Category: Phones

  • Samsung Workers Prepare for Historic Strike Over Fair Pay

    Samsung Workers Prepare for Historic Strike Over Fair Pay

    Samsung Electronics is set to experience its first-ever employee strike as the National Samsung Electronics Union (NSEU), its largest union, prepares for a walkout on June 7th. This move comes after months of unsuccessful wage negotiations with company management. The NSEU is advocating for more equitable compensation for its members. They demand a wage increase significantly higher than the 5.1% hike proposed by Samsung, an additional annual leave day, and greater clarity in the calculation of performance bonuses.

    Union Membership Growth

    The union’s negotiating power has increased substantially, with membership quadrupling over recent years. The NSEU now represents over 20% of Samsung’s workforce. Despite this, they acknowledge that the primary goal of the strike is symbolic, intended to compel Samsung to engage in more serious negotiations. Although automation is expected to lessen production disruptions, the walkout highlights the union’s frustration with what they perceive as a lack of change in management’s approach, despite promises to end anti-union practices.

    Samsung’s Response

    Samsung asserts its dedication to negotiating in good faith and reaching an agreement with the union. A company spokesperson highlighted their genuine efforts towards finding a resolution. However, the NSEU is ready to continue with further strikes if significant progress isn’t achieved.

    This evolving labor dispute will be closely monitored. Will Samsung and the NSEU manage to find common ground and reach a fair agreement, or will the company continue to face pressure from its workforce?

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  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Marble Grey Now in Indian Offline Market: Report

    Samsung Galaxy S24 Marble Grey Now in Indian Offline Market: Report

    Samsung’s Galaxy S24 smartphone debuted in January, offering three color options for third-party retailers and offline stores: Amber Yellow, Cobalt Violet, and Onyx Black. Additionally, a Marble Gray color was exclusively available on Samsung’s website.

    New Color Availability

    According to a recent report from TheTechOutlook, the Marble Gray color option will now be accessible in the Indian offline market. This variant will come in both 128GB and 256GB storage configurations, priced at Rs.74,999 and Rs.79,999, respectively.

    Samsung Galaxy S24 Specifications

    The Samsung Galaxy S24 retains its core features, including a 6.2-inch LTPO AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. The display is safeguarded by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

    In the camera department, the smartphone houses a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 10MP telephoto lens with OIS, and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens. For selfies, a 12MP front-facing camera is available.

    Performance and Battery

    Powered by the Exynos 2400 processor, the Galaxy S24 is equipped with 8GB of RAM and offers up to 512GB of internal storage. The device is supported by a 4,000mAh battery that features 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

    Samsung Galaxy S24 Marble Grey Now in Indian Offline Market: Report
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  • HMD Developing Three New Mid-Range Phones with Snapdragon Chips

    HMD Developing Three New Mid-Range Phones with Snapdragon Chips

    After releasing the entry-level HMD Pulse series and the more affordable HMD Aura with the Unisoc T606 chipset, the company is now turning its attention to mid-range devices with more powerful chips and additional features.

    Recently, the Twitter account HMD MEME’S unveiled details about three new devices from the company – codenamed Nighthawk, Tomcat, and a prototype model from Project Fusion. The Tomcat and Nighthawk are said to share some design elements and specifications with the Pulse series. Let’s examine each device in detail.

    HMD Tomcat

    Earlier sightings of the HMD Tomcat on Geekbench revealed it to have an octa-core chipset, speculated to be the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2. The device scored 965 in single-core and 2625 in multi-core tests.

    According to HMD MEME’S, the phone will indeed feature the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip. While it might not lead in raw performance in its price category, its new design with vibrant colors, a high-resolution display, and improved cameras make it a promising addition.

    Known specifications:

    • AMOLED FHD+ 120Hz, PureDisplay HDR10+
    • SD 7s Gen 2 SoC 4nm
    • 108MP OIS + 8MP + 2MP / 32MP
    • 8GB, 12GB + 256GB
    • Android 14
    • 4,900mAh + 33W
    • IP67, BT 5.2, NFC, FPS on Display, Stereo Speakers, PureView, etc.

