Category: Phones

May 6, 2024
Huawei Mate 70 Series Kirin Chip Allegedly Surpasses 1M Benchmark
Huawei has introduced its latest Pura 70 flagships featuring the new Kirin 9010 chip, which, while sharing similarities in manufacturing process and core architecture with the Kirin 9000s, has been further optimized by Huawei to enhance performance in their newest flagship devices.
Rumored Upcoming Kirin Chip for Mate 70 Series
A recent rumor indicates that Huawei is in the process of developing another Kirin chip, possibly designed for the Mate 70 series of smartphones. Information on this new chip comes from Weibo tipster @DirectorShiGuan, who disclosed that Huawei has revamped the upcoming Kirin chip for the Mate 70 series, showing competitive performance in benchmark tests.
Benchmark Performance Expectations
The tipster suggests that the upcoming processor could achieve a benchmark score surpassing 1.1 million points. Although the leak does not specify the benchmarking platform, it is likely referring to AnTuTu. When compared, the latest Kirin 9010 chip in the Pura 70 Ultra phone achieves approximately 927,547 points on AnTuTu v10. In contrast, the Mate 60 Pro, powered by a Kirin 9000s processor, averages around 699,783 points on the same benchmark.
Real-World Performance Considerations and Mate 70 Series Details
It is crucial to note that while benchmark scores provide insights, they may not entirely represent the actual performance of the chips in everyday usage scenarios. The true measure of the new Kirin chip’s capabilities will be observed when it is integrated into the upcoming Mate 70 smartphones.
The Mate 70 series is anticipated to include at least three models: the Mate 70, Mate 70 Pro, and Mate 70 Pro+. Reports suggest that the series might launch in September, aligning with the timeframe for Apple’s 2024 iPhones, indicating Huawei’s intention to remain competitive in the market.
Tags: Huawei, Kirin chips, Mate 70
May 6, 2024
Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Disney Princess Edition Launch Expected Soon
A new partnership is on the horizon for Xiaomi, with rumors swirling about a collaboration with Disney for an upcoming special edition smartphone. The device in question is said to be the Civi 4 Pro Disney Princess Edition, and here's what we currently know about it.
Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Disney Princess Edition
Reports suggest that the Chinese tech giant's forthcoming limited edition smartphone was discovered in the HyperOS source code by AndroidHeadlines. This finding implies that the new version of the Civi 4 Pro is gearing up for a launch in the near future. The source code references the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro Disney Princess edition, identified by the "chenfeng" codename and "N9" internal model number. Notably, Xiaomi had previously introduced the Xiaomi Civi 3 Disney Strawberry Bear edition last year.
Collaboration Details and Expectations
In a recent unveiling, Xiaomi presented the Panda Factory edition gift box for the Civi 4, and now it seems that the more upscale Pro model will also receive a special collaborative treatment. Although the HyperOS source code did not disclose specifics like the release date or detailed specifications, the global availability of this upcoming smartphone remains uncertain.
Potential Features and Specifications
Anticipated details may emerge soon through teasers or leaks. The Civi 4 Pro Disney Princess Edition is likely to mirror the standard Civi 4 Pro in terms of specifications. Enthusiasts can anticipate a 6.55-inch AMOLED display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution. Powering the device could be the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, while the camera setup might comprise a 50-megapixel triple lens array on the rear and a 32-megapixel dual camera setup on the front.
Tags: Disney Princess Edition, Xiaomi, Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro
May 6, 2024
Apple’s Tough Competition in China with Declining iPhone Sales
Apple is facing difficulties as its sales take a significant hit in the crucial Chinese market. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, recently admitted the challenges posed by what he termed as "the most competitive market in the world."
The most recent data indicates a notable decrease in iPhone sales both globally and specifically in Greater China, encompassing Hong Kong and Taiwan. Global iPhone revenue fell by 10% in the first quarter, marking the most substantial decline since late 2020. In Greater China, iPhone sales dropped by 8% to $16.4 billion during the same period.
Declining iPhone Sales in China
Apple's market share in China's smartphone sector has been steadily dwindling, with iPhone sales plunging by 19.1% in the initial quarter alone. This slump has pushed Apple down to the third spot in the market, securing 15.7% of the local market share, trailing behind competitors such as Vivo and Honor.
