Category: Phones

March 1, 2024
Huawei Pocket 2 Clamshell Smartphone Now Available in China
Starting today, Huawei enthusiasts in China can get their hands on the latest Huawei Pocket 2 clamshell smartphone, which made its debut last week. Crafted with a horizontal hinge using aerospace-grade “rocket steel” materials, this foldable device boasts 2nd gen Kulun glass protection for enhanced durability and resilience.
Cutting-Edge Display and Design
The Huawei Pocket 2 showcases a sizable 6.94-inch LTPO OLED main display, delivering a sharp resolution of 2690 x 1136. With a peak brightness of 2200 nits and a high 120Hz refresh rate, users can expect a vibrant and smooth viewing experience. Additionally, there’s a convenient secondary 1.15-inch OLED screen on the back, enabling quick access to notifications and time without requiring the phone to be unfolded.
Powerful Performance and Imaging Capabilities
Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by a Kirin 9000S processor and offers storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB, each paired with 12GB of RAM. The device houses a robust 4,520mAh battery and supports 66W wired fast charging, 40W wireless fast charging, as well as 7.5W wireless reverse charging functionalities.
When it comes to photography, the Huawei Pocket 2 features a sophisticated XMAGE quad-camera setup at the rear. This setup includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with OIS and 3x optical zoom, and a 2-megapixel AI-powered hyperspectral camera. On the front, there’s a 10.7-megapixel selfie camera for capturing high-quality self-portraits.
Advanced Features and Connectivity Options
Running on HarmonyOS 4.0, the device offers dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type C, and NFC for seamless connectivity and functionality.
Pricing and Availability
The Huawei Pocket 2 is available in the following configurations, each catering to different storage needs:
- 12GB + 256GB: 7,499 yuan ($1042)
- 12GB + 512GB: 7,999 yuan ($1111)
- 12GB + 1TB: 8,999 yuan ($1250)
In addition to these options, Huawei also offers an artistic customized version of the Pocket 2 priced at 10,999 yuan ($1528), featuring an upgraded 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
Tags: Foldable Smartphone, High-end Specs, Huawei Pocket 2
March 1, 2024
Windows Insiders: Use High-Quality Smartphone Cameras as Webcams on Windows 11
Windows Insiders have even more reason to rejoice now! Microsoft is rolling out a feature that lets users transform their Android phone or tablet into a webcam for any video application on a Windows 11 PC. We previously talked about the speculation that this feature might be on its way. This means users can now ditch bulky webcams and enjoy the high quality of a phone’s camera on their computer, all wirelessly and with added flexibility.
Enhanced Webcam Experience
Using smartphones also lets users switch between front and back cameras as needed. Imagine using your phone’s camera for video calls, conferences, or even streaming, with the freedom to switch between the front and back cameras for the perfect shot. Need a quick break during a call? Simply pause the video stream from your PC and resume when you’re ready. Plus, you can even leverage the special effects offered by your phone’s camera, adding a touch of fun to your video interactions.
Easy Setup Process
To get started, ensure your Android phone or tablet runs Android 9.0 or later and has the Link to Windows app version 1.24012 or higher installed. Connecting your phone as a webcam is easy: head to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices, choose “Manage devices” and grant your PC access to your phone. Your PC will then receive a necessary update from the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft is also encouraging users to share their feedback! Head over to the Feedback Hub (WIN + F) and share them under Devices and Drivers > Linked devices. Although there are third-party apps such as DroidCam that achieve the same end result (and have been around for years now), getting this feature integrated into Windows is a game-changer when it comes to convenience and speed. Get ready to experience the quality of using your phone’s camera for all your video needs on Windows 11!
Tags: Android, Webcam Integration, Windows 11 Updates
March 1, 2024
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 Battery Listed on Safety Korea Certification
The launch of Samsung's next generation of foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 appears closer as key components gain necessary certifications.
Safety Korea, a regulatory agency, has certified the batteries for both upcoming devices. Images of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 battery were included in this certification.
Battery Certifications
The batteries for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 have model numbers EB-BF956ABY and EB-BF957ABY, while those for the Z Flip 6 have model numbers EB-BF741ABY and EB-BF742ABY.
India's Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has also recently certified the batteries for the Z Fold 6 with the model number EB-BF956ABY and for the Z Flip 6 with model numbers EB-BF741ABE and EB-BF742ABE.
These regulatory milestones are typical steps before the launch of new smartphones and suggest that Samsung is steadily progressing towards releasing the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6.
