Category: Phones

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  • Leaked Launch Date for iQOO Neo 9 Series

    Leaked Launch Date for iQOO Neo 9 Series

    iQOO is gearing up to release its highly-anticipated iQOO Neo 9 series in China before the year ends. The series will consist of two smartphones: the Neo 9 and Neo 9 Pro. While the exact launch date has not been officially confirmed by the brand, a leaked promotional poster shared by Weibo tipster @熊猫很禿然 suggests that the scheduled launch is set for December 27. This release date seems to have been postponed, as the smartphone was originally expected to debut earlier. It is anticipated that these devices will be available globally in early 2024.

    iQOO Neo 9 series: What We Know So Far

    iQOO has released images of the Neo 9 series, showcasing a dual-tone design featuring white and red colors. However, the most exciting aspect of these smartphones lies in their processors. The standard Neo 9 model is said to be equipped with last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, while leaks suggest that the Pro model will come with the recently launched Dimensity 9300 processor.

    The Dimensity 9300 processor has proven to be a formidable contender at the top end, as it currently competes head-to-head with the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip on the AnTuTu benchmark rankings.

    According to a recent leak, the Neo 9 Pro is expected to sport a 6.78-inch flat OLED panel with a 1.5K resolution of 2800 x 1260 pixels. The display is rumored to feature a 144Hz refresh rate, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and an in-screen fingerprint sensor. Additionally, the Neo 9 Pro, powered by the Dimensity 9300, is anticipated to come with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage.

    The smartphone will be equipped with a 5,000mAh battery and will support 120W fast charging. On the software front, it is said to run on OriginOS 4, based on Android 14. In terms of the camera setup, leaks suggest that the Neo 9 Pro will feature an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel Sony IMX920 primary camera and a 50-megapixel Samsung JN1 ultra-wide lens. The front camera cutout is rumored to house a 16-megapixel selfie camera.

    With its powerful specifications and attractive design, the iQOO Neo 9 series is expected to make a splash in the market. Consumers are eagerly awaiting its official launch in China and subsequent availability worldwide in early 2024.

  • Apple dominates premium smartphone market in China as Xiaomi, Huawei gain ground

    Apple dominates premium smartphone market in China as Xiaomi, Huawei gain ground

    Xiaomi, Apple, and Huawei Among Preferred Brands in China's Premium Phone Market

    According to the latest survey conducted by Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) data for the Chinese market in November 2023, there has been a significant increase in new smartphone activations. The total number of activations reached 28.71 million units, showing a year-on-year growth of 12.7 percent.

    Xiaomi Takes the Lead in the High-End Segment

    Xiaomi has reclaimed the top spot among domestic smartphone brands in China, particularly in the high-end segment priced above 4,000 Yuan+ (~$550). Alongside Apple and Huawei, Xiaomi now stands as one of the top three high-end brands, contributing to nearly 90 percent of the market share in this premium category.

    Apple Maintains its Position in the High-End Market

    Despite encountering a 21.2 percent year-on-year decline, Apple continues to lead in the high-end market. Xiaomi, with an 18.3 percent market share, secures the top position among Chinese brands, experiencing a significant 44.1 percent year-on-year increase in activations, showcasing the highest growth rate. Honor claims the third spot in activation volume, registering a 12.6 percent year-on-year increase.

    Huawei Leads in Growth Rate

    Although ranking fourth in market share, Huawei exhibits an impressive 75.6 percent year-on-year growth in activations, leading the market in terms of growth rate. On the other hand, brands like Vivo and Oppo face substantial declines in activation volume. The competition intensifies in the high-end market, dominated by Apple, Huawei, and Xiaomi, which capture nearly 90 percent of the share. Other brands collectively hold a modest 10 percent market share.