Rise of Huawei in the Chinese Market
In contrast, Huawei, Apple's Chinese counterpart, has witnessed a surge in smartphone sales, registering a nearly 70% increase in the first quarter. Huawei's market share now closely follows Apple's at 15.5%, with the company's net profit skyrocketing by an impressive 564%.
Apple's Response and Future Plans
Despite the challenges, Tim Cook expressed optimism about Apple's long-term prospects in China. The company is heavily investing in artificial intelligence (AI) development, with Cook hinting at an upcoming AI strategy unveiling at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference set for June.
While Apple's financial performance suffered due to the decline in iPhone shipments, company executives played down its significance, attributing it to tough year-over-year comparisons. Nevertheless, analysts are concerned about Apple's performance in China, where fierce competition from Huawei is impacting iPhone shipments.
Revenues and Future Prospects
Apple heavily relies on iPhone sales, contributing approximately 52% of its total revenues. Even though efforts have been made to diversify, other product categories like Mac computers saw only marginal growth, which was inadequate to offset the overall revenue decline.
In response to inquiries about the impact of investments in generative AI, Cook emphasized Apple's focus on services, which experienced significant growth in the March-ending quarter. However, questions remain about the ability of a hardware-centric company like Apple to effectively monetize software features amidst intense competition in the Chinese market.
Tags: Apple, Chinese Smartphone Market, Huawei
May 6, 2024
Meizu to Unveil Three New AI Products This Month
Meizu garnered attention earlier this year when they announced their shift away from the smartphone industry to focus solely on AI development. However, despite this proclamation, they surprised many by launching the Meizu 21 Pro phone shortly after.
Meizu's New AI Product Lineup
Now, Meizu appears to be sticking to their initial plan from February. The company recently disclosed its intention to introduce "three significant new AI products" this month through a Weibo post. Unfortunately, specific details about these upcoming products remain undisclosed.
The Latest Meizu Phone in the Works
Reports suggest that Meizu has been diligently working on a new phone model. This device, identified with the model number M468Q, has successfully passed the 3C certification in China, showcasing compatibility with 66W wired fast charging technology.
Speculations on Meizu's Next Phone
Initially believed to be the Meizu 21X, the M468Q is now rumored to be the Meizu 21 Note. Anticipated features include a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a robust 5500mAh battery, and an elegant design incorporating a flat screen, metal middle frame, and glass body. Meizu seems committed to staying in the smartphone market despite prior announcements.
Although information on Meizu's future AI devices remains scarce, the company has expressed intentions to overhaul the FlymeOS operating system entirely. This revamp aims to enable deeper integration of AI technology, promising users a seamless and intuitive AI experience.
We will continue to monitor and share any updates on Meizu's forthcoming AI devices as the company unveils more details in the upcoming days.
Tags: AI devices, Meizu, Meizu’s Transition
May 6, 2024
Smartphone Shipment in China Sees Year-Over-Year Growth in Q1 2024
Market analysis company TechInsights has published a study revealing a 1% increase in China's smartphone market during Q1 2024 compared to the previous year. This slight growth marks a significant development as it breaks an 11-quarter trend of annual declines. The positive shift is attributed to a regular product launch cycle and enhancements in the supply chain.
Market Share Distribution
In terms of market share, Oppo secured the top spot with 16.9%, followed closely by Honor, Huawei, and Vivo with market shares of 16.7%, 16.6%, and 16.1% respectively. Xiaomi claimed the fifth position with a 15.0% market share, while Apple dropped out of the top five with a share of 13.7%.
Concentration of Market Share
TechInsights reports that the leading six smartphone manufacturers collectively held 95.1% of the market share, up from 93.7% in the previous year. This growth indicates a rise in market concentration among the top players.
Challenges for Smaller Manufacturers
Smaller smartphone companies within China are encountering difficulties domestically. This challenge might explain why Meizu is transitioning its focus from traditional smartphone production to AI hardware development.
Market Leaders in Q1 2024
During the initial three months of 2024, Honor and Huawei claimed the top spots with market shares of 17.1% and 17% respectively, as per IDC reports. Following closely were Oppo, Apple, and Vivo with market shares of 15.7%, 15.6%, and 14.6% respectively.
