Category: Phones

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September 10, 2025

OnePlus 15 Leak: Enhanced Telephoto Camera and Optical Zoom Details

Key Takeaways

1. OnePlus will not partner with Hasselblad for its flagship models and will use its new DetailMax Engine in the OnePlus 15.
2. The OnePlus 15 is rumored to feature a 50 MP telephoto lens with an f/2.8 aperture and a focal length of 85 mm, improving optical zoom capabilities.
3. Compared to the OnePlus 13’s telephoto lens, the OnePlus 15 may offer better zoom but potentially weaker low-light performance due to its larger aperture.
4. The OnePlus 15 is expected to be cheaper than the OnePlus 13, as the company has reduced component costs.
5. Enhanced camera features and a lower price may make the OnePlus 15 a strong competitor to the Galaxy S26 series.

OnePlus has recently highlighted the photography features of its soon-to-be-released flagship smartphone by sharing sample images taken with the device. In doing so, the brand has announced it will no longer partner with Hasselblad for its flagship models, opting instead for its new DetailMax Engine in the OnePlus 15.

Specifications Leak

While no specifications have been officially disclosed for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 smartphone, a recent leak from Digital Chat Station, a trusted tipster on Weibo, suggests an important sensor improvement. According to the leak, the OnePlus 15 will feature a 50 MP telephoto lens with an f/2.8 aperture and an equivalent focal length of 85 mm.

Comparison to OnePlus 13

In contrast, the OnePlus 13 is equipped with a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens that has a 73 mm equivalent focal length. The increase in focal length may indicate that the telephoto camera on the new flagship could provide optical zoom between 3.5x and 3.7x. This would mark a significant upgrade from the 3x zoom available on the current model, which is priced at $929.99 for the 512 GB variant on Amazon.

Low-Light Capabilities

However, the OnePlus 13’s telephoto lens has a larger aperture of f/1.6. The rumored f/2.8 sensor might imply a downgrade for low-light shooting. Nevertheless, combined with AI improvements, the new DetailMax Engine could address this concern, potentially making the telephoto sensor on the OnePlus 15 a true upgrade.

In other news, the OnePlus 15 is anticipated to be offered at a lower price than its predecessor, as the company is said to have reduced the cost of many components. If this is accurate, the combination of a more affordable price and enhanced camera features may position the new flagship as a strong competitor to the Galaxy S26 series.

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Tags: DetailMax Engine, Hasselblad, OnePlus 15
September 10, 2025

Realme GT 8 Pro Leak: 200MP Periscope Camera from New Partner

Key Takeaways

1. Realme is collaborating with Ricoh to enhance the camera capabilities of the upcoming Realme GT 8 Pro.
2. The smartphone will feature a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide camera, and a 200MP periscope telephoto camera.
3. Ricoh’s “negative film” filters may be included, but it’s unclear if advanced features from the Ricoh GR IV will be available.
4. The device is expected to have a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 7,000mAh battery with 120W charging.
5. The Realme GT 8 will offer good performance and display quality at a lower price by cutting costs primarily on camera components.

The upcoming Realme GT 8 Pro is said to be receiving major upgrades in its camera department, as Realme may be collaborating with a new camera company. In a similar way to partnerships like Sony with Zeiss, Oppo with Hasselblad, or Xiaomi with Leica, it seems Realme is teaming up with Ricoh to enhance its flagship smartphone with superior cameras and new photography capabilities.

Camera Specifications

According to the latest scoop from the trustworthy leaker Digital Chat Station, Realme will incorporate a triple-camera setup. This includes a 50MP main camera featuring a larger sensor, a 50MP ultrawide camera, and a 200MP periscope telephoto camera. This configuration is anticipated to include Ricoh’s “negative film” filters, which are already familiar to users of the Ricoh GR III Diary Edition (priced from $1,459 on Amazon). However, it’s not clear if Ricoh will bring over some of the more exciting features from the Ricoh GR IV, like the built-in ND filter for optimal shutter speed during video recording in bright conditions, or the Snap Focus feature that allows for a preset focus distance to minimize shutter lag.

Additional Features

The Realme GT 8 Pro is also expected to sport a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 165Hz, along with a battery boasting a capacity of at least 7,000mAh. This battery can be charged through USB-C at speeds of up to 120 watts. Rumors suggest that the smartphone will be driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. As per Digital Chat Station, the more budget-friendly Realme GT 8 will not compromise much in terms of performance, display quality, or battery life, as Realme is primarily reducing costs on the camera components to offer the device at a lower price point.