    Xiaomi's Resurgence and Impact on Apple

    BCI data highlights the resurgence of Xiaomi as the leading domestic brand, attributing its success to consistent year-on-year growth of over 40 percent in new phone activations for five consecutive weeks. Xiaomi has encountered the highest growth rate, increasing by 11.8 percent year-on-year. This dynamic landscape suggests that the Huawei Mate 60 series and Xiaomi 14 series have notably impacted Apple's standing in the high-end market.


    BCI Survey Results for November 2023:

    • Total new smartphone activations in China: 28.71 million units (12.7% year-on-year increase)
    • Xiaomi, Apple, and Huawei dominate the high-end market, capturing nearly 90% of the market share
    • Xiaomi experiences a significant 44.1% year-on-year increase in activations, securing the top position among Chinese brands
    • Apple maintains its lead in the high-end market despite a 21.2% year-on-year decline
    • Huawei exhibits an impressive 75.6% year-on-year growth in activations, leading in terms of growth rate
    • Vivo and Oppo face substantial declines in activation volume
    • Other brands collectively hold a modest 10% market share

    BCI data suggests that Xiaomi's consistent growth and the impact of the Huawei Mate 60 series and Xiaomi 14 series have notably affected Apple's position in the high-end market.

  • Surprise Sale: Redmi 12R Released in China Post Redmi 13R Launch

    Surprise Sale: Redmi 12R Released in China Post Redmi 13R Launch

    Redmi 12R: A Silent Launch in China

    Redmi, a subsidiary of Xiaomi, has quietly released the Redmi 12R smartphone for purchase in China. This device comes as a predecessor to the recently unveiled Redmi 13R and is available online for the same price of 999 Yuan (~$139).

    The Redmi 12R was first spotted in August, but it didn’t receive much attention at the time. Initially, it was only accessible through offline channels and third-party retailers. However, it has now made its debut in the online sphere and can be purchased on Xiaomi Mall.

    Redmi 12R Specifications

    The Redmi 12R features a large 6.79-inch LCD panel with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels. It also boasts a 90Hz refresh rate, a 240Hz touch sampling rate, and a brightness of 550 nits. Powering the device is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, accompanied by 4 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128 GB of UFS 2.2 storage.

    With a 5,000mAh battery, the Redmi 12R offers support for 18W charging. It runs on the Android 13 operating system with the MIUI 14 custom skin.

    Camera and Design

    On the front of the device, there is a 5-megapixel selfie camera. At the back, the Redmi 12R sports a 50-megapixel primary camera along with a 2-megapixel depth sensor and an LED flash. The smartphone is available in two color options: Obsidian Black and Smoke Green.

    Rebranded Version

    Interestingly, the Redmi 12R is essentially a rebranded version of the Poco M6 Pro 5G, which is available in markets outside of China. This means that the specifications and features of both devices are likely to be very similar.

    In addition, there have been recent leaks suggesting that the Redmi 13R will be rebranded as the Poco M6 5G in India.

    With its affordable price tag and decent specifications, the Redmi 12R offers an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers in China. It will be interesting to see if Redmi plans to release this device in other markets as well.

  • Possible development of rumored Huawei Nova 12 Vitality Edition, with leaked details about important features

    Possible development of rumored Huawei Nova 12 Vitality Edition, with leaked details about important features

    Huawei to Launch Nova 12 Series in China This Month

    Huawei is set to introduce its latest lineup of smartphones, the Nova 12 series, in the Chinese market this month. The highly anticipated series is expected to include multiple models, namely the Nova 12, Nova 12 Pro, Nova 12 Ultra, and an entry-level device that could potentially succeed the Nova 11 SE.

    Entry-Level Device: Nova 12 Vitality Edition or Nova 12 Lite

    According to a leaker from China, the entry-level phone in the Nova 12 series will not carry the “SE” branding, likely due to the recent release of the Nova 11 SE. Instead, it might be named the Nova 12 Vitality Edition or Nova 12 Lite.