Huawei's Resurgence
Huawei is swiftly reclaiming its market position within China and is reportedly looking to expand its operations beyond the country, especially in light of the US trade restrictions. Despite limitations in the US market, the company continues to thrive in Europe.
Tags: Chinese Manufacturers, Smartphone Market Trends, TechInsights
May 6, 2024
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Live Image Leaks, Launch Expected Soon
Motorola's next foldable, the Razr 50 Ultra, seems to be on the brink of its release as a leaked image of the foldable phone has emerged online. The leaked image, courtesy of tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore (via 91Mobiles), indicates that the design of the Razr 50 Ultra will not undergo significant changes compared to its predecessor, the Razr 40 Ultra.
Design and Features
The back of the phone retains a familiar appearance, showcasing a cover screen and a horizontal camera arrangement. Notably, the device features Motorola's iconic Razr branding. On flipping the phone open, the primary display is revealed, sporting a centrally positioned punch-hole cutout designed to house the selfie camera.
Specifications and Color Options
Reports suggest that the Razr 50 Ultra could come equipped with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Available color choices may include Blue, Orange, and Green, offering users a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Anticipated Launch and Features
Previously spotted on BIS certification, it is likely that the Razr 50 Ultra will debut in the Indian market. However, details about the upcoming foldable device remain scarce, leaving much to speculation among tech enthusiasts and consumers alike.
For those seeking a quick overview, the Razr 40 Ultra boasts a 6.9-inch LTPO OLED primary display and a 3.6-inch cover screen. The rear camera setup consists of a 12-megapixel + 13-megapixel dual configuration, while the front camera offers a 32-megapixel sensor. Driving the device's performance is a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, coupled with a 3,800mAh battery supporting 30W wired charging.
Following the launch of the Razr 40 Ultra in June last year, there is speculation that its successor, the Razr 50 Ultra, could be introduced in the upcoming month of June. However, this remains a conjecture at this point. Stay tuned as we provide updates on any new developments regarding this highly anticipated device.
Tags: Motorola Razr 50 Ultra, Phones Market, Smartphone
May 6, 2024
Vivo X100 Ultra, X100s, X100s Pro Launching on May 13: Details
Vivo has officially announced the upcoming launch of three new smartphones – the Vivo X100 Ultra, X100s, and X100s Pro in China on May 13 at 7pm local time. These devices are currently open for pre-orders on the Vivo China website, where details regarding design, color choices, and specifications have been disclosed.
Vivo X100 Ultra Configurations, Design, Color Options
The Vivo X100 Ultra will be offered in black, white, and titanium shades, as depicted in the images. Its front features a curved-edge display while the back sports a prominent round camera module housing three cameras with Zeiss branding. Additionally, a vertical LED flash unit is situated in the top-right corner of the rear panel.
The Vivo X100 Ultra will come in three variants: 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage. Powering this device will be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
Vivo X100s, X100s Pro Configurations, Design, Color Options
The Vivo X100 is equipped with a flat display, contrasting with the curved-edge screen of the X100s Pro, although both share a similar rear design. The X100 Pro will be available in black, white, and titanium shades, with options for 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage.
Vivo X100s
The Vivo X100s will provide customers with four choices: 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 16 GB RAM + 256 GB storage, 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage, and 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage. Besides black, white, and titanium, a cyan variant of the X100s will also be available. Both the X100s and X100s Pro are anticipated to be the world’s first smartphones featuring the upcoming Dimensity 9300 Plus chipset.
Tags: Vivo X100 Ultra, Vivo X100s
May 6, 2024
Global smartphone market grows 6% YoY in Q1 2024
The global smartphone market experienced a 6% year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2024, as per the latest report by Counterpoint Research. This growth marked the highest revenue ever generated from smartphone sales in a first quarter. With a total of 296.9 million shipments, Samsung surpassed Apple to claim the top spot in the smartphone market.
Samsung Surpasses Apple as Global Smartphone Leader
The Counterpoint Market Monitor service’s quarterly analysis sheds light on the global smartphone market’s recent performance. The growth in shipments was primarily driven by strong showings in key regions like Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. Notably, emerging markets continued to exhibit robust momentum, particularly in Europe. Overall, consumer demand has been steadily increasing, accompanied by enhancements in inventory levels across various markets.
