Category: Phones

  • CES 2024 Introduces TCL 50 Series featuring NXTPAPER Technology and Dual Speakers

    CES 2024 Introduces TCL 50 Series featuring NXTPAPER Technology and Dual Speakers

    TCL Announces New Smartphone Lineup at CES 2024

    At CES 2024, TCL made headlines with the announcement of its latest products. While the highlight of the company’s showcase was a massive 118-inch mini LED TV, TCL also introduced its new smartphone lineup, the TCL 50 series. This lineup includes five models, all of which are set to launch in the US.

    Introducing the TCL 50 Series

    The TCL 50 series consists of the following handsets:

    • TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G
    • TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G
    • TCL 50 XL 5G
    • TCL 50 XE 5G
    • TCL 50 LE

    NXTPAPER 3.0 Technology

    The first two phones on the list, TCL 50 XL NXTPAPER 5G and TCL 50 XE NXTPAPER 5G, boast TCL’s latest NXTPAPER 3.0 technology. This innovative tech aims to reduce the harmful effects of blue light by up to 61% while maintaining sharp images, vibrant colors, deep contrast, and natural motion. With the integration of Circularly Polarized Light (CPL) display and NXTPAPER 3.0 technology, these smartphones offer a visual experience similar to reading books in natural light. Additionally, the incorporation of DC dimming helps minimize eye strain by providing a flicker-free viewing experience.

    TCL 50 XL 5G

    The TCL 50 XL 5G is equipped with a large 6.8-inch FHD+ 120Hz display, ensuring a smooth and immersive viewing experience. It also features dual speakers with DTS sound support, delivering enhanced audio quality. Powering the device is a robust 5,010mAh battery, providing long-lasting usage.

    TCL 50 XE 5G

    The TCL 50 XE 5G offers a slightly smaller 6.6-inch HD+ 90Hz display. Like its counterpart, it also comes with dual speakers and a 5,010mAh battery, ensuring excellent audio and extended battery life.

    TCL 50 LE

    The TCL 50 LE is the most affordable option in the TCL 50 series. It features a smaller 4,000mAh battery but still offers a 6.6-inch 90Hz display, dual speakers, and a 13MP main camera.

    Availability

    Unfortunately, TCL has not disclosed the exact availability date for these products in the US. However, consumers can anticipate the arrival of the TCL 50 series smartphones in the near future. Stay tuned for updates from TCL regarding the release of these exciting new devices.

  • Motorola’s Moto G34 5G Unveiled in India, Equipped with Snapdragon 695 SoC, Android 14, and Additional Features

    Motorola’s Moto G34 5G Unveiled in India, Equipped with Snapdragon 695 SoC, Android 14, and Additional Features

    Motorola Launches Moto G34 5G in India

    Motorola has officially launched its first product of 2024 in India, the Moto G34 5G. This budget-friendly smartphone was initially released in China before Christmas, making India the first international market to receive it.

    Moto G34 5G Specifications

    The Moto G34 5G features a plastic build, which is common among budget smartphones. However, one of the color variants comes with a vegan leather finish on the back. Additionally, the device is IP52-rated for splash resistance.

    The smartphone is built around a 6.5-inch centered punch-hole display. The panel offers an HD+ resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels and a high refresh rate of 120Hz.

    Under the hood, the Moto G34 5G is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC. The chipset is paired with LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. It runs on the latest Android 14 operating system.

    In terms of camera capabilities, the phone sports a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP macro snapper. On the front, there is a 16MP selfie camera.

    The device also features Dolby Atmos-supported dual stereo speakers, a MicroSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the Ready For feature (only available on the 8GB RAM variant).

    Powering the Moto G34 5G is a 5,000mAh battery, which supports 18W charging.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Motorola Moto G34 5G is available in two memory configurations:

    • 4GB RAM + 128GB storage: ₹10,999 (~$130)
    • 8GB RAM + 128GB storage: ₹11,999 (~$145)

    Customers can choose from three color options: Ice Blue, Charcoal Black, or Ocean Green (vegan leather). The smartphone will be available for purchase starting January 17 through Flipkart and leading retail stores.

  • Honor X50 GT with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Available for 1,999 Yuan

    Honor X50 GT with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 Available for 1,999 Yuan

    Honor X50 GT Now Obtainable for Purchase in China

    The most recent smartphone from Honor, the Honor X50 GT, has been revealed in China last week. Boasting remarkable specifications and an attractive price point, Honor asserts that the gaming capabilities of the X50 GT, fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, can outperform even Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-equipped devices. As of today, the Honor X50 GT is up for grabs in China, commencing at 1,999 Yuan (~$280).

