Category: Phones

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  • Samsung to Revive Custom CPU and GPU Cores for Exynos 2800

    Samsung to Revive Custom CPU and GPU Cores for Exynos 2800

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is developing its own CPU and GPU for the Exynos 2800, marking its first fully in-house chipset design.
    2. The new design aims to give Samsung complete control over its hardware, similar to Apple’s approach.
    3. Previous attempts at custom CPU design faced criticism for efficiency issues, leading Samsung to return to standard ARM cores.
    4. The Exynos 2800 will feature a new GPU architecture developed internally, improving optimization for AI, gaming, and the Galaxy ecosystem.
    5. The Exynos 2800 is expected to launch with the Galaxy S28 series in 2028, while the Exynos 2600 will feature AMD’s RDNA4 GPU technology.

    Samsung is said to be gearing up to create its own unique CPU and GPU designs for the new Exynos 2800. Reports from the Smart Chip Guide on Weibo mention that this chipset will be the first to feature a fully in-house design by Samsung. If these reports are accurate, it could mean that Samsung will have complete control over its hardware, similar to what Apple does with its silicon.

    A Fresh Start for Custom CPU Design

    This isn’t the first time Samsung has tried making a custom CPU. The company previously used “Mongoose” cores, which were developed by a team in Austin from 2016 to 2020. However, this project received criticism due to issues like overheating and high battery drain, leading to lower efficiency when compared to standard ARM cores or Qualcomm’s Kryo options.

    In 2020, Samsung decided to disband that development team and returned to using “vanilla” ARM cores. Now, the management believes that their more advanced experience, along with improved fabrication processes like the 2nm GAA, will help them tackle these previous challenges. Additionally, Samsung is looking to end its collaboration with AMD for graphics processing units. Since 2022, high-end Exynos chips have been utilizing AMD’s RDNA-based Xclipse GPU for features such as ray tracing in gaming.

    New GPU Design on the Horizon

    The Exynos 2800 is set to introduce a completely new GPU architecture that is developed in-house. This is advantageous as custom GPUs allow for better optimization across AI, gaming, and the Galaxy ecosystem free from external licensing limitations.

    The Exynos 2800 is expected to launch alongside the Galaxy S28 series in 2028. Meanwhile, the upcoming Exynos 2600, which will be used in the Galaxy S26, is rumored to be the first Exynos chip to feature AMD’s RDNA4 GPU technology. Although it incorporates AMD’s RDNA4 architecture, the entire GPU development has been handled internally by Samsung.

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  • RedMagic 11 Pro+ Golden Saga Edition: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

    RedMagic 11 Pro+ Golden Saga Edition: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RedMagic 11 Pro+ Golden Saga Limited Edition features a carbon fiber body and aerospace-grade materials.
    2. It includes a gold-finished liquid cooling system and a vapor chamber with gold-plated accents.
    3. The smartphone is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, with up to 24 GB RAM and 1 TB storage.
    4. It has a 6.85-inch BOE X10 AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and a 7,500 mAh battery supporting fast charging.
    5. The device comes with exclusive packaging and includes a gold-plated SIM ejector tool.

    RedMagic has previously revealed the RedMagic 11 series smartphones, which includes the RedMagic 11 Pro and RedMagic 11 Pro+, in China back in October last year. Recently, the company has officially launched the RedMagic 11 Pro+ Golden Saga Limited Edition. This new edition showcases a carbon fiber body comparable to supercars and a back cover made from aerospace-grade materials. Additionally, it features a metallic frame that has a sleek silver mirror finish.

    Key Features

    The standout features of this smartphone include a liquid cooling system finished in gold, a vapor chamber that’s gold-plated, and air ducts designed with gold and silver accents. Alongside the RedMagic 11 Pro+, RedMagic has also introduced the RedMagic Gaming Tablet 3 Pro Golden Saga Limited Edition. In terms of pricing, the RedMagic 11 Pro+ Golden Saga Edition costs CNY 9,899 (around $1,415) for the single variant with 24 GB RAM and 1 TB storage. Pre-orders in China will begin soon, but there’s currently no information on availability outside of China.

    Specifications

    From a specifications standpoint, it holds onto the same features as the regular RedMagic 11 Pro+. It’s equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset along with up to 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage. Moreover, the smartphone is fitted with a 6.85-inch BOE X10 AMOLED display that offers a refresh rate of 144 Hz. A substantial 7,500 mAh battery powers the device, which supports fast charging at 120 W wired and 80 W wireless.

