Category: Phones

April 28, 2024
Upcoming Vivo X100s Dimensity 9300 Plus Achieves 230K+ on AnTuTu
The upcoming Vivo X100s has been recently seen on AnTuTu, demonstrating impressive performance figures thanks to the upcoming Dimensity 9300 Plus chipset. Back in November 2023, the Vivo X100 made its debut in China, achieving approximately 224K points on AnTuTu with the Dimensity 9300 onboard. Comparatively, the X100s has managed to surpass its predecessor’s AnTuTu score, as evidenced by the captured screenshot.
Vivo X100s AnTuTu Listing
The X100s has secured an impressive total score of 2,305,267 on AnTuTu, showcasing significant capabilities across various test categories. Noteworthy scores include 538,809 in the CPU test, 940,944 in the GPU test, 472,337 in the memory test, and 353,177 in the UX test.
Enhanced Performance with Dimensity 9300 Plus
Recent reports indicate that the Dimensity 9300 Plus is an upgraded version of the Dimensity 9300. A Geekbench listing previously unveiled improved performance, featuring a prime core clocked at 3.4GHz, 3 x Cortex-X4 at 2.85GHz, 3 x Cortex-A720 at 2.0GHz, and the Immortalis-G720 MC12 GPU.
Anticipated Features of Vivo X100s
The Vivo X100s is expected to mirror many internal specifications of the X100 while introducing a flat screen design, departing from the curved-edge display of its predecessor. Color choices are likely to include white, black, cyan, and titanium options.
The Vivo X100s, alongside the Vivo X100 Ultra powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, is anticipated to be unveiled in May in China. MediaTek is gearing up to introduce the Dimensity 9300 Plus on May 7 in China, hinting at a mid- to late-May launch for the X100s and X100 Ultra. Speculations suggest that the Ultra variant may carry the Vivo X100s Ultra branding.
Tags: Dimensity 9300 Plus, Smartphone Launch, Vivo X100s
April 28, 2024
Vivo V40 Lite Bluetooth SIG, GCF Listings Spotted – Launch Soon
In the initial months of 2024, Vivo introduced the Vivo V30 5G and the Vivo V30 Pro 5G in various markets. The company has now confirmed the upcoming launch of the Vivo V30e phone in India on May 2. While focusing on expanding the V30 series, rumors indicate that Vivo is also developing the V40 series. Recently, Vivo unveiled the Vivo V40 SE 5G in Europe, powered by the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip. Latest reports suggest that Vivo is also in the process of creating the Vivo V40 Lite.
Vivo V40 Lite Certification Updates
The Vivo V40 Lite, identified by the model number V2341, has made an appearance in the Bluetooth SIG database. The listing discloses that the device will feature Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.
Vivo V40 Lite GCF Certification
Earlier this month, the V40 Lite, under the same model number, was identified in the Global Certification Forum (GCF) database. Interestingly, the Bluetooth and GCF certifications do not specify "5G" in the device’s name. However, the GCF certification indicates that the device will support various 5G bands.
Vivo V40 Lite Expected Specifications
While specific details about the Vivo V40 Lite remain undisclosed, historically, devices listed in Bluetooth SIG’s database tend to be officially announced within a month. This suggests that the V40 Lite might be unveiled in May or early June, succeeding the V30 Lite launched in December 2023.
The Vivo V30 Lite features a 6.67-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display with an integrated fingerprint sensor. It is powered by the Snapdragon 695 chipset, 8 GB / 12 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage, and a 4,800mAh battery with 44W fast charging support. Running on Android 13 with FunTouch OS 13, the device boasts a 50-megapixel front camera and a triple camera setup on the back, including a 64-megapixel main camera with OIS, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor.
Tags: Smartphone, Vivo V40 Lite
April 28, 2024
Apple removes apps from App Store generating nudes via generative AI
Just days after reports emerged about an AI function causing issues by stripping clothes in Huawei smartphones, Apple is now in the spotlight for a similar reason (via 404 Media).
The tech giant has taken down three applications from its App Store that were marketed as "art generators" but were actually being promoted on Instagram and adult websites, claiming they could "strip any woman for free."
These applications utilized AI to produce fake nude photographs of clothed individuals. While the images don’t display real nudity, they can create pictures that might be utilized for harassment, extortion, and privacy violations.
