Category: Phones

  • “Upcoming CMF Phone (1): A Redesigned Nothing Phone (2a)?”

    “Upcoming CMF Phone (1): A Redesigned Nothing Phone (2a)?”

    Nothing's sub-brand CMF, which emphasizes Color, Material, and Finish, is gearing up to introduce its inaugural smartphone soon. Earlier reports this month indicated that it might be a budget-friendly device packed with impressive features. Recently, a leak from tipster @realMlgmXyysd on X (formerly known as Twitter) has unveiled the specifications of the forthcoming CMF smartphone, hinting that it could be a rebranded variant of the Nothing Phone (2a).

    Specifications Revealed

    According to the post on X, the tipster suggests that the engineering prototype of the CMF phone, model number A015, is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC, a 5,000mAh battery, and supports 33W fast charging. The report also indicates that the phone will boast a 6.67-inch OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate.

    The device will reportedly come with 8GB LPDDR4x RAM and options for 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage, along with a MicroSD card slot for additional storage. Furthermore, the leak suggests a 50MP primary camera accompanied by another camera in a vertical alignment on the back, while the front will house a 16MP sensor.

    Design and Features

    The back cover of the device will be made of replaceable plastic, and this model will not feature any Glyph lights. The operating system is expected to be the Android 14-based Nothing OS 2.5, with support for Widevine L1 certification for HD streaming. The phone will be offered in Black, Green Blue, and an India-exclusive Orange color option.

    Launch Details

    Additionally, the tipster states that the phone is expected to launch in July 2024, with a price range between $249 to $279 USD. This contradicts an earlier report that suggested a budget price of around Rs 12,000 (approximately $140). The specifications closely mirror those of the Nothing Phone (2a), hinting that the CMF phone could be a rebranded version featuring some design tweaks. However, as these specs are from an engineering sample, readers should treat this information cautiously and watch for further updates.

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  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Price Hike May Raise Flagship Phone Costs

    Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Price Hike May Raise Flagship Phone Costs

    Qualcomm is gearing up for a significant shift with the forthcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, slated for an official reveal in October. This new SoC will incorporate in-house CPU designs featuring custom Oryon cores. However, this move towards greater autonomy may come with a price for smartphone producers.

    Advanced Technology and Higher Costs

    Much like Apple’s M-series chips, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is speculated to use TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm process (N3E). This will mark Qualcomm’s first utilization of 3nm technology for its SoCs, promising enhanced performance and efficiency. However, this advancement will result in increased production expenses.

    According to Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station, the wafer price for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 has escalated, which will directly influence the final cost of the SoC.

    Impact on Market Pricing

    This price surge isn't entirely unexpected. Qualcomm had previously hinted at a higher price point for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 due to the integration of Oryon cores.

    The increased cost could trigger a domino effect in the smartphone market. With a more expensive chip, manufacturers might need to strategically evaluate their devices’ overall configurations to maintain competitive pricing.

    For instance, the Redmi K70 Pro from last year, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, was among the most affordable flagship models. However, with a pricier Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, achieving a similar price point for its successor could be challenging for companies like Xiaomi.

    Manufacturer Dilemmas

    It's important to note that even the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 wasn't cheap for manufacturers, reportedly costing around $200 per unit. An additional price increase for the Gen 4 could place phone makers in a tough spot, compelling them to either reduce their profit margins or potentially hike the end price for consumers.

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  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Durable UTG Panel for Crease-Free Experience

    Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Durable UTG Panel for Crease-Free Experience

    Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6 may feature a significant display improvement. Reports from Korean media outlet TheElec suggest that Samsung plans to use a thicker Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) on the Z Flip 6’s foldable screen.

    The new UTG is expected to be 50 microns thick, compared to the 30 microns on the Z Flip 5. This increased thickness aims to make the crease on the foldable display less visible and enhance the screen's overall durability.

    Galaxy Z Flip 5

    Samsung has already made strides to reduce the display crease on its current foldable model. For the Flip 5, the company moved away from the traditional hinge mechanism used in previous models and introduced a new waterdrop-style hinge design.

    This new hinge design allows the foldable device’s two halves to close flat without putting excessive pressure on the screen. According to TheElec, the Z Flip 6 will retain the same hinge mechanism as its predecessor.

