Category: Phones

  • Xiaomi and Disney Collaboration Unveils Exclusive Strawberry Bear-themed Power Banks, Phone Covers, and More

    Xiaomi and Disney Collaboration Unveils Exclusive Strawberry Bear-themed Power Banks, Phone Covers, and More

    Xiaomi Collaborates with Disney to Release Special Edition Products

    Xiaomi has partnered with Disney to introduce a range of limited edition products. Among the recent releases are the Xiaomi Civi 3 Disney Strawberry Bear and the Disney 100th anniversary keyboard and mouse set. However, the collaboration doesn’t stop there, as Xiaomi also unveiled a selection of power banks, backpacks, phone covers, and more.

    Introducing the Xiaomi Disney Strawberry Bear Edition

    In addition to the smartphone and keyboard and mouse set, the Chinese tech giant has expanded its product lineup to include various items inspired by Disney’s Toy Story 3 antagonist, the Strawberry Bear named Lotso. These products include a backpack, traveling suitcase, power bank, tripod stand for phones, and phone cases. All of them feature a pink color scheme and incorporate elements reminiscent of the beloved teddy bear.

    Immerse Yourself in the World of Strawberry Bear

    Each product in the Xiaomi Disney Strawberry Bear Edition showcases the iconic pink color and highlights the teddy bear theme. For instance, the smartphone protective case features a small head of the Strawberry Bear protruding from the back, while the backpack boasts a dual-tone light and dark pink design with the teddy bear print. One of the more unique offerings is the magnetic tripod, which also adopts the same color scheme.

    Exclusive Goodies and Sale Details

    The Xiaomi Civi 3 Disney Bear Strawberry Bear edition comes in a special gift box that includes a phone cover, transparent cover, card pins, stickers, and more. Additionally, there is a large pink suitcase and a Disney 100th anniversary commemorative power bank. These products will be available for purchase in China, with the first sale scheduled for the evening of December 22, 2023.

    In conclusion, Xiaomi’s collaboration with Disney has resulted in a delightful collection of special edition products. From backpacks and phone covers to power banks and more, fans can now immerse themselves in the world of Strawberry Bear. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to grab these limited edition items when they hit the shelves in China on December 22nd.

  • China Witnesses Launch of Honor 90 GT Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Chipset and 100W Charging Technology

    China Witnesses Launch of Honor 90 GT Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Chipset and 100W Charging Technology

    Honor Launches New Devices: Honor 90 GT and Honor Pad 9

    At an event held in China today, Honor unveiled its latest devices, the Honor 90 GT smartphone and the Honor Pad 9 tablet. The Honor 90 GT comes with premium specifications and is the successor to the Honor 80 GT, offering significant upgrades. Let's take a closer look at what the Honor 90 GT has to offer.

    Honor 90 GT Specifications and Features

    Design:

    • The Honor 90 GT boasts a boxy design with a rectangular camera module on the back panel.
    • The Blue color variant features two vertical running stripes in White color below the camera island.
    • The smartphone features an OLED display with a center-aligned punch-hole cutout and minimal bezels.
    • The bezels are claimed to be even thinner than the iPhone 15 Pro.
    • The screen measures 6.6 inches and has a 1.5K pixel resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 3840Hz PWM dimming.
    • The display also integrates a fingerprint scanner.

    Performance:

    • The Honor 90 GT is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
    • It is the first smartphone from Honor to offer up to 24GB of RAM.
    • The device provides up to 1TB of storage.
    • A 5,200mAh battery unit with 100W wired charging support powers the smartphone.
    • The phone also features a 3D vapor chamber cooling unit for effective heat dissipation.

    Camera:

    • The Honor 90 GT features dual rear cameras, including a 50MP Sony IMX906 main sensor with OIS support and a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
    • For selfies, there is a 16MP front-facing camera.

    Additional Features:

    • The smartphone includes an RF enhancement C1 chip for connectivity, an X-Axis linear motor, and dual speakers.
    • It runs on MagicOS 7.2, based on Android 14.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Honor 90 GT is available in three color options: GT Blue (with a leather textured back panel), Black, and Gold. Here are the pricing details for different RAM and storage configurations:

    • 12GB + 256GB: CNY 2,599 (~$365)
    • 16GB + 256GB: CNY 2,899 (~$405)
    • 16GB + 512GB: CNY 3,1,999 (~$450)
    • 24GB + 1TB: CNY 3,699 (~$520)

    The Honor 90 GT offers impressive specifications and features at competitive prices, making it an attractive choice for smartphone enthusiasts.