    Price:

    • 8/256GB ≈ €400
    • 12/256GB ≈ €440

    HMD Nighthawk

    On paper, this phone resembles the Tomcat in its camera specifications (likely without an ultrawide) but has a different chipset and the same battery capacity.

    Known specifications:

    • AMOLED FHD+, 120Hz display
    • 108MP OIS + 2MP / 32MP
    • SD4Gen2 SoC
    • 8GB + 128GB, 256GB
    • 5,000mAh
    • Android 14, Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.1, NFC, Dual Speakers, 3.5mm jack, Micro SD, etc.

    Price:

    • 8/128GB ≈ €250
    • 8/256GB ≈ €290

    HMD Project Fusion (Prototype Model)

    This prototype model utilizes the QCM6490 chipset, Qualcomm’s upper mid-range offering, reportedly based on the SD 778. Project Fusion aims to create a modular phone similar to Motorola’s Moto Mods.

    Known specifications:

    • IPS FHD+ 6.6″ display
    • 108MP + 2MP PureView
    • Qualcomm QCM6490
    • 8GB RAM
    • 4,800mAh, 30W Wired, 15W Wireless (with Outfits)
    • 164mm × 76mm × 8.6mm
    • Wi-Fi 6E, HMD Smart Outfits, Dynamic Triple ISP, Pogo Pin, 3.5mm jack, etc.
    HMD Developing Three New Mid-Range Phones with Snapdragon Chips
    HMD Developing Three New Mid-Range Phones with Snapdragon Chips
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  • Nothing Phone (2a) Special Edition Launches Globally

    Nothing Phone (2a) Special Edition Launches Globally

    Nothing has introduced a new special edition of its Phone (2a) to the global market, following the release of an exclusive Blue-color version for India last month. This latest model features a multicolored rear panel, although the core design and specifications remain unchanged. Let’s dive into the details.

    Nothing Phone (2a) Special Edition Unveiled

    The Nothing Phone (2a) Special Edition retains the brand’s signature transparent back panel. It showcases three Glyph LED lights arranged around a circular island, accompanied by a rubber cable. The latter two elements are in a dark grey shade, while the rest of the back panel is White.

    The primary update for this model includes the addition of Red, Blue, and Yellow color accents. According to the company, these highlights celebrate primary colors and their significance in Nothing’s brand identity. Red is featured in the right earbud of all Nothing audio products, Yellow in the new Ear (a), and Blue in the Phone (2a) Blue variant. The Red and Yellow accents are subtle, whereas the Blue color stands out in the pill-shaped module that houses the two horizontally-placed camera sensors.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Nothing Phone (2a) Special Edition comes in a single configuration with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It will be available in limited quantities at a price of £349, €379, or INR 27,999. In India, the phone can be purchased from Flipkart starting June 5, and buyers can enjoy a flat Rs 1,000 discount on select card transactions.

    Specifications

    The Nothing Phone (2a) Special Edition features a 120Hz AMOLED display, is powered by the Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, and includes a 50MP OIS camera. The device is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging.

    Overall, the Nothing Phone (2a) Special Edition offers a unique aesthetic while maintaining the impressive specifications of its predecessors.

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  • Motorola Razr 50 Appears on Geekbench with New Dimensity SoC

    Motorola Razr 50 Appears on Geekbench with New Dimensity SoC

    Motorola is gearing up to release the Razr 50 series soon. This lineup will feature the Razr 50 and Razr 50 Ultra as successors to last year’s Razr 40 duo. Leaked renders of these upcoming devices have already made their rounds. Recently, the Razr 50 was spotted on both the TENAA and 3C certification websites. The foldable phone has now surfaced on the Geekbench benchmarking platform.

    Motorola Razr 50 appears on Geekbench

    According to the Geekbench listing, the Motorola Razr 50's motherboard is codenamed ‘aito’. It features four cores clocked at 2GHz and another four cores running at 2.50GHz, accompanied by a Mali G615 MC2 GPU. These specifications suggest that the chipset could be the MediaTek Dimensity 7300X, which is anticipated to be announced soon. The clock speed of the second cluster matches data found in the TENAA certification.

