Category: Phones

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  • Huawei Nova 16 Ultra: 200MP Camera, 7000mAh Battery, Slim Design

    Huawei Nova 16 Ultra: 200MP Camera, 7000mAh Battery, Slim Design

    Key Takeaway

    – IP69-certified waterproofing in an ultra-thin (7.1mm) design
    – 7,000 mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging
    – 6.84-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 6,000 nits peak HDR brightness
    – Triple rear camera system: 200MP main, 50MP ultra-wide, 50MP periscope telephoto (3.7x optical zoom)
    – HiSilicon Kirin 9010S chipset is a performance disadvantage versus flagship Qualcomm/MediaTek rivals

    Redefining Mid-Range Boundaries

    The Huawei Nova 16 Ultra is designed to blur the boundaries between premium mid-range and flagship smartphones, as the new top model in the Huawei Nova series makes few compromises when it comes to features. The 7.1 millimeter thick, 220 gram smartphone is IP69-certified and therefore waterproof. Despite its particularly thin body, Huawei is able to install a gigantic 7,000 mAh battery, which can be charged either via USB-C with up to 100 watts or wirelessly with 50 watts.

    Display and Performance Nuances

    The 6.84-inch display is based on an LTPO OLED panel that achieves a resolution of 2,856 × 1,320 pixels, a peak HDR brightness of 6,000 nits and a frame rate of 120 Hz. Kunlun Glass protects the screen from scratches. Compared to the flagships of the competition, the HiSilicon Kirin 9010S is probably the biggest disadvantage, as the chip cannot keep up with the fastest processors from Qualcomm and MediaTek. This processor choice might limit its appeal for power users seeking absolute peak performance in demanding tasks like heavy gaming or 4K video editing.

    Camera System and Design Details

    Huawei has installed a pill-shaped notch in the style of the Apple iPhone 17, which houses a 50 megapixel f/2.0 main camera with a 1/2.5 inch sensor as well as a multispectral sensor, which should enable more accurate color reproduction. The unusual camera module on the back offers space for a 200 MP f/1.8 main camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor, a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera with macro function and a 50 MP f/2.2 periscope telephoto camera with 3.7x optical zoom. This versitile setup aims to compete with dedicated photography devices.

    Pricing and International Availibility

    The Huawei Nova 16 Ultra will be available in China with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB flash storage for CNY 4,699 ($694), with 512 GB memory for 5,199 yuan ($768), or with 1 TB memory for 5,799 yuan ($857). Huawei has not yet confirmed any details about a possible international launch. The pricing stratagy positions it directly against other high-end mid-rangers, offering substantial hardware for the cost.

    • 256 GB model: CNY 4,699 ($694)
    • 512 GB model: CNY 5,199 ($768)
    • 1 TB model: CNY 5,799 ($857)
    • Battery: 7,000 mAh with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging
    • Display: 6.84-inch LTPO OLED, 2,856 × 1,320 pixels, 120 Hz, 6,000 nits peak HDR brightness
    • Protection: Kunlun Glass and IP69 certification
    • Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 9010S
    • Front Camera: 50 MP f/2.0 with multispectral sensor
    • Rear Cameras: 200 MP main, 50 MP ultrawide with macro, 50 MP periscope telephoto with 3.7x optical zoom
    • RAM: 12 GB
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  • Bleak Future for Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Phones

    Key Takeaway

    – The Oppo Find X9 Ultra overheats and throttles severely under load, halving its performance in 3DMark stress tests.
    – Its predecessor, the Find X8 Ultra, handled heat better and sometimes outperformed the new model in sustained benchmarks.
    – The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip’s high clock speeds (up to 4.6 GHz) generate excessive waste heat that passive cooling cannot manage.
    – Passive cooling in thin flagship phones is reaching its limits, raising concerns for future chips like the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 (expected >5 GHz).
    – In everyday use the throttling may not be noticeable, but it shows that raw SoC gains are negated by thermal constraints.