  • Android 14 update arrives in India for Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Exynos version

    Android 14 update arrives in India for Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Exynos version

    Samsung has started rolling out the OneUI 6.0 update for Galaxy S21 FE models in the US and the global market's Snapdragon 888 variant. Now, the company has initiated the deployment of the Android 14 update for the Exynos variant of the Galaxy S21 FE in India.

    The update comes with firmware version G990EXXU7FWK6/ G990EODM7FWK5/ G990EXXU7FWK5 and includes the December 2023 security patch along with the Android 14-based One UI 6. It has a file size of 2235MB. With this update, Galaxy S21 FE users can expect the following changes:

    One UI 6.0 update changelog

    New emoji design

    The update brings a new design for emojis.

    Picture and video previews in the Share panel

    Users can now preview pictures and videos directly in the Share panel.

    More sharing options

    The update provides additional sharing options for users.

    Multitasking improvements through a pop-up window

    Users can now open a pop-up window that remains open even after leaving the Recents screen, making multitasking more convenient.

    Freely positioned lock screen clock

    The lock screen clock can now be positioned freely according to user preference.

    Simplified app icon labels for the home screen

    The update simplifies app icon labels on the home screen for a cleaner look.

    New Weather widget and enhanced Weather app

    The Weather widget has been redesigned and now offers more information, including an interactive map view. The Weather app also features enhanced illustrations.

    Camera improvements

    The update brings various camera improvements, such as a new widget, more alignment options for watermarks, quick access to resolution settings, and easy-to-apply filters and effects.

    Improvements to Calendar, Reminder, and Samsung Internet

    The Calendar, Reminder, and Samsung Internet apps have been enhanced with new features and improvements.

    Quick actions for apps in Finder search results

    Users can now perform quick actions for apps directly from the Finder search results.

    Recommendations in the My Files app

    The My Files app now provides recommendations to help users free up storage space on their device.

    Smarter Airplane mode

    The update introduces a smarter Airplane mode that offers improved functionality.

    Auto Blocker for enhanced security

    The Auto Blocker feature provides an extra layer of protection by preventing unknown apps from installing, checking for malware, and blocking malicious commands via a USB connection.

    Customizable Bixby text call greetings

    Users can now customize their Bixby text call greetings and switch to Bixby text call during a call.

    More accessibility features

    The update includes new magnification options and custom cursor thickness options for improved accessibility.

    To check if the Android 14 OS update is available for your Galaxy S21 FE, follow these steps:

    1. Go to Settings.
    2. Navigate to Software Update.
    3. Check for updates.
    4. If the update is available, proceed to Download and Install.

    With the OneUI 6.0 update and the Android 14 update, Galaxy S21 FE users can enjoy an enhanced user experience and a range of new features and improvements.

  • Leaked iOS 18 codes suggest entire Apple iPhone 16 series will incorporate A18 SoC

    Leaked iOS 18 codes suggest entire Apple iPhone 16 series will incorporate A18 SoC

    iPhone 16 lineup to arrive with the A18 SoC

    According to a new report, the upcoming iPhone 16 series will be powered by the A18 chipset. This information was obtained from leaked iOS 18 codes, providing us with some interesting details about Apple’s plans for their 2025 iPhone lineup.

    Leaked iOS 18 codes reveal iPhone 16 details

    The leaked iOS 18 codes, initially discovered by Mac Rumors, corroborate an earlier report from October that was based on information from analyst Jeff Pu. The iOS source code mentions four unreleased iPhones, referred to as D47, D48, D93, and D94. These codenames are believed to correspond to the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, respectively.

    Same chip for the entire lineup

    Contrary to previous launches, where Apple used different processors for the base, Plus, and Pro models, it appears that the iPhone 16 series will feature the same chip across all variants. Although the leaked source code does not explicitly mention the name of the processor, it is referred to as the t8140 system for all four iPhone 16 models.

    Exciting features in the iPhone 16 series

    In addition to the A18 chipset, there have been recent render leaks and reports suggesting some exciting features for the iPhone 16 lineup. It is speculated that all iPhone 16 models will come equipped with an upgraded microphone that integrates AI capabilities. Furthermore, there may be an Action Button present on all four models. The Pro models are rumored to offer a Tetraprism 5x zoom camera, while all devices are expected to feature graphene cooling for improved thermal performance.