Conclusion

In summary, the Realme GT 8 Pro is shaping up to be a noteworthy device with impressive specifications and potential camera advancements thanks to its partnership with Ricoh. As more details emerge, it will be interesting to see how these features translate into real-world performance and user experience.

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Tags: Realme GT 8 Pro, Smartphone Cameras
September 10, 2025

Xiaomi Dismisses Popular Redmi Executive Over Misconduct Allegations

Key Takeaways

1. Wang Teng, a prominent Weibo user, has been a key figure in sharing official Redmi teasers until August 2025.
2. He expressed “deep sadness” over his departure from the Redmi brand.
3. Xiaomi dismissed Wang Teng for a significant violation of company rules, specifically for leaking confidential information.
4. Wang Teng admitted to making mistakes and feels “deeply ashamed” of his actions.
5. The recipients of the leaked information remain unknown, and a notable leaker posted a sad emoji in response.

If there’s been one Weibo user who has been leading the way with the most captivating official Redmi teasers over the past few years, it’s Wang Teng – but that’s changed now.

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The executive had been sharing updates right up until August 2025, keeping Redmi enthusiasts informed about the new HyperOS beta. But his final post expressed his “deep sadness” about departing from the brand.

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Xiaomi has dismissed Wang Teng (often called Wang Teng Thomas) for a significant violation of its rules and conduct. The company has now confirmed that its former staff member was let go for leaking confidential information.

Wang Teng has admitted that he has “made mistakes in the past” and feels “deeply ashamed,” ready to deal with the repercussions of his actions.

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The recipients of his supposedly leaked information are still a mystery to the public. However, in what might be an unrelated event, well-known leaker Digital Chat Station posted a single sad emoji on Weibo.

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Tags: HyperOS, Xiaomi
September 8, 2025

Honor Launches Play10: Affordable Smartphone with Android Go and 5,000 mAh Battery

Key Takeaways

1. The Honor Play10 4G features a MediaTek Helio G81 processor, up to 4 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of expandable storage.
2. It has a 6.74-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels and weighs approximately 189 grams.
3. The smartphone is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, supporting 10 W wired charging, and includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a fingerprint sensor.
4. The device offers IP52 water resistance, WiFi 5, and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, and runs on Android Go edition.
5. Color options include ocean cyan, starry purple, and midnight black, but pricing and availability details have not been announced.

The Honor Play10C was introduced just a month ago. Now, Honor has introduced a new budget-friendly smartphone in its Play line, called the Play10 4G. This 4G model is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G81 processor, along with up to 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory, which can be expanded to a massive 1 TB using a microSD card.

Display and Design

On its front, the Honor Play10 4G features a 6.74-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels. The dimensions of the device are 167.7 x 77.7 x 8.55 mm (6.60 x 3.05 x 0.33 inches), and it has a weight of approximately 189 grams (0.41 lbs). When it comes to cameras, there is a 5 MP shooter on the front and a 13 MP lens on the back for selfies and video calls.

Battery and Features

One of the standout features of this budget-friendly phone is its 5,000 mAh battery. The company claims it can handle 10 W wired charging (Anker Nano Pro 20 W USB-C charger currently priced at $13.99 on Amazon). Additional features of the Play10 4G include a 3.5 mm headphone jack, a fingerprint sensor, IP52 water resistance, WiFi 5 (ac), and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. In terms of software, this 4G smartphone comes with the Android Go edition pre-installed, but the brand has not provided any information about future software support, suggesting updates may not be possible.

Color Options and Pricing

Customers can pick from ocean cyan, starry purple, and midnight black colors. As of now, the company has not disclosed any pricing or availability information for the Honor Play10 4G model.

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Tags: Budget smartphone, MediaTek Helio G81
September 8, 2025

iPhone 17 Battery Capacity Benefits for eSIM Models Revealed

Key Takeaways

1. Apple is expected to utilize the space where the SIM card slot used to be in the iPhone 17 series, potentially increasing battery capacity.
2. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max may have about 5% larger battery capacity than previous models, while the base iPhone 17 may not see a similar increase.
3. The iPhone 17 Pro’s battery is projected to be 18.6% larger than the iPhone 16 Pro’s battery.
4. The iPhone 17 Air is likely to become slimmer at 0.22 inches, but its battery capacity may decrease by nearly 50%.
5. There are conflicting reports regarding the battery capacities, with some discrepancies noted in a leaked document from a South Korean mobile provider.

