Category: Phones

May 15, 2024
Sony Xperia 10 VI Launches Globally with Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
Sony has introduced two new Xperia smartphones today: the Xperia 1 VI and Xperia 10 VI. The Xperia 1 VI is the flagship model, while the Xperia 10 VI is positioned as a mid-range option. The Xperia 10 VI builds upon its predecessor, the Xperia 10 V, with a few updates. Continue reading for more details.
Sony Xperia 10 VI specifications and features
The Xperia 10 VI retains the signature top and bottom bezels on its tall 21:9 aspect ratio screen. It sports a 6.1-inch Triluminious OLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. The device is IP68-certified, making it dust and water-resistant. It also features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button.
The design of the Xperia 10 VI is minimalistic, featuring a raised pill-shaped area at the top left of the back panel that houses two camera sensors and an LED flash unit. The camera setup includes a 48MP main sensor with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens. Notably, Sony has removed the telephoto unit from this iteration. For selfies, there's an 8MP front camera.
Audio and Performance
The Xperia 10 VI is equipped with front-firing stereo speakers that support 360 Reality Audio, DSEE Ultimate, stereo recording, and aptX adaptive.
Under the hood, the Xperia 10 VI is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor. It comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card slot. The device is fueled by a 5,000mAh battery that supports 30W fast charging. On the software front, it runs on Android 14 and promises three years of OS updates along with four years of security patches.
The Sony Xperia 10 VI is available in three colors: Black, White, and Blue. It is priced at €399 in Europe and £349 in the UK. The phone is currently available for pre-orders, and sales will begin in mid-June.
Tags: Mid-range smartphones, Sony Xperia 10 VI, specifications and features
May 15, 2024
Sony Xperia 1 VI: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 48MP Camera, 7.1x Zoom
Earlier today, Sony conducted a virtual event to introduce its latest Xperia smartphones, with the spotlight on the flagship Xperia 1 VI. The device features a new processor, camera enhancements, and a more traditional design.
Design & Display
The Xperia 1 VI adheres to Sony’s minimalist design ethos, showcasing a boxy structure with flat edges and a flat back. The rear sports a pill-shaped camera island, similar to its predecessor.
The most significant design change lies in the display, now adopting a more standard 19.5:9 aspect ratio instead of the previous 21:9 cinema ratio. This adjustment makes the phone shorter and wider than its predecessor.
Sony has opted to replace the 4K OLED display with a 6.5-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2340 pixels) panel. The new OLED screen supports HDR, covers the full DCI-P3 color gamut, and includes X1 for mobile. It offers a 1-120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, and 240Hz Motion blur reduction. Both the display and back are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. Despite the aspect ratio change, the device still features substantial top and bottom bezels.
Performance
Internally, the Xperia 1 VI is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, coupled with Andreno 750 graphics. The chipset is paired with up to 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, with a 512GB model available in Japan and East Asia. Additionally, storage can be expanded up to 1.5TB via a microSD card. To manage heat, the phone includes a vapor chamber cooling system.
For audio, the phone features full-stage front stereo speakers with enhanced bass, clarity, and sound distribution. It also retains a 3.5mm headphone jack and incorporates technologies like 360 Reality Audio, 360 Reality Audio hardware decoding, 360 Spatial Sound, Dolby Atmos, LDAC, DSEE Ultimate, Qualcomm aptX HD audio, and LE Audio for an immersive audio experience.
The device is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, supporting 30W USB PD fast charging and Qi Wireless charging. Connectivity options include 5G, 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6E 802.11 ax, and Bluetooth 5.4 LE. For navigation, it supports GPS and GLONASS. Additional features include a USB 3.2 Type-C port, NFC, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security. It runs on an Android 14-based operating system, with Sony promising three Android version updates and four years of security support.
Cameras
The standout feature of the Xperia 1 VI is its camera system, boasting a 48MP primary sensor with a 1/1.3.5″ Exymor T sensor. This sensor is the same as last year’s flagship Xperia model, featuring an f/1.9 aperture with Hybrid OIS and EIS support. The secondary camera is a 12MP ultra-wide unit with an f/2.2 aperture and a 16mm focal length. The third camera is a telephoto unit with a 1/3.5″ sensor and an enhanced 85mm-170mm optically-zoom lens, offering 3.5x to 7.1x optical zoom (21.3x hybrid zoom). All rear cameras are equipped with ZEISS T* coated lenses.
The front-facing camera is a 12MP 1/2.9″ Exmor RS mobile sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and an 84° field of view. The camera system can record videos in up to 4K 120FPS. Sony has also updated the camera app on the Xperia 1 VI to be more user-friendly for point-and-shoot photography, while still retaining the Pro mode for advanced users.