    Conclusion

    While these leaked details provide some insight into the upcoming iPhone 16 series, it is important to note that this information is still subject to change. As we await further updates, it is clear that Apple is planning to introduce significant improvements and enhancements to their flagship smartphone lineup in 2025.

  • During the initial sale, Xiaomi India manages to sell more than 300,000 Redmi 13C series phones.

    During the initial sale, Xiaomi India manages to sell more than 300,000 Redmi 13C series phones.

    Xiaomi Redmi 13C Series Sells Over 300,000 Units in Initial Days of Sale

    Xiaomi recently launched its Redmi 13C series in India, featuring two models – a 4G variant and a 5G variant. Last week, both phones went on sale for the first time, and now Xiaomi has revealed the number of units it sold during the initial days.

    Impressive Sales Figures

    According to Xiaomi India, the company sold over 300,000 units of the Redmi 13C series smartphones in the first few days of sale. Although Xiaomi did not provide separate numbers for each variant, it claims that the internal data supports this impressive sales record.

    On Par with Redmi 12 Series

    Interestingly, the Redmi 13C series has achieved the same level of success as its predecessor, the Redmi 12 series. Both series managed to sell an equal number of units during their initial days of sale. In fact, the Redmi 12 5G even became the highest-selling 5G smartphone on the first day of sale on Amazon India.

    A Million Units Sold in a Month

    The Redmi 12 series continued to perform well, reaching over a million units in sales within a month. It remains to be seen if Xiaomi can replicate this success with the Redmi 13C series.

    Specifications and Features

    In terms of specifications, the Redmi 13C and Redmi 13C 5G are quite similar, with a few key differences. The 4G model is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G85 SoC, eMMC 5.1 storage, a 2MP macro snapper, and an 8MP selfie camera. On the other hand, the 5G variant features a MediaTek Dimensity 6100 Plus chip, UFS 2.2 storage, no secondary camera, and a 5MP front-facing camera.

    Both models boast a 6.74-inch HD+ 90Hz display with Corning Gorilla Glass protection. They also share features such as a flat frame design, a 50MP primary camera, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a MicroSD card slot, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, a 5,000mAh battery, and 18W charging support.

    With its impressive sales figures and competitive specifications, the Redmi 13C series seems to be off to a strong start in the Indian market. Xiaomi fans will be eager to see if the series can reach the same level of success as its predecessor in the coming months.

  • OnePlus Ace 3 Expected to Launch in the First Week of 2024

    OnePlus Ace 3 Expected to Launch in the First Week of 2024

    OnePlus Ace 3 Launch Delayed, Tentative Dates Revealed

    The OnePlus Ace 3, which was previously rumored to launch by the end of December in China, has faced a delay in its release. The brand has not yet officially announced the new launch date. However, a reliable source has come forward with information regarding the delay and has even revealed the tentative launch dates for both the Chinese and global markets.

    OnePlus Ace 3 Launch Date in China

    According to the source, the OnePlus Ace 3 is expected to launch in China on January 4. If this information holds true, it will mark the brand's first phone release of 2024.

    OnePlus 12R Global Release Date

    The OnePlus Ace 3 will also be released in global markets under the name OnePlus 12R. The official launch date for the OnePlus 12R is set for January 23.

    Design and Display

    In terms of design, the OnePlus Ace 3 will bear a resemblance to the OnePlus 12. It will feature a metal frame and a glass back, giving it a sleek and premium look.

    The smartphone will boast a 6.78-inch BOE X1 LTPO curved OLED display. This display will have a centered punch-hole design and offer a resolution of 2780 x 1264 pixels (1.5K). Users can expect a smooth visual experience with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2160Hz PWM dimming.

    Performance and Storage

    Under the hood, the OnePlus Ace 3 will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. This powerful chipset will be paired with LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and fast app loading times.

    Camera System

    The OnePlus Ace 3 will feature a triple camera system on the rear. The setup will consist of a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a 2MP macro snapper. It is worth noting that earlier prototypes had a 32MP 2x telephoto shooter instead of the macro sensor. On the front, users can expect a 16MP selfie camera for high-quality self-portraits.

    Battery and Charging

    To keep the device running throughout the day, the OnePlus Ace 3 will be equipped with a 5,500mAh battery. Additionally, it will support 100W wired charging, allowing for fast and convenient charging.

    Color Options

    The OnePlus Ace 3 will be available in three color options: gray, gold, and blue.