In the United States, iPhones have been without a SIM card slot for three years now. Up until this point, Apple hasn’t utilized this extra area, but that seems to be changing this year. This insight comes from a Chinese battery certification, as shared by the well-known Apple insider ShrimpApplePro on X. Therefore, it is likely to be quite credible. The iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, which lack a physical SIM slot, are expected to provide about 5% more battery capacity compared to the models with a traditional SIM card tray.

Battery Capacity Changes

It appears that only the base model of the iPhone 17 will not gain a larger battery with the eSIM version, suggesting that Apple might not have invested the same effort in this case. There’s still no confirmation about whether European customers will receive the eSIM-only versions of the iPhone 17 series for the first time, although there have been some indications pointing to this possibility. Overall, the battery capacity is set to increase by a few percentage points compared to previous models, especially for the iPhone 17 Pro, which will feature a battery that is 18.6% larger than that of the current iPhone 16 Pro. The unofficial successor to the iPhone 16 Plus, likely named iPhone 17 Air, will see a reduction of nearly 50% in capacity but will become slimmer at just 0.22 inches in thickness.

Conflicting Information

These figures differ from those that appeared over the weekend in a leaked specification document from a South Korean mobile provider. In situations like this, we would generally trust the latest certification more. It’s possible that the Korean leak only referred to estimated figures in the related comparison chart.

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Tags: battery capacity, eSIM, iPhone 17
September 8, 2025

Onyx Boox Palma: Compact E Ink Smartphone with Color Display and LTE

Key Takeaways

1. The upcoming Boox Palma model will feature a color screen and built-in LTE modem, enhancing its functionality.
2. Specific details about features, pricing, and release date for the new model are still unconfirmed by the manufacturer.
3. The current Boox Palma 2 has a 6.13-inch E Ink display, Android OS, and a fingerprint sensor for easy unlocking.
4. E Ink technology has limitations in color range and animation capabilities compared to LCD or OLED displays.
5. The new Boox Palma could redefine pocket-sized devices, appealing to users seeking both e-reading and smartphone features.

The Onyx Boox Palma 2 has quickly become one of the top choices for pocket-sized e-readers. Recently, The Verge had a sneak preview of an upcoming model from Boox Palma, which boasts two major enhancements: a color screen and an LTE modem built right in. There’s also an opening above the display that could potentially accommodate a speaker, turning the e-reader into something resembling a smartphone.

Awaiting Confirmation on Specs

So far, the manufacturer has not revealed any specifics about the features, pricing, or when we can expect the next version of the Boox Palma to hit the market. The new device appears to be about the same size as the current Boox Palma 2, which has a 6.13-inch display, making it smaller than a lot of smartphones out there. The Palma 2 runs on Android, which allows users to download third-party applications, and the fingerprint sensor on the lock button provides a fast and easy way to unlock the device. The E Ink display is designed to be easily readable even in bright sunlight, and it also includes a front light for nighttime reading.

Limitations of E Ink Technology

While modern E Ink screens are great, they don’t show nearly as many colors as LCD or OLED displays, and they can only handle animations and videos with some limitations. This might make the new Boox Palma smartphone ideal for those who want to limit distractions from social media applications. However, it seems that this model does not include a selfie camera, and there is still uncertainty about whether features like an NFC chip for contactless payments will be part of the package.

The Future of E-Readers

The Verge is keeping an eye on this exciting development in the e-reader market, as the Boox Palma could set a new standard for what pocket-sized devices can do. With its innovative features and compact design, it has the potential to attract a range of users looking for both e-reading and smartphone capabilities.

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Tags: color e-reader, E Ink Display
September 8, 2025

Apple iPhone 17: Detailed Look at New Crossbody Strap Design

Key Takeaways

1. The new crossbody strap for the iPhone 17 series is made from braided nylon and attaches through fabric loops.
2. It can be connected to Apple’s TechWoven Case and the redesigned clear case, despite the absence of specific mounting points on the iPhone 17.
3. The strap length is adjustable to fit different body sizes, and it will likely come in multiple colors beyond the shown orange.
4. Crossbody straps are popular for easy carrying of smartphones, especially for users without pockets and photography enthusiasts.
5. While similar straps are available for around $10, Apple’s version is expected to be more expensive and will be announced on September 9.

Apple’s latest crossbody strap for the iPhone 17 series was first seen in images back in April. Recently, SonnyDickson shared two more pictures that reportedly reveal the details of this strap. The strap seems to be crafted from braided nylon and attaches to the iPhone through two slender fabric loops.