    Potential Upgrades

    However, the next iteration might see enhancements with a new UTG structure and hinge design. These improvements could further reduce the crease visibility and enable slimmer bezels around the display.

    If the reports are accurate, the thicker UTG could help Samsung better compete with Chinese brands that have been offering nearly crease-less displays on their foldable devices for several years now.

    Additional Features

    Besides the new screen, the Flip 6 is anticipated to come with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, an upgraded primary camera, and a larger battery.

    Samsung is likely to unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 6 alongside the Fold 6 during the Unpacked event, which is rumored to take place in July. We will keep you updated with any new information that comes in regarding these foldable devices.

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  • Oppo Reno 12 Certified in Singapore & Thailand Before Launch

    Oppo Reno 12 Certified in Singapore & Thailand Before Launch

    Oppo is gearing up to unveil its Reno 12 series smartphones on May 23, 2024, in China. This series won’t be limited to China, as it is expected to launch internationally, backed by approvals from various countries including the UAE, Thailand, and Indonesia.

    Oppo Reno 12 5G Approvals

    The Reno 12 5G has recently received certification from Thailand’s NBTC under the model number CPH2625, indicating its readiness for a global release. Additionally, it has met regulatory standards in Singapore, supporting multiple network technologies such as WCDMA, LTE, and 5G.

    Oppo Reno 12 Specifications

    While detailed information on the Reno 12 is scarce, Geekbench listings hint at an octa-core processor. This might be the Dimensity 8300 SoC paired with the Mali G615 MC2 GPU for the global variant, and the Dimensity 8250 SoC for the Chinese market. The smartphone could feature a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 1.5K resolution.

    Camera and Battery

    In terms of optics, the Reno 12 could sport a 50-megapixel main camera with EIS support, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom. The front camera might also be a 50-megapixel sensor for high-quality selfies. Furthermore, the device is expected to come with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 80W fast charging.

    More details will emerge as we approach the May 23 launch date, so stay tuned for further updates.

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  • OnePlus 11R 8GB/128GB Now ₹27,999 on Amazon: Worth the Price?

    OnePlus 11R 8GB/128GB Now ₹27,999 on Amazon: Worth the Price?

    OnePlus is currently offering the OnePlus 11R at a discounted rate in India. The smartphone, which was released in February 2023, comes equipped with the high-end Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor.

    OnePlus 11R Offer Price

    At the moment, the OnePlus 11R with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage is available for ₹29,999 on Amazon India. Additionally, there is a ₹2,000 discount on all bank card transactions, effectively reducing the price to ₹27,999.

    So, is purchasing the OnePlus 11R at this price a wise decision? This price cut positions the OnePlus 11R as one of the most powerful devices within its price bracket. Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, the device can easily handle games like BGMI at high graphics settings with high frame rates.

    Smooth User Interface and Software Updates

    The user interface is also quite seamless, with OnePlus continually updating its OxygenOS to be more fluid and user-friendly. The OnePlus 11R was launched with Android 13 and is set to receive three major OS updates. The phone is currently running Android 14, so it will continue to receive updates until Android 16, along with security updates for an additional year after the last major update.

    Specifications

    In terms of specifications, the OnePlus 11R boasts a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. It features a 5000 mAh battery with 100W fast charging support and an in-display fingerprint sensor for security. The camera setup includes a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide unit, and a 2MP macro lens. For selfies, there is a 16MP front camera. All these features make the device a solid choice for ₹27,999.

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  • One UI 6.1: Top Battery Optimization Tips for Samsung Galaxy

    One UI 6.1: Top Battery Optimization Tips for Samsung Galaxy

    One UI 6.1 offers numerous ways to extend the battery life on a Samsung Galaxy device. However, these options are scattered across various menus, making it challenging for most users to apply the best battery-saving strategies.

    To simplify this process, we've compiled the best battery optimization tips for One UI 6.1 to help you maximize battery life. Follow the tips below and notice the difference.

    Best One UI 6.1 Battery Optimization Tips

    Apply these optimizations to get the best battery life on your Samsung Galaxy device.

    Tip #1: Switch to Maximum Battery Protection

    One UI 6.1 introduces new battery protection features to maintain battery health in the long term. It offers three battery protection options: Basic, Adaptive, and Maximum.