    Pricing and Variants

    In China, the Honor X50 GT is offered in four distinctive configurations:

    • 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage: 1,999 Yuan (~$280)
    • 16 GB RAM + 256 GB storage: 2,299 Yuan (~$325)
    • 16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage: 2,499 Yuan (~$350)
    • 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage: 2,799 Yuan (~$395)

    Consumers have the choice between black and silver color selections.

    Remarkable Specifications

    With a 6.78-inch curved-edge OLED display that features a 1.5K resolution of 2652 x 1200 pixels, the Honor X50 GT stands out. It includes a high 120Hz refresh rate and a 1920Hz PWM high-frequency dimming. Sporting the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, LPDDR5 RAM, and UFS 3.1 storage, the device ensures seamless and effective performance.

    Concerning battery life, the Honor X50 GT is outfitted with a 5,800mAh battery that supports 35W fast charging, guaranteeing prolonged gaming sessions without power concerns.

    Impressive Camera Arrangement

    The camera setup of the Honor X50 GT embraces an 8-megapixel front camera for exceptional selfies. On the rear end, a dual camera system is featured, comprising a 108-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, enabling users to effortlessly capture high-quality photos and videos.

    Supplementary Attributes and Software

    To handle heat efficiently, the Honor X50 GT integrates a 5100mm² VC heat dissipation unit, maintaining coolness during intense gaming sessions. Noteworthy features include an in-display fingerprint scanner, an IR blaster, and an IP53 rating for water resistance.

    Operating on Android 14 with MagicOS 7.2, the Honor X50 GT offers a seamless and user-friendly software environment.

    In Closing

    The Honor X50 GT is an impressive smartphone that melds exceptional gaming performance with a reasonable price point. Through its potent chipset, striking display, and remarkable camera setup, it is bound to capture the fascination of smartphone aficionados in China. For those interested in buying the device offline, Honor is also retailing a rebranded version named the Honor X50 Pro.

  • Introducing Asus ROG Phone 8 Series: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 165Hz Display, IP68 Protection

    Introducing Asus ROG Phone 8 Series: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 165Hz Display, IP68 Protection

    Introduction to Asus ROG Phone 8 Series

    Asus has introduced the ROG Phone 8 series, their latest iteration of gaming smartphones that aim to blend gaming capabilities with practical everyday features.

    Design and Display

    • Featuring a streamlined design with minimal bezels and a flat screen
    • Front camera positioned in a central punch-hole
    • ROG Phone 8 showcases a customizable Aura RGB lighting emblem on the rear
    • ROG Phone 8 Pro boasts customizable AniMe Vision mini-LED lighting equipped with 341 LEDs
    • Offers IP68 dust and water resistance
    • Equipped with a 6.78-inch Samsung AMOLED LTPO display boasting a resolution of 1080 x 2400, a refresh rate of 165Hz, and a peak brightness of 2,500 nits
    • Includes an in-screen fingerprint sensor

    Specifications and Camera

    • Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
    • ROG Phone 8 provides options of 12 GB or 16 GB LPDDR5x RAM, coupled with 256 GB UFS 4.0 storage
    • ROG Phone 8 Pro offers 16 GB or 24 GB LPDDR5x RAM, along with 512 GB or 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage
    • Houses a 5,500mAh battery supporting 65W fast charging, Quick Charge 5.0, PD charging, and 15W Qi wireless charging
    • Operates on ROG UI-based Android 14
    • Features a conduction cooling mechanism
    • Accompanied by the AeroActive Cooler X accessory to enhance cooling efficiency
    • Introduces the "AI Grabber" function for convenient access to gaming guides
    • Includes a 3.5mm audio jack and a 5-magnet speaker system
    • Offers Air Trigger buttons, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, dual-frequency GPS, NFC, and a USB-C port
    • Features a 32-megapixel RGBW front camera
    • Equipped with a triple rear camera setup: 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS, 13-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 32-megapixel telephoto camera with OIS

    Price and Availability

    • Price for ROG Phone 8 (16 GB RAM + 256 GB storage): $1,099
    • Price for ROG Phone 8 (16 GB RAM + 512 GB storage): $1,199
    • Price for ROG Phone 8 Pro Edition (24 GB RAM + 1 TB storage): $1,499
    • Scheduled to be available in spring 2024

    The Asus ROG Phone 8 and ROG Phone 8 Pro devices merge high-performance gaming capabilities with everyday usability, catering to both gaming enthusiasts and regular users alike.