Design Details
While the certifications didn't disclose specific details, leaked renders of both foldables have emerged recently. These renders reveal a wider cover display for the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
According to the leak, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 will feature a 7.6-inch internal screen and a 6.2-inch external display with a center-aligned punch-hole cutout.
In contrast, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 appears to stick with a design similar to its previous model, keeping the same foldable cover display shaped like a folder icon, which measures 3.4 inches.
Future Updates
There's still much we don't know about Samsung's upcoming foldables. Rest assured, we'll keep you updated with any new information as it becomes available.
Tags: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
March 1, 2024
Upcoming Smartphones: Nothing Phone 2a, Galaxy F15 5G, Vivo V30 Pro, and More!
The Mobile World Congress 2024 has recently concluded, yet the tech world continues to buzz with upcoming phone releases. Scheduled for the next week are launches from four prominent brands, each offering a glimpse into the latest in mobile innovation.
Brands and Models
Among the upcoming releases, the focus seems to be on budget and mid-range models. The brands set to unveil their new devices include Samsung, Nothing, Realme, and Vivo.
Device Lineup
- Samsung: Samsung is gearing up to introduce budget-friendly 5G smartphones, catering to users looking for advanced connectivity at an affordable price point.
- Nothing: Making its mark in the budget phone segment, Nothing is set to debut its first budget-friendly device, promising a blend of quality and affordability.
- Realme: Realme, known for its competitive offerings, will also join the lineup with budget 5G smartphones, aiming to bring high-speed connectivity to a wider audience.
- Vivo: Vivo will be showcasing its new V series handsets, adding to its popular lineup of devices that focus on design and performance.
Overview of the Devices
As the week unfolds, tech enthusiasts and consumers alike eagerly anticipate the unveiling of these new smartphones. With a range of features and specifications tailored to meet diverse user needs, each brand is poised to make a mark in the competitive mobile market.
Stay tuned for more updates as these devices make their way into the hands of users seeking innovation at an accessible price point.
Tags: Galaxy F15 5G, Nothing Phone (2a), Vivo V30 Pro
March 1, 2024
Infinix Smart 8 Plus: HD+ 6.6″ Display, 6000mAh Battery, Helio G36 CPU – Price INR 7,799
Infinix Smart 8 Plus: A Budget-Friendly Smartphone with Impressive Features
Infinix has recently introduced the Smart 8 Plus smartphone to the Indian market, following its global unveiling in January. This device is designed to cater to budget-conscious consumers while offering a range of enticing features.
Design and Display
The Infinix Smart 8 Plus sports a sleek design with a flat back housing a prominent camera module, complemented by flat sides and a flat display. Featuring a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display, the phone comes with a punch-hole cutout for the front camera. The display offers a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels, a 20:9 aspect ratio, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 500 nits.
Innovative Features
One standout feature of the Smart 8 Plus is the Apple Dynamic Island-inspired Magic Ring. This feature showcases important notifications like battery level and charge status through a pop-up window around the front camera. It also facilitates face unlocking. Additionally, the device is equipped with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for enhanced security.
Performance and Camera
Powering the smartphone is a 2.2 GHz Octa-Core MediaTek Helio G36 processor paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of eMMC 5.1 storage. Users can virtually extend the RAM to 4GB and expand the storage up to 2TB via a microSD card. The Smart 8 Plus runs on XOS 13-based Android 13 Go.
In terms of photography, the device features a 50MP main camera with an AI lens and a Quad-LED Ring flash on the rear. On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie camera. The phone houses a robust 6,000mAh battery that supports 18W charging through a USB-C port. It also offers dual SIM capability, 4G VoLTE support, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The dimensions of the device are 163.65 x 75.7 x 8.95mm, weighing 204 grams.
Pricing and Availability
The Infinix Smart 8 Plus comes in Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, and Timber Black colors, priced at Rs. 7,799 ($94). It is scheduled for release on Flipkart starting from March 9th at 12 noon. Customers can avail of an exchange offer to bring down the effective price to Rs. 6,999 ($84).
Tags: Budget smartphone, Infinix Smart 8 Plus, Infinix Smart 8 series
March 1, 2024
Vivo X Fold 3 Camera Specs Leaked: 50MP Triple Rear Cameras
We already know that Vivo is working on its next generation of high-end foldable smartphones. The Vivo X Fold 3 and X Fold 3 Pro have already been a part of recent rumors, and now, the latest leak reveals more details regarding their camera systems. So here are all the details.