    Exclusive Packaging

    As with other limited-edition models, this device arrives in special packaging and includes a gold-plated SIM ejector tool. In terms of camera capabilities, it features a primary camera of 50 MP with OIS, complemented by another 50 MP ultra-wide lens. The gold-plated gaming tablet also shares the same specifications as its standard version, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, an 8,200 mAh battery, and a 9.06-inch OLED display with a refresh rate of 165 Hz.

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  • IKEA Launches $3.99 Compact 20W USB-C Charger for Devices

    IKEA Launches $3.99 Compact 20W USB-C Charger for Devices

    Key Takeaways

    1. Introduction of SJÖSS 20W Charger: IKEA has launched the SJÖSS 20W 1-port USB charger in North America and Europe, designed for smartphones and small gadgets.

    2. Compact and Efficient Design: The charger features a single USB-C port with a maximum output of 20W and supports fast charging technologies like Power Delivery (PD 3.0) and Quick Charge (QC 3.0).

    3. Affordable Pricing: Priced at $3.99 in North America and €2.99 to €4 in Europe, the SJÖSS 20W charger offers great value compared to similar products, like Apple’s 20W adapter at $14.99.

    4. Targeted Use: While it is not suitable for laptops, the charger is a budget-friendly option for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and earbuds.

    5. Availability: The SJÖSS 20W charger is readily available for purchase at IKEA, making it an accessible choice for users seeking affordable and efficient charging solutions.

    IKEA has introduced the SJÖSS 20W 1-port USB charger in North America and in various European nations. This latest model is specifically made for smartphones, tablets, and other small gadgets, coming in at a much lower price and smaller size compared to the 65W SJÖSS charger that was launched in October.

    Compact and Efficient Design

    As indicated by its name, the SJÖSS 20W is equipped with a single USB-C port capable of delivering up to 20W, making it ideal for charging smartphones. It is compatible with several fast charging technologies, which includes Power Delivery (PD 3.0) and Quick Charge (QC 3.0). Per the official specifications, it provides a maximum output of 3.0A and 20.0W with the following power profiles:

    Great Value for Money

    Priced at $3.99, the SJÖSS 20W 1-port USB charger significantly undercuts the Apple 20W adapter, which is currently priced at $14.99 on Amazon, while still offering the same charging capacity. Although it lacks the power for laptops, it serves as an excellent budget-friendly option for smartphones, tablets, and smaller devices such as smartwatches and earbuds. In Europe, the charger is available for €2.99 in Slovakia and Slovenia, and a bit more at €4 in Germany. Customers can buy the SJÖSS 20W 1-port USB charger directly from IKEA.

    Availability and Purchasing Options

    IKEA’s new charger is now easy to find for those looking for an affordable charging solution. The compact design and efficient charging capabilities make it a practical choice for everyday use, especially for users who need quick and reliable charging for their devices without spending a fortune.

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  • Murena Opens Pre-Orders for Hiroh Smartphone with /e/OS

    Murena Opens Pre-Orders for Hiroh Smartphone with /e/OS

    Key Takeaways

    1. Pre-Order Details: The Hiroh phone is priced at $999/999€, with pre-orders starting and a $99/99€ deposit required, deducted from the total upon release in February 2026.

    2. Privacy-Focused OS: The device runs on /e/OS, a modified version of Android 16, designed to remove data-collecting code and prevent app tracking and location data collection.

    3. Performance Specs: It features a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 SoC, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of encrypted storage, expandable with a microSD card up to 2 TB.

    4. Camera and Security: The phone includes multiple cameras (32 MP front, 108 MP main) and has hardware kill switches for the cameras and microphone to enhance privacy.

    5. Display and Battery: It has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,220 x 2,712 pixels, a peak brightness of 1,800 nits, and a 5,000 mAh battery with 33W fast charging capabilities.

    Murena has started accepting pre-orders for the Hiroh phone, priced at $999/999€. This device runs on the company’s privacy-oriented /e/OS operating system. Customers can also pre-order it directly from Hiroh. A deposit of $99/99€ is necessary, which will be deducted as a credit when the phone is released in February 2026. The rest of the payment must be made to get the phone.

    Specifications and Features

    The Hiroh phone operates on a tweaked version of Android 16, with any data-collecting code removed to stop Google from gathering personal data about internet use and communications. The /e/OS operating system can also prevent apps from using trackers and collecting location data, with customizable settings for each app. Murena states that this privacy-focused OS is compatible with Android 16, meaning that most Android apps can be installed and function properly. Updates for the operating system will be provided for five years. For those less concerned about privacy, an option is available with the standard Android 16 OS.

