Category: Phones

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  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus Satellite Messaging May Not Launch Globally

    Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus Satellite Messaging May Not Launch Globally

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus was launched on August 21 as the successor to the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus, with a current price of $419 on Amazon.
    2. Xiaomi also introduced the more affordable Redmi Note 15 5G and Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G alongside the Pro Plus model.
    3. The Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus Satellite Messaging Edition features the Beidou Communication Fusion Chip ZW8000s but is unlikely to have a global release.
    4. The Satellite Messaging Edition costs an additional CNY 100 (around $14) and is priced at CNY 2,399 (approximately $336) with limited memory options of 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage.
    5. The Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus is the first smartphone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4.


    The dust has barely settled after the launch of the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus. This new model was introduced on August 21 as a successor to the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus (currently priced at $419 on Amazon). Along with it, Xiaomi also unveiled the more affordable Redmi Note 15 5G and Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G. Right now, all three smartphones are anticipated to hit global markets in the next six months or so.

    Differences in Satellite Messaging Edition

    On the other hand, it seems unlikely that the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus Satellite Messaging Edition will follow the same global release path. This version was announced together with the regular Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus and is unique due to its specialized satellite messaging features. The hardware for this edition has been confirmed to use the Beidou Communication Fusion Chip ZW8000s, which suggests that a worldwide launch is not in the cards for this model.

    Unique Chip and Pricing

    Interestingly, the ZW8000s was created by China Mobile and is the first chip of its type found in a commercially available smartphone. The Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus Satellite Messaging Edition comes with an additional fee of CNY 100 (around $14) compared to its standard Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus version. However, Xiaomi limits the memory options for this edition to 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, making its price CNY 2,399 (approximately $336). For more information on the first smartphone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, check out our launch article on the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus.

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  • Apple iPhone 17 Air: Thinner Stealth Edition with No Cameras

    Apple iPhone 17 Air: Thinner Stealth Edition with No Cameras

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone 17 Air will replace the iPhone 16 Plus and is rumored to be the slimmest iPhone at 5.5 mm thick, launching on September 9.
    2. Caviar’s “Stealth Carbon Edition” is a special version of the iPhone 17 Air, limited to 19 units, featuring a carbon fiber back and no camera for enhanced privacy.
    3. The absence of cameras in the Stealth Carbon Edition means users cannot take photos, videos, or use Face ID, relying solely on password unlock.
    4. Caviar is also releasing two new models, Stealth Titan and Stealth Titan Gold, for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, both limited to 19 units and lacking camera functionality.
    5. Pre-orders for the Caviar Stealth Collection are available, with prices ranging from $8,630 to $9,270 for the iPhone 17 Air Stealth Carbon, and starting at $8,770 for the iPhone 17 Pro Stealth Gold.


    The Apple iPhone 17 Air is set to take the place of the iPhone 16 Plus in Apple’s range of smartphones. With a thickness measuring just 5.5 millimeters, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be the slimmest iPhone ever produced, and it is anticipated to be launched on September 9. Ahead of this launch, Caviar has revealed a special edition of the iPhone 17 Air, which is limited to only 19 units.

    Unique Features of the Stealth Carbon Edition

    The “Stealth Carbon Edition” is reported to be even lighter and thinner than the standard model. Caviar has swapped out the back for carbon fiber and eliminated all camera features. This change removes the camera module, making the device a bit sleeker while also enhancing user privacy. However, this means that users would need to give up their ability to capture photos and videos, as well as scan QR codes or documents. The absence of a front camera also results in the lack of Face ID, so unlocking the device can only be done with a password.

    Caviar’s New Models

    Caviar is also introducing two fresh versions of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, known as the Stealth Titan and Stealth Titan Gold, which are available with either a gray or gold titanium back. Much like the previous models, these versions do not include cameras, and the metal back likely means that wireless charging and MagSafe functionality may not work. Each of these special editions is also limited to just 19 units.

    Pre-Order Details and Pricing

    The Caviar Stealth Collection is currently available for pre-order through Caviar’s website, but shipments won’t start until after the Apple iPhone 17 series officially goes on sale. The price for the Apple iPhone 17 Air Stealth Carbon ranges from $8,630 to $9,270, depending on the storage options. The iPhone 17 Pro Stealth Titan has a starting price of $9,200, while the iPhone 17 Pro Stealth Gold begins at $8,770.

