Category: Phones

April 19, 2024
How Huawei Thrives Without Google: Key Survival Strategies
The tech industry in the United States boasts giants like Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple, with a significant presence that shapes the global market for mobile devices. Huawei, a Chinese company, managed to navigate this competitive landscape despite facing challenges that stemmed from US government restrictions.
Huawei’s Resilience Amidst Challenges
Huawei emerged as one of the top three smartphone sellers globally in 2019, surpassing Apple in sales during various quarters of 2018 and 2019. However, its success faced a setback when the US government imposed restrictions on its operations within the country.
In May 2019, Huawei, along with other Chinese entities, found themselves on the US Entity List, barring them from collaborating with US-based organizations. This move meant that Huawei devices could no longer include popular Google-owned apps like YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Drive, impacting their market offerings significantly.
Innovation and Adaptation
Despite the hurdles, Huawei showcased resilience and innovation. In response to the ban, the company introduced HarmonyOS, initially unveiled in 2019 and later positioned as a mobile operating system in 2020 with HarmonyOS 2.0. The introduction of HarmonyOS marked a pivotal moment for Huawei’s software development journey.
In a strategic move, Huawei diversified its offerings by launching the Huawei P50 series with HarmonyOS, although lacking 5G support. Additionally, the company invested in establishing an in-house chip fabrication plant, culminating in the Kirin 9000S chip, featuring 5G capabilities, showcased in the Huawei Mate 60 and Mate 60 Pro smartphones.
Software Evolution and Independence
Huawei’s software ecosystem, including the Huawei AppGallery and HarmonyOS, witnessed significant growth post-US ban. The Huawei AppGallery garnered over 530 million active users in early 2021, escalating to 580 million active users by late 2022. Moreover, the HMS ecosystem flourished, boasting a remarkable increase in global developers from 1.6 million to over 5.4 million.
While HarmonyOS retains some ties to Android through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), Huawei’s focus on HarmonyOS Next promises complete independence from the Android OS, setting the stage for a unique software experience that will challenge conventional norms.
Huawei’s Adaptation to Google App Alternatives
To counter the absence of Google apps, Huawei developed alternatives like Huawei Assistant, Huawei Gallery, Zoom, Skype, Huawei Cloud, Deego, Huawei Browser, and Huawei AppGallery, offering users a seamless experience on their devices.
In conclusion, Huawei’s strategic investments in chip manufacturing, software development, and ecosystem growth showcase its determination to thrive in a competitive market. The upcoming HarmonyOS Next signals a new chapter for Huawei, positioning it as a formidable player alongside American tech giants.
For more information, Huawei recently unveiled the Pura 70 series powered by the Kirin 9010 chipset, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and consumer satisfaction.
Image Credit: Alex Escu/Unsplash
Tags: Huawei, Huawei HarmonyOS, US Ban
April 19, 2024
Huawei Kirin 9010 Chip Performance Test
Huawei’s most recent flagship smartphone, the Pura 70 Ultra, equipped with the new Kirin 9010 System on Chip (SoC), has been extensively examined by reviewers from a Chinese publication. The review sheds light on the capabilities of the new chipset, indicating that the Kirin 9010 represents more of an incremental advancement rather than a significant leap forward.
Kirin 9010: An Evolution in Chipset Design
The Kirin 9010 appears to be a refined version of the Kirin 9000S that powers the Mate 60 series. It is structured with a single 2.3GHz Taishan core, three 2.18GHz Taishan mid-cores, and four lower-clocked 1.55GHz Cortex-A510 cores, which are optimized for less demanding tasks. While the core architecture closely resembles the Kirin 9000S, Huawei has made notable adjustments to the clock speeds of the cores. The Mali-G78 GPU, clocked at 750MHz, remains consistent across both chipsets.
Performance Benchmarks and Comparisons
In terms of synthetic benchmarks, the Pura 70 Ultra achieved an AnTuTu score of 940,000 points, with GeekBench 6.2 single-core scores of 1,431 points and multi-core scores of 4,430 points under normal ambient conditions. Activating the phone’s performance mode led to slight improvements, boosting single-core scores to 1,440 and multi-core scores to 4,436, outperforming the Kirin 9000S on paper.
Processor Geekbench Single-Core Geekbench Multi-Core AnTuTu Overall
Kirin 9010 1440 4436 940,000
Kirin 9000s 1350 4200 700,000
Graphics Performance and Real-World Testing
Despite the advancements in CPU performance, the GPU performance, as indicated by the 3DMark Wild Life EXTREME test, only showed marginal gains. The phone, however, demonstrated competent performance in real-world scenarios, handling demanding games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail relatively well. In Genshin Impact, running at maximum settings with a locked 60fps frame rate, the Pura 70 Ultra managed an average frame rate of 60.2fps initially, stabilizing at 55.7fps over time. The device’s temperature peaked at 46.8 degrees Celsius during this test. Honkai: Star Rail, set at very high settings and 60fps locked, yielded an average of 53fps over 15 minutes, with the back cover temperature reaching a maximum of 49.6 degrees Celsius.
