Category: Phones

  • Apple Resumes iPhone 16 Manufacturing in China

    Apple Resumes iPhone 16 Manufacturing in China

    Apple recently shifted its manufacturing focus back to China for the iPhone 16 series, despite previously moving production to India. According to Bloomberg, Apple produced $14 billion worth of iPhones in India last fiscal year, but now, the company is refocusing its efforts in China.

    Foxconn’s Strategic Move

    Apple collaborates with Foxconn, a Taiwanese contract manufacturer, for iPhone production. Foxconn has initiated large-scale recruitment at one of its Chinese factories, drawing significant attention to its return. The company plans to invest 1 billion Yuan (about 140 million USD) in the city of Zhengzhou.

    This return to China is strategic. The shift provides several advantages, such as a more skilled workforce, enhanced supply chain management, and better infrastructure, which are expected to increase the production yield rate. Reports indicate that the yield rate for the iPhone 15 series manufactured in India was around 50%.

    Challenges in India and Vietnam

    In terms of the supply chain, Apple has had to import components from China to build iPhones in India and Vietnam, leading to higher transportation and production costs. Additionally, the power supply infrastructure in these countries is less reliable compared to China, leading to frequent power cuts that disrupt production capacity and efficiency.

    Liu Xiaoxue, deputy director of the South Asia Research Center at the Institute of Asia-Pacific and Global Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stated that China offers a comprehensive industrial chain, a skilled workforce, and excellent infrastructure, including a stable power supply. This makes China an ideal production base for multinational corporations.

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  • Vivo X200 Mini Leaked: Display, Chipset, Camera Details Revealed

    Vivo X200 Mini Leaked: Display, Chipset, Camera Details Revealed

    Vivo is gearing up to launch its new X-series, which is anticipated to include the Vivo X200 and Vivo X200 Pro models. However, there's also buzz about a third model in the lineup, rumored to be smaller than the X200, positioning it as a compact flagship device. Today, well-known leaker Digital Chat Station provided a Weibo update, seemingly revealing key specifications of the rumored Vivo X200 Mini.

    Vivo X200 Mini Specifications Revealed

    Reports suggest that the Vivo X200 might sport a 6.4-inch or 6.5-inch display, while the X200 Pro is expected to feature a 6.7-inch screen. The speculated Vivo X200 Mini is rumored to come with a more compact 6.3-inch display.

    The latest leak from DCS indicates that the device will be powered by the Dimensity 9400 chipset, which will also be used in the X200 and X200 Pro. This chipset offers several advantages over its competitors, such as a slightly larger silicon battery for improved battery life and a more versatile camera system. The camera is expected to feature a large 22nm Sony sensor for the main camera and a 3X periscope telephoto lens with a medium-sized sensor.

    Battery and Display Features

    Regarding the battery, some sources suggest it will have a capacity of either 5,500mAh or 5,600mAh. A previous report also mentioned that the phone would support wireless charging. The screen is expected to deliver a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.

    Potential Drawbacks

    DCS also mentioned that the rumored Vivo X200 Mini might face some limitations. Notably, it is expected to have a short-focus optical fingerprint sensor instead of an ultrasonic one, which may not be as advanced as those found in some competing models. In other aspects, the phone is said to be on par with its competitors.

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  • iPhone 16 Launch Poster Leak Suggests September 10 Event

    iPhone 16 Launch Poster Leak Suggests September 10 Event

    News of Apple's upcoming September event, which is typically kept under wraps, may have been prematurely revealed, according to a new rumor. A source known as Majin Buu suggests he has obtained a promotional poster for the event featuring the tagline “Ready. Set. Capture.” The poster indicates that the event will occur on September 10th, aligning with earlier speculations about the iPhone 16 launch period.

    Nonetheless, it's wise to approach this information with skepticism. Majin Buu admits that his source desires anonymity and that he cannot independently confirm the poster's authenticity. Until Apple issues official invitations, a cautious "wait and see" attitude is advisable.

    A Hint in Gold?

    The poster's gold-shaded Apple logo might hint at the purported "Desert Titanium" color for the iPhone 16. The event's slogan, “Ready. Set. Capture,” could be linked to a new capture button expected in the iPhone 16 series. This button is rumored to be a solid-state capacitive button, offering haptic feedback via an integrated Taptic engine.