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  • MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Underwhelms in Oppo Find X9 Benchmarks

    MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Underwhelms in Oppo Find X9 Benchmarks

    Key Takeaways

    1. A leak of the ‘Oppo Find X9’ design has surfaced, but it is disputed by Oppo’s executive, Zhou Yibao, who claims it is not accurate.
    2. Zhou Yibao emphasized that the actual design of the Find X9 will be more refined and confirmed there won’t be a model with 24 GB RAM and 2 TB storage.
    3. Oppo has not announced a launch date for the Find X9, but it may debut before the OnePlus 13.
    4. The Find X9 has appeared on Geekbench with a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, which has shown disappointing performance metrics.
    5. The Dimensity 9500’s CPU and GPU performance is underwhelming compared to its predecessor, despite having advanced specifications.


    Earlier today, a leak from Ice Universe emerged, showcasing what they referred to as the ‘Oppo Find X9’. Although the leaker didn’t provide much detail, enthusiasts gathered that the design depicted might be a true glimpse into one of Oppo’s upcoming flagship devices.

    Oppo’s Response

    Zhou Yibao, an Oppo executive, responded to Ice Universe’s tweet, stating that it does not correctly portray the Find X9’s actual look. Through a post on Weibo, Zhou asserted that the image shared by Ice Universe is ‘not a real picture’, and emphasized that the Find X9 will feature a ‘more refined overall’ design with enhancements. Additionally, Zhou confirmed that there will not be a version of the Find X9 with 24 GB RAM and 2 TB of storage.

    Launch Speculations

    As of now, Oppo has yet to announce a launch date for the Find X9. However, rumors suggest that the Find X9 series might debut before OnePlus unveils the OnePlus 13, which is currently priced at $849.99 on Amazon. In the meantime, it appears that the Find X9 has recently appeared on Geekbench, featuring the same MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset that was spotted in a recent Vivo X300 leak.

    Performance Concerns

    Unexpectedly, the Dimensity 9500 has been falling short of what many had hoped for, showing disappointing CPU and GPU performance. Even when overlooking the inaccurate multi-core score, the Dimensity 9500 lags behind its predecessor in Geekbench’s single-core and OpenCL tests, despite its three CPU clusters and Mali-G1 Ultra MC12 GPU.

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  • Vlogger Burns Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 to Prove a Point

    Vlogger Burns Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 to Prove a Point

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is priced at $1,899 and was featured in a YouTube video where it was taken apart and burned to test materials.
    2. The primary goal of the video was to verify the presence of titanium in the device using a $20,000 XRF spectrometer.
    3. The internal backplate exhibited oxidation patterns when exposed to flame, while the mesh produced sparks.
    4. The Z Fold7 has limited cooling solutions, with concerns about an air gap between the mid-frame and processor covering.
    5. The video raised questions about the repairability of the Z Fold7 and speculated on future Samsung devices, like the tri-fold.


    The Galaxy Z Fold7 is priced at $1,899 on Amazon as of September 2, 2025. However, that didn’t stop Zach Nelson from kicking off his newest YouTube video with the innovative foldable Samsung flagship taken apart and set ablaze.

    Exploring the Interior

    To be fair to the host of JerryRigEverything, his primary aim involved using a ~$20,000 XRF spectrometer to verify that the Z Fold7 indeed features titanium inside. Samsung claims this material is used in an internal backplate to enhance structural strength, along with a mesh that adds flexibility.

    During his investigation, Nelson discovered that the backplate showed a distinct, almost rainbow-like pattern from oxidation when exposed to a flame, while the mesh burst into a small cloud of white sparks.

    Critiques on Cooling

    In his review, Nelson pointed out some shortcomings within the Z Fold7, especially the limited cooling solutions. Although the new flagship had sufficient thermal paste to create a little smiley face, he still expressed concerns about an air gap found between the anodized aluminum mid-frame and the graphite covering the processor.

    Additionally, the vlogger demonstrated the ability to remove the main 8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display in one piece while it was still powered on; however, attempting to separate some layers might result in failure.

    Future of Repairability

    It will be fascinating to see if the first Samsung tri-fold will offer similar possibilities for repair in its anticipated launch.