    With these specifications and features, the OnePlus Ace 3 (OnePlus 12R) is shaping up to be an impressive smartphone that offers a premium design, powerful performance, and advanced camera capabilities. Fans of the brand can now mark their calendars for the upcoming release dates and look forward to experiencing the latest offering from OnePlus.

  • BIS Unveils Moto G24 Power and 2 More Models for Upcoming India Release

    BIS Unveils Moto G24 Power and 2 More Models for Upcoming India Release

    Motorola Prepares for the Launch of New Smartphone Models in India

    Moto G24 Power Emerges on BIS Certification Platform

    The BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification platform revealed three model numbers: XT2363-5, XT2425-2, and XT2421-3, hinting at the upcoming release of new Motorola smartphone models. While the official names of these devices remain undisclosed, it is worth noting that the Moto G24 Power was previously identified on TDRA under the model number XT2425-3. This observation suggests that the XT2425-2 model listed on BIS could potentially be the same device as the Moto G24 Power.

    Anticipation Grows for the Launch of Moto G34 5G

    On December 21, 2023, a 3C certification listing surfaced for the XT2363-4 model, believed to be the Moto G34 5G. Additionally, the appearance of the XT2363-5 model on BIS further hints at the imminent arrival of these models in the Indian market.

    Moto G24 Power: Unveiling Specifications

    In terms of specifications, speculations surrounding the Moto G24 Power suggest the inclusion of the following features:

    • A 6.56-inch LCD display offering HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate
    • Powered by MediaTek Helio G85 SoC
    • Equipped with a 6,000mAh battery supporting 30W fast charging
    • Operating on Android 14
    • A dual rear camera setup with a 50-megapixel sensor
    • An 8-megapixel front-facing camera

    The Exciting Future for Motorola’s Smartphone Lineup

    The forthcoming release of Motorola’s new smartphones, particularly the Moto G24 Power and potentially the Moto G34 5G, is met with eager anticipation among consumers. With promising features and advanced specifications, these devices are set to introduce the latest technological innovations in the mobile industry, marking an exciting chapter in Motorola’s evolution.

  • Report: Huawei from China may unveil IPO plans in 2024

    Report: Huawei from China may unveil IPO plans in 2024

    Huawei Considering IPO as Potential Strategy for Growth

    Huawei, the renowned Chinese tech giant, may be changing its stance on going public and considering an initial public offering (IPO). Despite CEO Ren Zhengfei’s previous assertions against an IPO, a new report by Reuters suggests that Huawei could be open to the idea if it aligns with China’s national interests and attracts valuable investment capital.

    Challenges and Resilience

    In recent years, Huawei has faced significant challenges, particularly due to the US sanctions imposed on the company. However, Huawei has displayed remarkable resilience, overcoming these obstacles by developing its own Kirin 9000s series chipsets and successfully launching 5G smartphones. Despite the restrictions, Huawei continues to defy the odds, as evidenced by its recent announcement of the Qingyun L540 laptop powered by the Kirin 9006C, a 5nm chip.

    Impact of Foreign Restrictions

    Despite Huawei’s impressive technological advancements, the impact of foreign restrictions on the company’s growth cannot be ignored. In 2022, Huawei’s profit margin dropped to 7%, resulting in a net profit of only $5.1 billion. However, Huawei’s strong brand reputation and technological prowess still position the company for high market valuation.

    Valuation Potential

    According to Reuters, Huawei could potentially be valued at $128 billion, based on a similar price-to-earnings ratio as Apple. However, some experts, such as Ni Guangnan, the former chief technology officer of Lenovo, suggest that Huawei’s valuation could be even higher, possibly reaching $1.3 trillion.

    Crucial Role of Chinese Investors

    Chinese investors could play a crucial role in propelling Huawei’s growth, as seen in the success story of SMIC, a chipmaker that thrived after a Shanghai IPO following its delisting from the US. By raising capital through public markets, Huawei could potentially accelerate its development and regain lost ground in the global tech race. The involvement of Chinese investors would be instrumental in achieving this goal.

    A Significant Shift

    While Huawei’s IPO plans are yet to materialize, the mere possibility marks a significant shift for the company. Previously prioritizing societal ideals over going public, Huawei now seems open to the idea if it aligns with China’s national interests and can drive valuable investment capital. Only time will reveal if Huawei ultimately decides to pursue an IPO, but the potential implications are undoubtedly noteworthy.