    Features and Expectations

    While the button's precise role remains speculative, it might either initiate the camera shutter or function as a quick access to the camera app. More details will likely surface during Apple’s September event. This year, the lineup is anticipated to include four models, presumably named iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. These devices are expected to debut with iOS 18.

    We'll keep monitoring Apple's official channels and other credible sources for further updates. For now, it's best to consider these early rumors cautiously and watch for more solid information as September approaches.

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  • iQOO Neo 10 Series Leak: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Dimensity 9400

    iQOO Neo 10 Series Leak: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Dimensity 9400

    iQOO launched its iQOO 12 and iQOO Neo 9 series in China last November and December, respectively. It appears that the company may repeat this timeline in the upcoming year. New information has surfaced indicating that iQOO is developing the Neo 10 series for the Chinese market. As the launch is anticipated in the fourth quarter, tipster Digital Chat Station has leaked some major details about the Neo 10 lineup.

    iQOO Neo 10 Series Specifications

    According to DCS, the forthcoming iQOO Neo series, positioned as sub-flagship phones, is expected to utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9400 chipsets. The following model, the iQOO 13, may feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor.

    This implies that the iQOO 13 might be released after the Neo 10 series this year. While the leaker did not specifically mention it, it is likely that the Neo 10 will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, while the Pro version might incorporate the Dimensity 9400.

    Design and Features

    The leak also indicates that the iQOO Neo 10 models will incorporate a metal middle frame, unlike the Neo 9 series, which had a plastic frame. The Neo 10 lineup is expected to include silicon batteries with fast charging capabilities, potentially exceeding 100W, and a battery capacity of over 6,000mAh. The devices are also anticipated to have a 1.5K resolution flat display, featuring ultra-narrow bezels and an emphasis on eye protection and enhanced display quality.

    Previous Models and Global Release

    To recap, last year’s iQOO Neo 9 series consisted of two models: the Neo 9 and Neo 9 Pro, powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Dimensity 9300 chipsets, respectively. The Neo 9 Pro was exclusive to the Chinese market, while the Neo 9 was rebranded as the iQOO Neo 9 in India. Currently, there is no information about the international release of the Neo 10 series.

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  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra to Feature Three Unique Back Panel Materials

    Xiaomi 15 Ultra to Feature Three Unique Back Panel Materials

    Xiaomi is anticipated to release the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro smartphones by late October or early September, with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra expected to debut in the first half of 2025.

    Exciting New Details

    There has been much speculation about these devices, and a recent leak from the trustworthy source, Digital Chat Station, has unveiled some fascinating details. The leak indicates that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be equipped with the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor. Additionally, the phone is rumored to sport a 2K resolution display with extremely narrow bezels and an evenly contoured quad-curve design.

    Impressive Camera Features

    The camera setup is a standout feature according to the latest leak. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is expected to feature a large, centrally positioned, round camera module with a quad-camera configuration. The primary camera will reportedly be a 50MP lens complemented by a new periscope lens with a notably large sensor.

    Material and Design Options

    When it comes to the back panel material, the tipster suggests that the engineering prototype of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is currently being tested with materials such as plain leather, fiberglass, or ceramic. Leather offers a premium touch but may be prone to scratching. Fiberglass is lighter and more durable, though it might not feel as luxurious. Ceramics, while offering a good mix of aesthetics and durability, can be heavier and more fragile if dropped.

    It’s important to note that these details come from an early leak, and the final design and specifications of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra could undergo significant changes. Furthermore, since the tipster did not explicitly mention the device name, the information should be taken with caution. The device could potentially be the Vivo X200 Ultra instead of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

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  • Honor Launches Thinnest Foldable, Tablet, Laptop on Sept 5

    Honor Launches Thinnest Foldable, Tablet, Laptop on Sept 5

    Honor has announced a global product launch set for September 5 at the HONOR IFA 2024 event in Berlin, beginning at 2 pm CEST. This event is just a little over two weeks away.