Tags: Huawei, Kirin 9010
April 19, 2024
itel S24 Launch Confirmed in India, Specs & Price Teased
itel has recently unveiled the Super Guru feature phone, boosting it with YouTube and 4G support. Following this, the brand has now introduced two new products – the itel S24 smartphone and the itel 11T Pro TWS earbuds. The itel S24, previewed on Amazon, is expected to be priced under Rs 10,000 and will come with a complimentary itel Icon smartwatch as a purchase incentive.
Features of itel S24 Smartphone
The itel S24 is positioned as the successor to the itel S23 from the previous year. The smartphone boasts a circular camera module hosting a primary 108MP sensor and an additional lens, promising diverse camera modes and functionalities. Noteworthy is the phone’s color-shifting rear panel that alters under sunlight. Powering the device is a MediaTek Helio G91 processor, although further specifics are yet to be disclosed. However, a prior official listing highlighted potential configurations of 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, alongside an HD+ display offering a 90Hz refresh rate. The S24 will be energized by a 5,000mAh battery supporting 18W fast charging.
Insights into the itel 11T Pro TWS Earbuds
The itel 11T Pro TWS earbuds are designed with a substantial 13mm driver and incorporate 360-degree super bass technology for enriched bass output. A preview image of the earphones depicts an in-ear build with a stem and silicone ear tips for enhanced comfort and fit.
Tags: iTel P55+, S24
April 19, 2024
Samsung Galaxy F15 5G: 8GB + 128GB RAM & Storage Variant in India
Samsung recently introduced a new variant of the Galaxy F15 5G in India, expanding its lineup of offerings for consumers. This latest model boasts 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, providing users with a high-performance option within the Galaxy F15 5G series.
Enhanced Performance with 8GB RAM
The newest addition to the Samsung Galaxy F15 5G family features an impressive 8GB of RAM, ensuring smoother multitasking and enhanced performance for users. Despite the increased RAM capacity, the internal storage remains consistent at 128GB, catering to diverse storage needs.
Competitive Pricing and Offers
Priced at Rs 15,999, the Galaxy F15 5G with 8GB of RAM presents an attractive deal for customers seeking top-tier specifications at a competitive price point. To sweeten the deal further, buyers can benefit from bank cashback offers or an upgrade bonus worth Rs 1,000 upon purchasing the smartphone. The device is available in Ash Black, Groovy Violet, and Jazzy Green color options.
Diverse Range of Options
Alongside the newly introduced 8GB RAM variant, the Samsung Galaxy F15 5G is also available in 4GB + 128GB and 6GB + 128GB configurations, priced at Rs 12,999 and Rs 14,499 respectively. This diverse range of choices caters to varying budget and performance preferences among consumers.
The Samsung Galaxy F15 5G stands out with its 6.5-inch sAMOLED display featuring an FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering a vibrant and smooth visual experience. Its triple rear camera setup comprises a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro unit, ensuring versatile photography capabilities. The device also includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button for convenient security access.
Powered by a robust Dimensity 6100 processor and fueled by a substantial 6,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging support, the Galaxy F15 5G offers a seamless and long-lasting user experience. Running on the latest Android 14 operating system, the smartphone is poised to receive four years of future updates and five years of security patches, ensuring longevity and relevance in the fast-paced tech landscape.
Tags: Samsung Galaxy F15 5G, Smartphone, Tech Specifications
April 19, 2024
OnePlus Ace 3 Pro Design, Specs Leaked Ahead of Launch
Among the OnePlus Ace 2 series phones released last year, the Ace 2 Pro stood out as the most powerful device when it was introduced in August. Following this, OnePlus has unveiled the Ace 3 and Ace 3V models in China this year, hinting that they might be preparing to launch the Ace 3 Pro. Recently, tipster Digital Chat Station provided insights into the potential design and specifications of the upcoming device.
OnePlus Ace 3 Pro Design (Rumored)
Digital Chat Station has leaked details regarding the design and specifications of the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro. The device is rumored to sport a curved-edge OLED display on the front, a metal central frame, and a glass rear panel. An intriguing aspect highlighted in the leak is that it might boast a unique rear design distinct from current OnePlus flagship models.
OnePlus Ace 3 Pro Specifications (Rumored)
According to the leak, the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro is expected to feature a 1.5K resolution OLED screen. Powering the device will be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor along with 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and a sizable battery capacity. The rear camera setup is rumored to include a 50-megapixel primary sensor, although it remains unclear if there will be a 2x telephoto camera included. The primary lens might be the same IMX890 camera sensor found on the OnePlus Ace 3 / 12R.
