Category: Phones

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August 22, 2025

iPhone 18 Series to Feature Enhanced Camera Control

Key Takeaways

1. Apple may stop the Camera Control feature due to negative feedback but may keep it with modifications for future iPhone models.
2. The iPhone 18 series might replace the current capacitive button with a fully pressure-sensitive design.
3. Apple may draw inspiration from competitors like Vivo and Oppo, who have added similar camera buttons to their smartphones.
4. The current hybrid design of the Camera Control button in the iPhone 16 series is seen as costly and not very user-friendly.
5. The new pressure-sensitive Camera Control is expected to be revealed in the iPhone 18 Pro series, but no updates are planned for the iPhone 17 series.

Apple is said to be planning to stop the Camera Control feature that was introduced in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max due to negative reactions towards its new smartphone button. However, this isn’t entirely true, according to the well-informed leaker Setsuna Digital.

Future of Camera Control

The tech giant from Cupertino may still keep the Control for a few more generations, but with some modifications. The upcoming version for the iPhone 18 series is rumored to eliminate the current capacitive aspect of the button, making it fully pressure-sensitive instead.

Inspiration from Competitors

Apple may take cues from Vivo and Oppo, which have added similar buttons to their smartphones like the X200 Ultra and Find X8 Ultra. However, it could also be that the hybrid design used in the 16 series is too costly and has developed a reputation for being imprecise and not very user-friendly.

Upcoming Changes

The new pressure-sensitive Camera Control might be unveiled in the iPhone 18 Pro series, and possibly the Air, but there is no indication yet that any similar updates will be made for the upcoming 17, 17 Air, or 17 Pro series at this time.

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Tags: iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro
August 22, 2025

RedMagic 11 Pro Tops Early Benchmarks with Snapdragon 8 Elite

Key Takeaways

1. Nubia has launched the RedMagic Astra globally and announced the RedMagic 10S Pro featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.
2. The first smartphone with the RedMagic 11 branding, identified as ‘Nubia NX809J’, has appeared on Geekbench, indicating a new generation model.
3. The model number NX809J is consistent with Nubia’s naming convention for RedMagic devices, suggesting it follows the RedMagic 10 Pro.
4. The rumored Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset shows notable performance improvements, with a 7% increase in single-core and 16% in multi-core performance for the RedMagic 11 Pro.
5. Caution is advised when interpreting benchmark results, as they may not fully represent the device’s overall performance.

Hardly any time has gone by since the leaker Digital Chat Station shared insights about Nubia’s upcoming RedMagic release. To give some background, the company has just launched the RedMagic Astra globally and announced the RedMagic 10S Pro in spring, which features the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset found in other top devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13 (current price $849 on Amazon).

New Benchmark Findings

Now it appears that Nubia’s first smartphone with the RedMagic 11 branding has appeared on the well-known benchmarking site Geekbench. The screenshot below shows that Geekbench only refers to the device by its model name ‘Nubia NX809J’. However, this model number is in line with other RedMagic devices.

For instance, Nubia links the RedMagic 10 Pro with the model number ‘Nubia NX789J’. Thus, it can be assumed that NX809J is a next-generation model of some sort. Additionally, the Qualcomm chipset mentioned aligns with rumors about the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. The listing also suggests that Nubia intends to release what is likely the RedMagic 11 Pro, featuring 16 GB of RAM.

Caution on Conclusions

One should be careful not to jump to conclusions based on a single benchmark result. That said, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 outperforms the average of Snapdragon 8 Elite devices we have evaluated, even at this early point. Specifically, the RedMagic 11 Pro shows a 7% improvement in single-core performance and a 16% increase in multi-core performance, utilizing its 6 Performance and 2 Prime cores.

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Tags: Geekbench, RedMagic 11 Pro, Snapdragon 8 Elite 2
August 22, 2025

Xiaomi Mix Flip 2 Launches After Honor Magic V Flip 2 Release

Key Takeaways

1. Honor’s Magic V Flip2 features the largest battery capacity among current clamshell foldable phones and a 200 MP main camera.
2. The performance of the Magic V Flip2 is not as strong as the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered Razr 60 Ultra and Mix Flip 2.
3. Xiaomi has introduced a Limited Edition of the Mix Flip 2 shortly after the Magic V Flip2 launch.
4. The Mix Flip 2 Diamond Limited Edition includes a lab-grown diamond in the mid-frame and a ‘technological nano leather’ back panel.
5. The Limited Edition is priced at CNY 6,999 (approximately $975) in China, with no international release date announced.

