Category: Phones

  • Upcoming Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design set to compete with Huawei P70 Art; Magic 6 Pro+ also on the horizon

    Upcoming Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design set to compete with Huawei P70 Art; Magic 6 Pro+ also on the horizon

    Honor is set to launch the highly anticipated Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design in March, according to a reliable leaker from China. This device will be the second collaboration between Honor and Porsche Design, following the release of the Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design foldable phone last month.

    The Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is also featured in the Honor Magic 6 and Magic 6 Pro flagship phones. Meanwhile, its rival, the Huawei P70, is expected to be equipped with a new Kirin chipset, possibly the 9000s chip or its new variant.

    One of the standout features of the Huawei P70 is its 50-megapixel Sony LYT-900 camera sensor, which is also present in other upcoming smartphones such as the Oppo Find X7 Ultra, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and Vivo X100 Ultra. On the other hand, the Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design will be the first phone to sport the one-inch OmniVision OV50K camera sensor. Unfortunately, further details about the smartphone are still unknown at this time.

    In addition to the Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design, the leaker mentioned the existence of the Magic 6 Pro+. However, no information regarding its specifications has been shared. It is expected that both the Pro+ and RSR Porsche Design will be unveiled together in March.

    Overall, smartphone enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the launch of the Honor Magic 6 RSR Porsche Design, which promises to be a powerful and innovative device. With its top-of-the-line specifications and collaboration with Porsche Design, this flagship phone is sure to make a statement in the market.

  • This Phone Could Be Rebranded as the Upcoming Galaxy F14

    This Phone Could Be Rebranded as the Upcoming Galaxy F14

    Samsung is expanding its F-series smartphone lineup with the upcoming release of the Galaxy F14. According to a report by 91mobiles, the Galaxy F14 will be a rebranded version of the existing A-series phone, the Galaxy A05s. This information was discovered through the Google Play Console's database, which also provided some key specifications for the device.

    The Galaxy F14, which shares the same design as the Galaxy A05s, will be powered by the Qualcomm SM6225 chip, which is essentially the Snapdragon 680 chip. This indicates that the F14 will be a 4G-enabled device. The listing also reveals that the phone will feature a Full HD+ display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and will run on Android 13.

    While the Galaxy A05s has the model number SM-A057F, the Galaxy F14 4G will have the model number SM-E145F. Additionally, there appears to be an M-series variant of the phone with the model number SM-M145F, which is expected to be released as the Galaxy M14.

    The support page for the Galaxy M14 has recently gone live on Samsung's regional websites for India and Bangladesh, suggesting that its launch is imminent. It is speculated that the M14 may be released through Amazon in India, while the F14 could be sold through Flipkart. However, further reports are needed to confirm these details.

    Overall, the Galaxy F14 is expected to offer similar specifications and features as the Galaxy A05s but with a different branding. Samsung enthusiasts who are interested in this particular model should keep an eye out for future updates to learn more about its official release.

  • The latest Android 14 update is now available through Nothing OS 2.5 for Nothing Phone (1)

    The latest Android 14 update is now available through Nothing OS 2.5 for Nothing Phone (1)

    The Nothing Phone is finally receiving its official Android 14 update, bundled with the Nothing OS 2.5 release. This update follows a month of beta testing and brings a variety of new features to the device.

    Android 14 Update Features

    With Android 14, users can expect deeper customization options for wallpapers, themes, and other visual elements. Additionally, the update enhances the phone’s signature Glyph Interface interaction, provides streamlined gestures and shortcuts, expands Quick Settings functionality with more informative tiles, and offers new and improved widgets for the home screen.

    How to Check for the Update

    Users can check for the update by navigating to their Phone’s settings menu (Settings > System > System Update). It’s important to note that the rollout is gradual and may take a few days to reach all devices.