    • The Basic protection stops charging the device once the battery level reaches 100% and resumes when it drops below 95%.
    • The Adaptive protection charges the battery to 80% while you sleep and fills the rest before you wake up.
    • The Maximum protection prioritizes slowing down battery degradation by limiting the maximum charge to 80%, while giving enough power for most daily needs.

    Go to Settings > Battery and select Maximum protection (recommended) for the best balance of battery health and screen-on time.

    Tip #2: Create Routines

    Modes and routines on Samsung Galaxy are some of the best features that are often overlooked by most users. You can create custom routines to disable unnecessary features at a specific time or place.

    Routine 1 (battery level is less than 30%)

    • Enable power saving
    • Disable GPS
    • Switch to the standard screen refresh rate

    Routine 2 (at bedtime)

    • Change the network mode to 4G
    • Enable power saving
    • Turn off NFC
    • Turn off Wi-Fi
    • Turn off mobile data
    • Turn off Bluetooth
    • Turn off edge panels
    • Turn off Always on Display (AOD)
    • Disable fingerprint unlocking
    • Turn off location

    You can add or remove functions from these routines as per your requirements.

    Steps to create a routine in Samsung Galaxy:

    1. Open the Settings app.
    2. Tap on Modes and Routines.
    3. Go to the Routines tab.
    4. Tap the “+” icon at the top.
    5. Set the if condition to trigger a routine. For routine 1, tap “Add what will trigger this routine”, click “Battery level” and set it to below 30%. Then, add the settings you want to change, enable, or disable by tapping on “Add what this routine will do”. For routine 2, set a specific time to trigger the routine.

    Tip #3: Put Unused Apps to Sleep

    Many apps on our phones are for occasional usage. Even if you don’t open them regularly, they can still consume resources. You can limit the background usage of such apps to save some battery and resources.

    Here’s how to do it:

    1. Open the Settings app.
    2. Tap on Battery and click Background usage limits.
    3. Tap Deep sleeping apps.
    4. Click the “+” icon at the top.
    5. Select the apps and click Add.

    These deep sleeping apps will not run in the background. They can only run when you launch the app.

    Tip #4: Change These Settings

    Many features contribute to increased battery drain on a smartphone. Hence, try to limit the activated features to as few as possible. Here are some recommendations:

    1. Turn off Always On Display (AOD)

    Always On Display (AOD) looks cool but it can significantly contribute to increased battery drain if you have it enabled all day.

    I recommend disabling AOD for the best screen-on time. However, if it’s not possible for you to do this, set a routine to activate the AOD when you need it the most.

    To disable the AOD, go to Settings > Lock screen and AOD and toggle off Always On Display.

    2. Switch to a Wi-Fi Network

    Cellular data consumes more battery than a Wi-Fi connection. Hence, it is always better to use a Wi-Fi connection compared to cellular data.

    While you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, switch to a 4G network, as 5G consumes more battery. You can also set a routine to automate this.

    Tip: You can set a routine to automatically switch your Samsung Galaxy to a cellular data connection whenever the Wi-Fi connection is weak.

    3. Lower the Screen Refresh Rate

    High refresh rates lead to more power consumption as the screen refreshes the image more times every second. Hence, lowering the screen refresh rate results in more screen-on time but at the cost of screen smoothness.

    If your Samsung Galaxy has an LTPO display, there should be an adaptive refresh rate option in the display settings that automatically adjusts the refresh rate based on the content being displayed.

    However, if your Galaxy device doesn’t support adaptive refresh rate, switch to the 90Hz or 60Hz option for better battery saving.

    Go to Settings > Display > Motion smoothness and select a lower refresh rate option.

    4. Lower the Screen Resolution

    A higher resolution display requires more processing power from the GPU, thus leading to increased battery consumption. Lowering the screen resolution could help your battery perform well.

    To change the screen resolution on Samsung Galaxy, go to Settings > Display > Screen resolution and choose a lower resolution option.

    5. Turn on Auto Optimization

    Auto optimization on Samsung Galaxy phones performs optimizations to keep the device running smoothly. It closes background apps and cleans memory by restarting the device when you don’t use it.

