Category: Phones

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  • Samsung Developing New Cameras with Variable Aperture Technology

    Samsung Developing New Cameras with Variable Aperture Technology

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra may feature a variable-aperture camera, a technology not seen since the Galaxy S10 in 2019.
    2. Samsung’s variable-aperture camera development is primarily aimed at competing with flagship devices from Chinese brands and Apple.
    3. Apple plans to introduce a variable-aperture camera in the iPhone 19 Pro, set for release in 2027.
    4. Chinese brands, such as Xiaomi, are expected to launch high-end devices with variable apertures as early as late next year, while Huawei currently leads in this technology.
    5. Many manufacturers have moved away from variable apertures due to size and cost, but with stabilizing megapixel counts and sensor sizes, they are reconsidering it for high-end cameras.


    Rumors have been going around for quite a while that the next version of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will include a variable-aperture camera, marking its first appearance since the Galaxy S10 back in 2019. A recent report from ET News, which relies on insights from industry insiders, has confirmed that Samsung Electronics is working on such a camera. However, it seems that this technology is mainly aimed at flagship devices from Chinese brands and the Apple iPhone; it might not be available in time for the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s launch.

    Apple’s Plans for Variable Aperture

    Apple is reportedly looking into implementing a variable-aperture camera for the iPhone 19 Pro, targeted for a 2027 release. In contrast, Chinese smartphone brands like Xiaomi may introduce several high-end devices featuring variable apertures as soon as the latter half of next year. At present, Huawei is the leading brand incorporating variable apertures into their smartphones. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s main camera still utilizes a fixed aperture of f/1.6, limiting its capabilities.

    The Challenges of Fixed Apertures

    The combination of a relatively large 1-inch sensor with a fixed aperture leads to a shallow depth of field, which can hinder the ability to capture sharp images of the entire subject. This is particularly problematic in landscape or group photography where objects are in both the foreground and background. According to ET News, many manufacturers have moved away from using variable apertures over recent years due to the increased size and cost they bring to camera systems. However, as the megapixel trend stabilizes at 200 MP and the sensor sizes have plateaued at 1-inch sensors, companies are now reevaluating variable apertures as the next significant advancement for high-end cameras.

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  • iPhone 17 Series Charging Issues with Older Third-Party Bricks

    iPhone 17 Series Charging Issues with Older Third-Party Bricks

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone 17 series introduces the 40W Dynamic Power Adapter, capable of briefly delivering up to 60W for faster charging.

    2. The Dynamic Power Adapter is the first to use the adjustable voltage source (AVS) from the USB-PD 3.2 standard.

    3. Charging tests showed the adapter could sustain 60W output for up to 18 minutes before smoothly transitioning back to 40W.

    4. The adapter does not support some USB-C standards like PPS or Qualcomm QuickCharge 4.0, limiting compatibility with certain devices.

    5. The charger can enable 4K output for docked Nintendo Switch 2, which typically requires 60W of power.


    Apple has introduced the iPhone 17 series, which are the first phones to work with the new 40W Dynamic Power Adapter, capable of reaching up to 60W. This charger, as its title implies, can briefly provide 60 watts (W) to compatible devices. However, it generally settles back to 40W for most of the charging process, helping to reduce overall charging times.

    Innovative Charging Technology

    This Dynamic Power Adapter represents a significant step forward, being the first to implement the adjustable voltage source (AVS) version of the universal USB-PD 3.2 standard. A Reddit user named privaterbok showcased this in a charging experiment using the new charger.

    At present (September 17, 2025), it wasn’t possible to test the USB PD 3.2 AVS with the iPhone 17 models since they are still in the pre-order phase. The Adapter, however, is available on Amazon for $39.

    Performance Insights

    Privaterbok reported that the Dynamic Power Adapter successfully charged a MacBook Air at 60W, even though it was recognized as a 40W source. The charger maintained its peak performance while connected to a small portable power station, sustaining the high output for up to 18 minutes before transitioning “smoothly” back to 40W without sudden voltage drops.

    Interestingly, the 40W Dynamic Power Adapter managed to stay relatively cool, reaching a temperature of 62°C, even though it is the smallest mobile charger Apple has ever created.

    Limitations and Compatibility

    The Reddit user used a multimeter and found that this accessory does not support some common USB-C charging standards like PPS or Qualcomm QuickCharge 4.0. This means it might not charge all USB-C devices in the best possible way.

    On a positive note, it was reported that the charger allowed a docked Nintendo Switch 2 to output in 4K, which is typically not possible unless it receives 60W of USB-PD power.