  • ColorOS 14 Stable Update Release Schedule for January 2024

    ColorOS 14 Stable Update Release Schedule for January 2024

    During the unveiling of the Oppo Reno 11 on January 12, the company is currently engaged in efforts to deliver the ColorOS 14 update to the remaining smartphones.

    ColorOS 14 Update Schedule

    According to the ColorOS 14 stable update timeline posted in January 2024, the Oppo K10 5G in India and the Oppo A77 5G in Australia are scheduled to receive the ColorOS 14 update commencing on January 22. In the meantime, various Oppo smartphones have already begun receiving updates, such as the Oppo Find N, Find N2 Flip, Find N3 Flip, Find X5 Pro, Find X5, Find X3 Pro, Reno10 Pro+ 5G, Reno10 Pro 5G, Reno10 5G, Reno8 Pro 5G, Reno8 5G, Reno8, Reno8 T 5G, Reno8 T, Reno7, F23 5G, F21s Pro, and F21 Pro.

    Ongoing Deployment

    Following this month, the rollout of the ColorOS 14 update will extend to smartphone foldables, including the Oppo Find N3 in Indonesia and India. Nevertheless, some countries have already received the Open Beta update a few days ago. The official announcement will be made through the Oppo Official Community Forums in the respective regions.

    Notable ColorOS 14 Features

    ColorOS 14 introduces a range of new features, such as a complete design overhaul, performance enhancements, and stability improvements. The update brings the Aquamorphic Design, which enhances sound effects, color schemes, and user interactions. Furthermore, it enhances the Always-On Display (AOD) with the Homeland AOD, displaying natural scenes and linking Environment Vision pages to daily steps. AI-powered Smart Touch simplifies daily activities, while Smart Image Matting and Trinity Engine upgrades improve image editing. Smart charging dynamically adjusts the charging current based on usage conditions to ensure safety and privacy. Moreover, ColorOS 14 integrates Snapchat with Bitmoji AOD for quicker app navigation and real-time updates, providing users with a comprehensive and user-friendly mobile experience.

    Detailed Analysis and Beta Channels

    Users can refer to our detailed review of ColorOS 14 to gain further insight into the smartphone operating system. This scheduled timeline pertains to the ColorOS 14 stable rollout, while the beta channels are receiving their respective updates. Additionally, ColorOS 14 is currently being deployed to both flagship and non-flagship devices, including the Oppo A77, A77s, and A57.

  • All You Need to Know about the Poco X6 Series: Launch Date, Specifications, and Expected Price

    All You Need to Know about the Poco X6 Series: Launch Date, Specifications, and Expected Price

    Poco to Launch Poco X6 Series: What to Expect

    Poco, the popular smartphone brand, is all set to kick off its first launch event of 2024. The company has officially confirmed that it will be introducing the highly anticipated Poco X6 series in the coming days.

    The X Series: Mid-Range Excellence

    The Poco X series has established itself as the go-to choice for consumers seeking a powerful mid-range smartphone. Positioned between the flagship F series and the budget-friendly M series, the X series strikes a perfect balance of performance and affordability.

    Leaks and Teasers Build Excitement

    As the launch event draws near, leaks and official teasers have been flooding the internet, providing us with valuable insights into the upcoming Poco X6 series. Let’s take a closer look at what we know so far.

    Specification Highlights

    While specific details are yet to be confirmed, leaked information suggests that the Poco X6 series will pack impressive features. Here are a few highlights:

    • Display: Expect a vibrant and immersive display, possibly with high refresh rates for smooth scrolling and gaming.
    • Performance: The X6 series is likely to be powered by a robust processor, ensuring seamless multitasking and fast app launches.
    • Camera: Poco has always emphasized photography capabilities, and the X6 series is expected to deliver exceptional camera performance, enabling users to capture stunning photos and videos.
    • Battery: Long-lasting battery life is a crucial aspect of any smartphone, and Poco understands this well. The X6 series is anticipated to offer ample battery capacity, keeping users connected throughout the day.

    Pricing and Availability

    As of now, Poco has not disclosed any pricing or availability details for the X6 series. However, based on the brand’s track record, we can expect competitive pricing that offers excellent value for money. Stay tuned for updates on pricing and availability as the launch event unfolds.