Vivo X Fold 3 Camera
The news arrives from known tipster Digital Chat Station who shared the information on Weibo (a Chinese microblogging website). In the online post, the tipster claimed that the Vivo X Fold 3 will feature a triple camera setup that includes a 50-megapixel primary camera, which is an OmniVision OV50H sensor. This is paired with a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens and a 50-megapixel telephoto shooter that offers 2x optical zoom and up to 40x digital zoom.
Digital Chat Station added that this model will be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. The tipster also shared the camera system on the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, although, he had already shared these specs in a previous leak. Vivo’s top-end model offers a 50-megapixel OV50H main camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 64-megapixel OV64B periscope telephoto camera. The Pro version is reportedly equipped with the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC.
Launch Details
Based on what we know so far, the Vivo X Fold 3 series is expected to launch alongside the Vivo Pad 3 series around the end of this month. Recently, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro’s designs were also revealed via schematics leak. Another notable feature that is expected on the upcoming foldable phones is possible integration with Mac systems.
Tags: Camera Systems, foldable smartphones, Vivo X Fold 3
March 1, 2024
Xiaomi Civi 4: Leica Cameras, 1.5K Display & More Features Revealed
The Xiaomi Civi 4, an upcoming release from the tech giant Xiaomi, has been generating buzz for the past few months. Initially, there were speculations that it would be powered by a MediaTek chip, followed by rumors of a Snapdragon 7 series chipset. However, the latest leak suggests that the device will come equipped with a Snapdragon 8 series SoC.
Key Features Unveiled
A recent leak has surfaced, shedding light on the key features of the Xiaomi Civi 4. According to Digital Chat Station, the smartphone will be driven by a Qualcomm SM8635 mobile platform. While specific details about this Snapdragon 8 series chip remain scarce, it is expected to be utilized in multiple phones across various brands.
Moreover, the leak indicates that the Xiaomi Civi 4 will boast a visually appealing 1.5K flat display. The display will be shielded by a 2.7D micro curved glass, similar to the design seen in the Xiaomi 14 series.
Camera and Design Highlights
One of the standout features of the Xiaomi Civi 4 will be its Leica co-branded cameras, featuring a primary 50MP sensor. Notably, this marks the first instance where a non-Xiaomi series device will showcase Leica branding. The phone will also sport a premium build with a metal frame, glass back, and a large battery capacity exceeding 5,000mAh. Additionally, it is expected to support rapid 100W charging, potentially even 120W.
A Departure from the Norm
In comparison to its predecessors, the Xiaomi Civi 4 will offer a distinctive set of features. Previous models typically included curved displays, dual front cameras, and mid-range processors. This upcoming release appears to be a departure from the traditional Xiaomi design and functionality.
With a projected launch in May, tech enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating more details about the Xiaomi Civi 4 in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new addition to Xiaomi's product lineup.
Tags: Leica Cameras, Snapdragon 8 series Soc, Xiaomi Civi 4
March 1, 2024
Huawei P70 Rumored to Boast 50MP OmniVision OV50H Primary Camera
Huawei is preparing to introduce its latest Huawei P70 series of flagship smartphones in China, with a recent report shedding light on the specifics of its primary rear camera. This upcoming release is highly anticipated by tech enthusiasts eager to delve into the world of cutting-edge mobile photography.
Unveiling the Camera Specs
The Huawei P70’s main camera is set to feature a 50MP OmniVision sensor, emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering superior camera capabilities within its P series devices. Insider sources from the supply chain have disclosed that the base P70 model will be equipped with an OmniVision OV50H sensor for its primary camera, boasting impressive specifications. This sensor offers a remarkable 50-megapixel image resolution, housed within a 1/1.3-inch sensor size, with individual pixels measuring 1.2μm.
Triple Camera Setup
Following previous hints from tipster Digital Chat Station, it is anticipated that the Huawei P70 will flaunt a triple camera setup, spearheaded by the powerful OmniVision OV50H sensor. This setup will include a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto shooter capable of 4x optical zoom and adept at capturing stunning macro shots.
Display Details
Digital Chat Station also shared insights into the display features of the upcoming Huawei P70 smartphone. Rumors suggest that the device will showcase a tall 6.7-inch quad-curved display, likely to be an OLED panel sourced from local manufacturers such as BOE, CSOT, Visionox, and Tianma. This display configuration promises an immersive visual experience for users, complementing the device’s advanced camera capabilities.
The Huawei P70 series is poised to make a significant impact in the competitive smartphone market, offering cutting-edge camera technology and innovative display features to cater to the evolving needs of mobile users. Stay tuned for more updates on the official unveiling of the Huawei P70 series in the near future.