Honor has recently introduced the Magic V Flip2, boasting the largest battery capacity found in any current clamshell foldable phone. During the official launch event yesterday, it was highlighted that the Magic V Flip2 also features a remarkable 200 MP main camera. However, when it comes to performance, it doesn’t quite match up to the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered Razr 60 Ultra, which is currently priced at $1,099 on Amazon, or the Mix Flip 2.

Mix Flip 2 Limited Edition

In response to the Magic V Flip2’s launch, Xiaomi has opted to refresh its Mix Flip 2 with a special Limited Edition variant. This new edition was revealed less than a day after the Magic V Flip2. Notably, the Mix Flip 2 Diamond Limited Edition maintains the same internal specifications as the standard model. Xiaomi is setting this edition apart through exclusive visual enhancements.

Unique Features of the Limited Edition

The Limited Edition name comes from a lab-grown diamond embedded in the device’s mid-frame. Additionally, the new version showcases a ‘technological nano leather’ back panel that is complemented by a metallic nameplate featuring Xiaomi’s branding. At present, Xiaomi is pricing the Mix Flip 2 Diamond Limited Edition at CNY 6,999 (approximately $975) in China, with no information available on when it might be released internationally. For further insights, you can check our review of the Mix Flip 2 to see what Xiaomi’s latest clamshell foldable has to offer.

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Tags: Magic V Flip2, Xiaomi
August 22, 2025

Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus Global Release: Battery & Camera Updates

Key Takeaways

1. Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus in China as the successor to the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus, alongside the Redmi Note 15 and Redmi Note 15 Pro.
2. The global variant is expected to feature 10 W faster wired charging than the Chinese version, with a total of 100 W charging.
3. The battery capacity will increase to 6,500 mAh, up from 5,110 mAh in the global version of the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus.
4. The global model will have an upgraded camera, featuring a 200 MP Samsung ISOCELL S5KHPE sensor with advanced pixel technology.
5. The global version will drop the OmniVision OV50M telephoto camera but retain the 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera from the Chinese version.

Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus in China. This new device comes as the successor to the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus, and it was announced alongside the Redmi Note 15 and Redmi Note 15 Pro. Even though the new smartphones have not yet begun shipping, enthusiasts are already exploring the firmware of the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus.

Global Variant Insights

A Twitter user named PaperKing13 has shared that the initial firmware for the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus has clues regarding its global model. The global version is anticipated to offer 10 W quicker wired charging compared to the Chinese edition. With a rating of 100 W, this represents a 20 W drop from the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus in regions outside of China and India, which is currently priced at $374 on Amazon.

Battery and Camera Upgrades

To balance out the reduction in charging speed, Xiaomi plans to upgrade the battery to 6,500 mAh, an improvement over the 5,110 mAh battery found in the global version of the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus. Additionally, the cameras on the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus are expected to be enhanced for its international launch. Reports suggest that the global model will feature the Samsung ISOCELL S5KHPE, a 200 MP sensor with a size of 1/1.4 inches that supports 4-in-1 pixel binning and has pixel width of 0.56 μm.

Changes in Camera Specs

Furthermore, early firmware reveals that Xiaomi will eliminate the OmniVision OV50M telephoto camera for global variants, but will keep the 8 MP OmniVision OV08F ultra-wide-angle camera from the Chinese version. At this moment, it is still unclear when Xiaomi will roll out the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus beyond China. However, based on previous launches, it is likely that the device will make its debut in India before the year concludes.

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Tags: 200 MP Camera, Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus, Xiaomi
August 22, 2025

Xiaomi Poco M8 Pro Launching Globally as Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus

Key Takeaways

1. Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus in China, with plans for a global release.
2. Early firmware updates indicate hardware modifications for the global version of the device.
3. Xiaomi is likely rebranding the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus as the Poco M8 Pro.
4. The Poco M8 Pro will feature a 6,500 mAh battery and support 100 W wired charging.
5. The Poco M8 Pro will include cameras similar to those in the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus and other Xiaomi models.