    Conclusion

    The Poco X6 series launch event is just around the corner, and anticipation is building up. With its reputation for delivering feature-packed devices at affordable prices, Poco has set high expectations for the X6 series. As we await the official unveiling, keep an eye out for further updates on specifications, pricing, and availability.

  • Vivo G2 Key Specifications Unveiled on Google Play Console

    Vivo G2 Key Specifications Unveiled on Google Play Console

    Vivo G2: An Upcoming Smartphone Reportedly in Progress

    Reports suggest that Vivo, the Chinese smartphone maker, is actively developing a new mobile device. The speculated device, potentially named Vivo G2, has recently emerged on the Google Play Console certification portal. The listing discloses vital particulars about the gadget, such as its visual representation and technical specifications.

    Design and Screen Presentation

    As per the exhibited visual on the Google Play Console, the Vivo G2 sports a display with a punch-hole positioned at the center and a marginally thicker lower bezel. The rear side of the phone showcases a square-shaped camera configuration housing two sensors. This smartphone is showcased in a vivid Blue color variant. Notably, the design of the Vivo G2 demonstrates similarities with the Y78 (t1) and Y78m (t1) models.

    Performance and Tech Specs

    The Google Play Console certification unveils the presence of a MediaTek MT6833 processor within the Vivo G2. This chipset integrates two Cortex-A76 cores running at 2.2GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores operating at 2GHz. Furthermore, the device is equipped with a Mali G57 GPU. The chipset arrangement of the Vivo G2 corresponds to the MediaTek Dimensity 700, now rebranded as Dimensity 6020. Expectations include 6GB of RAM and the inclusion of the latest Android 13 operating system in the smartphone.

    Comparison with Preceding Models

    It is essential to highlight the launch of the Vivo Y78 (t1) and Y78m (t1) in China back in October. Both models are powered by the Dimensity 6020 chipset, the same setup anticipated to be featured in the Vivo G2, as indicated by the certification details. Additional specifics about the Vivo G2 are projected to surface in the imminent days.

    Final Thoughts

    In summary, Vivo is actively developing a potential smartphone, tentatively named the Vivo G2. The device has been sighted on the Google Play Console certification platform, offering insights into its design and technical characteristics. With a robust MediaTek Dimensity 6020 processor, 6GB of RAM, and the upcoming Android 13 OS, the Vivo G2 promises to be a compelling addition to Vivo’s smartphone range. Stay tuned for further updates on this impending gadget.

  • OPPO Find X7 Unveils: Triple Cameras, 50MP, Dimensity 9300 SoC, and 6.78″ Curved OLED Display

    OPPO Find X7 Unveils: Triple Cameras, 50MP, Dimensity 9300 SoC, and 6.78″ Curved OLED Display

    The latest flagship smartphones from OPPO, the Find X7 and Find X7 Ultra, have been officially released in China. In this article, we will focus on the standard model, the OPPO Find X7, as we have previously covered the Find X7 Ultra in a separate piece.

    OPPO Find X7 Specifications

    The OPPO Find X7 shares a similar design to the Find X7 Ultra, featuring a large circular camera module that houses three camera sensors within four cutouts. The phone is available in four variants: Sea and Sky, Desert Moon Silver, Smokey Purple, and Starry Sky Black. The Black and Purple options have a glass back panel with the circular camera module, while the other two variants have a dual-tone design with a leather finish on the lower portion. The power and volume buttons are located on the right side, while the left side features an alert slider.

    On the front, the smartphone boasts a spacious 6.78-inch OLED curved screen with a resolution of 2780 × 1264 pixels, offering a pixel density of 450 PPI. The display supports a wide color gamut (P3) and has an impressive peak brightness of 4500 nits, reaching 2300 nits in HDR and 1600 nits in HBM typical scenarios. The adaptive refresh rate ranges from 1 to 120Hz, and it supports up to a 240Hz touch sampling rate.

    Performance

    The OPPO Find X7 is powered by a Dimensity 9300 SoC, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. It is equipped with a large 5,000mAh battery that supports 100W fast charging. The device runs on Android 14-based ColorOS 14. In terms of connectivity, it offers Wi-Fi support (Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 5), Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC capabilities for reading and writing NFC cards, OPPO Pay, and more.

    The OPPO Find X7 features under-screen fingerprint recognition and facial recognition for biometric authentication. It also includes a range of sensors such as geomagnetic induction, under-screen proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, color temperature sensor, accelerometer, gravity sensor, gyroscope, step counting function, rear spectrum sensor, and an infrared remote control.