    Impressive Camera and In-Screen Fingerprint Scanner

    The leaker also revealed some key details about the alleged Nova 12 Lite. It is said to feature a 60-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel primary camera on the rear panel. For enhanced security, the device will be equipped with an in-screen fingerprint scanner. Additionally, the entire Nova 12 series is expected to be available in three colors: White, Black, and No. 12, which appears to be a unique signature color.

    Expected Pricing and Specifications

    Based on previous release patterns, the Nova 12 Vitality Edition, the entry-level device, could be priced at around 1,000 Yuan ($139). The standard Nova 12, on the other hand, is rumored to come with the upcoming Kirin 830 chip and may be priced at approximately 2,000 Yuan ($278). As for the Nova 12 Pro and 12 Ultra, they are anticipated to cost between 3,000 Yuan ($417) and 4,000 Yuan ($557). These higher-end models could feature either the Kirin 9000s or the newly unveiled Kirin 9006 chip.

    Exciting Nova 12 Series Launch

    As Huawei prepares to unveil the Nova 12 series in the Chinese market, smartphone enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the launch. With a range of models, including an entry-level device, the Nova 12 series promises to offer a variety of options to cater to different consumer preferences. Stay tuned for more updates as Huawei officially introduces its latest smartphones.

  • OnePlus 12 Launched in China at a Starting Price of around $600

    OnePlus 12 Launched in China at a Starting Price of around $600

    OnePlus 12: Pricing and Specifications

    The highly anticipated OnePlus 12 smartphone, featuring the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, was officially announced by OnePlus on December 5 in China. Today, the brand has made the device available for purchase in its home market. Let's take a closer look at the pricing and specifications of this flagship phone.

    Pricing Details

    In China, the OnePlus 12 is offered in four different variants:

    • 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage: priced at 4,299 Yuan (~$598)
    • 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage: priced at 4,799 Yuan (~$668)
    • 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage: priced at 5,299 Yuan (~$738)
    • 24 GB RAM + 1 TB storage: priced at 5,799 Yuan (~$807)

    The device is available in three attractive color options: black, green, and silver.

    Impressive Specifications

    The OnePlus 12 boasts a large 6.82-inch BOE X1 OLED display that delivers a stunning 2K resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Running on the ColorOS 14-based Android 14, this smartphone offers a seamless and user-friendly experience.

    For enhanced security, the OnePlus 12 features an in-screen fingerprint sensor, ensuring quick and convenient access to the device.

    Camera Capabilities

    On the front, the OnePlus 12 houses a high-resolution 32-megapixel selfie camera, perfect for capturing detailed and vibrant self-portraits. On the rear, users will find a powerful camera setup, including a 50-megapixel LYT-808 main camera with OIS support, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. With this versatile camera system, users can capture professional-grade photos and videos in any scenario.

    Impressive Performance

    Under the hood, the OnePlus 12 is powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, ensuring lightning-fast performance and efficient multitasking. It offers up to a staggering 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage, providing ample space for all your files, apps, and media.

    To keep up with the demands of the modern user, the OnePlus 12 is equipped with a robust 5,400mAh battery. This battery supports 100W wired charging, allowing you to quickly recharge your device, and 50W wireless charging, providing the convenience of cable-free power.

    With its impressive specifications and powerful performance, the OnePlus 12 is set to deliver an exceptional smartphone experience. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a gaming fanatic, or a multitasking pro, this flagship device has everything you need.

    So, if you're in China, don't miss the opportunity to get your hands on the OnePlus 12 and experience its remarkable features firsthand.

  • Nubia Z60 Ultra Camera Specs Confirmed Before December 19 Release

    Nubia Z60 Ultra Camera Specs Confirmed Before December 19 Release

    Nubia Z60 Ultra Launching in China on December 19

    Nubia’s latest flagship smartphone, the Nubia Z60 Ultra, is set to be unveiled in China on December 19. This move comes as the company gears up to rival recent smartphone releases in the Chinese market, including the Realme GT 5 Pro, OnePlus 12, iQOO 12 Pro, and Xiaomi 14 Pro. Nubia has emphasized that the Z60 Ultra will offer an advanced photography experience compared to its competitors.