    Several new products will be introduced, including the Honor Magic V3 foldable smartphone, Honor MagicPad 2, and Honor MagicBook Art 14. The company will also showcase some of its latest AI innovations globally at this event.

    Honor Magic V3

    This foldable smartphone stands out as the thinnest of its kind, measuring just 9.2mm when folded. In comparison, Samsung’s latest foldable measures 12.1 mm in its folded state. The device not only boasts a slim design but also features an IPX8 rating for dust and water resistance, similar to the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

    In terms of performance, the Honor Magic V3 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a 5150 mAh silicon anode battery.

    Honor Launches Thinnest Foldable, Tablet, Laptop on Sept 5

    Honor MagicPad 2

    The Honor MagicPad 2 was launched in China last month. It features a 12.3-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3000 x 1920 pixels, peak brightness of 1600 nits, and a 144Hz refresh rate. This tablet is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC.

    To enhance the user experience, Honor has integrated advanced AI technologies, including AI voiceprint noise reduction, AI voice-to-text, and AI meeting minutes functionalities.

    Honor Launches Thinnest Foldable, Tablet, Laptop on Sept 5

    Honor MagicBook Art 14

    Released in China this July, this laptop is crafted from aerospace-grade materials, making it lightweight and durable, weighing in at just 1.03kg and measuring 1 cm in thickness.

    The MagicBook Art 14 features a 14-inch 3.1K OLED touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It includes a 60Whr battery that provides around 9.5 hours of usage.

    For connectivity, the laptop includes:

    • Thunderbolt 4
    • Full-function USB-C port
    • USB-A 3.2
    • HDMI 2.1
    • 3.5mm headphone jack
    Honor Launches Thinnest Foldable, Tablet, Laptop on Sept 5

    Pricing

    Honor has not yet disclosed the global pricing for these newly unveiled products.

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  • First Look: Huawei Mate 70 Series Back Design Revealed

    First Look: Huawei Mate 70 Series Back Design Revealed

    Huawei introduced the Mate 60 series in China at the close of August last year. Considering this timeline, it’s anticipated that the company would unveil its successor around a similar period. However, a Weibo insider, Digital Chat Station, previously suggested that the launch of the new series might be postponed, potentially happening in the middle to late Q4 of this year.

    Camera Design Updates

    In the latest leak, photos of the rear panels for the upcoming devices have surfaced, showing some alterations in the camera design. As observed in the image, the Mate 70 series will feature a comparable camera module. Nonetheless, it looks like the company has adjusted the position of various camera sensors. For instance, there is a noticeable large cutout at the top of the camera module (previously where the flash was located in earlier models). This suggests that one of the camera sensors has been moved to the top of the camera island.

    An octagonal camera module can also be seen in the pictures, which is likely indicative of the Mate 70 RS Ultimate. Interestingly, the octagonal camera island in the leaked image has more pronounced angles compared to the Mate 60 RS Ultimate’s octagonal camera island.

    Expected Hardware and Software Features

    Regarding hardware, the Huawei Mate 70 series is anticipated to come with a new generation of Kirin chips. The series might incorporate a three-punch hole camera design on the front, along with 3D face recognition technology.

    The forthcoming Mate series devices could be the pioneers in featuring the HarmonyOS NEXT operating system. For those unacquainted, HarmonyOS NEXT is expected to be a significant advancement for Huawei in its software ecosystem.

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  • Honor Magic 7 Pro Renders Leaked with Camera Specs Before Launch

    Honor Magic 7 Pro Renders Leaked with Camera Specs Before Launch

    Honor appears to be developing the Honor Magic 7 series of smartphones for the Chinese market. According to renowned leaker Digital Chat Station, the Magic 7 lineup is set to be unveiled in November this year. Well-known tipster Teme, who frequently shares insights on upcoming Honor devices, has released a render of the Magic 7 Pro. This image, crafted from the leaks about the phone, offers an initial glimpse at its design.

    Honor Magic 7 Pro Design

    The render suggests that the Magic 7 Pro’s camera module will have a design similar to the Magic 6 series. However, instead of the previous triangular configuration, the Magic 7 Pro is anticipated to feature a square arrangement for its cameras and LED flash.