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  • Apple iPhone Air Battery Life Test Reveals Impressive Performance

    Apple iPhone Air Battery Life Test Reveals Impressive Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone Air is ultra-thin at 5.6 mm and lightweight at 165 g, showcasing advanced technology in its design.
    2. It has a smaller 3,149 mAh battery compared to the standard iPhone 17’s 3,692 mAh and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge’s 3,900 mAh.
    3. Battery performance is decent, lasting about 3 hours and 11 minutes while gaming and up to 9.5 hours for social media usage.
    4. Users may sacrifice battery life and features like dual cameras and stereo speakers for the sleek design of the iPhone Air.
    5. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge offers a larger battery and more features at a competitive price, making it a potentially better choice for performance-focused users.


    The latest Apple iPhone Air, often referred to as the iPhone 17 Air by many, is generating a lot of buzz as one of Apple’s most thrilling devices in recent years. With a thickness of just 5.6 mm and weighing only 165 g, the iPhone Air is filled with advanced technology in a remarkably slim and lightweight design. However, physics has its limits, and Apple made some compromises along the way. The battery capacity is one of the most noticeable sacrifices.

    Battery Specifications

    The iPhone Air features a smaller 3,149 mAh battery. For comparison, the standard iPhone 17 has a 3,692 mAh battery, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge boasts a 3,900 mAh power source. Nonetheless, even with its relatively modest battery size, the iPhone Air is said to provide decent battery performance.

    According to Dave2D, the Apple iPhone Air can last about 3 hours and 11 minutes while playing Genshin Impact at 600 nits brightness. In more everyday usage, such as browsing social media apps like Reddit, Dave2D found that it can provide up to 9.5 hours of active use. In contrast, the standard iPhone 17, equipped with its larger 3,692 mAh battery, lasts around 5 hours while gaming and just over 13 hours for social media use.

    Trade-offs in Design

    Opting for the iPhone Air means sacrificing a significant amount of battery life for the sake of its ultra-thin design. However, this reduced longevity might not be a major concern for users who don’t rely heavily on their devices. On the other hand, the lack of features such as dual cameras and stereo speakers could be a drawback. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge includes these features, comes with a battery that is 24% larger, and is currently available for only $699.99 on Amazon. In fact, we awarded the Galaxy S25 Edge a Top-Rated Award in our review.

    So, while it’s almost certain that Apple will have strong sales for the iPhone Air, if you’re in the market for a super slim and lightweight smartphone, the Galaxy S25 Edge appears to be the superior option, at least theoretically.

    Conclusion

    In summary, the Apple iPhone Air is an impressive feat of engineering, making sacrifices in battery life and features for a sleek design. Many users will find it attractive, but for those who value performance and features, the Galaxy S25 Edge may be the better choice.

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  • Xiaomi Unveils Affordable Redmi 15 with UK Pricing

    Xiaomi Unveils Affordable Redmi 15 with UK Pricing

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Redmi 15 is priced at $204.99 and is now available in the UK, but it should not be confused with the Redmi 15 5G.
    2. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset, which is less powerful than the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 in the Redmi 15 5G.
    3. The phone features a large 7,000 mAh battery with 33 W wired charging support.
    4. It has a 6.9-inch IPS display with 1080p resolution, 144 Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of 850 nits.
    5. The starting price is £159 for 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, with a higher option of 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage for an additional £30.


    Xiaomi has begun offering the Redmi 15 in the UK after it was first introduced last month, currently priced at $204.99 on Amazon. It’s important to note that this model should not be confused with the Redmi 15 5G. While they share a similar design, the Redmi 15 is equipped with a notably less powerful chipset compared to the 5G version. The one-pager below points out that the Redmi 15 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset, which we have seen in several Xiaomi devices over the years.

    Performance Comparison

    For context, the Snapdragon 685 does not compare favorably to the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 found in the Redmi 15 5G according to our benchmark tests. Nevertheless, the Redmi 15 features an impressive 7,000 mAh battery that supports 33 W wired charging. Additionally, the phone boasts a 6.9-inch IPS display capable of 1080p resolution, with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, peak brightness of 850 nits, and DC dimming support.

    Camera and Pricing Details

    Despite its looks, Xiaomi only promotes the Redmi 15 as having a 50 MP main camera, along with an 8 MP front camera. Xiaomi has stated that the starting price for the Redmi 15 will be £159, which comes with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. Alternatively, customers can opt for a model with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage for an additional £30. However, the company has not disclosed when the Redmi 15 will have a full release, and it is currently not listed on Xiaomi’s UK website. For further information regarding the Redmi 15, please check Xiaomi’s global website.