Pricing & Availability
The Xperia 1 VI is priced at €1,399/£1,299 and will be available starting early June. It will come in Black, Platinum Silver, and Khaki Green.
Tags: Camera Upgrades, Smartphone Launch Event, Sony Xperia 1 VI
May 15, 2024
Rumor: Oppo Find X8 Ultra to Release Separately with Extra Model
Find X7 Ultra Satellite Edition
Oppo introduced the Find X7 Ultra Satellite Edition at the end of March this year. Although, the Find X8 series is already generating buzz. Initially, reports suggested that the Find X8 series (comprising Find X8 and Find X8 Ultra) would be launched by year-end. However, fresh rumors indicate that the series will include a new model, with the Ultra model being released at a later date.
The Find X8 Series to Include Three Models
Digital Chat Station now asserts that the Find X8 series will feature three models. He mentions that the base and the upper models might debut as early as October, while the Ultra model is expected to be launched separately in Q1 2025. The rumor suggests that the series will offer a new design, an upgraded camera system, different battery sizes, and the usual enhancement in fast charging.
So far, it is known that the new series will incorporate upcoming flagship chips from both MediaTek and Qualcomm. However, the specific models for each variant remain unclear. A previous rumor indicated that the Ultra model might be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip.
Release Strategy Similar to Xiaomi’s
Adding a new middle model and a staggered release for the Ultra model mirrors Xiaomi’s strategy for its recent flagships, where the Ultra model was launched months after the base and middle variants.
Previous reports also suggest that Oppo aims to directly compete with the forthcoming Xiaomi 15 series with its Find X8 series. The Find X7 series was launched in January this year, while the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro were released in October last year. This could explain why the company is expediting development, as mentioned earlier by DCS, aiming to launch the new series within this year and schedule the Ultra model for early next year.
Tags: Oppo, Oppo Find X8 Series, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
May 15, 2024
Redmi K70 Ultra Near Launch: New HyperOS Phone Visits 3C
The launch of the Redmi K70 Ultra seems imminent. There have already been various leaks about this device, and now, it has received official certification in China. The K70 Ultra is a premium smartphone that has appeared on the 3C certification. Let’s delve into the details.
Redmi K70 Ultra Visits 3C
The Redmi K70 Ultra is the successor to last year’s Redmi K60 Ultra. Recently, this new model was found on the 3C database (via Digital Chat Station) with the model number 2407FRK8EC. This certification indicates that the Redmi K70 Ultra could soon make its debut in China. The listing also showed the presence of MDY-14-ED and MDY-16-EB chargers, confirming support for 120W wired fast charging.
In a recent leak, the K70 Ultra is said to be powered by a substantial 5,500mAh battery, which is 10 percent larger than the previous model. Up front, the device is expected to feature a 1.5K OLED screen, possibly paired with a dedicated dual-core display chip. Well-known tipster Digital Chat Station also mentioned that the K70 Ultra will be equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset, a top-tier processor. The design might also see some enhancements.
Design and Specifications
The Redmi K70 Ultra is rumored to come with metallic frames and a glass back, with improvements in color, material, and finish. Previous reports have suggested that the device might offer up to 24GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The rear camera setup will probably include a 50-megapixel primary sensor, an ultra-wide-angle lens, and a macro shooter. This is all the information available for now, so stay tuned for more updates.
Tags: 3C certification, MediaTek Dimensity 9300, Redmi K70 Ultra
May 15, 2024
Android 15 Beta Released for vivo X100 and iQOO 12
vivo has rolled out the Android 15 update for its vivo X100 and iQOO 12 smartphones. However, it is worth noting that this update is in its beta phase, implying it may not be fully reliable for regular use. Users opting for this update might face some system instability.
Known Issues
vivo has issued the Android 15 Beta update for the X100 and iQOO 12 but has highlighted some known problems. On the vivo X100, notifications may not appear correctly, the fingerprint sensor icon might overlap with the unlock icon, some apps could malfunction, and certain features may be absent from the system settings. For the iQOO 12, the camera may occasionally malfunction, necessitating a reboot to resolve the issue. Additionally, some third-party apps may not function properly, and NFC issues could arise.
Android 15 for vivo X100 and iQOO 12
The Android 15 update for both devices is somewhat unstable at the moment. However, if you're eager to explore new features and don't mind potential bugs, you might consider installing it. Our previous article details the new features included in Android 15. The update has been released in specific regions, with two different download packages available for the vivo X100. Depending on your location, you can download the Android 15 update file for the vivo X100 and iQOO 12 from the provided links.
vivo X100
- Android 15 Beta 1 (Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan)
- Android 15 Beta 1 (India)
iQOO 12
- Android 15 Beta 1(Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia)
- Android 15 Beta 1(India)
Update Process
To install the update, transfer the downloaded update package to your phone's internal storage. Navigate to Settings > System update > Local update, select the zip file, and reboot after the update is completed. If you find that Android 15 isn't suitable for you, you can revert to the previous version using the rollback file, following the same steps.