    The Geekbench database indicates that the Motorola Razr 50 will come equipped with 8GB of RAM and will run on Android 14 OS straight out of the box. In Geekbench's single-core and multi-core tests, the Razr 50 scored 1,033 and 2,751 points respectively.

    Fast Charging and Battery

    The 3C certification for the Motorola Razr 50 reveals it will support 33W fast charging. The device is rumored to house a 4,200mAh battery. Other leaked specs include a 6.9-inch pOLED 120Hz main display, a 3.6-inch OLED secondary screen, and a dual rear camera setup with 50MP and 13MP sensors. The Razr 50 is expected to be available in Gray and Khaki colors.

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  • Galaxy Z Flip 6 Upgrades Battery; Galaxy Ring Has Size-Based Capacities

    Galaxy Z Flip 6 Upgrades Battery; Galaxy Ring Has Size-Based Capacities

    The Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Galaxy Ring have made appearances on the FCC listing, providing some essential details. Additionally, the forthcoming flip phone has shown up on the PSI Testing and Certification LTD database, revealing battery specifics.

    Galaxy Z Flip 6 Details

    The phone, identified by model number SM-F741U, is listed on the FCC database, confirming the use of dual-cell batteries with model numbers EB-BF741ABY and EB-BF742ABY. The PSI listing verifies the battery capacities: 1097mAh and 2790mAh. This gives a total battery capacity of 3887mAh, which Samsung may advertise as a 4000mAh typical battery capacity.

    For comparison, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 had a 3591mAh battery pack (971mAh + 2620mAh), marketed as a 3700mAh battery.

    The FCC listing also reveals that the phone will support NFC and WiFi 6E. Furthermore, the UL Demko certification confirms that the Z Flip 6 will support 25W wired fast charging.

    Specifications

    The phone will be powered by a Galaxy-branded Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset (with slightly varied clock speeds) and will come with 8GB RAM.

    Listing for the Galaxy Ring

    According to the FCC listing, the Galaxy Ring (model number SM-Q503) will be available in sizes ranging from 5-12. Sizes 5-7 will have a 17mAh battery, sizes 8-11 will feature an 18.5mAh battery, and the largest size will equip a 22.5mAh battery. It will support Bluetooth 5.4 and Bluetooth LE for efficient connectivity with your phone. The listing also includes real-life images of the ring from various angles, which you can see below.

    Galaxy Z Flip 6 Upgrades Battery; Galaxy Ring Has Size-Based Capacities
    Galaxy Z Flip 6 Upgrades Battery; Galaxy Ring Has Size-Based Capacities
    Galaxy Z Flip 6 Upgrades Battery; Galaxy Ring Has Size-Based Capacities
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  • Smartphone Makers Prioritize AI; Half of Phones AI-Capable by 2025

    Smartphone Makers Prioritize AI; Half of Phones AI-Capable by 2025

    Market research firm Canalys has unveiled a report detailing the current market share of smartphones boasting significant AI capabilities and projecting its evolution in the coming years.

    According to the report, 16% of smartphones shipped globally today already incorporate some form of AI features. This figure is anticipated to surge to an impressive 54% by 2028. The predicted yearly growth can be visualized in the image below.

    Growth Projections

    Industry analysts forecast that the market for AI-capable smartphones will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 63% from 2023 to 2028. The growth is expected to be fueled by consumer demand for advanced features like AI assistants and edge-to-edge processing.

    Canalys predicts that this shift will initially be evident in flagship models. At present, technical limitations mean that on-device AI models can only run on high-end devices. However, as these models become more efficient, mid-range smartphones are also expected to benefit from AI capabilities over time.

    Future Impact

    The market research firm suggests that the transformative power of smartphones with generative AI capabilities marks the dawn of a new era for the smartphone industry. Over the next 3-5 years, AI integration is expected to significantly enhance the user experience. Sergio Buniac, President of Motorola and Senior Vice President of Lenovo Mobile Business, echoed this sentiment while discussing Motorola’s future in the smartphone market.