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  • New Motorola Smartphone Details Surface After Edge 70 Leak

    New Motorola Smartphone Details Surface After Edge 70 Leak

    Key Takeaways

    1. Motorola is working on a new smartphone with the model number XT2605-3, codenamed ‘Avenger’.
    2. The Edge 60 Neo features the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, similar to the Razr 60.
    3. The Edge 60 series includes multiple models: Edge 60 Neo, Edge 60 Stylus, and Edge 60 Pro.
    4. The Avenger device is expected to launch sometime next year.
    5. There are no solid links yet connecting the Avenger to the Edge 70 series.


    Leaker Paras Guglani has found some early signs that could point to one of Motorola’s upcoming Edge smartphones. To give you some background, the company has recently launched the Edge 60 Neo, which features the same MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset that we’ve previously tested in the Razr 60 (currently priced at $599 on Amazon). However, the Edge 60 Neo is just one of several phones in the Edge 60 series, which also includes the Edge 60 Stylus and the Edge 60 Pro.

    Discovery of New Device

    Guglani has come across information about Motorola working on a new device with the model number XT2605-3. So far, this device has only been listed in IMEI databases. Still, this hints that Motorola has given the device the codename ‘Avenger’, which we think might show up in more leaks before it is officially released.

    Future Launch Expectations

    Additionally, the model number and codename suggest that Motorola plans to introduce the Avenger sometime next year. For reference, the design for the Edge 70 series was leaked in the spring. Because of this, Guglani believes that Avenger might be the next version of either the Edge 70 or the Edge 70 Pro. At this moment, however, there’s no concrete evidence linking Avenger to the Edge 70 series.

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  • iQoo 15: New Video Reveals Color Options for Android Flagship

    iQoo 15: New Video Reveals Color Options for Android Flagship

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iQoo 15 features a unique color-changing rear panel that shifts from a uniform tone to bright red based on light exposure.
    2. It will be launched in the third quarter of 2025, alongside traditional black and white color options.
    3. The front design includes a “True 2K” display made by Samsung, offering higher resolution and reduced power consumption.
    4. iQoo claims the iQoo 15 could have the best display for several years, surpassing competitors like the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
    5. There are speculations that it may feature a 144Hz display, potentially matching or exceeding the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s technology.


    The iQoo 15 features a brand new rear panel that has been hinted at in earlier leaks, but it’s not just a simple design. Instead of being fixed, this innovative finish can shift colors, transforming sections of the glass from a uniform tone to a bright, eye-catching red, depending on how the light hits it.

    Unique Launching Plans

    This special color-changing model of the flagship Android phone was reportedly shown in a new short video. It’s expected to be released along with more conventional black and white options in the third quarter of 2025.

    Impressive Front Design

    On the front, the iQoo 15 promises to be just as striking, as confirmed by company executive Galant V, who stated it will feature a “True 2K” display made by Samsung.

    This next-generation “Everest Screen” will boast a higher resolution compared to the approximately 1.5K display of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and is touted to consume up to 40% less power than that of the 16 Pro Max.

    Market Leader in Display Technology

    Due to these advancements, iQoo claims that the 15 could have the finest display available, not just for 2025/26, but “for the next few years” beyond that.

    Some believe that it may even be a 144Hz version of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra’s display, which suggests that this claim may hold some truth rather than being an empty statement.

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  • Xiaomi 15T Leak Shows Features Before Global Release

    Xiaomi 15T Leak Shows Features Before Global Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi 15T Pro confirmed as the successor to the Xiaomi 14T Pro.
    2. The Xiaomi 15T series will likely include multiple models, not just the Pro version.
    3. Leaked details reveal the Xiaomi 15T will have a 6.83-inch display, 120 Hz refresh rate, and a 5,500 mAh battery.
    4. The Xiaomi 15T is expected to feature a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset and Leica-tuned cameras.
    5. The Xiaomi 15T is anticipated to launch on September 24 with a starting price of €649.


    The upcoming Xiaomi 15T series is no longer a secret, and neither are many other gadgets that Xiaomi is set to unveil at the same launch event. Earlier this week, we mentioned that devices like the OpenWear Stereo Pro, Redmi Pad 2 Pro, and Watch S4 41 mm will also be showcased. However, it is important to note that Xiaomi has confirmed that the Pad Mini will not be part of this lineup, nor will it be associated with the Xiaomi 15T series.