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  • Tecno Spark Slim & Pova Slim: 5,160 mAh Battery, 4,500 nits AMOLED

    Tecno Spark Slim & Pova Slim: 5,160 mAh Battery, 4,500 nits AMOLED

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Date: The Tecno Pova Slim 5G and Tecno Spark Slim will be launched on September 4.
    2. Thickness: Both smartphones measure approximately 5.95 mm thick, making them thicker than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (5.8 mm).
    3. Processor Differences: The Pova Slim 5G features the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 for 5G support, while the Spark Slim uses the MediaTek Helio G200, which does not support 5G.
    4. Unique Features: The Pova Slim 5G includes a Mood Light feature in the camera module, and both models have a 5,160 mAh battery with 45W charging via USB-C.
    5. Camera and Display: Both smartphones have a 50 MP main camera and an AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and HDR brightness of 4,500 nits.


    After Tecno recently shared some initial details about the Pova Slim 5G, we now have a good idea of the smartphone’s key specifications. It’s set to be launched on September 4, together with the more budget-friendly Tecno Spark Slim. Both devices are nearly the same in terms of design, taking inspiration from the Tecno Spark Slim concept smartphone.

    Thickness and Comparison

    The actual smartphones measure around 5.95 millimeters in thickness, which is 0.2 millimeters thicker than the concept version. This is important to note because it makes them thicker than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which holds the title for Samsung’s slimmest phone at 5.8 millimeters. The most significant distinction between these two models lies in their processors. The Spark Slim comes with the MediaTek Helio G200, which does not support 5G, whereas the pricier Pova Slim 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400.

    Unique Features

    In addition, the Pova Slim 5G has a special Mood Light feature. These are LED strips located in the camera module, which can perform various functions, including signaling incoming calls. Both smartphones are equipped with a 5,160 mAh battery that is only 4 millimeters thick and supports charging via USB-C at a rate of up to 45 watts. The devices weigh 156 grams and come with an IP64 certification, meaning they are not completely waterproof.

    Tecno has included a 50 MP main camera along with an AMOLED display that boasts a refresh rate of 144 Hz and a peak HDR brightness of 4,500 nits. The vapor chamber designed for cooling the processor measures just 0.3 millimeters, while the fiberglass back is 0.36 millimeters thick. More details regarding other features, pricing, and availability are expected to be revealed during the launch event on September 4 at the latest.

    Anticipation for the Launch

    With the launch day approaching, tech enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for complete information about these models. The combination of advanced specs and sleek design is likely to attract attention in the smartphone market. Stay tuned for more updates as the unveiling date draws near!

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  • Ulefone Armor 29 Pro: Rugged Smartphone with Thermal Camera & 21,200 mAh Battery

    Ulefone Armor 29 Pro: Rugged Smartphone with Thermal Camera & 21,200 mAh Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Ulefone Armor 29 Pro features a budget-friendly MediaTek Dimensity 7400 processor, replacing the more premium Dimensity 9300+ found in the Armor 29 Ultra.
    2. It boasts an impressive 21,200 mAh battery with 120-watt fast charging, all in a thick and heavy casing.
    3. The phone has 570 LEDs on the back for enhanced visibility and a 1.04-inch AMOLED display for notifications and music control.
    4. The main display is 6.67 inches with a brightness of 2,200 nits, featuring a 120 Hz refresh rate and a 50 MP main camera with advanced low-light capabilities.
    5. The Armor 29 Pro is set to launch in mid-September, with pricing details yet to be announced.


    The Ulefone Armor 29 Pro has just been introduced after the recent launch of the more premium Armor 29 Ultra. This new model is more budget-friendly and swaps out the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ for the Dimensity 7400. Apart from this change, it retains nearly all the same specifications, such as an impressive 21,200 mAh battery and 120-watt fast charging, all housed in a 3.4-centimeter-thick casing that weighs 688 grams.

    Features Galore

    With its weight exceeding that of many tablets, the Armor 29 Pro still has a lot of appealing features. It includes 570 LEDs on the back that can reach a brightness level of 1,000 lumens. The blue and red warning lights are designed to enhance visibility. The smartphone also has a round 1.04-inch AMOLED display on the back, which can show a clock, music control widgets, and incoming call notifications.

    Display and Camera

    The primary display measures 6.67 inches and offers a stunning brightness of 2,200 nits, with a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080 pixels and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. Ulefone has integrated a dedicated camera shutter button along with a 50 MP f/1.95 main camera that is paired with a 1/1.31-inch Samsung Isocell GN1 sensor, which is the same size as the one used in the Google Pixel 10 Pro.

    Additionally, there’s a 50 MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle camera that includes a macro function, alongside a 64 MP f/1.79 night vision camera that employs four infrared LEDs for capturing bright black-and-white images and videos in low-light conditions. Ulefone also provides an option for a model that includes a thermal imaging camera for an extra cost; a video linked below illustrates how this feature operates.