Apple’s Response and Actions
Apple’s response to this issue came after 404 Media shared information about the applications and their advertisements. Surprisingly, these apps have been on the App Store since 2022, with their "undressing" feature being heavily promoted on adult websites.
The report indicates that these applications were permitted to remain on the App Store if they removed their ads from adult platforms. However, one of the applications continued to run ads until 2024, when Google removed it from the Play Store.
Implications and Concerns
Apple has now taken the step to remove these apps from its platform. The reactive nature of its app store moderation and the potential for developers to exploit loopholes raise concerns about the overall ecosystem.
This incident is particularly sensitive for Apple given the upcoming WWDC 2024, where significant AI announcements for iOS 18 and Siri are anticipated. Apple has been working on establishing a reputation for responsible AI development, including ethically licensing training data.
In contrast, Google and OpenAI are facing legal challenges for allegedly utilizing copyrighted content to train their AI systems. Apple’s delayed action in removing the NCI apps could potentially damage its carefully nurtured image.
Tags: AI Ethics, App Store Moderation, Privacy Concerns
April 28, 2024
OPPO Find X7 Ultra Satellite Communication Version Launches April 28
A refreshed iteration of the OPPO Find X7 Ultra is set to be released in China soon. Known as the Find X7 Ultra Satellite Communication version, this variant introduces a satellite network option within the system settings. According to details from OPPO’s JD.com self-operated store, the new smartphone will officially launch on April 28.
Enhanced Satellite Connectivity
The OPPO Find X7 Ultra satellite network model is compatible with China Telecom cards and Tiantong satellite special cards. To leverage the benefits of this feature, users must activate the direct satellite connection service on their smartphones prior to use.
Specialized Phone Mode
Activating the satellite connection mode on the device disables functions like airplane mode, WiFi, mobile data, NFC, and GPS, limiting operations to dialing and messaging only. Additionally, the handset mode optimizes communication in challenging conditions such as strong winds or turbulent waves.
Technical Specifications
The OPPO Find X7 Ultra satellite version maintains the same hardware structure as the standard model, offering a 6.82-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1440 x 3216 pixels. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and a 5,000mAh battery, the smartphone supports 100W super fast charging and 50W wireless flash charging.
Pricing Details
The standout feature of the OPPO Find X7 Ultra satellite version lies in its satellite connectivity capabilities. Priced at 6,799 yuan ($938), this model distinguishes itself from the regular version through its enhanced satellite functionality. As of now, global availability information for the product has not been disclosed.
Tags: Oppo Find X7 Ultra, satellite communication technology, Smartphone
April 28, 2024
New Edition of Nothing Phone (2a) to Launch in India on April 29
A new iteration of the recently introduced Nothing Phone (2a) is set to make its debut in India on April 29. The original Nothing Phone (2a) was just released last month, offering color choices in black, white, and milk. Teasers on Flipkart showcase images of the upcoming device.
Design Continuity
The forthcoming version of the Nothing Phone (2a) appears to maintain the design aesthetics of its predecessor, as seen in the Flipkart teasers. Specific differentiators between the new edition and the standard model have not been explicitly detailed by Nothing. Moreover, the Flipkart listing lacks a comprehensive description outlining the distinctions between the new version and its predecessor.
Specifications Recap
The Nothing Phone (2a) initially arrived with a 6.7-inch display boasting a resolution of 1080 x 2412 pixels. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset, it offers configurations with 8GB and 12GB of RAM. Equipped with a 5,000mAh battery supporting 45W charging, the phone features Gorilla Glass 5 protection for its front, as well as a plastic frame and back. The Nothing Phone (2a) holds an IP54 rating for splash, water, and dust resistance. Noteworthy features include a dual SIM setup and three LED lights at the rear serving as notification indicators and camera fill light.
Display and Software
Sporting an AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the Nothing Phone (2a) boasts a peak brightness of 1,300 nits and an 87.6% screen-to-body ratio. Operating on Android 14 layered with Nothing OS 2.5.5, storage options include 128GB and 256GB variants. The starting price for the original Nothing Phone (2a) was Rs. 25,990 ($452), and it is anticipated that the pricing of the new edition will remain within a similar range.