    Performance and Design

    Customers will receive a smartphone with a MediaTek Dimensity 8300 SoC, 16 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of encrypted storage. There’s a microSD card slot for expanding storage by an additional 2 TB. The device features a 32 MP front-facing camera, along with a 2 MP macro camera, a 13 MP wide camera, and a 108 MP main camera. All these cameras, along with the microphone, are protected by a hardware kill switch to prevent any unauthorized recordings by hackers or others. Wireless connectivity options include 5G, Bluetooth 5.2, and Wi-Fi 6E, all managed through a software kill switch. The phone accommodates both nano SIM and eSIM.

    Display and Battery

    The Hiroh boasts a 6.67-inch AMOLED display, offering a resolution of 1,220 x 2,712 pixels and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate. It is equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery housed in an aluminum casing with a glass back, available in platinum or black. The screen achieves a peak brightness of 1,800 nits and a rated brightness of 1,200 nits, while the battery supports fast charging at 33W.

    Murena, Hiroh’s…

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  • Xiaomi Poco M8 Pro Launch: Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 & 6500mAh Battery

    Xiaomi Poco M8 Pro Launch: Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 & 6500mAh Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Poco M8 series will launch on January 8, featuring a thickness of 0.29 inches.
    2. The design includes a back panel with three colors, a curved screen, and a large square camera setup.
    3. The Poco M8 Pro is expected to have a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, with RAM options from 8GB to 12GB and storage from 256GB to 512GB.
    4. It boasts a 6,500mAh battery with 100W charging, a 6.83-inch AMOLED display at 120Hz, and a camera setup including a 50MP primary camera.
    5. The Poco M8 Pro has an IP68 water-resistance rating, while the more affordable Poco M8 5G will have a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor and a 5,520mAh battery.

    After some information leaked in mid-December, Xiaomi has now officially announced that the Poco M8 series will be launched on Thursday, January 8. They are already teasing the new phone, which is the follow-up to the Poco M7, showing that it has a thickness of 0.29 inches.

    Unique Design Features

    The design of the Poco M8 series is quite different, featuring a back panel with three colors, a curved screen, and a large square camera setup. Earlier leaks suggested that the Poco M8 Pro might be a more budget-friendly version of the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus. It is likely that Xiaomi has chosen the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 for this model, offering configurations of 8GB to 12GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 512GB.

    Impressive Specs and Battery Life

    The smartphone is said to come with a robust battery capacity of 6,500mAh and will support USB-C charging at speeds of up to 100 watts. The display measures 6.83 inches and utilizes an AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz. Unlike the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus, it seems the telephoto camera is absent. Instead, the Poco M8 Pro is expected to feature a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 32MP camera for selfies.

    Water-Resistant and More Affordable Variant

    Reports indicate that the Poco M8 Pro has an IP68 rating, meaning it is water-resistant, which is not the case for the standard model. There are also leaks suggesting that the more economical Poco M8 5G will run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, with a minimum of 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage. Its battery is slightly smaller at 5,520mAh and can charge at 45 watts maximum.

    Xiaomi (X)

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  • Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica: Import Caution & Zoom Ring Issues

    Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica: Import Caution & Zoom Ring Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Initial feedback on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Leica Special Edition is mostly positive, but there are some concerns on Chinese social media.
    2. Critiques focus on quality control issues, particularly with the zoom ring wobble in some units.
    3. Not all Xiaomi 17 units have defects; individual experiences may vary, as noted by a satisfied user in Hong Kong.
    4. Customers are advised to inspect their devices promptly and consider returns if defects are found, especially before the global release.
    5. Several retailers are selling the Xiaomi 17 Ultra with limited warranties and shorter return policies, making quick inspections essential upon delivery.

    Initial feedback from China on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Leica Special Edition has been largely favorable, though there are some negative comments circulating on Chinese social media. The critiques don’t primarily target the camera’s photo and video capabilities; instead, they highlight concerns about quality control related to the first retail units that have been delivered. Notably, the zoom ring on some of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica models seems to have a wobble, as shown in the embedded video below.

    Customer Experiences Vary

    It’s important to note that not every Xiaomi 17 unit is experiencing this issue. For example, a user from Hong Kong named Devinarde mentioned that his Leitzphone Edition does not have this defect. Regardless, there are still many unhappy customers in China. We hope Xiaomi will address this concern before the global version is released. Anyone thinking about importing the phone from China or those who have already ordered it should inspect their device promptly and consider returning it if necessary.