In a previous Weibo post, Digital Chat Station suggested the possibility of a 24 GB LPDDR5x RAM variant for the Ace 3 Pro. Reports also indicate that the device could house a 6,000mAh dual-cell battery that supports 100W fast charging.
The Ace 3 model has been rebranded as the OnePlus 12R in India, while speculations suggest that the Ace 3V could potentially be rebranded as the OnePlus Nord 4 for the global market. As the Ace 2 Pro was exclusively available in China, the global release of the Ace 3 Pro remains uncertain.
Tags: Oneplus, OnePlus Ace 3 Pro, smartphone specifications
April 19, 2024
Huawei Portable WiFi 5: Faster Speeds, More Devices
Huawei recently unveiled its newest mobile hotspot solution, the Portable WiFi 5, catering to individuals seeking connectivity on the move. This device offers rapid internet speeds, extended battery life, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
Pricing and Plans
The initial price in China commences at 229 yuan, which is around $32. Users can opt for data plans as well, with a monthly package providing 2000GB of data for 99 yuan ($14) and an annual plan offering the same data capacity for 599 yuan ($82).
Huawei Portable WiFi 5 Specifications
The Portable WiFi 5 supports 4G network connectivity, delivering download speeds of up to 195Mbps, marking a 30% enhancement compared to its predecessor. This enhancement translates to enhanced video conferencing, quicker downloads, and an overall improved online experience. Moreover, upload speeds have also significantly increased to 105Mbps, facilitating seamless live streaming and file sharing.
Enhanced Features and Design
Maintaining a focus on user experience, Huawei has equipped the Portable WiFi 5 with a robust 2400mAh battery, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for 8-9 hours. Furthermore, the device’s design emphasizes portability, being 15.4% slimmer than the previous model at 13.7mm and a lightweight of just 96g, permitting easy portability in pockets or backpacks without any added bulk.
This device can accommodate up to 16 devices simultaneously, ideal for collaborative projects, family outings, or spontaneous gaming sessions with friends. Available in Black, White, and Blue variants, the Portable WiFi 5 sports a sophisticated frosted finish, providing a sleek and delicate feel.
Integrating seamlessly with the Huawei Smart Life app, users can monitor data usage, set limits, manage connected devices, and establish a separate guest Wi-Fi network. The app also offers online security features to safeguard against Wi-Fi password breaches, ensuring a secure online experience.
Tags: High-Speed Connectivity, Huawei, Portable WiFi 5
April 19, 2024
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Update: Boosts Mobile Data Speeds to 5Gbps
Xiaomi’s Latest Update Brings 5.5G to Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Xiaomi’s flagship device, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, has recently undergone a significant update as the industry gradually shifts from 5G to 6G technology, now integrating 5.5G (5G-A) capabilities. Previously, it was reported that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra had achieved remarkable mobile data speeds of 5 Gbps with the introduction of 5.5G technology. However, at that time, 5.5G was only available commercially, with no official system update from Xiaomi.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra System Update Unlocks 5.5G Technology
In a recent development, Xiaomi has rolled out a system update for the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, enabling the much-anticipated 5.5G technology on the device. This update, sized at 527 MB and identified by the OS version number 1.0.9.0 UMACNXM, is now available. China Mobile had previously conducted a 5.5G mobile network speed test on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, achieving an impressive download rate of 5132.43 Mbps. It appears that Chinese smartphone manufacturers are increasingly emphasizing the adoption of 5.5G technology, with not only the Xiaomi 14 Ultra but also the OPPO Find X7 Ultra and select vivo phones now supporting 5.5G connectivity.
Embracing 5.5G Technology with Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s HyperOS Update
China stands out as one of the pioneer countries in embracing 5.5G technology. For users outside China, experiencing such extreme mobile network speeds on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra may not be an immediate reality. It is crucial to understand that 5.5G represents a cutting-edge technology, and while the 5 Gbps download speed achieved by the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is impressive, it may not yet fully demonstrate the technology’s ultimate capabilities.
The advent of 5.5G technology promises ultra-low latency at the millisecond level and the potential to reach astounding download speeds of 10 Gbps, accompanied by upload speeds of 1 Gbps on mobile devices. While the current 5 Gbps download speed on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a significant milestone, it is evident that this technology is poised for further advancements in the near future.
Conclusion
As Xiaomi paves the way with the introduction of 5.5G technology on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the realm of mobile connectivity is set to witness a substantial transformation. With the potential for unprecedented speeds and enhanced network performance, the evolution from 5G to 5.5G marks a crucial step towards the future of mobile communication. While the current capabilities of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra are impressive, it is apparent that there is still much untapped potential waiting to be unlocked in the realm of 5.5G technology.