If you encounter issues and wish to revert to the previous version or have trouble downloading the update packages, visit vivo's official website. The website provides both the update and rollback files.
Tags: Android 15 Beta, iQOO 12, Vivo X100
May 15, 2024
Apple Roadmap Leak: iPhone SE 4 in 2025, Foldable iPhone in 2026
A recent leak has surfaced online, purportedly revealing Apple’s product plans up to 2027. While the authenticity of the leak remains unverified, it includes a wealth of intriguing details. Here's a summary of the main points:
All iPhone 16 models are speculated to receive a memory boost to 8GB, aligning with the current iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. This would ensure uniformity across the iPhone 16 series. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max might feature a periscope zoom camera with 5x optical zoom, similar to high-end competitors. The Pro models are also expected to see an increase in screen size, with the iPhone 16 Pro potentially expanding from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max from 6.7 inches to 6.9 inches.
The iPhone 17 Pro’s Camera Upgrades
The iPhone SE 4, anticipated as the highlight of 2025, might come with a larger 6.1-inch display and a powerful 48-megapixel camera, marking a significant improvement over earlier SE models.
The iPhone 17 Pro could feature a triple 48-megapixel rear camera system and a matching 48-megapixel front camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), ensuring sharper photos and videos in various lighting conditions. This model might also introduce a “Pol-less” display, resulting in a thinner design and potentially better screen brightness.
Foldable iPhone and Other Innovations
2026 could see the release of the long-anticipated foldable iPhone, with a 6-inch outer screen for regular use and an 8-inch inner screen when unfolded, promising a more immersive experience. This foldable device is rumored to employ low-latency, low-power LLW DRAM technology for optimal performance.
The iPhone 18 Pro models might be the first to feature under-display Face ID for a seamless screen experience, possibly eliminating the notch entirely. Apple’s tablet range could also be refreshed in 2026 with a new 10.9-inch iPad Air featuring an OLED display for richer colors and deeper blacks. An 8.4-inch OLED iPad mini might also be introduced.
Enhancements in MacBooks and Future Concepts
MacBooks might join the OLED trend in 2026 with potential 14-inch and 16-inch OLED screen options, representing a significant display upgrade for Apple’s laptops.
The roadmap also suggests that Apple is exploring augmented reality (AR) glasses and even foldable iPad concepts for future release, possibly in 2027 or later. These products could introduce entirely new categories for Apple and significantly change how we interact with technology. It’s crucial to note that this data is based on a leak and has not been confirmed by Apple. However, it provides a glimpse into the possible direction Apple might take with its product lines in the coming years.
Tags: Apple Roadmap, Foldable iPhone Development, iphone
May 14, 2024
Nothing Phone 2a gets Android 15 update
The initial Developer Preview of Android 15 is now available for the Nothing Phone (2a). It’s important to note that this update is exclusive to the Phone (2a) and is not yet accessible for the standard Phone (2) users. For details on the new features of Android 15, please refer to our earlier article.
Nothing has rolled out the Android 15 update for the Phone (2a). Be sure to back up your data before updating, as the process will erase all existing data. The update introduces several new features, such as Glyph SDK support, new wallpapers, and the Nothing boot animation. However, fingerprint recognition and face unlock are not functional in this Android 15 build for the Phone (2a). Additionally, some exclusive features (X/Weather/Launcher/Recorder/Widgets) are missing in this build.
Download Android 15 for Nothing Phone (2a)
To get the Android 15 Beta update for the Nothing Phone (2a), click here (LINK). If you encounter any issues, click here to download the necessary package to revert to the previous version (LINK).
Here are the steps to install Android 15 on the Nothing Phone (2a). Please refer to the images below as well.
1. Go to Settings > About phone > Software info to check if your phone is running the latest software version (Nothing OS 2.5.5a). If not, go to Settings > System > System update to check for updates and install the latest version.
2. Download the Android 15 package file from the provided link.
3. Create a folder named “ota” in your internal storage directory.
4. Dial ##682## on your phone.
5. In the newly opened window, select the update package you downloaded.
6. Tap “Directly apply OTA from selection”.
7. Wait until the update completes and then reboot your device.
Android 15 Installation for Nothing Phone (2a)
Installing Android 15 on the Nothing Phone (2a) is fairly simple, but keep in mind that it is Beta software, so you might encounter some bugs. If you are not satisfied with the new Beta update, you can follow the same steps to downgrade to the previous version, just make sure to select the rollback package before starting the process. For more information or any further queries, you can visit the official Nothing community.