    First Impressions of the Find X9 Ultra

    Our assessment of the Find X9 Ultra offers little to critisize about of the current flagship smartphone, as Oppo has put together a complete package that is hard to beat (prices start at around $1,300 as an import). However, compared with our last year’s review, it becomes clear that even the Find X9 Ultra, with its built-in Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, has its problems with thermal output.

    Thermal Throttling Becomes a Problem

    In our review, the Oppo phone sometimes throttled massively due to the high waste heat resulting from the Qualcomm SoC’s high clock speed of up to 4.6 GHz. In the 3DMark stress tests, the performance of the Find X9 Ultra was halved. This means that the final big hope in the smartphone market for taming the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 has fizzled out.

    Comparing Heat Management With Last Year

    Last year, with the Find X8 Ultra, Oppo was one of the few manufacturers, if not the only one, to get the heat problem of modern Qualcomm SoCs well under control. This level of cooling performance is unfortunately no longer available in the current generation. This even means that the Find X9 Ultra can deliver less performance in the 3DMark stress tests than its predecessor. Due to the significant drop in performance after a short time, the increase in SoC power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 compared to the previous year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite has evaporated. In some cases, the Find X8 Ultra achieved 20 percent higher values in the Wild Life stress test than its successor.

    The Gap With Samsung Flagships

    The discrepancy with a Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is even more serious. Is this a problem in everyday use? Probably not, but it highlights the increasingly severe challenges smartphone manufacturers face when relying on passive cooling systems to dissipate the substantial heat generated, in this case by the Oryon CPU cores, within such thin chassis of flagship phones.

    What This Means for Future Chips

    Since the cooling performance of the successor to the Find X8 Ultra is now also reaching its limits, this does not bode well for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, which is expected to clock well above 5 GHz. At the latest with our review of the Find X9 Ultra, it becomes clear that hopes for passively cooled smartphones are fading – they simply cannot cope with the massive heat output, let alone make the additional performance usable in everyday scenarios


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  • The True Cost of Folding Smartphones Over €800

    Key Takeaway

    – Motorola Razr 70 costs ~$800, with significant weaknesses in performance and software support.
    – Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 offers better performance and longer updates for a slightly higher price.
    – Good display quality and style factor, but short-term support is a key drawback.
    – Already dropping in price; predecessor available for ~$560.
    – Best for users seeking a compact foldable for everyday use, not for performance or longevity.

    Motorola Razr 70 Price and Features

    The Motorola Razr 70 is available for around US$ 800 (e.g. at amazon.com). A hefty price for a smartphone, you can expect a lot for that, right? Well, it is a clamshell foldable, i.e. a folding smartphone that folds up at the short end. This design requires complex engineering, including a secondary display on the outside for viewing notifications when the device is closed.

    Compromises in Performance and Display

    Of course, this requires quite complex technology and an additional display on the outside to be able to see notifications even when closed. You have to make compromises somewhere and so you get a foldable with good display quality, but significant weaknesses in performance and software support. The display is bright and offers accurate colors, which is a highlight for many users.

    Price Drops and Market Competition

    The price for the Razr 70 has already fallen significantly in some markets and the predecessor is available for around US$ 560. If you wait a little longer, you will soon be able to get the foldable for even less. A Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 is only slightly more expensive, but offers longer updates and better performance. Samsung’s device also has a more restrained design, while the Motorola stands out stylistically.

    Target Audience and Weaknesses

    Of course, the style factor is not quite as high as with the Motorola Razr 70: Samsung’s smartphone has a rather restrained design. A user who is primarily looking for a compact foldable for everyday use will find the Razr 70 a good option. Those who require performance and long-term support should perhaps opt for a different model. This is where the Razr 70 clearly has its weaknesses.