    Changelog for the Nothing Phone Android 14 Update

    Customisation

    • Redesigned a joint Home Screen and Lock Screen customisation page and improved the edit wallpaper flow for a more comprehensive view of options.
    • New Atmosphere wallpaper effect. Transform your background photo into a dynamic wallpaper that brings motion to colours on your home screen. A seamless transition between your lock and home screens.
    • Introduced solid colour wallpapers for a cleaner Home Screen appearance.
    • Added a monochrome colour theme in the basic colour section.

    Glyph Interface

    • Get direct access to the Glyph Interface’s Music Visualisation feature (some of you may have already discovered it).
    • Improved overall Glyph light playback effect when synchronising with your device’s audio.
    • Added a new Glyph animation for when NFC is being used.
    • Improved the experience of Flip to Glyph.

    Gesture

    • Customisable double-press power button to quickly access a chosen feature. Just head to Settings > System > Gestures.
    • More Lock Screen shortcut options like: Do Not Disturb, mute, QR code scanner, and video camera.
    • Capture screenshots quickly with a three-finger swipe gesture.
    • New screenshot editor and menu, allowing for more advanced editing features and quick deletions.
    • Refreshed the back gesture arrow visual to be more in line with Nothing’s style.

    Quick Settings

    • Added support for switching ring modes in Quick Settings.
    • You can now directly set your network via Quick Settings without unlocking the device.
    • Updated Quick Settings layout and support to show more devices icons.

    New Widgets

    • Pedometer Widget: Track your daily steps directly from your home screen. Set goals and monitor your progress to stay motivated.
    • Media Player Widget: Displays the song currently playing. Control your music easily while on-the-move.
    • Screen Time Widget: Monitor and manage your daily screen time to maintain a healthy digital lifestyle.

    More Improvements

    • Optimised the experience of the Weather app and improved the notification of weather alerts.
    • Made it possible to set ringtone and notification sound volumes separately, with an updated volume control interface.
    • Automatically excludes the preview of the previous screenshot when taking continuous screenshots.
    • Improved the stability of the camera.
    • Enhanced the overall smoothness and responsiveness of the system for a more fluid user experience.
    • Enhanced system stability and improved battery life.
  • Amazon microsite goes live as Lava Yuva 3 prepares for India launch

    Amazon microsite goes live as Lava Yuva 3 prepares for India launch

    Lava Set to Launch Yuva 3 Smartphone in India

    Lava, the Indian smartphone brand, is preparing to introduce a new device to the Indian market. Following the release of the Yuva 3 Pro, the company is now working on the base model, known as the Yuva 3. An online listing has provided a glimpse into the specifications of the upcoming smartphone.

    Storage Details and Features

    The microsite on Amazon has recently gone live, teasing the launch of the Lava Yuva 3 model. The online listing also reveals some key storage specifications of the device. The Yuva 3 will come equipped with 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, which is claimed to offer 3x faster speeds compared to eMMC storage technology.

    Additionally, the microsite confirms that the smartphone will be available in a 64GB storage configuration, with support for up to 512GB of expandable memory through a microSD card slot.

    A Budget-Friendly Option

    While finer details about the Yuva 3, such as its specifications and pricing, remain unclear, it is expected to be a more affordable version of the previously launched Yuva 3 Pro. The Yuva 3 Pro, a budget-grade handset, features the UNISOC T616 SoC, a 6.5-inch LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate, a 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support, a 50-megapixel dual camera setup on the rear, and an 8-megapixel selfie shooter on the front. It was launched with a starting price of 8,999 INR.

    Based on this information, it is anticipated that the vanilla Yuva 3 will be priced around the 6,999 INR range, targeting the Indian budget phone segment.

  • Leaked Launch Date of Huawei Pocket S2 Reveals Possible Debut of New Notebook Featuring Kirin PC Processor

    Leaked Launch Date of Huawei Pocket S2 Reveals Possible Debut of New Notebook Featuring Kirin PC Processor

    Huawei Pocket S2 and New Notebook with Kirin PC Set for 2024 Launch

    Rumors have been circulating since November 2023 about the highly anticipated Huawei Pocket S2 foldable phone. Initially, it was speculated that the device would make its debut in December. However, a recent report in December claimed that the launch had been delayed until early 2024. Now, a reliable leaker from China has revealed the official launch date for the Pocket S2. Additionally, the leaker also leaked information about a new Huawei notebook that will come equipped with the company’s in-house processor.