    Camera

    The OPPO Find X7 is equipped with a powerful rear camera setup, consisting of a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. The camera system supports various shooting modes, including optical zoom up to 3x, 6x optical quality zoom, and an impressive 120x digital zoom. The front camera is a 32-megapixel shooter that supports various photography and video modes.

    Both the rear and front cameras of the OPPO Find X7 support 4K video shooting at 60fps and 30fps, as well as options for 1080P and 720P video shooting. The rear camera also supports slow-motion video shooting at 1080P (240fps) and 720P (480fps), with video anti-shake capabilities.

    Pricing and Availability

    The OPPO Find X7 is available in four different configurations. The base model with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is priced at 3,999 Yuan ($563). There is also a 16GB + 256GB variant priced at 4,299 Yuan ($605), a 16GB + 512GB configuration priced at 4,599 Yuan ($647), and the highest-tier option with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, which is priced at 4,999 Yuan ($704). Pre-orders are now open in China, and the first sale is scheduled for January 12.

  • New Realme GT 5 Pro Year of the Dragon Gift Box Revealed

    New Realme GT 5 Pro Year of the Dragon Gift Box Revealed

    Realme GT 5 Pro Year of the Dragon Limited Edition Gift Box

    Following its debut in China in December, the Realme GT 5 Pro has unveiled an additional limited version of the smartphone known as the Realme GT 5 Pro Year of the Dragon Limited Edition Gift Box. Unlike the previous special release, this one is open for purchase by all interested individuals.

    The special Chinese New Year gift box is priced at ¥4,399 (~$620) and comes with the following components:

    • Realme GT 5 Pro in Red Rock (16GB + 1TB)
    • Realme Buds Air 5 in Whale Blue
    • Year of the Dragon Card

    Separately, these products would amount to ¥4,299 ($605) for the phone and ¥299 ($40) for the wireless earbuds. By selecting the gift box option, customers can enjoy a saving of ¥200 (~$30). Pre-orders for the gift box are scheduled to commence at 8 PM local time (GMT+8) on January 10.

    By contrast, the Oppo Reno 11 New Year gift box presents an opportunity for customers to save ¥997. Priced at ¥5,999, this package includes two units of Reno 11 (12 + 512GB) in Moonstone and two pairs of Oppo Enco R Pro.

    Realme GT 5 Pro Specifications

    • Display: 6.78-inch 1.5K LTPO curved OLED, with up to a 144Hz refresh rate, reaching 4500 nits peak brightness
    • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
    • RAM: LPDDR5x
    • Storage: UFS 4.0
    • Operating System: Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14
    • Camera:
    • Front-facing: 32MP
    • Rear-facing:
    • 50MP Sony LYT-808 primary sensor
    • 8MP Sony IMX355 ultrawide unit
    • 50MP Sony IMX890 3x periscope telephoto shooter
    • Battery: 5,400mAh
    • Charging: 100W wired, 50W wireless
    • Additional features:
    • IP54 rating
    • Dual stereo speakers
    • Infrared blaster
    • In-screen fingerprint sensor
  • Vivo Launches 5G Vivo Y28 with Dimensity 6020 in India at Rs 13,999.

    Vivo Launches 5G Vivo Y28 with Dimensity 6020 in India at Rs 13,999.

    Launch of Vivo Y28 5G in India

    Technical Specifications

    • Screen: 6.56-inch IPS LCD display, HD+ resolution, 90Hz screen refresh rate
    • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6020 System on Chip
    • Battery: 5,000mAh battery capacity with 15W rapid charging
    • Operating System: Android 13 featuring FunTouch OS 13 customized interface
    • Photography:
    • Rear: 50MP dual-camera configuration (main + secondary)
    • Front: 8MP front-facing camera
    • Additional Features:
    • Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
    • 3.5mm headphone jack
    • Weight: 186 grams
    • Thickness: 8.09mm
    • IP54 water and dust resistance rating
    • Bluetooth version 5.1
    • 5G support
    • Dual SIM functionality

    Price and Availability Details

    • Standard model (4GB RAM + 128GB storage): Priced at 13,999 INR (approximately 169 US Dollars)
    • 6GB + 128GB variant: Priced at 15,499 INR (about 187 US Dollars)
    • 8GB + 128GB variant: Priced at 16,999 INR (around 205 US Dollars)
    • Color Choices: Glitter Aqua, Crystal Purple
    • Available for purchase on Amazon, Croma, JioMart