Category: Phones

March 31, 2024
Samsung Launches 20,000mAh Power Bank in China with Triple USB-C Ports and 45W Charging
Samsung recently introduced its 20,000mAh power bank in China, following its initial release in Korea. The product is now available for pre-order on popular e-commerce platforms like JD.com, priced at 299 yuan ($42), and is set to be available for purchase starting April 2nd. The power bank is presented in a Beige color variant.
Samsung 20000mAh Powerbank Specifications:
The Samsung 20000mAh power bank is equipped with three USB-C ports, enabling users to charge up to three devices simultaneously. When charging a single device, it can provide a power output of up to 45W.
The power bank supports PD3.0 (Power Delivery) and PPS for quicker charging of compatible devices. Additionally, the power bank itself can be rapidly charged using 45W fast charging technology. It has dimensions of 152 x 76 x 25.5 mm and weighs 402g.
Super-Fast Charging Technology:
The power bank features Super-Fast Charging 2.0, a technology designed to expedite charging for compatible Samsung products and other third-party devices, including the power bank itself.
Samsung emphasizes that the power bank is constructed from UL-certified recycled materials, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions and the preservation of essential resources. The outer casing of the power bank contains 5.9% recycled content, with 30% derived from post-consumer recycled materials.
This power bank is compatible with a wide array of devices, including Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets, as well as other gadgets that support USB-C charging.
It supports Super-Fast Charging 2.0 for various Samsung models like the Galaxy Note 10+, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S24 series, and Galaxy Tab S7, along with future iterations and products.
Tags: Fast Charging Technology, Pocket power bank, Samsung
March 31, 2024
WhatsApp Updates Navigation Bar for Android Devices
WhatsApp has introduced a new update for Android users, featuring a revamped navigation bar now located at the bottom of the screen rather than the top. The company shared the news of this update through a post on Twitter, highlighting that the changes were made to enhance accessibility for users.
Redesigned Navigation Bar
The update includes a redesigned navigation bar that provides easier access to key features. While the tabs for Communities, Chats, Status, and Calls remain, they have been reordered. Moreover, the "Status" tab has been renamed to "Updates" for clarity.
Improved User Experience
In this new design, all four tabs now have distinct icons for easier identification, a departure from the previous setup where only the Communities tab had an icon. The color scheme has also been updated from a green navigation bar to a white one.
Enhanced Accessibility
Placing the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen brings it closer to the user's thumbs, reducing the need to reach across larger phone displays. Users can now conveniently tap on icons to navigate between sections or swipe across them.
The updated navigation layout was initially introduced in India but has now been made available globally. Android users can access this new design by updating their WhatsApp app from the Google Play Store.
Tags: Android users, User Experience, WhatsApp update
March 31, 2024
Huawei Tri-Fold Smartphone Set for Release This Year
The patent for Huawei’s smartphone featuring a tri-fold display has been revealed. The exact launch date for Huawei’s tri-fold smartphone is still uncertain, but insights from the patent shed light on the phone’s design. There are speculations that the trifold phone could hit the market by the end of this year.
Huawei Set to Unveil Tri-Fold Smartphone
Samsung previously showcased a tri-fold display smartphone at the CES event but did not bring it to market. Both Huawei and Samsung might introduce phones with tri-fold displays in 2024.
Huawei Tri-Fold Smartphone Design: Z-Shape
According to a recent report by ITHome on Huawei’s patent, the upcoming smartphone appears to adopt a "Z" shape when folded and incorporates two distinct hinges. A key feature of tri-fold devices is that the screen connected to the second hinge can fold outward, enabling the third part of the screen to function as a fully operational display when the device is folded. In comparison, flip-style foldable devices with outer screens often face screen interruptions due to rear cameras.
Embracing a Lighter Tri-Fold Design
The market has yet to witness tri-fold devices, primarily due to the challenge posed by their intricate design and potential heaviness with two different hinges. Huawei’s patent, however, indicates that each section of the display will have varying thicknesses, potentially reducing the overall weight of the device.
