Diablo 4, so yeah, it’s something we’re looking at,” Fergusson noted.

    Challenges Ahead

    The main challenge is figuring out the live service aspect. Since Diablo 4 is a live service game, it needs a constant connection to a server, and players using the Switch 2 might often find themselves without stable internet, especially when on the go. “I think the real challenge is not so much the hardware, but rather how we… you know, live services on Switch have had some issues in the past,” Fergusson explained.

    Future Possibilities

    Fergusson remains optimistic that solutions will emerge to simplify live services on the Switch 2, which could lead to the launch of Diablo 4 on the platform.

    In January, a source leaked that Diablo 4 was already being adapted for the Switch 2, indicating that Blizzard might have plans in progress. Both Diablo 3 and Diablo 2 Resurrected are currently available on the original Switch, and with backward compatibility, players will be able to enjoy these games on the Switch 2 when it launches on June 5.

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  • Asus ROG Strix XG27UCDMG: 4K 240Hz OLED Monitor Launches

    Asus ROG Strix XG27UCDMG: 4K 240Hz OLED Monitor Launches

    Key Takeaways

    1. The ROG Strix XG27UCDMG is priced at €1,049 in Europe, making it about €300 cheaper than the ROG Swift PG27UCDM, which is priced at $1,199.99.
    2. It features a Gen 4 QD-OLED panel with a native 4K resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, a 240 Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits.
    3. The monitor has a fast 0.03 ms GtG response time and supports technologies like AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-Sync, and VESA AdaptiveSync.
    4. The ROG Strix XG27UCDMG uses DisplayPort 1.4 and requires Display Stream Compression (DSC) to achieve 4K at 240 Hz, while offering two HDMI 2.1 ports and multiple USB ports.
    5. It is currently available in the US for $979.99 and in the UK for £939.

    Asus has just launched the ROG Strix XG27UCDMG in both North America and the UK, shortly after its introduction in the Eurozone. To summarize, the retail price for the ROG Strix XG27UCDMG is €1,049 in Europe, making it approximately €300 cheaper than the ROG Swift PG27UCDM, which has been available since February (currently priced at $1,199.99 on Amazon).

    Impressive Features

    Even with the lower price, the ROG Strix XG27UCDMG features the same Gen 4 QD-OLED panel as the pricier ROG Swift PG27UCDM. This means that the ROG Strix XG27UCDMG displays in native 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160) on its 27-inch screen and supports refresh rates of up to 240 Hz. True to the nature of QD-OLED monitors, it also boasts a peak brightness of 1,000 nits when showing HDR content, along with an impressive 0.03 ms GtG response time, thanks to technologies like AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-Sync, and VESA AdaptiveSync.

    Connectivity Differences

    Asus sets the ROG Strix XG27UCDMG apart from the ROG Swift PG27UCDM by opting for DisplayPort 1.4 instead of the more advanced DisplayPort 2.1. As a result, the ROG Strix XG27UCDMG needs to utilize Display Stream Compression (DSC) to achieve 4K and 240 Hz at the same time. Nevertheless, the monitor is equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports, a 3.5 mm audio jack, three USB Type-A ports, and a USB Type-C port that can deliver up to 90 W to any connected device.

    Pricing and Availability

    Currently, the ROG Strix XG27UCDMG is up for grabs at Best Buy in the US for $979.99. In contrast, Asus has set the price in the UK at £939. For further technical specifications, check out Asus’ official website.

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    Asus ROG Strix XG27UCDMG: 4K 240Hz OLED Monitor LaunchesAsus ROG Strix XG27UCDMG: 4K 240Hz OLED Monitor Launches
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  • Honor GT Pro Launch: High-End Smartphone with 7200mAh Battery

    Honor GT Pro Launch: High-End Smartphone with 7200mAh Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Honor GT Pro has a subtle design compared to competitors with flashy gaming aesthetics.
    2. It features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a high touch sampling rate of 2,700 Hz and a 144 Hz refresh rate.
    3. The smartphone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and has a large 7,200 mAh battery with 90 W wired charging.
    4. The GT Pro includes advanced connectivity options like Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 7, and supports high-quality audio codecs.
    5. Currently, the GT Pro is available only in China, starting at approximately $508, with higher configurations available.

    The GT Pro stands out as Honor’s newest smartphone designed for gaming, though its design is somewhat plain. Unlike competitors such as the ROG Phone 9 Pro and the RedMagic 10 Pro (currently priced at $749 on Amazon), which have distinct gaming aesthetics, Honor has opted for a more subtle look with the GT Pro. The promotional pictures reveal that this phone lacks the flashy elements typically associated with gaming devices.

    Design and Display Features

    The GT Pro features a straightforward squircle-shaped camera arrangement, smooth edges, and a flat frame like many contemporary flagship smartphones. Regardless, Honor has equipped the GT Pro with an impressive touch sampling rate of 2,700 Hz, which should enhance its responsiveness in gaming scenarios compared to many competitors. Additionally, it boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that offers a native resolution of 2,800 x 1,264 pixels, 4,320 Hz PWM dimming, a 144 Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 6,000 nits when viewing HDR content. According to Honor, the GT Pro can reach a maximum brightness of 1,600 nits on its entire screen during SDR content usage.

    Hardware and Connectivity

    This display is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, complemented by a robust 7,200 mAh battery that supports 90 W wired charging and features four 50 MP cameras. Honor also mentions that the GT Pro is compatible with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive and LDAC audio codecs, along with Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity options. At present, the GT Pro is only available in China, where it starts at CNY 3,699 (approximately $508) for the configuration with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. For comparison, Honor provides various memory options, going up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, for which they charge CNY 4,799 (around $659). Similar to the Pad GT, Honor has not yet disclosed any plans to release the GT Pro in other markets worldwide.

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    Honor GT Pro Launch: High-End Smartphone with 7200mAh Battery

     

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