    Confirmation of the Xiaomi 15T Pro

    Xiaomi has officially acknowledged the Xiaomi 15T Pro as the successor to last year’s Xiaomi 14T Pro (which is currently priced at $608 on Amazon). Despite this, the frequent references to a Xiaomi 15T series suggest that more than one model is in the works. Various leaks have pointed to the existence of both the Xiaomi 15T and the Xiaomi 15T Pro, not just the Pro model.

    Leaked Details and Specifications

    Recently, Abhishek Yadav posted an image that seems to show a retail unit of the Xiaomi 15T, encased in the protective plastic that Xiaomi typically provides with its products. This image supports recent leaks indicating that the Xiaomi 15T will feature a 6.83-inch display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, alongside a 5,500 mAh battery and 67 W wired charging. It’s also expected to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset. Furthermore, the device is rumored to include Leica-tuned cameras. Currently, the Xiaomi 15T is anticipated to have a starting price of €649 and will launch on September 24 with the specified hardware.

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  • iPhone 17 Pro GPU Ray Tracing Stability vs iPhone 17 Test Results

    iPhone 17 Pro GPU Ray Tracing Stability vs iPhone 17 Test Results

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone 17 Pro features a new vapour chamber cooling system, enhancing thermal management for better performance.
    2. In a stress test, the iPhone 17 Pro scored a stability rating of 61.4%, while the iPhone 17 with the standard A19 chip scored 66.2%.
    3. The iPhone 17 Pro outperformed the iPhone 17 in Best loop scores (2,116 vs. 1,831), but the iPhone 17 Pro Max achieved the highest scores overall.
    4. The stability of the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro Max was nearly identical, indicating effective performance balancing by Apple.
    5. The iPhone 17 Air, with its less powerful A19 chip, performed worse than the base iPhone 17 model in benchmark tests.


    The iPhone 17 Pro has been introduced with various updates in terms of design, camera, and battery. One of the most significant enhancements is the new vapour chamber cooling system. This upgraded cooling technology is logical, especially since the A19 Pro chip is said to perform well, especially in graphics processing.

    Performance Review

    When popular YouTuber The Tech Chap reviewed the Apple iPhone 17 Air, it gave us a chance to see how the iPhone 17 Pro compares to other models from this year and the previous iPhone 16 Pro Max. During the 3DMark Solar Bay Extreme stress test, which lasts around 20 minutes and tests ray tracing performance over time, the iPhone 17 Pro with the advanced A19 Pro chip scored a stability rating of 61.4%. In contrast, the more budget-friendly iPhone 17 with the standard A19 chip achieved a stability score of 66.2%, which is clearly better.

    Score Comparisons

    The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro had similar Lowest loop scores, with figures of 1,211 and 1,298, respectively. However, when assessing the Best loop scores, there was a notable difference: the iPhone 17 scored 1,831 while the iPhone 17 Pro reached 2,116. This indicates that, although the A19 Pro chip is quite potent, users seeking top performance should consider the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This model recorded the highest Best and Lowest loop scores of 2,139 and 1,440, respectively, with an overall stability of 67.4%.

    Insights on Stability

    A fascinating finding from the benchmark tests is that the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro Max displayed nearly the same stability throughout the stress test. This implies that Apple has effectively balanced increased performance with better thermal management, as the differences are quite notable. The Best loop score for the iPhone 16 Pro Max at 1,421 is actually a tad lower than the Lowest loop score of the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

    If you’re curious about the performance of the iPhone 17 Air, the video primarily highlights it, and you can check it out through the link below. Analyzing the benchmark data from this test suggests that the slightly less powerful A19 Pro chip, which has one fewer GPU core in the iPhone 17 Air, performs even worse than the base model iPhone 17.

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  • Samsung Galaxy A17 4G Launching Soon for $175 with AMOLED Display

    Samsung Galaxy A17 4G Launching Soon for $175 with AMOLED Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Samsung Galaxy A17 4G is now available for purchase, priced at KSH 22,999 (around $177), with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage.
    2. The design is similar to the Galaxy A17 5G, featuring a slimmer chin and a pill-shaped camera module with a 50MP main camera, 5MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP sensor.
    3. It uses the MediaTek Helio G99 processor, the same as the Galaxy A16 4G, with performance cores boosting up to 2.2 GHz.
    4. The phone has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 1,080p+ resolution and a 90 Hz refresh rate, plus an IP54 rating for water resistance.
    5. It includes a 5,000 mAh battery with 25W charging, runs One UI 7 based on Android 17, and is promised six major Android updates and six years of security updates.