    To enable it, go to Settings > Device care > Auto optimization and enable Auto restart.

    6. Enable Adaptive Brightness

    Using a smartphone with high brightness for prolonged periods can result in faster battery drain. Enable Adaptive brightness to allow the device to automatically adjust the brightness based on the lighting conditions around you.

    To enable Adaptive brightness, go to Settings > Display and toggle on Adaptive brightness.

    7. Lower the Screen Timeout Duration

    If the screen timeout is high, the device will stay awake for a longer period, resulting in more battery drain. Unless you need to see the screen for long, set the screen timeout to 15 or 30 seconds.

    To change the screen timeout, go to Settings > Display > Screen timeout and choose a lower duration.

    Enable “Keep screen on while viewing” to never turn off the screen while you’re looking at it.

    Applying these battery optimization tips will not show results immediately. Allow a couple of days and then monitor the battery usage to see the impact. I hope this guide helps you optimize the battery life on your Galaxy device running One UI 6.1. If you have any questions or suggestions, please do write in the comments below.

    Also Read:

    1. One UI 7: Eligible Devices, Release Date, and New Features
    2. 10 Amazing Features Coming to Android 15
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  • Exynos 2500 Outperforms Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 in Power Efficiency

    Exynos 2500 Outperforms Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 in Power Efficiency

    Rumors have been swirling about Samsung’s next high-end chipset, the Exynos 2500. A recent report indicates that this processor might surpass Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 in terms of energy efficiency.

    Earlier this month, Samsung and Synopsys revealed in a joint press release that they had successfully mass-produced a prototype using their 3nm process design.

    Possible Use of 3nm Design

    Speculations have been rife that Samsung will employ this 3nm design for the Exynos 2500. Business Korea has reported the same, stating that the Galaxy S25 series will likely feature this chip.

    Energy Efficiency

    The standout claim from the report is that the Exynos 2500 will offer superior energy efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Historically, Qualcomm’s chips have excelled in raw performance, while Exynos processors have focused more on power efficiency. This trend appears set to continue with the upcoming SoCs if the latest rumors hold true.

    While there are no benchmarks or specific numbers to back up these claims yet, details about the Exynos 2500’s core configuration remain sparse. This information will be critical in assessing the chip’s overall performance and efficiency.

    ARM Cortex-X5 Cores

    One confirmed aspect of the Exynos 2500 is that it will feature ARM Cortex-X5 cores. Rumor has it that the Cortex-X5 will be the most powerful smartphone CPU available, potentially outperforming the Oryon CPU cores expected in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

    Caution on Leaks

    It’s important to note that many of these details are based on leaks and industry reports. While they provide insights into the SoC’s potential capabilities, they should not be considered definitive.

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  • Red Magic 9 Pro gaming smartphone now available in India

    Red Magic 9 Pro gaming smartphone now available in India

    Red Magic has finally introduced its flagship Red Magic 9 Pro gaming smartphone to the Indian market. Initially launched globally in December 2023, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3-powered device is now available for Indian customers through the brand’s global website. This means you won’t find these phones in local stores.

    Pricing and Configurations

    The 12GB + 256GB variant is priced at $649 (₹54,038), while the higher-end 16GB + 512GB model costs $799 (₹66,528). Indian customers will need to pay additional taxes. For instance, shipping to New Delhi brings the total cost to $895.62 (₹74,573) for the 12GB + 256GB version and $1,102 (₹91,757) for the 16GB + 512GB version.

    Despite these prices seeming high, the Red Magic 9 Pro remains more affordable compared to the ROG Phone 8 Pro, another current-gen gaming smartphone available in India. The ROG Phone 8 Pro starts at ₹94,999 for the 16GB + 512GB model, while the 24GB + 1TB variant costs ₹1,19,999.

    Red Magic 9 Pro Specifications

    The Red Magic 9 Pro boasts a 6.8-inch Full HD+ OLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and a 960Hz touch response rate. The screen supports 10-bit color depth, covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, and reaches a brightness level of 1600 nits. It also includes an in-display fingerprint sensor for security and shoulder triggers for gaming.8-inch Full HD+ OLED display featuring

    Under the hood, the phone is powered by the Octa-Core Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and Adreno 750 GPU. It offers various RAM and storage options utilizing UFS 4.0 technology. The device runs on Android 14 with Redmagic OS 9.0 and supports dual SIM cards. The camera setup includes a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 16MP under-display front camera.