Xiaomi has officially launched the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus in China following numerous speculations before its release. While many discussions revolved around the device itself, some also hinted at Xiaomi’s strategy for releasing it globally. Early firmware updates seem to reveal several hardware modifications intended for the global version of the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus, and we have detailed those changes in another article.

Changes in Poco Series

Furthermore, this firmware suggests that Xiaomi is planning to revamp its Poco series to include a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus. To clarify, the Poco X8 was previously linked with the Redmi Note 15 Pro, mainly due to the similarities between their predecessors. However, the model number 2510ERA8BC actually corresponds to the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus, not the Redmi Note 15 Pro.

Model Numbers and Rebranding

Additionally, the early firmware for the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus implies that Xiaomi has designated the model number ‘2510EPC8BG’ for the Poco M8 Pro. For context, the Poco M7 Pro features hardware from the Redmi Note 14 5G available in China and its Indian version. Therefore, renaming the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus to the Poco M8 Pro would indicate a significant shift in the Poco M series on a global scale.

At this point, it is still unclear how this will affect the Poco X series. Nevertheless, it appears that the Poco M8 Pro will come equipped with a robust 6,500 mAh battery and support for 100 W wired charging. In addition, the device seems to feature an OmniVision OVX8000 main camera, which is also found in the Xiaomi 14 Civi and the Redmi Note 14 Pro, along with an 8 MP OmniVision OV08F ultra-wide-angle camera that is shared with the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus.

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Tags: Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus, Xiaomi
August 22, 2025

Google Pixel 10 Pro Camera Reviews: Critiques and Key Improvements

Key Takeaways

1. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro Fold are receiving positive attention for their hardware and software features.
2. The new Pro Res zoom can reach up to 100x, but performance is criticized for producing poor image quality, especially at higher zoom levels.
3. Google’s AI struggles with certain subjects, such as airplanes, though it performs better with cityscapes and buildings.
4. Despite some zoom issues, the Pixel 10 Pro’s camera offers good image quality with praised HDR optimization and consistent performance across its three cameras.
5. Early hands-on videos highlight both new features and criticisms, particularly regarding the 100x zoom capability.

It has only been a couple of days since Google launched the Pixel 10 series. Along with the Pixel 10 and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, the Pixel 10 Pro, which features a 6.3-inch and a 6.8-inch XL model, is likely on the top of many fans’ lists. Early impressions mainly highlight these two Pro versions, which have an edge in both hardware and some software features.

New Zoom Features

The latest Pro Res zoom feature surpasses the previous Super Res zoom functionality. This new zoom capability reaches up to 100x, but without some help from AI, it would not perform well. However, even with AI assistance, the new zoom feature from Google has reportedly shown some quite poor outcomes, as shared by u/Dry_Astronomer3210 on Reddit using a demo phone from a popular American store.

In the shared example, the user zooms in from 1x to 5x, then proceeds to 30x and finally to 100x. At 30x, it’s difficult to distinguish anything, and at 100x, the text becomes what could be described as AI mush. Other phones have managed better results in similar situations. For instance, the 100x zoom feature on the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and its later models may not have produced high-quality images, but at least they kept text legible from afar. The image shared also shows 100x zoom without AI improvements and from a shorter distance.

Issues with AI Performance

Google’s AI appears to also struggle with capturing airplanes, as shown by a photo from a reviewer at CNET. The original image is displayed on the left, while the “AI-enhanced” version is on the right side of the comparison.

When it comes to photographing cities or buildings with 100x zoom, the results are more favorable. In these cases, Google’s AI manages to produce a decent picture.

According to a review from CNET, the Pixel 10 Pro’s camera offers good to very good quality images, despite the Pro Res artifacts at increased zoom levels. The photos often exhibit excellent HDR optimization, a feature typical of Pixel devices. The consistent performance across all three cameras received notable praise, with no significant discrepancies in color accuracy and exposure. The previously mentioned Reddit user also shared positive comments about the Pixel 10 Pro cameras. For example, 4K60 video now works without Video Boost, and 4K60 HDR Video Boost is finally compatible with the ultrawide camera. Additionally, the newly added 10x zoom button in the app is viewed as a beneficial feature.