The practicality of tri-fold smartphones remains uncertain, as no company has introduced one to date. While current rumors are inconclusive, it is plausible that some phone manufacturers may introduce tri-fold smartphones in 2024.
Tags: Huawei, Tri-fold smartphones
March 31, 2024
Xiaomi 14 Ultra: 5 Gbps Mobile Network Speed with 5.5G Technology
Chinese telecommunications companies have made a significant leap from 5G to 6G by introducing the cutting-edge 5.5G (5G-A) technology, promising much higher speeds on mobile networks. Xiaomi 14 Ultra has become one of the first smartphones in China to offer the commercial availability of 5.5G capability, reflecting this technological advancement.
Advancement to 5.5G Technology
Several Chinese smartphone manufacturers, in partnership with China Telecom, have embraced the 5.5G technology. Devices like the vivo X100 Pro and OPPO Find X7 series are expected to incorporate the 5.5G (5G-A) feature by April 2024, ushering in a new era of connectivity.
Speed Milestone with Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Tests conducted by China Mobile have demonstrated that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra can achieve remarkable speeds of up to 5132 Mbps, showcasing the immense potential of 5.5G technology. This advancement not only enhances speed but also improves latency, connection scalability, and energy efficiency, leading to a substantial tenfold increase in network capacity.
Future Prospects of 5.5G
The 5 Gbps mobile network speed offered by Xiaomi 14 Ultra is just the beginning of what 5.5G (5G-A) technology can deliver. Anticipated benefits include millisecond-level latency, along with impressive downlink speeds of 10 Gigabit and uplink speeds of 1 Gigabit. Although the deployment of 5.5G technology is currently limited to specific cities in China and select phone models, it indicates a promising future despite the gradual transition to 6G networks.
Tags: 5.5G Technology, Speed Enhancements, Xiaomi 14 Ultra
March 31, 2024
Pre-order Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Mystic Silver Special Edition with Discount
Xiaomi has recently introduced a special edition color option for its Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, named Mystic Silver, as part of the Xiaomi Fan Festival. This unique color variant is now available for pre-order in the UK and select European regions, boasting an appealing price point.
Pricing and Specifications
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Mystic Silver variant boasts 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Typically, this configuration of the smartphone is priced at around £449 in the UK and €499.90 in Europe. However, customers can now purchase the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Mystic Silver with these specifications at a discounted price of just £379 and €400.90.
Limited-time Offer
This discounted rate is a limited-time offer, requiring customers to pre-reserve the device by depositing a nominal fee of £1/€1 before April 1 at 23:59 in the UK or April 2 at 09:59 in the Eurozone. Pre-reservations can be made on Xiaomi’s regional websites. It’s important to note that the specifications of the device will remain consistent with the standard Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G model.
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Specifications
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G boasts a 6.67-inch curved AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra chipset, the device is equipped with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. On the camera front, it features a 200MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro camera at the back, along with a 16MP selfie camera on the front. The smartphone is fueled by a 5000mAh battery and supports 120W wired fast charging.
Tags: Mystic Silver, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Xiaomi
March 31, 2024
Xiaomi Q2 2024 HyperOS Update Plans: Is Your Device Included?
Xiaomi introduced its latest HyperOS operating system, based on Android 14, towards the end of 2023. Since then, the company has been progressively updating its eligible devices to this new operating system.
Xiaomi’s Q2 2024 HyperOS Rollout Plan
As the first quarter of the year concludes, Xiaomi has disclosed the list of devices it intends to upgrade in the second quarter of 2024. The devices slated for the Q2 2024 HyperOS rollout include:
- Xiaomi 11 Ultra
- Xiaomi 11T Pro
- Mi 11X
- Xiaomi 11I HyperCharge
- Xiaomi 11 Lite
- Xiaomi 11i
- Mi 10
- Xiaomi Pad 5
- Redmi K50i
- Redmi 13C series
- Redmi 12
- Redmi 11 Prime 5G
- Redmi Note 11 Series
Devices Already Updated with HyperOS
Moreover, Xiaomi has also listed the devices for which the HyperOS update has already been rolled out. The complete list comprises:
- Xiaomi 13 Pro
- Xiaomi Pad 6
- Redmi 12 5G
- Redmi 12C
- Redmi 11 Prime
- Redmi Pad
- Xiaomi 12 Pro
- Redmi Note 12 5G
- Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G
- Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G
- Redmi Note 13 5G
- Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G
- Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
If you own any of these devices and have not yet received the update notification, it is recommended to navigate to Settings > About Phone and select ‘System updates’. For a detailed insight into the new features and differences in HyperOS compared to MIUI, readers can refer to our HyperOS explainer.