    Overall Assessment and Final Thoughts

    The Razr 70 is a very attractive clamshell foldable that will satisfy lovers of bright and true-color displays. However, performance weaknesses and short support remain critical points for the overall impression. The device excels in portability and style, but falters in processing power and update commitment. You can find a more detailed analysis of the clamshell phone in our detailed review of the Motorola Razr 70.

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    • Poco X8 Pro Yellow Edition: Racing Design, High Tech

      Key Takeaway

      – Striking motorsport-inspired design with racing stripes and RGB lighting
      – Powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra chip for strong gaming and daily performance
      – Excellent 6.59-inch AMOLED display with 120 Hz refresh rate and over 3,400 cd/m² peak brightness
      – Large 6,500 mAh silicon-carbon battery with impressive life and fast charging
      – Solid 50 MP main camera with OIS, but USB 2.0 limits data transfer and video output

      The Poco X8 Pro is being released in a new yellow variant that draws heavily on motorsport aesthetics for its visual design. Its defining features include racing stripes on the back panel, integrated RGB lighting within the camera module, and a premium build quality featuring a metal frame and a glass back. At the same time, the smartphone remains firmly focused on high performance and gaming capabilities.

      Performance and Processing Core

      In our review, the Poco X8 Pro positions itself as a powerful mid-range smartphone with a strong emphasis on performance, display quality, and efficiency. At its core lies the modern MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Ultra SoC, built on a 4nm process. This chip ensures brisk everyday speeds, short loading times, and robust gaming performance, all while maintaining moderate power consumption. Although slight thermal throttling occurs under sustained heavy load, overall performance remains consistently high.

      Display and Visuals

      The 6.59-inch AMOLED display is a particular standout feature. With a 120 Hz refresh rate, high resolution, and peak brightness levels exceeding 3,400 cd/m², it delivers excellent visuals – even outdoors. Its high PWM dimming frequency of 3,840 Hz minimizes visible flickering and enhances viewing comfort.

      Hardware Specifications and Connectivity

      In terms of hardware specifications, the device utilizes fast LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. It supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, and 5G dual-SIM functionality. However, there are limitations regarding the USB 2.0 port, which supports neither high-speed data transfer nor video output. The 50 MPix main camera, featuring optical image stabilization, captures good photos in daylight and records solid 4K video. The ultra-wide-angle and front-facing cameras, however, perform at a more average level. The 6,500 mAh battery employs modern silicon-carbon technology, delivering impressive battery life alongside fast charging capabilities. The Poco X8 Pro in the yellow variant is available in 8/256 GB, 8/512 GB, and 12/512 GB storage configurations, starting at $369.

       

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    • Foldable iPhone Ultra Leaks in Factory Hands-On Video

      Foldable iPhone Ultra Leaks in Factory Hands-On Video

      Key Takeaway

      – Leaked video shows a foldable iPhone dummy unit with ultra-thin design (reportedly 4.5mm when opened).
      – Volume buttons appear to be placed on top, matching earlier rumors.
      – The unit is a low-quality design model, so conclusions should be tentative.
      – High-quality iPhone 18 Pro leaks suggest better iPhone Ultra design models may follow soon.

      After seeing a leaked image of a white iPhone Ultra replica

      We now have the full video of the same design model. Although this is (clearly) far from the final product Apple will announce at the rumored September launch event, the video does a better job at showing all the sides and angles of the foldable iPhone or at least the dummy. Theirs a sense of excitment but we gotta be carful with these early renderings.

      Previous rumors said Apple’s foldable is going to be as thin as 4.5mm when opened

      And the design unit in the video does indeed look very thin. We also see the volume buttons, which were long rumored to be placed on top, as awkward as this might sound (no pun intended). It’s quite amazing how they managed to pack everything into such a sleek profile, although there is always some compromises.