Tags: Mobile Network Speeds, Xiaomi 14 Ultra
April 19, 2024
Xiaomi 11T Pro Receives HyperOS Update – Latest News
Xiaomi has introduced its latest Android interface, HyperOS, for the Xiaomi 11T Pro model. This newly unveiled interface boasts enhanced visuals and animations, incorporating elements reminiscent of iOS design features like a universal blur effect and fresh lockscreen customization options, garnering positive reviews among users.
Xiaomi 11T Pro Receives HyperOS Update
The Xiaomi 11T Pro, previously operating on MIUI 14 based on Android 13, is now being upgraded to the Android 14-based HyperOS. Notably, this update will serve as the final one for the Xiaomi 11T Pro, having already received its third Android update, with the device originally launching on Android 11.
HyperOS Arrival for Xiaomi 11T Pro
Previously, it was announced that the Redmi K40 and K40 Plus models would receive the HyperOS update, and now the Xiaomi 11T Pro is joining the list. The latest system update from Xiaomi for the 11T Pro weighs in at 5.2GB and includes the April 2024 security patch. The update is identified with the version number OS 1.0.1.0 UKDEUXM.
The rollout of the update has commenced for European devices and is expected to gradually reach other regions. Prior to this, the Mi 11 series was updated with HyperOS, and now the focus has shifted to the Mi 11T Pro. This update signifies the last for the Mi 11 series, showcasing Xiaomi's commitment to maintaining device relevance with four user interface upgrades and three significant Android updates. An image of the new interface was shared by Nightlake.
Tags: Android update, HyperOS update, Xiaomi
April 19, 2024
Vivo V30e Teasers Released, Launch Coming Soon
Earlier this year, Vivo made public the Vivo V30 and V30 Pro smartphones in the Indian market. Currently, the company is preparing for the release of a new addition to the V30 series, named the Vivo V30e in India. The launch appears to be on the horizon as the microsite for the phone is now live on the Vivo India website.
Vivo V30e – Silk Blue
The Vivo V30e showcases a distinct rear design in contrast to the Vivo V30 and V30 Pro, evident in the official images. Featuring a circular camera module housing two cameras and a ring LED flash, it is set to be available in Silk Blue and Velvet Red color options.
Vivo is yet to disclose the exact launch date for the Vivo V30e, but the unveiling is anticipated to take place before the end of this month. Recently, tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore shared insights hinting at what to anticipate from the V30e.
Vivo V30e – Velvet Red
The Vivo V30e is expected to boast a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with curved edges, offering an FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. With an IP64-rated chassis and a slim profile measuring 7.69mm, the device is geared towards a sleek design.
On the imaging front, the Vivo V30e will feature a 50-megapixel front camera, while its rear panel will house a primary 50-megapixel Sony IMX882 camera alongside an 8-megapixel ultrawide lens.
Despite its slim build, the Vivo V30e will pack a 5,500mAh battery with 44W fast charging capabilities. Powering the device will be the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset. It is projected to operate on the FunTouch OS 14-based Android 14 platform. Offered in 8GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB variants, the Vivo V30e is expected to be priced below Rs 30,000 (~$360).
Tags: Rumored specifications, Smartphone Launch, Vivo V30e
April 19, 2024
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Achieves 5Gbps Speed with 5.5G Update
Mobile connectivity technologies are evolving rapidly, posing a challenge for many individuals to stay abreast of the latest advancements. While 5G technology is still in the process of gaining widespread acceptance in various regions, smartphone manufacturers are already looking towards the next level of connectivity. In this context, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra has emerged as the inaugural phone to embrace 5.5G (5G-A) technology.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Introduces Support for 5.5G
5.5G represents a notable enhancement over the existing 5G standard, promising perks such as significantly accelerated download speeds, decreased latency, and the capability to accommodate a larger number of connected devices. Following a recent beta update (version 1.0.9.0.UNACNXM, 527 MB), the Xiaomi 14 Ultra now boasts compatibility with 5.5G technology.
China Mobile’s Trials:
In trials conducted by China Mobile, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra demonstrated an impressive download speed of up to 5 Gbps utilizing 5.5G technology, marking one of the swiftest mobile connection speeds witnessed so far. The company has ambitious plans to extend its 5.5G network’s coverage to include over 300 cities by the conclusion of this year, envisioning a subscriber base exceeding 20 million 5.5G users by 2025.
The Advantages of 5.5G:
- Speeds up to 300% faster, reaching a maximum of 10 Gbps
- Reduced latency
- Enhanced capacity enabling connectivity for up to 100 billion IoT devices
China Mobile has outlined its intentions to broaden the reach of its 5.5G network to encompass more than 300 cities by the end of the current year. Consequently, the network is anticipated to enlist over 20 million 5.5G subscribers by the year 2025.
Tags: 5.5G Technology, Mobile Connectivity, Xiaomi 14 Ultra