Tags: Device Upgrades, HyperOS update, Xiaomi
March 31, 2024
Realme GT Neo 6 SE Design Unveiled Before April Launch
Realme has officially confirmed that the GT Neo 6 SE smartphone is scheduled for an April launch, hinting that an exact release date announcement is on the horizon. Prior to the official unveiling, the device has surfaced on the TENAA listing, offering a glimpse of its design elements both on the front and back.
Design Details Revealed
The TENAA listing showcases a design consistent with earlier leaked renders of the GT Neo 6 SE. Noteworthy features include three circular cutouts on the rear, potentially accommodating three cameras and a flashlight, with the camera setup extending towards the device's sides.
Elegant Design Elements
The GT Neo 6 SE boasts curved edges on both its front and back surfaces. While the images display the device in black, there are hints that a green variant might also be in the works.
Powerful Performance and Display
Realme's GT Neo 6 SE will be powered by the newly unveiled Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor. This chipset packs a 2.8 GHz Cortex-X4 prime core, four 2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 performance cores, and three 1.9 GHz Cortex-A520 efficiency cores, along with an Adreno 732 GPU.
Realme touts significant performance enhancements and energy efficiency improvements with this processor compared to its forerunner.
Impressive Display Features
Moreover, the GT Neo 6 SE will sport a cutting-edge BOE panel with remarkable specifications. The display offers a local peak brightness of 6000 nits and a global maximum brightness of 1600 nits, ensuring exceptional visibility even in well-lit environments.
It further provides a manual maximum brightness of 1000 nits and incorporates advanced features like new 8T LTPO technology, BOE S1 luminescent materials, a 0.5-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, Pro-XDR display, 1.5K resolution, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and an impressive 94.2% screen-to-body ratio.
Tags: Realme 12 Pro, Realme GT Neo 6 SE, Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
March 30, 2024
Huawei’s Remarkable 2023 Financial Success Surpasses 2019
Huawei, the prominent Chinese technology company, has announced strong financial results for the year 2023, demonstrating its resilience in the midst of ongoing adversities. Despite encountering challenges such as U.S. sanctions and market volatility, the company achieved a notable revenue increase of almost 10 percent, amounting to a substantial 704.2 billion yuan ($97.4 billion). This growth was primarily driven by the consumer business segment, which experienced a remarkable 17.3 percent surge, propelled by robust sales in the handset division, notably the Mate 60 in the 5G smartphones market.
Revenue Growth and Segment Performance
Huawei's revenue growth in 2023 showcased its ability to adapt and succeed in a challenging environment. The company's consumer business segment, particularly the handset division, played a significant role in driving this growth.
Overcoming Challenges and Financial Success
Despite facing restrictions on essential technology and software since 2019, Huawei managed to overcome these hurdles effectively, as evidenced by its impressive financial performance. The company's net profit saw an extraordinary surge of 144.5 percent to 87 billion yuan ($12 billion), supported by strong sales and continued earnings from the Honor smartphone brand's sale.
Diversified Business Expansion
Huawei's diverse business segments have been instrumental in fueling its growth trajectory. The cloud computing business witnessed a substantial 22 percent year-on-year increase, generating revenue of 55.3 billion yuan ($7.7 billion). Additionally, the smart car software and components business experienced a remarkable 128.1 percent year-on-year growth, demonstrating Huawei's prowess in emerging sectors.