      Once again, this seems to be a particularly low-quality design unit

      So we can’t draw too many conclusions based on it. That said, high-quality design models of the iPhone 18 Pro were leaked very recently, showing us the colors Apple has reportedly chosen this year. If the foldable iPhone is indeed launching together with the iPhone 18 Pro, it’s quite possible that we might get more leaks of better iPhone Ultra design models very soon.

      Conclusion and future expectations

      The device appears to have a seamless hinge mechanism and the display looks extremly clear even in the video. We can only wait and see if future leaks confirm these design choices or if Apple changes the entire form factor before the launch. Keep in mind that nothing is official until the company makes an announcement at the event.

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    • New Samsung Flagship AI Leak: Liquid or Air Cooling to Prevent Overheating

      New Samsung Flagship AI Leak: Liquid or Air Cooling to Prevent Overheating

      Key Takeaway

      – Samsung is developing active cooling (liquid and fan-based) to combat thermal throttling from intensive AI workloads.
      – Liquid cooling is favored over air cooling due to concerns about fan noise and increased device weight.
      – Current flagship SoCs use passive “Heat Pass Block” (HPB) technology, but future AI/high-performance chips will need active systems.
      – This approach mirrors gaming phones from Nubia that already use hybrid liquid and air cooling.
      – Active cooling could debut in the Galaxy S27 Ultra (reportedly launching July 22) or the Galaxy S28 Ultra to maintain peak performance.

      Samsung is reportedly developing advanced active cooling solutions to combat thermal throttling, a persistent bottleneck for flagship phones, particularly those running intensive AI workloads. It’s unclear whether the technology will be ready for the Galaxy S27 series, including the premium Galaxy S27 Ultra flagship.

      The Research Teams Focus

      A dedicated research team at Samsung’s Production Technology Research Institute is currently evaluating active liquid cooling and fan-based air cooling. According to lab director Park Min, the team is prioritizing a liquid-based system that uses a sealed, circulating loop connected directly to the chipset. While air cooling is being tested, Samsung notes that concerns regarding fan noise and increased device weight make liquid solutions more attractive.

      Exynos 2600 and Current Tech

      While Samsung’s latest flagship SoC, the Exynos 2600 utilizes (Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+) innovative “Heat Pass Block” (HPB) technology, a copper heatsink placed directly on the chip die that has shown remarkable thermal stability in testing, the company recognizes that future on-device AI and high-performance silicon will require more robust active systems.

      Learning from Gaming Phones

      Samsung’s pivot mirrors methods already popularized by gaming-focused phones from Nubia, which utilizes hybrid liquid and air cooling. By moving toward active, internal cooling, Samsung could ensure its future flagships, like the Galaxy S27 Ultra (reportedly launching July 22) and/or Galaxy S28 Ultra, can maintain peak performance without relying on passive solutions. Sisajournal-e.com

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    • Coolpad Launches Ikko MindOne Pro Square Phone

      Coolpad Launches Ikko MindOne Pro Square Phone

      Key Takeaway

      – Coolpad Small Square has a 3.95-inch LCD (720×720), while Ikko MindOne has a 4.02-inch AMOLED.
      – Both use Helio G99 & 8GB RAM, but Ikko has 256GB storage vs Coolpad’s 128GB.
      – Coolpad has a 13MP flip camera; Ikko MindOne Pro has a 50MP flip camera.
      – Coolpad costs ~$148 (discount) vs Ikko MindOne Pro at ~$429 (sale).
      – Coolpad lacks a keyboard case; Ikko offers an optional QWERTY keyboard case with DAC & audio jack.

      Compact Phone Showdown

      Last July, Ikko, a brand known for audio products announced a compact square-shaped phone called the Ikko MindOne. The phone, which also has a pro model, has a square AMOLED display, a flip camera, and a keyboard case accessory. A similar device has now launched in China under the Coolpad brand, and while it looks like the MindOne/MindOne Pro, its specifications are different.