    Huawei Pocket S2 Launch Date

    According to the Chinese leaker, the Huawei Pocket S2 is expected to be officially announced on February 27. This suggests that the unveiling of the device might take place during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 tech event. The leaker further mentioned that the Pocket S2 could be powered by an underclocked version of the Kirin 9000s processor.

    New Notebook with Kirin PC Processor

    In addition to the Pocket S2, the leaker also revealed that Huawei will be launching a new laptop featuring the Kirin PC processor. Although the leaker did not provide specific details about the launch timeframe, it is likely that the notebook will be unveiled alongside the Pocket S2.

    Kirin PC Processor Specifications

    Another leaker recently shared some specifications about Huawei’s Kirin PC processor. The processor is said to feature 4 x TSV large cores, 4 x TSV medium cores, Maleoon 910 with 8-10cu for graphics, dual large-core NPU (Ascend Lite), dual micro-core NPU (Ascend Tiny), up to 32GB LPDDR5-6400 RAM, up to 2TB SSD storage, and support for 2 or 3 x USB 4.0. Its performance is expected to be comparable to Apple’s A12Z chip. The Maleoon 910 is Huawei’s in-house developed GPU. It is likely that the Kirin processor powered PC will run on the Harmony OS.

    While specific details about the Huawei Pocket S2 and the new notebook are still scarce, the leaked information has generated excitement among Huawei enthusiasts. With the official launch date set for February 27, fans will soon get to see what Huawei has in store for them in terms of foldable phones and laptops powered by their own processors.

  • Oppo A79 5G Rebranded as OnePlus Nord N30 SE 5G

    Oppo A79 5G Rebranded as OnePlus Nord N30 SE 5G

    The OnePlus Nord N30 SE 5G, a new entry-level smartphone, has been quietly launched by OnePlus for select global markets. This device is the successor to the OnePlus Nord N20 SE, which was released in 2022.

    Upgrades in the Latest Model

    The OnePlus Nord N30 SE 5G comes with several significant upgrades compared to its predecessor. It features a more powerful chipset that enables 5G connectivity and boasts a higher-resolution display.

    A Rebranded Oppo Handset

    Similar to the previous generation device, the current OnePlus Nord N30 SE 5G is also a rebranded Oppo handset. Specifically, it is a rebadged version of the Oppo A79 5G, which is also known as the Oppo A2 5G. Both of these products were officially introduced between late October and early November.

    In contrast, the older OnePlus Nord N20 SE is a rebranded Oppo A77.

    Specifications Comparison

    The OnePlus Nord N30 SE 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6020 SoC, which is a significant improvement over its predecessor’s slower 4G-only MediaTek Helio G35 chip.

    Furthermore, the phone features a larger 6.72-inch FHD+ (2400 x 1080 pixels) centered punch-hole display with an LCD panel and a 90Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, the previous generation handset has a smaller 6.56-inch LCD panel with an HD+ resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a dewdrop notch.

    Similar Specifications

    Aside from the aforementioned differences, the rest of the specifications remain more or less the same on both devices. They both sport a dual-camera setup with a 50MP wide lens and a 2MP depth sensor. Additionally, they have an 8MP selfie camera, dual stereo speakers, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 5,000mAh battery, and 33W wired charging support.

  • Upcoming Xiaomi Flagship Expected to Feature Self-Developed Chips for Imaging, Communication, Battery, and Charging Management

    Upcoming Xiaomi Flagship Expected to Feature Self-Developed Chips for Imaging, Communication, Battery, and Charging Management

    Xiaomi to Introduce New Self-Developed Chips for Improved Smartphone Performance

    Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi is gearing up to launch a series of self-developed chips that aim to enhance various aspects of smartphone performance. These new chips, including the Imaging Chip Surge C4, Charging Chip Surge P3, Battery Management Chip Surge G3, and Communication Chip Surge “xx,” are expected to be featured in upcoming Xiaomi flagship devices.