    Cutting-Edge Camera Features

    Revealed in the initial poster image, the Nubia Z60 Ultra boasts an impressive camera setup. The device will house a 50-megapixel main lens with an 18mm focal length and a wide aperture for exceptional clarity. Moreover, it will sport a 50-megapixel high-definition optics lens with a 35mm focal length, surpassing the capabilities of a one-inch camera sensor. Noteworthy is the incorporation of a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto lens with an 85mm focal length. All three lenses will feature optical image stabilization (OIS) to ensure steady and sharp image capture.

    Immersive and Seamless Display

    The second teaser from Nubia showcases the device’s immersive full-screen display with an under-display camera, promising a seamless viewing experience. The Nubia Z60 Ultra will be equipped with the BOE Q9+ display panel integrated with the company’s fifth-generation Under Display Camera (UDC) technology. This setup will be enhanced by a dedicated display chip and ultra-large 2.8µm pixels. While the megapixel count of the front camera remains undisclosed, speculation points to a 16-megapixel under-display camera akin to the Red Magic 9 Pro series.

    High-Performance Specifications

    Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Nubia Z60 Ultra guarantees top-tier performance and efficiency. Expected to offer up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage, the device will cater to users requiring ample space for file storage and multitasking. It will be supported by a sizable 6,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging capabilities for swift recharging. The front will showcase a 6.8-inch OLED panel sporting a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, promising vivid visuals and seamless scrolling.

    In summary, the Nubia Z60 Ultra emerges as a strong contender in the Chinese smartphone landscape. With its impressive camera features, immersive full-screen display, and high-performance specifications, it aims to entice consumers seeking a premium and feature-rich smartphone. Further details on pricing and availability will be disclosed during the official unveiling on December 19.

  • Unveiling the Comprehensive ColorOS 14 Beta Rollout Schedule for the Global Market

    Unveiling the Comprehensive ColorOS 14 Beta Rollout Schedule for the Global Market

    Oppo Announces ColorOS 14 Global Beta Rollout Schedule

    Oppo has recently unveiled the ColorOS 14 x Android 14 global launch timeline, with the update set to roll out in December. The Oppo F23 5G (India), Oppo A98 5G (Thailand), and Oppo A78 5G (India) are among the smartphones scheduled to receive the update this week. Now, Oppo has also announced the Global Beta rollout schedule for its remaining devices, extending until April 2024.

    Global Beta Rollout Schedule: A Quick Glance

    During October and November, several Oppo devices have already received the beta version of ColorOS 14 in the global market. Looking ahead, here is the official rollout timeline for the coming months:

    December 2023:

    • Oppo K10 5G
    • Oppo A77 5G

    January 2024:

    • Oppo A78
    • Oppo A58

    April 2024:

    • Oppo Reno 8 Z 5G
    • Oppo F21s Pro 5G
    • Oppo A96 5G

    What to Expect with ColorOS 14

    ColorOS 14 brings several exciting features and enhancements to Oppo devices. Here are some highlights:

    Aquamorphic Design Boost

    Building on the success of Aquamorphic Design from ColorOS 13, ColorOS 14 offers improved sound effects, color systems, and interactions. Oppo has collaborated with experts to create ten new Aquamorphic-themed ringtones for calls, alarms, and notifications.

    The Aquamorphic Coloring System has been revamped to dynamically adjust to your device's status, time, and on-screen content. Colors are intelligently matched with context, providing a more intuitive experience. Additionally, the new Aqua Dynamics design simplifies interactions by extending traditional modes like bubbles and panels to the Status Bar.