      Display and Design Differences

      Called the Coolpad Small Square (machine translated), the phone has a 3.95-inch LCD panel with a 720 x 720 resolution. This is smaller than the 4.02-inch AMOLED display of the Ikko MindOne/MindOne Pro. Coolpad also doesn’t say if its display has any protection, unlike the MindOne Pro that has sapphire glass protection. So your getting a less sharp screen here, and no mention of any durability features, which might be a bummer if you drop things alot.

      Performance and Camera Specs

      Under the hood of the Coolpad Small Square is a Helio G99 processor and it is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Ikko’s phone uses the same processor and has the same RAM, but double the storage capacity. Coolpad’s smartphone also has a flip camera design, but it is a 13MP sensor and not a 50MP sensor like that of the MindOne Pro. This is a huge downgrade in camera quallity, the 50MP sensor on the Ikko will take much better photos for sure.

      Battery and Added Features

      The Coolpad Small Square has a 2,450mAh battery capacity with support for 10W charging, this is slightly larger than the 2,200mAh battery of the Ikko MindOne. The Small Square also has an IR blaster and a dedicated AI button. There’s no mention of the version of Android it ships with, but the phone comes pre-installed with an AI companion that can carry out tasks such as ordering a cab, shopping online, and posting to WeChat, all with a voice command. The battery life should be decent for such a small screen.

      Software and Accessory Comparisons

      The Ikko MindOne Pro also has AI features, but it is sort of like its own OS, separated from the Android 15 OS it comes with. Ikko offers an optional QWERTY keyboard case that has its own battery, a built-in DAC, and an audio jack. Coolpad hasn’t announced any such accessory, and its slightly smaller screen size may make it incompatible with Ikko’s QWERTY keyboard. This means you loose that awesome typing experience if you wanted it.

      Pricing and Availability

      The Coolpad Small Square is available in Obsidian Black, Radiant Purple, Pink, and Frosty White, and has a price tag of CNY 1099 (~$162/€139), but there’s a launch discount that brings it down to CNY 999 ($148/€127). The Ikko MindOne Pro is more expensive at $499, but is currently on sale for $429. So the Coolpad is way cheaper, but you get what you pay for with the camera and screen being alot worse.

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    • Leaked Samsung Fold 8 & Ultra Replicas Show Major Design Shift

      Leaked Samsung Fold 8 & Ultra Replicas Show Major Design Shift

      Key Takeaway

      – Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra have very different form factors (wider vs. narrower).
      – Choosing between them will come down to personal preference.
      – The wider design follows a 2026-2027 trend influenced by Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone.
      – Huawei released a wide foldable (Pura X Max) before both Samsung and Apple.
      – Samsung’s Unpacked event is rumored for July 22; Apple’s foldable iPhone is expected in September.

      Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra Design Comparrisons Leaked

      After when the wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 was spotted in the wild for the first time, and with the leaked replica of an iPhone Ultra/Fold, new images of Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra design models seem to highlight exactly how different Samsung’s new foldables might be from each other. The side-by-side photo of the low-quality replicas strongly suggests that picking between the wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the narrower Fold 8 Ultra will come down to personal preference.

      Form Factor Differences and New Trends

      This emphasises the massive differences in the form factor that the new, wider Fold is expected to bring. While the Fold 8 Ultra is said to be more or less identical to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, the design of the Fold 8 follows the new trend that more or less every phone-maker will be jumping on in 2026-2027. It is largely believed that Samsung went down the wider Fold path due mainly to Apple’s decision to make the upcoming foldable iPhone wider.

      Competition Arrives and Release Timeline

      However, Huawei has beat both tech giants to the punch by releasing the wide Huawei Pura X Max months earlier. The wider Fold 8 and also the Fold 8 Ultra are expected to break cover on July 22, when Samsung is rumored to be holding its next Unpacked event. Meanwhile, the foldable iPhone (Ultra) is said to launch in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series, Ice Universe has reported.

