Category: Phones

  • Upcoming Xiaomi Flagship Expected to Feature Self-Developed Chips for Imaging, Communication, Battery, and Charging Management

    Upcoming Xiaomi Flagship Expected to Feature Self-Developed Chips for Imaging, Communication, Battery, and Charging Management

    Xiaomi to Introduce New Self-Developed Chips for Improved Smartphone Performance

    Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi is gearing up to launch a series of self-developed chips that aim to enhance various aspects of smartphone performance. These new chips, including the Imaging Chip Surge C4, Charging Chip Surge P3, Battery Management Chip Surge G3, and Communication Chip Surge “xx,” are expected to be featured in upcoming Xiaomi flagship devices.

    Xiaomi’s Expansion in Self-Developed Chip Segment

    According to Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, Xiaomi is expanding its self-developed chip segment to cover imaging, fast charging, battery, and communication. It is speculated that these chips will likely be integrated into an upcoming Xiaomi flagship device. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to be launched in the next month, and these new chips could potentially be featured in the Xiaomi 15 series, which is set to go into mass production in September.

    Xiaomi 15 Series and Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Chip

    Although details about the Xiaomi 15 series smartphones are scarce, it is anticipated that they will come equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip. Additionally, previous leaks suggest that the Pro model may feature thinner bezels and a 1400 nits bright 2K 120Hz LTPO display, which could potentially save up to 15-20% battery life. If the new battery management chip proves effective in power conservation, this combination has the potential to significantly enhance the device’s screen-on time.

    Xiaomi 14 Ultra and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Chip

    The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is rumored to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. It is expected to sport a curved-edge OLED display screen with a 2K resolution. The device may also feature a quad-camera setup, consisting of four 50MP lenses, including a 50MP Sony LYT-900 primary shooter with a Leica-branded camera module. To support its performance, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will come with a sizable 5180 mAh battery that supports both 90W wired and 80W wireless fast charging capabilities.

    In conclusion, Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship devices are set to receive a significant performance boost with the introduction of their self-developed chips. These chips aim to enhance imaging capabilities, charging speed, battery management, and communication in Xiaomi smartphones. With the Xiaomi 15 series and Xiaomi 14 Ultra on the horizon, consumers can look forward to experiencing these advancements firsthand.

  • Nokia bids farewell! The NokiaMobile account undergoes a name change to HMD

    Nokia bids farewell! The NokiaMobile account undergoes a name change to HMD

    HMD Global CEO Confirms Launch of New Models

    HMD Global CEO Jean Francois Baril has officially confirmed that the first HMD models will be launched. This announcement comes after the renaming of the NokiaMobile account to HMD (Human Mobile Devices), signaling a significant change in the brand. Nokia lovers should take note of this development.

    Leaked Images of HMD Smartphones

    GSMChina has leaked images of HMD’s first two smartphones. This leak, combined with the rebranding, indicates that HMD is gearing up to release new products in the near future. It also provides a glimpse into what the brand is capable of.

    Rebirth of a Powerful Brand

    The renaming of Nokia Mobile accounts to HMD carries a deeper meaning. HMD stands for Human Mobile Devices, symbolizing a potential revival of Nokia’s former success. While Nokia has faced setbacks in recent years, this name change suggests that the brand is poised for a comeback.

    Exciting Features of HMD Phones

    Render images of some HMD models, recently revealed by 91mobiles, showcase exciting features. One of the new HMD models is rumored to boast a 108MP OIS camera, with a noticeable triple camera lineup and a flash. While details about other HMD models are still under wraps, we can expect more information to be unveiled soon.

    In conclusion, the renaming of the NokiaMobile account to HMD signifies a significant shift in the brand’s direction. With the launch of new models and the promise of innovative features, HMD is poised to make a splash in the mobile device market. Nokia lovers can look forward to the brand’s revival under the new name, HMD.