    Launch and Pricing

    The anticipated release of the Ulefone Armor 29 Pro is set for mid-September, though pricing information has yet to be finalized. For more details regarding its features, interested individuals can check the official product page.

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  • Oppo Executive Dashes Hopes for Find X9 Series 24GB RAM 2TB

    Oppo Executive Dashes Hopes for Find X9 Series 24GB RAM 2TB

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Oppo Find X8 Ultra offers up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, while the OnePlus 13 features 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
    2. Oppo’s product manager confirmed that the Find X9 series will not include a 2TB version due to hardware limitations.
    3. Users needing more storage are encouraged to use Oppo’s cloud service instead of relying on internal storage.
    4. Some smartphones support MicroSD cards up to 2TB, but the Find X series lacks a MicroSD card slot.
    5. There is potential for a 24GB RAM version with 1TB of storage in the Find X9 series, but availability outside of China remains uncertain.


    While the Oppo Find X8 Ultra (check out our review) offers a maximum of 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, there’s a version of the OnePlus 13 that boasts an impressive 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. This has led fans to hope that Oppo will surpass itself by releasing a smartphone featuring 24GB of RAM and 2TB of storage. Sadly, this will not be the case, at least not with the Find X9 series.

    Details from Weibo

    This news was shared on Weibo by Zhou Yibao, who is the product manager for Oppo’s Find series. When questioned about the possibility of a 24GB RAM + 1TB/2TB model for the Find X9 series, he revealed that there won’t be a 2TB version because the necessary hardware is, reportedly, not yet ready. Nevertheless, he recommended using Oppo’s cloud service to those needing additional storage.

    Storage Options

    Even though there isn’t a smartphone currently featuring 2TB of internal storage, some phones come equipped with a MicroSD card slot that can support MicroSD cards with capacities of up to 2TB. A prime example is the CMF Phone 2 Pro, which is listed on Amazon.de for €250.20. Unfortunately, like many flagship models, Oppo’s Find X series smartphones no longer include a MicroSD card slot.

    Future Expectations

    On a positive note, while Zhou Yibao’s comments may have disappointed those wishing for a 2TB smartphone, he did not mention that a 24GB RAM version with 1TB of storage won’t be released. Thus, it’s reasonable to think that one or more models in the Find X9 series could feature this specification. However, we still don’t know if that model will be made available outside of China.

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  • Vivo X300 Pro Unveils 200 MP Telephoto Camera Details

    Vivo X300 Pro Unveils 200 MP Telephoto Camera Details

    Key Takeaways

    1. Vivo will announce the X300 and X300 Pro smartphones in October, but only in China.
    2. International availability is expected in December, with the X300 Ultra likely following early next year.
    3. The X300 Pro will feature a Sony LYT-828 main camera and a 200 MP telephoto camera from Samsung.
    4. The telephoto camera will be ISOCELL HPB, providing approximately 3.7x optical zoom.
    5. The models may also include a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera with Zeiss T lens coating and CIPA 5.5 image stabilization.


    Vivo is gearing up to launch its next flagship smartphone series, but the official announcement is not happening just yet. Recent whispers suggest that the X300 and X300 Pro will make their debut in October, but this will only take place in China.

    International Release Delays

    On the flip side, it appears that Vivo won’t be making these smartphones available internationally until December. Furthermore, it is likely that the X300 Ultra will follow suit early next year, similar to what Samsung is currently doing with its Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $975 on Amazon).

    Camera Specs Leaked

    According to Digital Chat Station, some details about the X300 Pro’s rear camera setup have been leaked. Vivo has previously stated that its upcoming flagship models will incorporate a Sony LYT-828 as the main camera alongside a 200 MP telephoto camera sourced from Samsung, enhanced by Vivo’s own VS1 and V3+ chips.

    Digital Chat Station also indicates that the telephoto camera will be the ISOCELL HPB, featuring a 1/1.4-inch sensor and an equivalent focal length of 85 mm. This should provide an approximate optical zoom of 3.7x, which would be consistent with the telephoto camera found in the X200 Pro, which is backed by the ISOCELL HP9. Additionally, rumors suggest the return of a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera, along with Zeiss T lens coating and CIPA 5.5 image stabilization.