Tags: Flipkart Deal, Nothing Phone (2a), Smartphone
April 28, 2024
Sony Xperia 1 VI May Be Cheaper Than Its Predecessor
The Sony Xperia 1 VI, anticipated to be released soon, might arrive in Taiwan with a slightly reduced price compared to its predecessor, as per recent rumors.
As reported by SumahoDigest, a Weibo user shared a code snippet indicating that the Sony Xperia 1 VI is expected to be priced at 39,990 TWD in Taiwan, which roughly equals USD 1,227. This marks a 5% decrease from the initial price of the Sony Xperia 1 V, set at 41,990 TWD.
Price Reduction in Taiwan
While the price drop might extend to other regions, the upcoming Xperia 1 VI remains positioned as a premium device. The preceding Xperia 1 V was priced at $1,399 in the U.S. and £1,299 in the UK. The Sony Xperia 1 VI is anticipated to be revealed at a launch event in Japan on May 17.
Updated Specifications
Initial reports suggest that the Xperia 1 VI will boast a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, deviating from the 21:9 ratio seen in its forerunner. Furthermore, there are rumors indicating a shift to a 2K display rather than the previous 4K display.
Camera Configuration Uncertainty
Regarding the camera setup, there is some ambiguity. While there were claims of a triple camera setup with 48MP Exmor T sensors across all lenses, a recent report contradicts this. The new report proposes a configuration with a 48 MP main camera, a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, and a 12 MP telephoto camera, where only the main camera features an Exmor T sensor, resembling the current Xperia 1 V.
Tags: Price Reduction, Smartphone, Sony Xperia 1 VI
April 28, 2024
Infinix GT 20 Pro: 144Hz AMOLED Display, Dimensity 8200
The Infinix GT 20 Pro gaming phone has been officially launched in Saudi Arabia, succeeding the GT 10 Pro with an enhanced Cyber Mecha design that includes a C-shaped RGB-light design. Below are the specifications, features, and pricing details of the GT 20 Pro:
Infinix GT 20 Pro Specifications and Features
The Infinix GT 20 Pro boasts a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with slim bezels, emphasizing a mere 2.1mm bottom bezel, achieving a screen-to-body ratio of 94.3 percent. This FHD+ screen offers a 144Hz refresh rate, 2340Hz PWM dimming, a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, and a DCI-P3 color gamut. It is integrated with an in-screen fingerprint scanner for enhanced security.
Performance and Display
Powered by the Dimensity 8200 Ultimate chip, the GT 20 Pro is paired with either 8 GB or 12 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 256 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. The device can support up to 12 GB of virtual RAM. Featuring a custom gaming display chip, Pixelworks X5 Turbo, it leverages MEMC and Game Optical Optimization technology to deliver up to 120fps gaming frame rates.
Battery and Software
With a 5,000mAh battery supporting 45W fast charging, the GT 20 Pro includes features like PD 3.0, Hyper Charge mode, and Bypass charging. Running on XOS 14 for GT-based, Android 14, the phone promises a bloatware-free environment. Infinix guarantees two major Android OS upgrades and three years of security patch updates. For an immersive gaming experience, JBL dual speakers and an x-axis linear motor for in-game vibration are included.
Camera and Connectivity
Equipped with an OIS-assisted 108-megapixel primary camera and two 2-megapixel cameras for photography, the GT 20 Pro also sports a 32-megapixel front camera for selfies and video calls. Additional features such as Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, an IR blaster, and a USB-C port are available. The device has an IP54-rated dustproof and water-resistant chassis, measuring 164.26 x 75.43 x 8.15mm and weighing 194 grams.
Infinix GT 20 Pro Price
The Infinix GT 20 Pro is offered in two variants: 8GB+256GB and 12GB+256GB. The latter is priced at SAR 1299 (~$346) on Extra.com, a Saudi Arabian retailer site. Color options for the phone include Mecha Silver, Mecha Blue, and Mecha Orange.
Tags: Gaming phones, Infinix GT 20 Pro
April 28, 2024
OnePlus 9RT OxygenOS Update: Partial Screenshots, Flashlight Shortcut
OnePlus has recently rolled out a new software update for OnePlus 9RT smartphones in India. This latest version, OxygenOS 14.0.0.600, not only brings the April 2024 Android security patch but also introduces various enhancements aimed at enhancing the user experience.