  • Introducing the OnePlus 12: A Massive 6.5GB Day-1 Update with Master Mode for Cameras and Enhanced Features

    Introducing the OnePlus 12: A Massive 6.5GB Day-1 Update with Master Mode for Cameras and Enhanced Features

    OnePlus 12 Launches Globally with New Master Mode for Cameras

    The highly anticipated OnePlus 12 has officially launched in various regions such as the US, Europe, and India. Indian customers have already started receiving their new smartphones, accompanied by a day-one patch that brings a range of improvements and the new Master mode for its cameras.

    Introducing OnePlus Master Mode

    One of the key highlights of the OnePlus 12 is the introduction of the Master Mode, which is essentially an enhanced version of the Pro Mode found on previous OnePlus phones. This new mode offers users more control over their camera settings, allowing for a more personalized photography experience. Here are some of the features offered by the Master Mode:

    1. Manual adjustments: Users can now manually adjust settings such as ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and focus. This provides greater creative control over the photos taken with the OnePlus 12.
    2. Hasselblad color tuning: OnePlus has collaborated with the renowned camera manufacturer Hasselblad to bring their signature color science to the OnePlus 12. This means that users can expect photos with more natural-looking colors and accurate skin tones.
    3. RAW capture: The Master Mode also allows users to capture photos in RAW format, providing more flexibility during the editing process.
    1. Fine-tuning adjustments: Users can fine-tune various aspects such as contrast, saturation, sharpness, and vignette before capturing the photo, ensuring optimal results.

    Firmware Update Details

    In addition to the Master Mode, the latest firmware update with version CPH2573_14.0.0.404(EX01) includes several other improvements and enhancements. Here is a complete changelog of the update:

    System

    • ProXDR is now available for Google’s Photos app.
    • Improved system stability.
    • Improved success rate of fingerprint unlock.

    Communication

    • Improved stability and compatibility of Wi-Fi network connections.
    • Enhanced stability and expanded compatibility of the NFC function.
    • Improved stability and expanded compatibility of Bluetooth connections.

    Camera

    • Added Master mode with Hasselblad color tuning to enhance photos with more natural and vibrant colors.

    Update Instructions

    The firmware update for the OnePlus 12 is quite substantial, with a size of 6.5GB. Therefore, it is recommended to connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network before initiating the update. If you have not received the OTA notification yet, you can manually check for its availability by following these steps:

    1. Go to Settings on your OnePlus 12.
    2. Select About device.
    3. Tap on OxygenOS.
    4. Choose Check for update.

    Ensure that your device is sufficiently charged and backed up before proceeding with the update.

    With the launch of the OnePlus 12 and the introduction of the Master Mode, OnePlus continues to deliver innovative features and improvements to enhance the user experience of its smartphones.

  • Official website live sales of Samsung Galaxy S24 series in India showcasing exclusive colors

    Official website live sales of Samsung Galaxy S24 series in India showcasing exclusive colors

    Samsung Galaxy S24 Series: Exclusive Colors and Sale Details

    Samsung Electronics has recently launched the Galaxy S24 series in the Indian market. These flagship smartphones are now available for purchase on Samsung’s official website. The launch brings along some exclusive color options as well as special offers. Let’s dive into the details.

    Official Sale and Exclusive Colors

    The Galaxy S24 series, which includes the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra, was unveiled by the South Korean tech giant earlier this month. The first sale was scheduled for January 31, 2024, in India, with pre-orders opening shortly after the announcement. However, within just three days, over 250,000 pre-orders were received. As a result, the Galaxy S24 series went on sale via Amazon and Blinkit.

    Pricing and Color Options

    The base variant of the Galaxy S24 starts at INR 79,999. The Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 Ultra have starting prices of INR 109,999 and INR 129,999, respectively. These prices are consistent with the listings on Samsung’s official website in India. However, there is a notable difference between the Amazon and Samsung India website listings – the exclusive color options. The official website offers a few variants that are only available there.

    Exclusive Color Options

    Samsung’s Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ can be purchased in special edition colors such as Sapphire Blue and Jade Green. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is listed in special edition Titanium Blue and Titanium Green variants. For those who prefer the Amazon listings, the Galaxy S24 is available in Amber Yellow, Cobalt Violet, and Onyx Black, while the Galaxy S24+ comes in Cobalt Yellow and Onyx Black. The Ultra variant is offered in Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Black.