    Additional Features

    For audio, the phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, dual speakers, DTS:X Ultra support, and three microphones. It measures 163.98×76.35×8.9mm and weighs 229g. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C, and NFC. The device is equipped with a 6500mAh battery that supports 80W fast charging.

    Red Magic 9 Pro gaming smartphone now available in India
    Red Magic 9 Pro gaming smartphone now available in India
    Red Magic 9 Pro gaming smartphone now available in India
    Red Magic 9 Pro gaming smartphone now available in India
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  • Poco F6 Pro Unboxing Video Leaks Before Official Launch

    Poco F6 Pro Unboxing Video Leaks Before Official Launch

    Although the official debut of the Poco F6 Pro is set for May 23rd, an unboxing video of the smartphone has emerged online, showcasing the phone’s design and features.

    The video, posted by ComputerHoy on Dailymotion, displays the phone in a black color palette. It features a rectangular camera island that spans across the rear panel’s edges.

    It accommodates four individual rings: three for cameras and one for the flash. The main sensor is rumored to be a 50MP unit with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).

    Design and Display

    The camera island has a glossy finish, contrasting with the phone’s matte back. The back panel itself is flat with slightly curved edges, similar to the design of the flat aluminum side frames. The front display, as shown in the video, also appears flat and includes a centered punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera.

    Poco

    Specifications

    In terms of specifications, the Poco F6 Pro will feature a WQHD+ Flow AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Internally, it might be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the previous generation’s flagship processor. The software is expected to be managed by Poco’s HyperOS, supporting 120W HyperCharge fast charging.

    The unboxing video also highlights that the retail package will include a 120W charging brick, a charging cable, a SIM card ejector tool, and a protective phone case.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Poco F6 Pro is essentially a rebranded Redmi K70 for the global market. Its price has been leaked via a recent Amazon listing, showing that the top-tier model with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage will retail for EUR 619.90.

    Poco will officially reveal all the details about the F6 Pro’s specifications and pricing on May 23rd. However, the unofficial unboxing video provides a good preview of what to expect from the upcoming phone.

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  • Huawei Pura 70: 33 China-made Components, Highest for the Brand

    Huawei Pura 70: 33 China-made Components, Highest for the Brand

    While the initial reports suggesting that Huawei Pura 70 phones have 90% of their components sourced from Chinese suppliers were inaccurate, TechInsight’s latest analysis points out that these phones indeed boast a notable quantity of locally sourced semiconductors.

    Significant Local Sourcing

    TechInsights' analysis indicates that a majority of the components in the Pura 70 series are of Chinese origin. The base model of the Pura 70 series exhibits the highest dependency on Chinese parts, with 33 out of 69 components sourced domestically, as opposed to just five from non-Chinese suppliers.

    The Pura 70 Ultra stands out for using memory exclusively from Yangtze Memory Technologies Corporation (YMTC), which is a leading NAND memory producer in China and is currently under US sanctions.

    “The ratio of Chinese-procured components was higher in the standard Pura 70 than in the Pro Plus model,” stated Stacy Wegner, an analyst at TechInsights.

    HiSilicon Kirin Chips and US Sanctions

    An earlier TechInsights analysis disclosed that the HiSilicon Kirin chips powering the Pura 70 series are produced by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), China’s largest chipmaker. This aligns with the production process used for Mate 60 chips, all employing the same 7-nanometer technology.

    Huawei’s shift towards reduced reliance on foreign manufacturers is a notable achievement for the company, especially given the stringent restrictions imposed by the US.

    Recently, the US revoked chip export licenses for Huawei from Qualcomm and Intel, further constraining access to these products. However, analysts suggest that this move will have a minimal effect on Huawei’s operations, citing the company’s existing capabilities in producing 4G and 5G chipsets for various phone models.

    Future Outlook for Huawei

    “We don’t expect the revoked licenses to significantly affect Huawei’s smartphone business in 2024,” commented Linda Sui, a senior analyst at TechInsights.

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