    Now that the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is readily accessible, a more affordable 4G variant is expected to be released shortly. The online retailer from Kenya, Gadgets Leo, has already put up the 4G version for sale, complete with images, feature descriptions, and pricing information.

    Pricing and Specifications

    This model, which comes with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, is listed at KSH 22,999 (around $177). Its design is mostly the same as that of the Galaxy A17 5G. When compared to the previous model, the Galaxy A17 4G seems to have a marginally slimmer chin below the display and features a pill-shaped camera module. Like the 5G version, this camera module includes a 50MP main camera, a 5 MP ultra-wide camera, and an unnecessary 2 MP sensor.

    Camera Features

    The 13 MP front camera is positioned in a central punch-hole. It’s unfortunate that Samsung is using the identical processor found in the Galaxy A16 4G: the MediaTek Helio G99, a 6 nm ARM chip from 2022. This processor has two ARM Cortex-A76 performance cores that can boost up to 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores that operate at up to 2.0 GHz.

    Display and Battery

    Samsung has equipped this mid-range phone with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display that offers a resolution of 1,080p+ and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. The device has an IP54 rating, meaning it can withstand splashes of water but is not fully waterproof. The 5,000 mAh battery supports charging via USB-C at a maximum of 25 watts. The Galaxy A17 4G will come pre-installed with One UI 7 based on Android 17 and is promised to receive six significant Android updates along with six years of security updates.

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  • Apple A19 Pro GPU Benchmarks Show 40% Upgrade Over A18 Pro

    Apple A19 Pro GPU Benchmarks Show 40% Upgrade Over A18 Pro

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple has launched the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max with the new A19 Pro chipset, showing significant GPU improvements.
    2. The A19 Pro scored 6,557 on the 3DMark WildLife Extreme benchmark, a 35% increase over the A18 Pro’s score of 4,812.
    3. Despite improvements, the A19 Pro still lags behind competitors like the Dimensity 9400 and Snapdragon 8 Elite, which scored 7,003 and 7,156, respectively.
    4. The A19 Pro excels in ray-tracing tests, achieving a score of 2,411, a 50% improvement over the A18 Pro and outperforming competitors in this area.
    5. Overall, while the A19 Pro shows a 40% boost in GPU performance from the A18 Pro, it faces tough competition in raw performance from Snapdragon and Dimensity chipsets.


    Apple has launched the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, both powered by the new A19 Pro chipset. Recent hands-on evaluations by prominent reviewers have showcased the GPU capabilities of this new system on chip (SoC).

    Performance Scores

    According to Xiaobai’s Tech Reviews, the A19 Pro achieved a score of 6,557 on the 3DMark WildLife Extreme benchmark. In contrast, last year’s iPhone 16 Pro Max, which uses the A18 Pro, managed a score of 4,812 on the same test. This shows an impressive 35% increase in GPU performance between the two generations.

    Competitive Landscape

    Interestingly, even though the A19 Pro shows a remarkable improvement over its predecessor, it still trails behind competitors like the Dimensity 9400 and Snapdragon 8 Elite. The Dimensity 9400 and Snapdragon 8 Elite scored 7,003 and 7,156, respectively. This gap is expected to grow as the newer Dimensity 9500 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 are set to launch next week.

    Ray Tracing and Other Tests

    On the other hand, the A19 Pro performs exceptionally well on demanding ray-tracing benchmarks like the Solar Bay Extreme test, where it scored 2,411 compared to the A18 Pro’s 1,612. This shows a 50% improvement. The Dimensity 9400 and Snapdragon 8 Elite fall short here too, with scores of 1,160 and 1,277, respectively.

    In the Steel Nomad Light test, the A19 Pro recorded a score of 2,956, surpassing the A18 Pro’s score of 2,102, reflecting a 40% advantage. For reference, a Snapdragon 8 Elite device, the OnePlus 13 (buy on Amazon), scored 2,599, while the Vivo X200 Pro, which runs on the Dimensity 9400, scored 2,495.

    Conclusion

    To sum up, the A19 Pro provides roughly a 40% boost in GPU performance when compared to the A18 Pro from last year. However, when pitted against the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400, there’s no clear winner due to the differences in benchmark performance, with the latter two exhibiting superior raw performance but lagging in ray-tracing capabilities.

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