    Conclusion

    Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series is now available for purchase on the brand’s official website in India. With exclusive color options and special launch offers, these flagship smartphones offer a range of choices for consumers. Whether you prefer the vibrant special edition colors or the classic options, the Galaxy S24 series aims to cater to every user’s preferences.

  • Possible Launch of Samsung Galaxy A35 Imminent as Spotted on Bluetooth SIG

    Possible Launch of Samsung Galaxy A35 Imminent as Spotted on Bluetooth SIG

    The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G launch is expected to be right around the corner. The company’s upcoming mid-range smartphone was spotted on certain certifications and leaks. Now, the latest sighting was on Bluetooth SIG, which hints at its imminent release again.

    Samsung Galaxy A35 5G visits Bluetooth SIG

    The South Korean tech giant’s upcoming Galaxy A35 was spotted on the Bluetooth SIG certification platform. This device can be seen carrying the model numbers SM-A356B, SM-A356E, SM-A356E_DS, and SM-A356B_DS. The online database also confirmed support for Bluetooth 5.3 support. Previously, the device was sighted on the BIS platform as well, which confirmed the Indian availability of this device.

    Certifications and Specifications

    Similarly, it has even surfaced on the FCC certification that revealed some of its specifications. The Galaxy A35 5G is confirmed to support 5G networking, NFC, and an SD card slot. The charger model number EP-TA800 reveals that it supports 25W wired fast charging. On a GeekBench listing, the Galaxy A35 managed to score 697 points in the single-core test and 2,332 points in the multi-core test. It achieved this score with the Exynos 1380 SoC along with 6GB of RAM.

    Expected Features

    Furthermore, the handset will run on the Android 14 OS based One UI custom skin out of the box. The front is expected to sport a 6.6-inch AMOLED display that offers Full HD+ resolution, 32-megapixel selfie camera, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the back may feature a 50-megapixel triple camera setup.

    Release Date

    With the latest Bluetooth SIG sighting, Samsung might be gearing up for a first-quarter release. However, this is still just speculation at this point.

  • Honor Magic V2 successfully obtains Thailand’s NBTC certification prior to launch

    Honor Magic V2 successfully obtains Thailand’s NBTC certification prior to launch

    Honor Magic V2: The Slimmest Foldable Smartphone Set to Launch in Global Markets

    Honor has recently announced the arrival of its Magic V2 folding smartphone in Europe, several months after its initial release in China. The device, which claims to be the slimmest foldable smartphone in the global market, is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. Excitingly, a new certification has revealed that the brand has plans to expand the availability of the device to other global markets.

    The Honor Magic V2 has successfully obtained Thailand’s NBTC certification, which is a mandatory requirement for most telecommunications equipment in the country. This certification ensures that the device is in compliance with Thai regulations, promoting safety and preventing interference with other radio devices. With this approval secured, the Honor Magic V2 is now ready to make its debut in Thailand. In addition to this, the smartphone had already received IMDA certification, which paves the way for its release in Singapore. It seems that Southeast Asia is the next market where the Honor Magic V2 will captivate smartphone enthusiasts.

    Honor Magic V2 Specs

    For those eagerly anticipating the launch, here are the specifications of the Honor Magic V2:

    • Display: The Magic V2 is equipped with a foldable LTPO OLED display measuring 7.92 inches, boasting a resolution of 2156 x 2344 pixels, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a brightness of up to 1,600 nits. Additionally, it features a 6.43-inch LTPO OLED cover screen on the front with Full HD+ resolution (2376 x 1080 pixels), a 120Hz refresh rate, and a brightness of up to 2,500 nits.
    • Processor: Powering the device is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, ensuring a smooth and efficient performance.
    • Memory and Storage: The Magic V2 offers up to 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1 TB of UFS 4.0 storage, allowing users to store all their important files, apps, and media.
    • Battery: The device is fueled by a massive 5,000mAh battery with 66W fast charging support, ensuring that users can quickly recharge their device and stay productive throughout the day.
    • Security: Security features include a side-facing fingerprint scanner, offering users a convenient and secure way to unlock their device.
    • Camera: In the photography department, the Magic V2 boasts impressive camera capabilities. It features a 16-megapixel front camera for stunning selfies. On the rear panel, the phone is equipped with a 50-megapixel main camera with OIS support, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens with autofocus capabilities, and a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with OIS and 2.5x optical zoom for capturing breathtaking photos from any distance.