    Revamped Always-On Display (AOD)

    ColorOS 14 introduces a revamped Always-On Display (AOD) feature. The Homeland AOD showcases nature scenes and includes a Go Green AOD to raise awareness about climate change. Users can also access three Environment Vision pages with animations linked to their daily step counts, providing information on lower carbon emissions through walking.

    The update also brings Smart Touch, an AI-powered feature that streamlines daily tasks. The File Dock on the Smart Sidebar enables seamless content sharing across apps, supporting split-screen and floating windows. Additionally, syncing between devices enhances productivity.

    Trinity Engine Upgrade

    To enhance device smoothness and stability, ColorOS 14 includes the updated Trinity Engine. This upgrade introduces features such as ROM Vitalization, RAM Vitalization, and CPU Vitalization, which optimize computational resources, memory, and storage.

    The AI-powered Smart Charging system is another groundbreaking addition. It adjusts the charging current based on usage conditions, reducing unnecessary battery wear automatically.

    Safety and Privacy Assurance

    ColorOS 14 prioritizes safety and privacy. The update integrates Android 14's privacy capabilities and has been approved by ISO, ePrivacy, TrustArc, and other organizations. Picture Keeper prevents apps from misusing permissions for personal photos and videos.

    Snapchat integration also makes a return with a Bitmoji AOD, featuring a lock-screen shortcut and a Snapchat widget for Shelf. Users can customize their access for faster app navigation and stay updated on messages and friend activities. With ColorOS 14, users have more control over their devices.

    With the ColorOS 14 Global Beta rollout schedule now available, Oppo users can look forward to experiencing the latest features and improvements on their devices.

  • Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G to Receive Xiaomi’s Upcoming HyperOS Update

    Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G to Receive Xiaomi’s Upcoming HyperOS Update

    Xiaomi's Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G model is set to receive the new HyperOS update soon, according to reports from GSMChina. The HyperOS test build for the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G has been discovered on Xiaomi's internal server.

    HyperOS Builds and Testing

    The HyperOS builds for the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G are currently undergoing testing and have firmware versions OS1.0.0.1.TGDMIXM and OS1.0.0.1.TGDEUXM. This suggests that an official rollout of the HyperOS update will happen in the near future.

    Android 13 Update

    The HyperOS update for the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G will be based on Android 13, as indicated by the code snippet "[codebase] => 13.0". This follows Xiaomi's software update policy for its budget Redmi Note series, which promises two years of major platform updates.

    Major Upgrades for Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G

    Since the Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G was launched with Android 11, it has already received its two major upgrades up to Android 13. While this may disappoint some users, it is still commendable that Xiaomi is offering the HyperOS update to the Redmi Note 11 series.

    Expected Rollout and HyperOS Pilot Testers

    According to GSMChina, the HyperOS update is expected to roll out in the second quarter of 2024. It is likely that HyperOS Pilot Testers will be the first to receive the update. If you are interested in getting the update early, you can apply to become a HyperOS Pilot Tester.

    Redmi Note 11 Pro Specifications

    To recap, the Redmi Note 11 Pro features a vibrant 6.67-inch FHD+ OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and 1200 nits of brightness. It boasts a 108MP quad-camera setup on the back for capturing high-quality photos and videos.

    Under the hood, the phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio G96 processor and offers up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which can be expanded via microSD. It is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 67W fast charging, ensuring long-lasting usage.

    Other notable features of the Redmi Note 11 Pro include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, dual speakers, a headphone jack for an immersive audio experience, and IR blaster support.

    With the upcoming HyperOS update, Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G users can look forward to enhanced features and improvements to their device's performance.

  • Tipster claims launch of Vivo X100 Pro+ has been postponed

    Tipster claims launch of Vivo X100 Pro+ has been postponed

    Vivo X100 Pro+ Launch Delayed

    According to recent leaks, the launch of the Vivo X100 Pro+ has been delayed from its initially rumored timeframe. Vivo introduced the Vivo X100 and X100 Pro last month in China, featuring the Dimensity 9300 chipset. The company has also been developing the Vivo X100 Pro+, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 3 chipset.