    Xiaomi’s Expansion in Self-Developed Chip Segment

    According to Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, Xiaomi is expanding its self-developed chip segment to cover imaging, fast charging, battery, and communication. It is speculated that these chips will likely be integrated into an upcoming Xiaomi flagship device. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to be launched in the next month, and these new chips could potentially be featured in the Xiaomi 15 series, which is set to go into mass production in September.

    Xiaomi 15 Series and Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Chip

    Although details about the Xiaomi 15 series smartphones are scarce, it is anticipated that they will come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip. Additionally, previous leaks suggest that the Pro model may feature thinner bezels and a 1400 nits bright 2K 120Hz LTPO display, which could potentially save up to 15-20% battery life. If the new battery management chip proves effective in power conservation, this combination has the potential to significantly enhance the device’s screen-on time.

    Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chip

    The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is rumored to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. It is expected to sport a curved-edge OLED display screen with a 2K resolution. The device may also feature a quad-camera setup, consisting of four 50MP lenses, including a 50MP Sony LYT-900 primary shooter with a Leica-branded camera module. To support its performance, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will come with a sizable 5180 mAh battery that supports both 90W wired and 80W wireless fast charging capabilities.

    In conclusion, Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship devices are set to receive a significant performance boost with the introduction of their self-developed chips. These chips aim to enhance imaging capabilities, charging speed, battery management, and communication in Xiaomi smartphones. With the Xiaomi 15 series and Xiaomi 14 Ultra on the horizon, consumers can look forward to experiencing these advancements firsthand.

  • Nokia bids farewell! The NokiaMobile account undergoes a name change to HMD

    Nokia bids farewell! The NokiaMobile account undergoes a name change to HMD

    HMD Global CEO Confirms Launch of New Models

    HMD Global CEO Jean Francois Baril has officially confirmed that the first HMD models will be launched. This announcement comes after the renaming of the NokiaMobile account to HMD (Human Mobile Devices), signaling a significant change in the brand. Nokia lovers should take note of this development.

    Leaked Images of HMD Smartphones

    GSMChina has leaked images of HMD’s first two smartphones. This leak, combined with the rebranding, indicates that HMD is gearing up to release new products in the near future. It also provides a glimpse into what the brand is capable of.

    Rebirth of a Powerful Brand

    The renaming of Nokia Mobile accounts to HMD carries a deeper meaning. HMD stands for Human Mobile Devices, symbolizing a potential revival of Nokia’s former success. While Nokia has faced setbacks in recent years, this name change suggests that the brand is poised for a comeback.

    Exciting Features of HMD Phones

    Render images of some HMD models, recently revealed by 91mobiles, showcase exciting features. One of the new HMD models is rumored to boast a 108MP OIS camera, with a noticeable triple camera lineup and a flash. While details about other HMD models are still under wraps, we can expect more information to be unveiled soon.

    In conclusion, the renaming of the NokiaMobile account to HMD signifies a significant shift in the brand’s direction. With the launch of new models and the promise of innovative features, HMD is poised to make a splash in the mobile device market. Nokia lovers can look forward to the brand’s revival under the new name, HMD.

  • Possible Launch of Samsung Galaxy A35 Imminent as Spotted on Bluetooth SIG

    Possible Launch of Samsung Galaxy A35 Imminent as Spotted on Bluetooth SIG

    The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G launch is expected to be right around the corner. The company’s upcoming mid-range smartphone was spotted on certain certifications and leaks. Now, the latest sighting was on Bluetooth SIG, which hints at its imminent release again.