    With its sleek design, powerful performance, and impressive camera system, the Honor Magic V2 is set to make waves in the global smartphone market. Stay tuned for further updates on its availability in other countries as Honor continues to expand its reach.

  • Design of Samsung Galaxy M14 and F14 unveiled, with live support page for 4G in India available

    Design of Samsung Galaxy M14 and F14 unveiled, with live support page for 4G in India available

    Samsung is preparing to launch new smartphone models in the Galaxy M and F series. The support page for the Galaxy M14 4G has already gone live in India, giving us a glimpse of what to expect. Additionally, a user manual has provided details about the design of the Galaxy M14 and the Galaxy F14 4G models.

    Samsung Galaxy M14 4G & Galaxy F14 5G

    The upcoming Galaxy M14 is essentially the 4G version of the previously released Galaxy M14 5G. The support page for the device was spotted on Samsung’s official website in India on January 31, 2024. It’s important to note that both the M14 and F14 models have almost identical specifications, with the main difference being their availability in different marketplaces.

    Design and Features

    According to the user manual, both the Galaxy M14 4G and the Galaxy F14 4G have similar designs. The front of the smartphones features a waterdrop notch that houses the selfie camera. At the back, there is a vertically stacked triple camera setup. The screen is surrounded by noticeable bezels and a thick chin.

    On the right side of the device, you can find the power button, fingerprint sensor, and volume rockers. The left side features a SIM card slot, while the bottom includes a lone firing speaker, a USB Type-C port, and a headphone jack. The user manual also mentions that the smartphones will support NFC.

    Conclusion

    At the moment, these are the only details available about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy M14 4G and Galaxy F14 4G models. We can expect more updates and information in the near future. Stay tuned for further announcements from Samsung regarding the release dates and pricing of these devices.

  • Realme 12 Pro series achieves rapid sales record in India’s Rs 30K+ price segment

    Realme 12 Pro series achieves rapid sales record in India’s Rs 30K+ price segment

    Realme 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro+ Break Fastest Sales Record in India

    The Realme 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro+ smartphones were recently launched in the Indian market, and their first open sale is scheduled to begin on February 6th, 2024. However, an early access sale was already conducted. Now, Realme has announced that the Realme 12 Pro series has achieved the fastest sales record in its price segment in the region.

    Early Access Sale Success

    Following their announcement, pre-orders for the new devices were made available, offering benefits of up to Rs 5,999. Realme confirmed through a tweet that these latest handsets were highly popular and managed to break sales records in India. The Realme 12 Pro series achieved the fastest sales record in the Rs 30,000+ price segment during its early access sale period.

    Continuing Momentum

    Although no official sales numbers were revealed, the Realme 12 Pro series is maintaining the same momentum as the Realme 11 Pro 5G, which previously set a new record for the highest first sales in the Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 price range.

    Impressive Specifications

    The Realme 12 Pro and Realme 12 Pro+ models feature a tall 6.7-inch OLED display with FHD+ resolution, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The former is equipped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 SoC, while the latter has a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC. Both devices are powered by a large 5,000mAh battery pack that supports 67W fast charging. They also run on the Android 14 OS based Realme UI 5.0 custom skin out of the box.

    Conclusion

    With its impressive specifications and early sales success, the Realme 12 Pro series has proven to be a hit in the Indian market. Customers are eagerly awaiting the first open sale of these smartphones on February 6th, 2024.