In response to its financial accomplishments, Huawei's leadership, under the guidance of Rotating Chairman Ken Hu, highlighted the company's resilience and adeptness in facing challenges. Despite the intricacies of the current business landscape, Huawei remains dedicated to investing in research and innovation, allocating 23.4 percent of its annual revenue to R&D endeavors. Looking forward, the company expressed confidence in the future, with a focus on delivering enhanced value to customers and society through collaborative partnerships and innovative solutions.
Huawei's exceptional performance in 2023 not only solidifies its status as a global technology leader but also underscores its capacity to excel even in adverse conditions.
Tags: Consumer business growth, Innovation in adversity, Technology resilience
March 30, 2024
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Titanium Edition Repair Costs Revealed
Tech giant Xiaomi has recently disclosed the official repair part prices for their flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra Titanium Edition. This premium device stands out with features like satellite communication and a sophisticated design, but repairing it outside of warranty could be a pricey affair.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Titanium Edition Repair Costs
The cost that might make you wince is the motherboard replacement, priced at a hefty 3030 Yuan ($426). Replacing a cracked screen isn’t far behind, coming in at 1690 Yuan ($238). This figure exceeds the standard Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s screen repair cost of 1350 Yuan ($190).
Component Breakdown
Fortunately, other components like the battery and rear camera modules are more budget-friendly. These prices reflect only the material costs, with an additional standard labor fee of 40 Yuan ($6) added for each repair.
- Motherboard: 3030 Yuan ($426)
- Sub-board: 50 Yuan ($7)
- Display screen: 1690 Yuan ($238)
- Rear Camera (Ultra-wide): 490 Yuan ($68)
- Front Camera: 60 Yuan ($8)
- Rear Camera (Wide-angle): 1000 Yuan ($139)
- Speaker: 30 Yuan ($4)
- Battery: 179 Yuan ($25)
- Rear Camera (Telephoto): 180 Yuan ($25)
- Back Cover: 290 Yuan ($40)
If a repair necessitates multiple parts, you’ll only incur the highest labor fee once.
Justifying the Premium
While Xiaomi hasn’t explicitly clarified the rationale behind the Titanium Edition’s expensive screen, it likely stems from the phone’s premium build materials. In contrast to the standard model, the Titanium Edition features a "higher-grade titanium" mid-frame for improved durability and a tech nano-leather back cover that’s purportedly six times more resistant to wear.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Titanium Edition made its debut in China on February 22, priced at 8799 Yuan ($1228). This special variant offers 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, and satellite communication support and became available for purchase earlier this month.
Tags: Premium Edition, Repair Costs, Xiaomi 14 Ultra
March 30, 2024
Tecno Camon 30 5G & Camon 30 Premier 5G to Launch in India: Seen on BIS Database
Last month, Tecno unveiled the Tecno Camon 30 series during MWC 2024. Among the various models introduced, the Camon 30 5G and Camon 30 Premier 5G have recently obtained their BIS certification, indicating an imminent launch in the Indian market. While specific availability dates remain undisclosed, it is evident that Tecno is gearing up to make an announcement in the near future.
Tecno Camon 30 5G, Camon 30 Premier 5G Specifications:
Tecno Camon 30 Premier 5G
The Camon 30 5G showcases a 6.78-inch AMOLED display that delivers a Full HD+ resolution along with a silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a Dimensity 7020 SoC chip, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage capacity. Additionally, it boasts a substantial 5,000mAh battery that supports rapid 70W charging. In terms of photography, it offers a 50-megapixel front camera, an OIS-enabled 50-megapixel primary camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and an AI lens.
Tecno Camon 30 Premier 5G
Moving up the spectrum, the Camon 30 Premier 5G highlights an LTPO AMOLED display with a superior 1.5K resolution and a high 144Hz refresh rate. Underneath its sleek exterior, it houses a Dimensity 8200 Ultra processor, 12GB of RAM, and storage options reaching up to 512GB. Mirroring the Camon 30 5G, it is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery featuring 70W fast charging capabilities. The camera system is even more sophisticated, incorporating three 50-megapixel sensors.
Both devices are set to run on the latest Android 14-based HiOS 14.
Tags: Camon 30 Series, smartphone specifications, Tecno Camon 30 Premier 5G