Attachment and Compatibility

Even though the iPhone 17 does not have specific mounting points for the strap, it is anticipated that it can be connected to both Apple’s TechWoven Case and the newly redesigned clear case. Users can adjust the length of the crossbody strap to accommodate various body sizes. The images show an orange version of the strap, but Apple is likely to provide a wider range of colors, which may include green, brown, blue, purple, and black.

Popularity Among Users

Crossbody straps are favored by many users as they allow for easy smartphone carrying, even when wearing outfits without suitable pockets. Additionally, photography and video fans find these straps useful since they enable quicker access to the smartphone camera without needing to dig it out of a pocket.

Market Comparison and Expectations

The idea of a crossbody strap for smartphones isn’t exactly new, with many similar items available on Amazon for about $10. It is fair to predict that Apple’s official version will come with a significantly higher price. The strap is likely to be officially announced on Tuesday, September 9, alongside the iPhone 17 series.

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Tags: iPhone 17, smartphone accessories
September 8, 2025

Galaxy S26 Pro vs Xiaomi 16 Pro: New Bezel Renders Revealed

Key Takeaways

1. UniverseIce criticizes Samsung for minimal advancements in bezel size on the Galaxy S26 Pro compared to the Xiaomi 16 Pro.
2. The lack of innovation in Samsung’s Galaxy S series is highlighted, with the Galaxy S25 sharing the same rear camera as the Galaxy S22.
3. Samsung’s battery upgrade in the Galaxy S25 is only 100 mAh over its predecessor, while competitors like Xiaomi offer significantly larger batteries.
4. Design changes in the Galaxy S25 are minor, with the Galaxy S26 Pro expected to have no major design updates either.
5. If Samsung continues to lag in innovation, it risks losing market position to competitive Chinese brands like Xiaomi.

Aside from spilling a lot of secrets about upcoming phone models, the leaker UniverseIce is also quite critical of Samsung, especially when it comes to the issues and lack of new ideas in the Galaxy S smartphones. In their newest review, UniverseIce points out that Samsung has made “minimal advancements” regarding the bezels on the Galaxy S26 Pro.

Bezels Compared

The leaker provides images to pit the bezels of the Galaxy S26 Pro against the “most cutting-edge technology” found in the Xiaomi 16 Pro. The insufficient reduction in the bezel size of the Galaxy S26 Pro is believed to be due to cost-cutting measures and an attempt to align with the iPhone 17 Pro’s design.

Even though bezel size alone isn’t likely to sway the sales of the Galaxy S26 Pro, UniverseIce suggests that the global sales of the Xiaomi 16 series could “directly challenge the Galaxy S26 Pro and S26 Edge for the first time.” The leaker also believes this could lead the Xiaomi 16 Pro to become “the top-selling non-Ultra flagship Android device.”

Samsung’s Strategy Under Scrutiny

We can’t definitively say that the Xiaomi 16 Pro will indeed become the leading non-Ultra Android smartphone, but Samsung’s approach doesn’t exactly fill us with assurance. For example, the Galaxy S25 shares the same rear camera setup as the Galaxy S22, which was released back in 2022. Additionally, the Galaxy S25 is equipped with a 4,000 mAh battery, which is only a slight upgrade of 100 mAh over the Galaxy S23 from 2023, while competing models feature much larger batteries. The Xiaomi 15, for instance, boasts a 5,240 mAh battery.

Design Stagnation

The same criticism holds true for the design aspect. Samsung hasn’t made significant changes to the Galaxy S25’s look compared to the Galaxy S23. Rumors indicate that the Galaxy S26 Pro isn’t likely to bring about any major design changes either.

In essence, Samsung seems to have settled for merely keeping pace with Apple. The company’s rate of innovation, as highlighted by UniverseIce’s latest comments on the Galaxy S26 Pro’s bezel size, falls short in the face of competition from Chinese brands. If the South Korean giant doesn’t address this issue, it wouldn’t be surprising to witness the Galaxy S series slipping further down the ranks of the best smartphones available.

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Tags: Galaxy S26 Pro, Smartphone Innovation, Xiaomi 16 Pro
September 8, 2025

Xiaomi 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Design Changes Revealed

Key Takeaways

1. The Xiaomi 16 will feature very slim display bezels due to LIPO technology.
2. Recent renderings of the Xiaomi 16’s design have been shared by trusted leaker Ice Universe.
3. The Xiaomi 16 is expected to have the roundest corners in smartphone history, surpassing Apple’s iPhones.
4. Comparisons with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra show that the Xiaomi 16 has a more rounded design.
5. The Xiaomi 16 series is anticipated to launch by the end of September, with rumors of three possible release dates.