Tags: Android 15 Beta, Installation Guide, Nothing Phone (2a)
May 14, 2024
Galaxy S21 Series Gains AI Feature with OneUI 6.1 Update in India
Samsung has recently rolled out the OneUI 6.1 update for Galaxy S21 series devices in Europe, the US, and its home country. The update has now made its way to India. Interestingly, even the early 2021 models are benefiting from some of the latest Galaxy AI features introduced by the company.
The update for the three models comes with the firmware version – G996BXXUAGXDA / G996BOXMAGXDA / G996BXXUAGXDA. It is approximately 2.2GB in size and includes the April security patch. However, the Galaxy S21FE has not received this update yet.
Galaxy S21 Receives Circle to Search and Other AI Features
With the OneUI 6.1 update, the Galaxy S21 series gains a notable Galaxy AI feature called Circle to Search. This feature allows users to circle an object on their screen to learn more about it. Without exiting the app, users can search for items they see, copy text from images, and more.
Activating this feature is simple. Users can either tap and hold the home button or the Navigation Handle, depending on their settings.
The update also enhances the built-in Gallery app with AI-powered image editing capabilities. By tapping the ‘i’ button below an image, users can access recommendations like colorize and star trail. Additionally, the Gallery app now enables copying objects from images and pasting them elsewhere.
Enhanced Video Editor and New Features in Apps
The built-in video editor has also received updates. Users can now adjust the playback speed of an entire video or specific parts of it. The video editor allows for exporting files to other Galaxy devices to continue editing.
Moreover, users can apply frames and effects to wallpapers, such as blurring the background around the subject.
Other app updates include Samsung Health, which now lets users compete with their previous workout records. The Calendar app has been updated to allow the addition of two custom stickers for each date. The Reminders app now includes the feature to pin frequently used categories.
Tags: OneUI 6.1 update, Samsung Galaxy AI Features, Samsung Galaxy S21 Update
May 14, 2024
OnePlus Open 2 Launch Canceled for 2024, Tipster Reveals
While the market for foldable phones is buzzing with anticipation around new models from Samsung, Motorola, and others, OnePlus enthusiasts might face a letdown. According to trusted sources, the OnePlus Open 2 will not make its debut this year.
Expected Launch in 2025
The successor to the well-received OnePlus Open is now anticipated to launch in 2025. This update dashes hopes for a 2024 release. The Open 2 is rumored to be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset.
Scheduled for next year instead, uses 8 Gen 4 — Chun Bhai (@chunvn8888) May 11, 2024
Chipset and Launch Details
Information about the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is limited, with an official unveiling expected later this year (October-November 2024). The initial phones featuring this chip might be released as early as December, particularly in China.
The global release timeline for most Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 devices remains uncertain, and it's unclear if the Open 2 will be among them.
Little Information Available
Currently, there's scant concrete information about the OnePlus Open 2. This lack of details is expected to continue for some time. Historically, OnePlus has rebranded Oppo’s foldable phones for international markets.
Following this pattern, the Open 2 is likely to be a rebranded version of the Oppo Find N5, much like the original Open was a rebrand of the Oppo Find N3 released last year.
However, the leaked details might hold true, especially given previous rumors that Oppo postponed the Find N5’s launch until 2025. Since the Open 2 is expected to be a rebrand, it’s not surprising that its release will also be delayed until 2025.
Tags: OnePlus Open 2
May 14, 2024
India’s First Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Smartphone: Poco F6
Poco has officially announced the upcoming launch of its Poco F6 smartphone in India. Set for release on May 23rd, this device will be the first in the country to feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC.
Advanced Architecture and Performance
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 shares numerous architectural elements with the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It includes the same Image Signal Processor (ISP), display, memory, and modem architecture. Additionally, it employs the robust Kryo “X4” core and is constructed using the 4nm TSMC fabrication process.
Moreover, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 supports an impressive 10 billion parameters and features such as multi-modal generative AI. It is also compatible with various large language models (LLMs) like Baichuan-7B, Llama 2, and Gemini Nano.
Benchmark and Competition
Regarding performance, Poco asserts that the F6 achieves a remarkable score of over 1.5 million points on the AnTuTu benchmark.
The smartphone is expected to compete directly with the forthcoming Realme GT 6T, which is also set to launch in India next week. The Realme GT 6T will feature a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC and boasts a comparable AnTuTu score of 1.5 million.
Display and Camera Specifications
Speculation suggests that the Poco F6 might be a rebranded version of the Redmi Turbo 3, which debuted in China recently. If true, the device will likely sport a 6.67-inch 1.5K resolution OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
In the camera department, the smartphone might include a primary 50MP sensor, presumably the Sony IMX-600, accompanied by an 8MP ultrawide sensor. The device is expected to be powered by a 5000mAh battery with support for 90W fast charging.
Tags: AnTuTu 1.5M, Poco F6 Series, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3