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  • Oppo Find X9 Leaked Image Reveals New Back Camera Design

    Oppo Find X9 Leaked Image Reveals New Back Camera Design

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Oppo Find X9 series, including the Find X9 and Find X9 Pro, is expected to launch between late September and early October 2023.
    2. Significant upgrades are anticipated, including larger batteries, enhanced cameras, and a completely redesigned back for the Find X9.
    3. The new back design features a left-aligned, rectangular camera module, a shift from the circular design of the Find X8.
    4. The front design remains similar to the Find X8, with slim bezels and a small hole-punch for the selfie camera.
    5. The Find X9 Pro may stick to a similar design, but the Find X9 Ultra could feature a different camera layout.


    Less than a year after the Oppo Find X8 was launched, Oppo is likely to introduce the Oppo Find X9 series of top-tier smartphones around late September to early October. The Oppo Find X9 and the Oppo Find X9 Pro are expected to be released first, with the Oppo Find X9 Ultra possibly following a few months afterwards.

    Exciting Changes Ahead

    According to several leaks, Oppo is making significant updates for the Oppo Find X9 and the Find X9 Pro, which includes larger batteries, upgraded cameras, and more features. One of the notable changes seems to be a revamped design. Reports suggest that Oppo is completely redesigning the back of the Find X9.

    New Design Features

    An image shared online by UniverseIce on X shows that the Oppo Find X9 will have a left-aligned, rectangular camera module on the back. This is a big shift from the Oppo Find X8’s camera module, which has a circular design located in the upper center of the back. The new back design of the Oppo Find X9 resembles that of the Oppo Reno 13 and somewhat the Xiaomi 15 (which is available on Amazon).

    The front design, however, appears to remain the same as the Find X8, featuring slim, even bezels around the screen and a tiny hole-punch for the selfie camera. Additionally, the placement of the volume buttons, power button, and alert slider on the Oppo Find X9 seems unchanged from the Oppo Find X8.

    Future Speculations

    While it’s likely that Oppo might stick to a similar design for the larger Find X9 Pro, we can’t completely dismiss the possibility of the Find X9 Ultra having a different camera layout on the back. It will also be intriguing to observe how OnePlus and Vivo, which are sister brands to Oppo, approach the designs of their upcoming flagship devices, the OnePlus 15 and the Vivo X300.

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  • HMD Pulse 2 Pro: Leaked Renders and Key Details Unveiled

    HMD Pulse 2 Pro: Leaked Renders and Key Details Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. The HMD Pulse 2 Pro will feature a 6.72-inch FHD+ IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
    2. It will be powered by the Unisoc T7250 processor and come in three configurations: 6+128GB, 8+128GB, and 8+256GB.
    3. The smartphone will have dual rear cameras (50MP main and 2MP secondary) and a 50MP front-facing camera for selfies.
    4. It will include a 5,000mAh battery with 20W wired charging and an IP54 rating for dust and water protection, running on Android 15.
    5. The design features a large camera island, an audio jack, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and will be available in Black/Dark Gray and Green with a 5-year warranty.


    Back in July, there was a significant leak that hinted at HMD’s intention to update its Pulse smartphone lineup with three new devices, one of which is the HMD Pulse 2 Pro. Recently, the same source has shared more details about this smartphone, including images showcasing its design.

    New Display Details

    The leaked information comes from X user @smashx_60, who shared that the HMD Pulse 2 Pro will feature a 6.72-inch FHD+ IPS display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate. Earlier in July, the source mentioned that the device would sport an HD+ display like the currently available HMD Pulse Pro (priced at €108.40 on Amazon.de), but it appears this has changed.

    Performance and Camera Specs

    Powering the HMD Pulse 2 Pro will be the Unisoc T7250, and it will come in three configurations: 6+128GB, 8+128GB, and 8+256GB. The smartphone will include dual rear cameras, featuring a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization alongside a 2MP secondary camera. Additionally, there will be a 50MP front-facing camera for selfies.

    With a 5,000mAh battery, the Pulse 2 Pro will support 20W wired charging, just like its predecessor. The device will have an IP54 rating, providing some level of protection against dust and water splashes. Connectivity options will include dual band Wi-Fi and 4.5G. The phone will run on Android 15 right out of the box and HMD will offer three years of software support.

    Design and Availability

    The leak also included renders that show the HMD Pulse 2 Pro will have a prominent camera island that nearly spans the upper part of the device. It will be equipped with an audio jack located at the bottom, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and an additional button on the left side. HMD plans to launch the phone in shades of Black/Dark Gray and Green, along with a generous 5-year warranty for buyers.

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