The Xiaomi 16 is set to come with very slim display bezels, thanks to LIPO technology, a topic that has been discussed for months. Recently, the first renderings claiming to show this design have appeared. These images, while not from Xiaomi directly, come from Ice Universe, who is known as one of the most trustworthy leakers this decade.

Comparisons with Samsung Galaxy S26 Series

In recent days, the first CAD models of the Samsung Galaxy S26 series were released, highlighting the varied design of its Galaxy S25 successors. Now, we can compare the front designs of the two Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 flagship phones, although these comparisons are not based on official images, of course.

Design Differences

The image above illustrates the differences between the front design of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (on the left) and the Xiaomi 16 (on the right). Ice Universe claims that the Xiaomi 16 will have even more rounded corners than Apple’s iPhones, making it stand out with the roundest corners in smartphone history. In comparison, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra has a rounded shape, it looks more angular when placed side by side.

Aesthetic Choices and Release Timeline

The rounded design is just one aspect of its look and is really a matter of personal preference. However, the noticeably thinner display bezels will be advantageous for users, and the Xiaomi 16 is expected to have a smaller camera punch-hole, which will likely be seen in the Xiaomi 16 Pro and Xiaomi 16 Pro Max as well, as noted by Ice Universe on Weibo. We are looking forward to the release of the Xiaomi 16 series, which is expected by the end of September this year; a leaker has recently pointed to three possible dates for the launch.

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Tags: LIPO technology, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Xiaomi 16
September 8, 2025

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra & Pro: New Design Renders Revealed

Key Takeaways

1. Major updates to the Galaxy lineup are expected in 2026, with leaks suggesting a potential renaming of the Galaxy S26 to Galaxy S26 Pro.
2. The Galaxy S26 series will maintain a similar look to previous models but will reintroduce a camera bump, while the Galaxy S26 Edge will have a significantly different design.
3. The Galaxy S26 series is moving towards slimmer profiles, with the Galaxy S26 Edge measuring 5.5 mm, S26 Pro at 6.7 mm, and S26 Ultra at 7.8 mm.
4. Design elements may be influenced by competitors, with the Galaxy S26 Air potentially reflecting features from the iPhone 17 Pro or Xiaomi’s Poco series.
5. Leaked CAD designs indicate a more rounded front display for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, and a dual-tone color option may be considered for the Galaxy S26 Edge.

Major updates to the Galaxy lineup are anticipated for 2026, as per previous Galaxy S26 leaks. Several of these updates have been circulating for a number of days, initially appearing as dummy models derived from CAD projections. Soon after, specific measurements leaked out, and more dummy models were observed. All of this indicates that while the compact Galaxy S26 flagship, which may be renamed to Galaxy S26 Pro, along with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, are likely to retain a similar appearance to their earlier versions—with the notable exception of a returning camera bump—the new model replacing the Galaxy S25 Edge is set to be quite different.

Design Inspirations

It’s unclear whether Samsung drew inspiration from the rumored iPhone 17 Pro design or from Xiaomi’s Poco series. Regardless, the next version of the Galaxy S25+, possibly named Galaxy S26 Air, appears to diverge from the current Galaxy aesthetic. This might indicate a move towards innovation or a strategy to mirror Apple’s designs. A recent leak reveals that the Galaxy S26 Edge will be a tad slimmer than its predecessor, measuring 5.5 mm instead of 5.8 mm. The Galaxy S26 Pro is expected to be even more streamlined, reducing from 7.2 mm to 6.7 mm, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to decrease in thickness from 8.2 mm to 7.8 mm.

Front Design Features

In the meantime, Ice Universe has shared insights into what the front of the Galaxy S26 Ultra may resemble, based on the leaked CAD designs. In comparison to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the most noticeable change is the more rounded design of the display corners, although this is only a relative change. For instance, you can see how the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s front design stacks up against the even more curved appearance of the anticipated Xiaomi 16 model.

High-definition render images of the Galaxy S26 Edge illustrate the probable design for Samsung’s slimmest flagship device. However, since these images are based on CAD models, it remains uncertain which color options Samsung will ultimately select. A dual-tone design could be a possibility, which Ice Universe has depicted in a shared post (see below). These inquiries will finally be clarified through official renderings or actual images of a Galaxy S26 Edge.

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Tags: Galaxy S26, Samsung, smartphone design