Early Videos and Criticism

There are early hands-on videos available on YouTube, even though formal reviews aren’t released yet. We have chosen a representative video from the British YouTuber Arun Maini, known as Mrwhosetheboss. He tests some new AI features on the Pixel 10 Pro, including Camera Coach and Magic Cue. One of the 100x zoom images also comes from this video. However, Google faces considerable criticism in this particular video, addressing several specific points.

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Tags: google, Pixel 10 Pro
August 22, 2025

Sony Xperia 10 VII Design Leak Features New Camera Module

Key Takeaways

1. The Sony Xperia 10 VI launched in June 2024, while the Xperia 10 VII is rumored for an October release.
2. The Xperia 10 VII features a new pill-shaped camera module with two side-by-side cameras, microphones, and an LED flash.
3. The phone design retains thick bezels at the top and bottom, without a notch or punch-hole.
4. Volume and lock buttons are located on the right side, but a dedicated camera shutter button is still anticipated.
5. Speculated specs include a 6.1-inch 21:9 display, a metal frame, and an upgrade to the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 processor.

The Sony Xperia 10 VI made its debut in June 2024, but there are rumors that the Xperia 10 VII won’t be released until October. A case manufacturer named SpinoArmor has already put up a protective case for the upcoming mid-range smartphone on Amazon Japan, giving us an early look at what the Xperia 10 VII might look like.

Design Features

The images show a significant change: Sony seems to be using a pill-shaped camera module that stretches nearly the full width of the back. This design places the two cameras side by side, unlike the previous model which had them stacked vertically. Along with the cameras, the module includes two microphones and an LED flash. True to form, Sony is sticking with a display that has relatively thick bezels at the top and bottom, so there’s no notch or punch-hole in sight.

Button Placement and Leaks

The volume and lock buttons are positioned on the right side, where the case features a place for a wrist strap. However, these images don’t show a camera shutter button, even though a dedicated camera button is anticipated for the Xperia 10 VII. As always, such early leaks should be taken with a grain of salt since it’s unclear if the design seen here matches the final version of the smartphone.

Specifications Rumors

So far, not many details about the Xperia 10 VII’s specs have been shared. Speculations suggest that Sony will include a relatively small 6.1-inch display in a tall 21:9 aspect ratio, which could make the Xperia 10 VII one of the slimmest smartphones available. It’s rumored that the frame will be made of metal instead of plastic, and that Sony plans to upgrade from the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 to the newer Snapdragon 6 Gen 4.

Amazon Japan has already made a listing for these case options, hinting at the anticipated release and features of this exciting device.

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Tags: smartphone design, Snapdragon 6 Gen 4, Sony Xperia 10 VII
August 22, 2025

Vivo X300 Pro: Key Camera Upgrades for New Flagship Phone

Key Takeaways

1. Vivo is not phasing out the X200 series yet and is hinting at upgrades for the X300 and X300 Pro.
2. The anticipated launch of the X300 series is set for next month, aligned with the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset release.
3. Vivo has confirmed the use of new camera sensors from Samsung and Sony in its upcoming models.
4. The main camera will feature the Sony LYT-828 sensor, while a new 200 MP Samsung sensor will be used for telephoto shots.
5. The new sensors aim to enhance image quality by collaborating with Vivo’s VS1 and V3+ sensors.

Vivo isn’t quite ready to phase out the X200 series. Nevertheless, it has recently given a strong hint about two upgrades planned for the X300 and X300 Pro, just a day after Google unveiled its Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL, which currently retails for $1,119 on Amazon.

Upcoming Launch Timeline

Currently, both devices are anticipated to launch next month, coinciding with MediaTek’s introduction of the Dimensity 9500 chipset that will support both models. For reference, MediaTek seems to have its Dimensity 9500 launch event set for September 22, a day before Qualcomm is expected to showcase its Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.

Camera Enhancements

Vivo hasn’t specified which chipset will drive its upcoming flagships, yet it has confirmed the use of new camera sensors from Samsung and Sony. In particular, the company has pledged to incorporate the Sony LYT-828 for their main cameras along with a new 200 MP Samsung sensor designated for telephoto shots.