    New Launch Event in China

    Recent reports suggest that Vivo’s next launch event in China will introduce three products: the Vivo Pad 3 tablet, the Vivo 100’s flat-screen variant (likely to be called Vivo X100s), and the Vivo X Fold 3 series. The event is expected to take place in March or April 2024.

    Delayed Arrival

    The tipster Digital Chat Station revealed on Weibo that the arrival of the Vivo X100 Pro+ has been delayed. However, no details regarding the revised launch timeframe have been disclosed. It is still expected that the Vivo X100 Pro+ will go official within the first half of 2024.

    Other Devices in the Pipeline

    In addition to the Vivo X100 Pro+, Vivo is also said to be working on the Vivo X Flip 2 foldable phone. It is unclear whether this device will launch alongside the Vivo X Fold 3 or at a later date with the Vivo X100 Pro+.

    Conclusion

    While the launch of the Vivo X100 Pro+ has reportedly been delayed, Vivo fans can still look forward to the upcoming launch event in China, where the Vivo Pad 3 tablet, Vivo X100s, and Vivo X Fold 3 series are expected to be unveiled. Stay tuned for more updates on the revised launch timeframe for the Vivo X100 Pro+.

  • Nubia Z60 Ultra to Include OIS in Three Rear Cameras

    Nubia Z60 Ultra to Include OIS in Three Rear Cameras

    Comprehensive Overview of the Nubia Z60 Ultra: Complete Breakdown of Camera Features and Specifications

    Nubia is gearing up for the upcoming launch of its newest smartphone, the Z60 Ultra, scheduled for release in China on December 19. Anticipation is high for this device, as it will be powered by the robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. Leading up to the official launch, Nubia has been gradually unveiling the remarkable camera capabilities of the Z60 Ultra, offering a glimpse into what users can expect.

    Detailed Insights into the Rear Camera Configuration

    At the core of the Nubia Z60 Ultra lies its exceptional rear camera setup. The company has officially confirmed that the smartphone will sport a 50-megapixel primary camera featuring optical image stabilization (OIS) support. This camera will deliver with a spacious 1/1.56-inch sensor size, an impressive f/1.8 aperture, and functionalities reminiscent of those found in an ultra-wide camera.

    Speculations hint at an additional 50-megapixel camera, likely an ultra-wide lens, and a remarkable 64-megapixel periscope telephoto camera featuring 3x optical zoom. Both of these cameras will be equipped with OIS capabilities, ensuring steady and top-notch photography experiences.

    Anticipated Specifications Overview

    The rumored specifications for the Nubia Z60 Ultra paint a picture of a device equipped with a 6.8-inch OLED display boasting a 1.5K resolution and a silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Driving the performance will be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with a generous offering of up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. Operating on the MyOS-based Android 14 platform, the Z60 Ultra aims to deliver a seamless user experience.

    Catering to selfie aficionados, the smartphone will introduce a 16-megapixel under-display camera, ensuring an uninterrupted and immersive display interaction. To sustain prolonged usage, Nubia has integrated a substantial 6,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging support. Moreover, the Z60 Ultra will hold an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, enhancing its overall durability.

    Pricing and Market Availability

    As of now, concrete details regarding the pricing of the Nubia Z60 Ultra have not been officially disclosed. Nevertheless, given its top-tier specifications and cutting-edge camera features, it is anticipated to be positioned as a premium flagship offering. The device will be initially accessible in the Chinese market, with international availability yet to be confirmed.

    The countdown to the launch date continues, with Nubia steadily building excitement around the Z60 Ultra. With its robust camera system, impressive technical specifications, and elegant design, this smartphone is poised to captivate the interest of photography enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike. Keep an eye out for further updates on the Nubia Z60 Ultra as it steps into the limelight in the days ahead.