    Industry Adoption

    Companies like Google and Samsung have already embedded numerous AI-based features into their recent flagship models, although there is no specific ‘AI phone’ branding yet. Chinese smartphone manufacturers such as Huawei, Honor, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Vivo are also striving to incorporate as many AI features as possible into their premium products. Their strategies for integrating generative AI capabilities range from developing in-house chips to training AI models for specialized tasks.

    Smartphone Makers Prioritize AI; Half of Phones AI-Capable by 2025
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  • Nothing Phone (2a) Launching Soon in India: BIS Listing Confirms

    Nothing Phone (2a) Launching Soon in India: BIS Listing Confirms

    Nothing is gearing up to introduce a new smartphone in the Indian market soon. Recent sightings on the BIS certification suggest that this device could be a fresh iteration of the existing Nothing Phone (2a). Let's delve into the details.

    New Nothing Phone (2a) Spotted on BIS

    The forthcoming smartphone from Nothing appeared on the BIS certification site with the model number A142P. For context, the original Nothing Phone (2a) was launched under the model number A142. This strongly indicates that the new device is a revised version of the Phone (2a). Unfortunately, the certification does not provide any additional information about the device's specifications, features, or design. However, the BIS listing confirms that it will be available in India.

    Specifications of the Original Nothing Phone (2a)

    The Nothing Phone (2a) features a 6.72-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. For selfies and video calls, the front is equipped with a 32-megapixel sensor, while the back houses a 50-megapixel main camera and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens.

    Under the hood, the device is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage.

    Battery and Other Features

    A robust 5,000mAh battery pack fuels the phone, supporting 45W wired fast charging. The device comes with Android 14 OS pre-installed. Additional features include an in-display fingerprint scanner, HDR10+, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC.

    No further details are available at this time, but the BIS certification hints at an imminent launch in India.

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  • OnePlus Devices Not Receiving OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) Update

    OnePlus Devices Not Receiving OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) Update

    The anticipation for Android 15 is mounting as its release date approaches. Google has already disclosed several intriguing features of the new OS, including satellite connectivity, notification cooldown, private space, and more. Unfortunately, as with every new release, many Android devices will become ineligible for the OS upgrade and will miss out on the latest features and enhancements.

    In this article, we’ve compiled a list of OnePlus phones and tablets that will not be eligible for the Android 15-based OxygenOS 15 upgrade. Check the list to see if you need to upgrade to a newer model to experience the new Android OS.

    OnePlus OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) Ineligible Devices List

    • OnePlus 9
    • OnePlus 9 Pro
    • OnePlus 9R
    • OnePlus 9RT 5G
    • OnePlus Nord N30
    • OnePlus Nord N300
    • OnePlus Nord N20 SE
    • OnePlus Nord 2T
    • OnePlus Nord N20 5G
    • OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
    • OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
    • OnePlus Nord 2 5G
    • OnePlus Nord N200 5G
    • OnePlus Nord CE 5G
    • and devices launched before 2021

    [Important: This list does not include OnePlus devices launched with ColorOS skin. We are only focusing on OxygenOS, which is available to all OnePlus devices outside the Chinese market.]

    This is not the final list, as OnePlus has not yet announced the names of devices eligible for the OxygenOS 15 upgrade. However, the software update policy for most of its phones helped us create the above list.

    OnePlus Update Policy

    OnePlus promises four major OS updates for its flagship models, like the OnePlus 11, OnePlus 12, and OnePlus Open. Other high-end devices receive three OS upgrades, including OnePlus 12R, OnePlus Pad, OnePlus 11R, and others.

    OnePlus typically releases two OS upgrades for its Nord series phones. However, the Nord 3 5G is the first in the lineup to be eligible for three OS upgrades. The Nord CE series phones get two OS updates, while the Nord N series devices receive just one Android update.

    If your OnePlus device is on the list, it’s unlikely to receive Android 15 and further OS updates. However, it’s advisable to wait until the official list is published.

    What’s Exciting About Android 15?

    Android 15 does not bring a major redesign to the layouts but offers numerous new features and enhancements to look forward to.

    Satellite Connectivity

    One of the most talked-about features in Android 15 is satellite connectivity support. It enables you to send texts even if your device is not connected to a nearby cell tower, as long as you have access to the open sky.