    Pricing and Specification Details:

    • Huawei’s profit margin in 2022: 7%
    • Huawei’s net profit in 2022: $5.1 billion
    • Potential valuation of Huawei: $128 billion (based on a similar price-to-earnings ratio as Apple)
    • Expert suggestion for Huawei’s valuation: $1.3 trillion
  • Stable OxygenOS 14 Update Rolling Out for OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G

    Stable OxygenOS 14 Update Rolling Out for OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G

    OxygenOS 14 Stable Version Released for OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G

    The eagerly awaited OxygenOS 14 stable version has finally arrived for the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. Following the Closed Beta and Open Beta builds, this update brings a host of exciting new features and enhancements that are sure to enhance the user experience.

    Gradual Rollout for Users

    While the update is currently being rolled out for the Close Beta and Open Beta users, regular users will receive it gradually over the next few days. However, it is important to note that this update is only available for the India variant units. Users in other regions will have to wait a little longer to experience the new firmware.

    Improved Performance and Stability

    The OxygenOS 14 firmware version CPH2381_14.0.0.200(EX01) is set to significantly improve the performance and stability of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. Alongside these improvements, several other additions have been made to enhance the overall user experience.

    Introducing File Dock Feature

    One of the notable additions is the introduction of the File Dock feature. This feature allows users to seamlessly transfer content between apps and devices using a simple drag-and-drop function. With this new feature, users can easily and conveniently share files and information, making multitasking more efficient.

    Aquamorphic Design Updates

    Another exciting update is the refreshed Aquamorphic Design. This design has been updated with a more natural, gentle, and clearer color style. Users can expect to see a visually appealing interface with Aquamorphic-themed ringtones, revamped system notification sounds, and smoother transitions in system animations. These updates aim to provide a more immersive and visually pleasing experience for OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G users.

    In conclusion, the OxygenOS 14 stable version is now available for the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. With its enhanced performance, new File Dock feature, and updated Aquamorphic Design, users can expect an elevated user experience. While the update is currently limited to India variant units, users in other regions can look forward to receiving this update in the near future.

  • Introducing Lava Storm 5G: Unveiling the Dimensity 6080 Chip, Glass Back, 33W Charging, and Much More

    Introducing Lava Storm 5G: Unveiling the Dimensity 6080 Chip, Glass Back, 33W Charging, and Much More

    Lava Storm 5G: A New Budget Smartphone with 5G Connectivity

    Lava, a popular smartphone brand in India, has introduced its latest offering, the Lava Storm 5G. This device comes just a week after the brand's previous release. As the name suggests, the standout feature of this smartphone is its 5G connectivity.

    Lava Storm 5G Specifications

    The Lava Storm 5G takes design inspiration from Samsung phones, featuring a flat frame and vertically aligned separate camera modules. Despite being a budget-friendly smartphone, it surprises users with a glass back, similar to the Redmi 12 and Redmi 13C lineups. Additionally, it offers a 3.5mm headphone jack, a MicroSD card slot, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

    The front of the handset boasts a large 6.78-inch punch-hole display. This LCD panel delivers a resolution of 2460 x 1080 pixels, 396 PPI, and supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

    Under the hood, the Lava Storm 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chip, combined with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It runs on Android 13 out of the box and is guaranteed to receive the Android 14 update, as well as two years of security updates.

    In terms of cameras, the device packs a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultrawide unit on the rear. On the front, there is a 16MP shooter for capturing selfies and video calls.

    Connectivity and Battery

    The Lava Storm 5G offers a range of connectivity options, including dual SIM support, 5G compatibility, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, GNSS, and USB Type-C. It measures 8.96mm in thickness and weighs 214g, making it comfortable to hold and carry.

    Powering the device is a 5,000mAh battery, which supports 33W fast charging. This ensures that users can quickly recharge their phone and continue using it throughout the day without any interruptions.

    Lava Storm 5G Price and Availability

    The Lava Storm 5G is priced at ₹13,499 (~$160) for the 8GB + 128GB variant in India. However, for a limited time, customers can purchase it at a discounted price of ₹12,999, which includes a bank offer. The smartphone will be available in Gale Green or Thunder Black color options starting from December 28. Interested buyers can purchase it from the Lava E-Store or Amazon.

    In conclusion, the Lava Storm 5G offers an impressive set of features, including 5G connectivity, a large display, powerful cameras, and a long-lasting battery. With its affordable price point, it aims to attract budget-conscious consumers in India.