    Rumored Camera Specifications for Honor Magic 7 Pro

    According to the tipster, the camera in the top right corner is likely to be a 180-megapixel or 200-megapixel Samsung HP3 periscope telephoto camera, which promises remarkable zoom functionality. The top left corner will include a LiDAR sensor, an LED flash, and a color temperature sensor to improve autofocus and lighting quality.

    In the bottom left corner, there will be a 50-megapixel OmniVision OV50K main camera. The bottom right corner is expected to house a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera. While the tipster hasn’t disclosed additional specifications, there are rumors that the device might be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset.

    Display and Battery Expectations

    The Honor Magic 7 Pro is anticipated to feature a quad-curved OLED display with a pill-shaped cutout, akin to the Magic 6 Pro. The display is expected to support a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It may also come with a silicon battery with a capacity of approximately 6,000mAh.

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  • Oppo’s New Budget Phone in India: HD+ Display, Dimensity 6300

    Oppo’s New Budget Phone in India: HD+ Display, Dimensity 6300

    Oppo has discreetly introduced the A3 5G to the Indian market, following the recent debut of its counterpart, the A3x 5G. While the two devices share several similarities, there are notable distinctions that set them apart. Here’s a closer look at the specifics.

    Oppo A3 5G Specifications

    The A3 5G is equipped with a 6.67-inch HD+ LCD display, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, a mid-range processor, alongside a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.

    For memory and storage, the phone is available in India with 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM, expandable through virtual RAM, and 128GB of eMMC 5.1 storage. It operates on ColorOS 14.0.1, based on Android 14.

    A key differentiator between the A3 and A3x lies in the rear camera setup. The A3 features a single 50MP main camera with autofocus and an LED flash designed to enhance low-light photography. The front camera, situated in a punch-hole cutout, has a 5MP sensor for selfies.

    Features and Connectivity

    The A3 5G is powered by a 5,100mAh battery that supports Oppo’s 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, a USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Notably, the Indian version does not come with NFC, unlike the global model.

    Prioritizing durability, the phone offers military-grade shock and liquid resistance for added security. It includes an in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for unlocking the device. Weighing 187 grams and measuring 7.7mm in thickness, the A3 5G is both lightweight and slim.

    Price and Availability

    In the Indian market, the Oppo A3 5G is offered in a single memory configuration (6GB + 128GB) and is available in two colors: Ocean Blue and Nebula Red. It can be purchased directly from the Oppo India website at a cost of ₹15,999 (approximately $190).

    Oppo's New Budget Phone in India: HD+ Display, Dimensity 6300
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  • Galaxy S25 Ultra Battery Update Disappoints Fans

    Galaxy S25 Ultra Battery Update Disappoints Fans

    The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is anticipated to make its debut in late January 2025, yet it’s already generating buzz. We’ve glimpsed CAD renders indicating several design modifications, although its battery might be a letdown.

    Battery Specifications

    Initial rumors hinted that the S25 Ultra’s battery capacity would remain unchanged from its predecessor. A listing on China’s Compulsory Certification (CCC) database, as discovered by 91Mobiles, seems to confirm this speculation. The listing shows a battery capacity of 4,885mAh, which is expected to be marketed as 5,000mAh—identical to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Additionally, charging speeds are reportedly unchanged.

    Competitive Landscape

    This information contrasts with news about forthcoming flagship phones from Chinese brands like Honor, OnePlus, OPPO, Vivo, and Xiaomi, which are anticipated to come with nearly 6,000mAh battery capacities. These companies are also transitioning to Silicon Carbide battery technology, known for its higher energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. This advancement allows for increased battery capacity in the same physical space or slimmer devices without sacrificing capacity. Samsung appears to be outpaced in these areas.

    Design and Features

    Despite potential battery shortcomings, the S25 Ultra remains an attractive flagship contender. Rumors suggest a fresh design with rounded corners, camera enhancements featuring a 200MP main sensor alongside 50MP telephoto and ultrawide lenses, and the power of either the Exynos 2500 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processors, both utilizing efficient 3nm architecture.

    The S25 Ultra is also expected to launch with Android 15 and Samsung’s One UI 7.1, likely offering seven years of software updates and exclusive AI features for Galaxy devices.

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