    This feature supports satellite connectivity for SMS and MMS apps as well as preloaded RCS apps. Unlike iPhones, this feature will not be limited to emergency uses only on Android 15.

    App Archiving

    Similar to offloading apps on iPhones, Android 15 will allow users to uninstall unnecessary apps while preserving the user data. There will be no data loss, and you can continue from where you left off after reinstalling/unarchiving the app.

    Currently, Android has app archiving via the Google Play Store, meaning you can only archive and restore apps through the Google Play Store. But Android 15 integrates this feature at the OS level, allowing users to archive/restore apps, even those installed outside of the Google Play Store.

    App Pairs

    Android 15 allows you to save your favorite split-screen app combinations for quick access. For example, if you frequently take notes from YouTube, you can create an app pair for YouTube and your preferred notes app. Tapping on the app pair will instantly open both apps in split-screen mode.

    This is one of the most valuable additions to Android 15, saving time and effort. However, this functionality may be limited to large-screen devices as the official website specifically mentions “large screen devices.”

    Private Space

    Android 15 introduces “private space” to keep your sensitive apps and files away from prying eyes under an additional layer of authentication. This is similar to the secure folder in Samsung phones.

    Users can set a separate lock screen for the private space. The apps in your private space do not appear in the recent view, and all downloads are hidden from the other (regular) space. It’s a great way to protect your banking apps and other sensitive apps from others’ views.

    Partial Screen Sharing

    Android 15 allows you to share or record a single app rather than the entire screen. So you don’t have to worry if you accidentally open a sensitive app while sharing your screen with someone. This feature is already available to Pixel owners and now extends to all Android 15 devices.

    Notification Cooldown

    Google has introduced the “notification cooldown” feature in Android 15 to prevent users from being overwhelmed by too many notifications from the same app. This feature reduces the volume of successive notifications from the same app.

    High-Quality Webcam

    The new operating system significantly enhances webcam video quality. It adds a new “HQ” symbol in the webcam preview mode, tapping on which disables the power optimizations to offer improved video quality.

    Which OnePlus device do you have? And what are your expectations from the new OS? Share your valuable thoughts in the comments below.

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  • Motorola Targets Top 3 Smartphone Maker Spot Globally in 3 Years

    Motorola Targets Top 3 Smartphone Maker Spot Globally in 3 Years

    Lenovo Mobile Business senior vice president and Motorola president Sergio Buniac recently outlined his vision for Motorola’s smartphone division. His goal is to elevate Motorola to one of the top three smartphone brands globally, excluding China. Buniac noted that the company has consistently held its third-place position in both the North American and Latin American markets.

    Motorola is Taking Steps and Seeing Success

    An internal initiative called the “Gladiator Project” has been launched by the company. This plan involves three major changes in business strategy. First, the company aims to expand its business with a special focus on markets outside of Latin America and North America. This marks a significant shift from its previous strategy of contraction.

    Secondly, Motorola plans to strengthen its presence in the high-end smartphone market with its Razr and Edge series devices. Collaborations with brands like Pantone and Bose are aimed at attracting Gen Z, particularly female users, as well as B2B customers.

    Positive Results from Revamped Strategies

    The new strategies are already yielding positive outcomes. The shipment volume of the Moto Razr 40 lineup from last year is reportedly five times higher than its predecessor. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the company has seen a 12% year-on-year increase in smartphone activations, with high-end phones making up 25% of this growth. Revenue in the Asia-Pacific and EMEA markets has surged by 88% and 40%, respectively. Sergio Buniac believes that Motorola’s smartphone business has transitioned from “fighting for survival” to “fighting for victory” over the past six years.

    In Q4 2022, Motorola’s market share was 6% in the US and an impressive 24% in Latin America, placing it second only to Samsung in the latter region. However, the company’s presence in the Chinese market remains relatively weak.

    Deeper Integration of Artificial Intelligence

    Motorola is also working on integrating artificial intelligence more deeply into its smartphones. Sergio Buniac predicted that in the near future, smartphones will offer a personalized user experience powered by AI based on user interactions.

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