Even though the specific Samsung sensor hasn’t been revealed, it’s worth noting that Sony introduced the LYT-828 in late June. This sensor measures 1/1.28 inches and boasts 50 MP with pixels that are 1.22 μm wide; for further information, you can check our article on the LYT-828 launch. Additionally, Vivo has indicated that these sensors will collaborate with its own VS1 and V3+ sensors to enhance image quality compared to its earlier models.

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Tags: MediaTek Dimensity 9500, Sony LYT-828, Vivo X300
August 22, 2025

Xiaomi Set to Launch World’s First Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Flagship

Key Takeaways

1. Three Xiaomi smartphones, including the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro, are expected to be early adopters of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip.
2. The upcoming models include the Xiaomi 16, 16 Pro, and a new 16 Pro Max, with the 16 Pro Max maintaining the same size as the 15 Pro.
3. These Xiaomi devices are likely to launch by the end of September 2025, making them the first to feature the new chip.
4. Other brands like Honor, iQOO, OnePlus, and Realme are expected to release devices with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 shortly after, around October 2025.
5. All eight flagship models, including Xiaomi’s, are anticipated to launch with Android 16, while Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3 has not yet entered public beta testing.

The new list of expected early adopters for the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 has been released, showing that three Xiaomi smartphones are included.

Xiaomi’s New Models

This information comes from the well-known leaker Digital Chat Station, which may suggest that the next versions of the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro will be accompanied by a new Pro Max model. It’s probably more accurate to say that the “16 Pro Max” will maintain the same ‘full’ size as the 15 Pro, while the 16 Pro will offer a fresh, more upscale version of the approximately 6.3-inch 16.

Launch Timeline

The Xiaomi 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max are likely to be the first devices to come equipped with this new chip, which could mean they will be the only ones available by the end of September 2025. Other devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 may be launched shortly after, potentially in October 2025. Current expectations suggest that this group will include the Honor Magic8 and Magic8 Pro, the iQOO 15 (not the 15 Pro), the OnePlus 15 (excluding the 15T), and the Realme GT 8 Pro (but not the GT 8).

Operating System Details

All eight of these upcoming flagship models are also anticipated to launch with Android 16 right out of the box. However, Xiaomi’s version, known as HyperOS 3, has not yet started public beta testing, while ColorOS 16, which is likely for the Chinese version of the OnePlus 15, has already made progress in that area.

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Tags: Android 16, Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, Xiaomi 16
August 22, 2025

World’s First 10,000mAh Smartphone with Large LTPS Display Launch

Key Takeaways

1. A growing selection of non-rugged smartphones now features batteries between 6,000mAh and 8,300mAh.
2. These smartphones often have impressive IP68/69 ratings for water and dust resistance.
3. Next year, a 10,000mAh smartphone is expected, maintaining a normal size with a 6.79-inch display.
4. The new phone will likely use Dimensity 8500 SoC, suggesting an affordable price point.
5. It may be named Honor Power 2 or X80, following the brand’s previous high-capacity battery model.

Those seeking a smartphone with a battery that lasts longer than the usual 5,000mAh standard may have previously had to choose a rugged model meant for specific outdoor situations. However, that’s changing.

Expanding Options

Now, there is a growing selection of ‘regular-looking’ smartphones featuring batteries that range from 6,000mAh to 8,300mAh. These devices come at various price ranges and typically offer impressive IP68/69 ratings for water and dust resistance, making them quite appealing.

The Future of Smartphones

Next year, however, they might be surpassed by a groundbreaking 10,000mAh smartphone, which is said to maintain a relatively ‘normal’ size with a 6.79-inch display. This device is expected to have a resolution of 1.5K and utilize LTPS technology, suggesting that its large battery may focus more on user comfort rather than just power efficiency.

Performance Insights

Rumor has it that the display will be powered by the Dimensity 8500 SoC, which could indicate that this innovative phone will be reasonably priced.

In terms of its official name, it is thought to launch as the Honor Power 2, or perhaps the X80, which would be a follow-up to the brand’s previous highest-capacity battery smartphone, later this year.

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Tags: 000mAh battery, Honor Power 2, Space OS