  • Don’t Expect a Design Change with the iPhone 16 from Apple

    Don’t Expect a Design Change with the iPhone 16 from Apple

    The Only Design Change in iPhone 16 Will Be the Capture Button

    Apple revealed the iPhone 15 series just a few months ago in September, but as usual, focus swiftly turned to the next model, the iPhone 16. Leaks about this upcoming smartphone are already surfacing, like the recent discussion about the Geekbench 6 Score of the A18 Pro, set to be featured in the iPhone 16. However, not all the news is good. According to Kuo, the iPhone 16 might lack significant design changes, except for the capture button. Here are the details.

    Monitoring Apple closely, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo often predicts the company’s future moves. Known for accurate forecasts, Kuo shares both good and bad news. Unfortunately, his recent analysis falls into the second category, indicating that the iPhone 16 series won’t showcase any “significant design changes.”

    “It is expected that Apple will not launch new iPhone models with significant design changes and the more comprehensive/differentiated GenAI ecosystem/applications until 2025 at the earliest,” wrote Kuo in a blog post today.

    Apple is known for sticking to a consistent design, which has led to accusations of selling similar phones repeatedly. This year, the introduction of Dynamic Island on iPhone 15 and iPhone Plus diverted attention from such criticisms. However, if Kuo’s claims are correct, the company might face criticism again, as the only significant change seems to be the addition of a “capture” button.

    The upcoming button is set to bring a noteworthy innovation to the iPhone. As you’re likely aware, the company recently unveiled an action button that enables users to assign tasks to the mute button. Now, the capture button is poised to become a significant enhancement for photo and video enthusiasts.

    According to reports, users will be able to zoom in and out in the Camera app by swiping left and right on the button, focus with a light press, and start video recording with a more forceful press. It’s important to note that this information has not been officially confirmed.

  • Possible inclusion of OV50H main camera in Vivo X Fold 3 series

    Possible inclusion of OV50H main camera in Vivo X Fold 3 series

    Vivo to Unveil Vivo X Fold 3 Series in March

    Vivo is gearing up to launch its new Vivo X Fold 3 series of foldable phones in the Chinese market this March. The lineup will consist of two models: the Vivo X Fold 3 and the X Fold 3 Pro. While the Pro model will boast top-notch specifications, the standard version is expected to be positioned as a more affordable offering.

    Primary Camera Leak for Vivo X Fold 3 Series

    Renowned tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS) recently released a Weibo post that sheds light on the primary camera of what appears to be the Vivo X Fold 3 series. The leaked information suggests that the device will feature an OmniVision OV50H main camera and a periscope telephoto lens. The screenshot shared by DCS shows a discussion about a foldable phone with a thin and light form factor, which aligns with the rumored features of the Vivo X Fold 3 series.

    Possible Periscope Telephoto Camera for Vivo X Fold 3

    Previous reports have indicated that the standard Vivo X Fold 3 will not include a periscope telephoto camera. However, the leaked information suggests otherwise. It is speculated that the Vivo X Fold 3 will incorporate a 64-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, which would enhance its photography capabilities.

    Shared Primary Camera for Vivo X Fold 3 and X Fold 3 Pro?

    Vivo has previously used the OmniVision OV50H as the primary camera on the iQOO 12 and 12 Pro models. Considering this, there is a possibility that both the Vivo X Fold 3 and the X Fold 3 Pro will share the same primary camera, further enhancing the photography experience across the series.

    Snapdragon Processors and Features

    The Vivo X Fold 3 is expected to be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, while the X Fold 3 Pro is rumored to feature the more advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Additionally, it is speculated that the X Fold 3 will lack certain features like an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint scanner and wireless charging, which are expected to be available on the Pro model. Instead, the X Fold 3 may come with a side-facing fingerprint scanner.

    Other Expected Launches

    Alongside the Vivo X Fold 3 series, Vivo’s launch event in March for the Chinese market is also expected to showcase the Vivo Pad 3 tablet and the Vivo X100s smartphone. These new devices will further expand Vivo’s product portfolio and cater to different consumer needs.

    Pricing and Availability

    Pricing and availability details for the Vivo X Fold 3 series, Vivo Pad 3, and Vivo X100s are yet to be announced. It is advisable to stay tuned for official updates from Vivo as the launch event approaches.