       

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    • Replica White iPhone Ultra Leaks: Curvy Design, Dual Cameras

      Replica White iPhone Ultra Leaks: Curvy Design, Dual Cameras

      Key Takeaway

      – iPhone 18 Pro design colors have reportedly been revealed.
      – A low-quality replica of the foldable iPhone Ultra has surfaced in white.
      – The foldable iPhone is expected in only two colors: space gray/black and silver/white.
      – The dummy unit shows a glued-on camera plateau, likely not the final design.

      Initial Look at Foldable iPhone Replica

      Following our frist look at iPhone 18 Pro design units, which revealed the colors Apple is reportedly going with this year, we now have our frist look at what seems to be a low-quality replica of the foldable iPhone Ultra. The images reveal the model in white, which is indeed one of two expected colors for the foldable iPhone, as Apple is said to be planning to stay away from fun colors and stick to more traditional space gray/black and silver/white for its first foldable device.

      Camera Bump and Design Anomalies

      What stands out in the leaked dummy image (which we upscaled using AI) is that the iPhone Air-like camera plateau seems to be glued onto the back of the dummy unit. Of course, this approach to the camera bump installation should be far from the final design. Unless new Apple CEO John Ternus has a twisted sense of humor and wants to sell the camera separately, theres a chance this is just a prototype or a knockoff.

      • White color option confirmed by multiple sources
      • Space gray/black also likely for launch
      • Camera bump appears seperate from main body
      • Low-quality replica suggests early testing phase

      Price and Release Date Expectations

      Pricing for the foldable iPhone Ultra is expected to start at around $2,499 for the base storage configuration, which is 256GB. It will feature a 7.6-inch foldable OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, and a dual-lens camera system with 48MP main sensor. The battery is said to be 4,500mAh with support for 30W fast charging. Apple is rumored to launch this device in late 2026, though supply chain constraints could push it into early 2027.

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    • Early MediaTek Dimensity 7500 benchmark shows big CPU upgrade

      Early MediaTek Dimensity 7500 benchmark shows big CPU upgrade

      Key Takeaway

      – Dimensity 7500 delivers ~20% CPU performance boost over Dimensity 7400.
      – Geekbench 6 scores: 1,243 single-core and 3,569 multi-core.
      – First device to feature the chipset is the Vivo S60 Vitality Edition.

      MediaTek’s New Dimensity 7500 Brings Real Changes

      MediaTek recently introduced its latest chipset, the Dimensity 7500. The new chipset is a direct successor to last year’s Dimensity 7400 and features ARM’s new C1 cores, but how does it perform. As seen on Geekbench aboard Vivo’s newly announced S60 Vitality Edition, the Dimensity 7500 does outperform the chipset it replaces.

      Comparing benchmark scores directly

      So, like, the SoC delivers a single-core score of 1,243 and a multi-core score of 3,569 on Geekbench 6. Comparatively, the Dimensity 7400, aboard the Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G, scored 1,050 and 2,939 in our tests. That’s a big jump if you ask me. Those numbers represent about a 20% CPU performance boost over the last-gen chipset.

      Efficiency gains from the new core design

      Most would consider that a solid generational leap in performance, and about on par with MediaTek’s stated numbers. More interesting, however, will be seeing how the Dimensity 7500 performs efficiency-wise, with the move from the Dimensity 7400’s Cortex A78 and Cortex A55 cores to the new C1 cores representing a multi-generational advancement in core technology. This kinda stuff always matters more in real life.

      First device and its pricing details

      The Vivo S60 Vitality Edition tested will, of course, be the first device to be powered by this new chipset. The sub-premium phone was announced days ago in China alongside the Vivo T5, with pricing starting at CNY 2,899 (~$430). That is a very interesting price point for what your getting. Expect more devices to follow soon with all these new features.

      • Single-core score: 1,243
      • Multi-core score: 3,569
      • Pricing: CNY 2,899 (~$430)
      • Phone: Vivo S60 Vitality Edition


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