    Samsung Galaxy A35 5G visits Bluetooth SIG

    The South Korean tech giant’s upcoming Galaxy A35 was spotted on the Bluetooth SIG certification platform. This device can be seen carrying the model numbers SM-A356B, SM-A356E, SM-A356E_DS, and SM-A356B_DS. The online database also confirmed support for Bluetooth 5.3 support. Previously, the device was sighted on the BIS platform as well, which confirmed the Indian availability of this device.

    Certifications and Specifications

    Similarly, it has even surfaced on the FCC certification that revealed some of its specifications. The Galaxy A35 5G is confirmed to support 5G networking, NFC, and an SD card slot. The charger model number EP-TA800 reveals that it supports 25W wired fast charging. On a GeekBench listing, the Galaxy A35 managed to score 697 points in the single-core test and 2,332 points in the multi-core test. It achieved this score with the Exynos 1380 SoC along with 6GB of RAM.

    Expected Features

    Furthermore, the handset will run on the Android 14 OS based One UI custom skin out of the box. The front is expected to sport a 6.6-inch AMOLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution, 32-megapixel selfie camera, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the back may feature a 50-megapixel triple camera setup.

    Release Date

    With the latest Bluetooth SIG sighting, Samsung might be gearing up for a first-quarter release. However, this is still just speculation at this point.

  • Introducing the OnePlus 12: A Massive 6.5GB Day-1 Update with Master Mode for Cameras and Enhanced Features

    Introducing the OnePlus 12: A Massive 6.5GB Day-1 Update with Master Mode for Cameras and Enhanced Features

    OnePlus 12 Launches Globally with New Master Mode for Cameras

    The highly anticipated OnePlus 12 has officially launched in various regions such as the US, Europe, and India. Indian customers have already started receiving their new smartphones, accompanied by a day-one patch that brings a range of improvements and the new Master mode for its cameras.

    Introducing OnePlus Master Mode

    One of the key highlights of the OnePlus 12 is the introduction of the Master Mode, which is essentially an enhanced version of the Pro Mode found on previous OnePlus phones. This new mode offers users more control over their camera settings, allowing for a more personalized photography experience. Here are some of the features offered by the Master Mode:

    1. Manual adjustments: Users can now manually adjust settings such as ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and focus. This provides greater creative control over the photos taken with the OnePlus 12.
    2. Hasselblad color tuning: OnePlus has collaborated with the renowned camera manufacturer Hasselblad to bring their signature color science to the OnePlus 12. This means that users can expect photos with more natural-looking colors and accurate skin tones.
    3. RAW capture: The Master Mode also allows users to capture photos in RAW format, providing more flexibility during the editing process.
    1. Fine-tuning adjustments: Users can fine-tune various aspects such as contrast, saturation, sharpness, and vignette before capturing the photo, ensuring optimal results.

    Firmware Update Details

    In addition to the Master Mode, the latest firmware update with version CPH2573_14.0.0.404(EX01) includes several other improvements and enhancements. Here is a complete changelog of the update:

    System

    • ProXDR is now available for Google’s Photos app.
    • Improved system stability.
    • Improved success rate of fingerprint unlock.

    Communication

    • Improved stability and compatibility of Wi-Fi network connections.
    • Enhanced stability and expanded compatibility of the NFC function.
    • Improved stability and expanded compatibility of Bluetooth connections.

    Camera

    • Added Master mode with Hasselblad color tuning to enhance photos with more natural and vibrant colors.

    Update Instructions

    The firmware update for the OnePlus 12 is quite substantial, with a size of 6.5GB. Therefore, it is recommended to connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network before initiating the update. If you have not received the OTA notification yet, you can manually check for its availability by following these steps:

    1. Go to Settings on your OnePlus 12.
    2. Select About device.
    3. Tap on OxygenOS.
    4. Choose Check for update.

    Ensure that your device is sufficiently charged and backed up before proceeding with the update.

    With the launch of the OnePlus 12 and the introduction of the Master Mode, OnePlus continues to deliver innovative features and improvements to enhance the user experience of its smartphones.