New Functionalities Introduced
The update brings forth a range of new features to enrich the user experience and functionality:
- App-Specific Volume: Users can now adjust the volume for each app individually.
- Frameless Photo Collages: The Photos app now allows users to create frameless photo collages seamlessly.
- Partial Screenshot: A new feature added to the Smart Sidebar offers more flexibility in capturing screen content.
- Torch Shortcut: Users can now easily turn on the torch by holding the Volume Down button when the screen is off.
- Enhanced App Searching: Improved app searching capabilities in the taskbar allow users to search for apps by typing the first letter of the app's name.
System Enhancements
Apart from these new features, the update also focuses on enhancing system stability and overall performance, ensuring a smoother user experience.
The update currently is being rolled out to select devices initially but will be made available more widely in the near future. If you have not received the update notification yet, you can manually check for it by navigating to Settings, then About Device, tapping on OxygenOS, and selecting Check for Update. OnePlus has also simplified the bug reporting process through the Google Dialer by dialing *#800#.
Tags: OnePlus 9RT, OxygenOS, Smartphone Updates
April 28, 2024
Samsung Galaxy F55 India Price Leaks: Three Variants Revealed
Samsung is anticipated to introduce a new smartphone, the Galaxy F55 5G, into the Indian market in the near future. Speculations indicate that it will essentially be a rebranded version of the recently unveiled Galaxy M55 5G, boasting quite similar specifications.
Pricing Details
A recent leak by tipster @yabhishekhd on X (previously Twitter) has disclosed the pricing details for the Samsung Galaxy F55 5G in India. The phone is expected to be available in three memory configurations.
The base model will feature 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, priced at Rs 26,999. The mid-range variant with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage will be priced at Rs 29,999, while the premium 12GB/256GB model is anticipated to retail at Rs 32,999. These prices align closely with those of the Galaxy M55 5G in the Indian market.
Specifications Overview
Given the rebranded nature of the device, we can anticipate the Galaxy F55 5G to share most of its specifications with the M55 5G. Expected features include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 1000 nits peak brightness, and Vision Booster technology.
The rear camera setup is likely to include a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, and a 2MP sensor, possibly dedicated to macro photography.
The front camera is expected to sport a 50MP sensor, while the device might house a 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging support.
Samsung has not yet officially confirmed the launch date of the Galaxy F55 in India or other markets. Nevertheless, with continuous leaks and the device obtaining necessary certifications, an official announcement is expected imminently.
Tags: Galaxy F55 5G, Samsung, Smartphone
April 27, 2024
Pixel 8a Leaks in Promo Materials After Renders
Following a recent surge of leaked images, Google’s Pixel 8a is emerging from obscurity with a fresh set of promotional materials. These new resources provide a more intricate look at what this mid-range smartphone is set to offer.
Pixel 8a Specifications and Features
The promotional content confirms that the Pixel 8a will run on the Tensor G3 chipset, the same powerful processor found in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. This chipset is anticipated to deliver reliable performance for day-to-day activities.
Camera Capabilities
On the photography front, the Pixel 8a boasts an impressive camera system described as "AI-mazing." Features like Best Take, Audio Magic Eraser, and Night Sight are all driven by artificial intelligence. Best Take aids in selecting the ideal shot from a burst, ensuring everyone looks their best.
Moreover, Audio Magic Eraser eliminates unwanted background noise from videos, while Night Sight enhances low-light photography.
Additional Features and Durability
Reports hint at the Pixel 8a supporting fast charging and possessing a long-lasting battery, although specific details are pending. Leaks suggest a battery size of 4,500 mAh.
In terms of durability, the Pixel 8a is expected to come equipped with an IP67 rating, making it dust-resistant and capable of surviving in up to one meter of water for thirty minutes.
Software and Updates
The Pixel 8a’s software may steal the show, with indications pointing towards an impressive seven-year stretch of security updates, aligning it closely with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.
Expected Specifications and Launch Date
Rumors suggest that the phone will feature a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of base storage, a 64MP main camera, a 13MP ultrawide camera, and support for 27W wired charging.
The Pixel 8a is anticipated to be unveiled on May 14th at the Google I/O event, with a potential sale date of May 16th.
Tags: AI-powered features, Google Pixel 8a, smartphone technology