Emerging Trends in Q1 2024 Smartphone Market
The smartphone market dynamics in the first quarter of 2024 revealed some noteworthy trends. Revenue from premium smartphone offerings is on the rise at a faster pace compared to shipment growth. This trend is expected to continue, driven by innovations in form factors like foldable smartphones and advanced features. Samsung took the lead in global smartphone shipments with a 20% market share, displacing Apple. Meanwhile, Apple experienced a 13% year-on-year decline in shipments primarily due to high inventory levels from the previous quarter. Among the top five smartphone brands, Xiaomi from China saw the most substantial growth, with a 34% increase in shipments year-on-year.
The performance of smartphone brands varied across different regions. For instance, Transsion brands like Tecno, Itel, and Infinix performed well in Eastern Europe, India, APAC, and MEA regions. In contrast, OPPO witnessed declines in several markets, indicating heightened competition. Xiaomi, on the other hand, demonstrated growth across most key markets. Looking ahead, the outlook for the next quarter appears optimistic, with trends expected to continue beyond the second quarter of 2024.
Tags: Apple, global smartphone market, Samsung
May 6, 2024
Realme GT Neo 6 Reservation Listing: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
Last year, Huawei introduced the Mate 60 series under the Pioneer Plan, which aimed to launch new products directly into stores. Following a similar strategy, Huawei has now unveiled the Huawei Pura 70 series. Similarly, Realme seems to be adopting a comparable approach with the upcoming Realme GT Neo 6, which has appeared for reservations on Jingdong Mall without an official announcement.
Realme GT Neo 6 Emerges on Jingdong Mall
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset will power the Realme GT Neo 6, as shown in the Jingdong Mall listing. While the battery size remains unconfirmed, the device is expected to feature 120W fast charging and a 1TB storage variant.
The pricing details for the Realme GT Neo 6 are yet to be disclosed. However, the phone is anticipated to be available for purchase in China in the near future.
Display and Configuration Details
Rumors suggest that the Realme GT Neo 6 will sport a 6.78-inch OLED panel, similar to the one found on the Realme GT Neo 6 SE released last month in China. This display is likely to offer a 1.5K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 6,000 nits. Additionally, the screen will feature 8T LTPO technology, providing smoother refresh rate transitions and lower power consumption compared to its competitors.
The top-tier configuration of the Realme GT Neo 6 is expected to include 24 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The device may come equipped with a 5,500mAh battery, although details about its camera capabilities remain undisclosed. Future updates might shed light on this aspect in the upcoming days.
Tags: Realme GT Neo 6, Smartphone
May 5, 2024
Vivo S19 and S19 Pro MIIT certification: Launch Coming Soon
Two new Vivo smartphones, presumed to be the upcoming S19 and S19 Pro models, have recently gained certification from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). These devices are identified by the model numbers V2364A and V2362A.
Certification was granted subsequent to their appearance on the 3C certification website, affirming that both phones will support 80W wired fast charging. With these recent certifications, it appears that the S19 series is preparing for an imminent official launch.
Certification and Approval
Presently, there is limited information accessible regarding the Vivo S19 series smartphones. The certifications do not disclose many specifics about the devices.
Spec Recap of Vivo S18 Series
To provide context, let’s revisit the specifications of the Vivo S18 series. Both the S18 and S18 Pro showcase a 6.78-inch display with a resolution of 2800 x 1260.
The display panel boasts a 10-bit color depth, a 120Hz refresh rate, and an impressive peak brightness of 2800 nits.
Internally, both variants are equipped with a 5000mAh battery that supports 80W fast charging. In terms of performance, the standard model features a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC, while the Pro version utilizes the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chipset.
Furthermore, the rear camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, and a studio-grade soft light ring on the S18 model.
On the other hand, the S18 Pro comes with a 50MP primary lens with OIS, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultrawide sensor. Both phones include a 50MP front camera for selfies.
Vivo typically refreshes its S-series smartphones every six months. Considering that the Vivo S18 series was introduced in China last December, it is likely that the Vivo S19 series will be launched around June. Stay tuned for further updates.
Tags: Certification agencies, S19 Series, vivo