Tags: Camera Technology, Huawei, Huawei P70 series
March 1, 2024
Rumored Huawei P70 Series to Feature Kirin 5G Chip, Succeeding P40 Series
Huawei is rumored to be gearing up for an anticipated press conference in March to unveil the Huawei P70 series. The focal point of this release lies in the return of Kirin 5G chip to the Huawei’s P series which will succeed the Kirin 990 5G of the Huawei P40 series, marking a significant advancement in Huawei’s mobile technology.
Reports and Rumors Surrounding Huawei P70 Series
Reports from various sources, including prominent tipster @Digital Chat Station, shed light on the key features expected in the Huawei P70 series. According to the latest leaks, the entire series will come standard with the K9 5G processor (Kirin 9XXX), highlighting Huawei’s continuous development of cutting-edge technology amidst the trade restrictions. However, leaks suggest that there may be variations in chip frequency between the standard and Pro versions of the Huawei P70 series.
Huawei P70 Series: Innovation Continues
Building on Huawei’s legacy of innovation, the P70 series follows in the footsteps of last year’s Huawei Mate 60 series, which featured the Kirin 9000S processor. Notably, the CPU configuration of this processor included 8 cores and 12 threads, delivering exceptional performance across various tasks. The GPU, a self-developed Maleoon 910. Unfortunately, no specific information about the chip model for the upcoming P series flagship is available at this point.
Exciting Features of the Huawei P70 Series
Alongside the return of a Kirin 5G chip, all models in the P70 series are rumored to feature high-density battery cells, wireless charging capabilities, and a robust camera setup, including a 50MP super outsole main camera and a 4x periscope telephoto lens. Speaking of the camera, the P70 series was previously rumored to come with the 1″ Sony IMX 989 sensor with variable aperture support.
Innovative Additions to the Huawei P70 Series
Another revelation by the tipster DCS is the inclusion of satellite communications as standard in the Huawei P70 series. Furthermore, the series is said to feature a 1.5K deep micro-curved screen, boasting a screen size of approximately 6.7 inches. This, coupled with a earpiece stereo dual speakers, promises an immersive multimedia experience for users.
Tags: Huawei, Huawei P70 series, Kirin 5G
March 1, 2024
€399 Foldable Phone: Features 2630mAh Battery, Helio G99 Chip, Android 13
A couple of days back, we reported on a foldable smartphone priced at just €499. This device called Energizer Ultimate U660S from Avenir Telcom was showcased at MWC 2024.
BlackView’s Budget Foldable Smartphone
BlackView, a brand known for rugged smartphones, also unveiled its budget foldable device at the same trade show. The BlackView Hero 10 is the brand’s first foldable smartphone, offering an intriguing option in the affordable segment. Let’s delve into the details of this new contender.
Affordable Innovation
What sets the BlackView Hero 10 apart is its price tag of €399, making it even more budget-friendly than the previously mentioned Energizer foldable. Despite its attractive pricing, BlackView seems to be aiming for a slice of the foldable smartphone market with this offering.
Specifications and Features
The BlackView Hero 10, akin to other budget foldables, follows the clamshell design with a vertical folding mechanism. It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, emphasizing its focus on providing cost-effective solutions. Both the Energizer Ultimate U660S and the BlackView Hero 10 stand out as 4G-only devices, catering to users looking for essential functionality at an accessible price point.
The Hero 10 boasts a 6.9-inch centered punch-hole display with an FHD+ resolution of 2790 x 1188 pixels and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. Additionally, it features a 60Hz circular cover screen, enhancing the overall user experience with its dual-screen setup.
Camera and Design
In the imaging department, the Hero 10 comes equipped with a 108MP primary camera complemented by an undisclosed secondary sensor, promising decent photography capabilities. For selfie enthusiasts, there’s a 32MP front camera to capture those memorable moments.
This foldable smartphone is offered in a single 12GB + 256GB memory configuration and comes in multiple color options, each adorned with a vegan leather finish for a touch of sophistication. On the software front, it runs on the slightly outdated Android 13 overlaid with DokeOS 3.1, offering a blend of familiar features and custom enhancements.
Battery and Final Thoughts
Despite its slim profile, the BlackView Hero 10 packs a modest 2,630mAh battery, which might raise concerns about its endurance, especially with the power-hungry features it offers. As the release date remains undisclosed, potential buyers will have to wait for further updates regarding availability and market reach.
For users seeking an affordable entry point into the world of foldable smartphones, the BlackView Hero 10 presents a compelling option with its competitive pricing and a mix of decent specifications. It’s a testament to the expanding accessibility of innovative technology in the mobile market, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
Tags: Budget Devices, foldable smartphones, MediaTek Helio G99 SoC