    Retail Options Available

    Aside from our import partner Tradingshenzhen, other shops are now selling the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in various colors and models for delivery to Europe. For example, Wondamobile and Trinity Electronics ship directly from Hong Kong, while Average Dad Shop operates from the UK and UAE. These retailers provide a limited one-year warranty and a shorter return policy compared to standard smartphone purchases in the EU. Therefore, it’s advisable to conduct a swift check upon receiving the phone.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Fixes Improve Performance

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Fixes Improve Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S25 series is expected to be revealed in February and launched in March 2026, indicating a delay in Samsung’s flagship release.
    2. The main camera upgrade for the Galaxy S26 Ultra is a new 3x telephoto camera, which may not meet user expectations.
    3. Significant enhancements are anticipated for the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s quad camera, including brighter optics and improved coatings to reduce lens flares.
    4. Camera algorithm improvements are expected to address issues like overly yellow skin tones in images.
    5. The competition in the premium smartphone market will be tough, with strong contenders like Xiaomi 17 Ultra, Vivo X300 Ultra, and Oppo Find X9 Ultra.

    It’s been rather tranquil regarding the upcoming Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra (starting at $1,049 on Amazon). This calmness may stem from the expected delay in Samsung’s flagship release for next year. Recent reports suggest a reveal in February, with the launch planned for March 2026, which is just a bit over two months away. When comparing the updates of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, the enhancements Samsung has lined up for the Galaxy S26 Ultra could seem a bit underwhelming.

    Camera Upgrades

    The new 3x telephoto camera is said to feature the only updated sensor, and this might not meet the expectations of many users, as pointed out by Ice Universe over the past few months. However, there is still potential for Samsung to provide significant enhancements with the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s quad camera, based on a recent post on Weibo. Previous leaks indicated that the new camera flagship is likely to come with much brighter optics, along with an improved coating designed to minimize issues like lens flares. Samsung seems to be taking inspiration from brands like Vivo and Sony, which use Zeiss T* coating for similar reasons.

    Algorithm Improvements

    There might also be updates to the camera algorithms to fix problems like overly yellow skin tones in images. Still, despite these improvements, earlier leaks suggest that Samsung may offer one of the least impressive flagship phone cameras of 2026. This year is expected to see tougher competition in the premium smartphone market. Besides the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, the Vivo X300 Ultra will be vying for market presence in Europe for the first time, while the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is set to make waves globally with its 10x optical zoom and dual 200MP sensors.

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  • Vivo X300 Ultra Leak: Flat Display Design Revealed

    Vivo X300 Ultra Leak: Flat Display Design Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The vivo X300 Ultra will feature a flat 6.82-inch BOE LTPO OLED display with a 2K resolution.
    2. The design will include a flat metal frame and will remove the camera button found on the X200 Ultra.
    3. The rear camera setup will look familiar but will have a different position for the periscope telephoto sensor.
    4. The device is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and have two 200MP rear cameras.
    5. The vivo X300 Ultra is anticipated to launch in the first quarter of 2026 with a global release.

    vivo has recently introduced the X300 and X300 Pro, but the focus is already shifting to the upcoming X300 Ultra. As usual with major smartphone releases, early information has begun to emerge online, giving us an initial glimpse of some of the device’s important features.

    Display Details

    According to the latest information from Digital Chat Station, the vivo X300 Ultra is anticipated to feature a flat 6.82-inch BOE LTPO OLED display with a 2K resolution. If this proves to be true, it would represent a departure from the curved displays seen on the X200 Ultra.

    Design Changes

    The design of the phone will reportedly include a flat metal frame, and it seems that it will remove the camera button that was found on the vivo X200 Ultra. Although the rear camera setup is expected to maintain a familiar look, there will be a change in the positioning of the periscope telephoto sensor.

    Performance Expectations

    In terms of performance, the vivo X300 Ultra is rumored to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. Additionally, it is speculated to have two rear cameras, each boasting 200MP, and a battery capacity exceeding 7,000mAh. Current information suggests that the phone will be launched in the first quarter of 2026, with plans for a worldwide release, unlike the X200 Ultra, which was only available in select regions.

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  • Mid-Range Smartphone Leak: 144Hz AMOLED & 8,000mAh Battery

    Mid-Range Smartphone Leak: 144Hz AMOLED & 8,000mAh Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique design with a silver body, orange accents, and a triangular camera setup.
    2. Features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 144Hz and 1.5K resolution.
    3. Equipped with an 8,000mAh battery and 45W fast charging capabilities.
    4. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 chipset, with RAM options from 8GB to 12GB and storage from 128GB to 256GB.
    5. Runs on HiOS 16 based on Android 16, with an IP64 rating and support for Dolby Atmos.

    The Tecno Pova Curve 2 has been shown off in detailed render images released by Xpertpick. These images highlight a unique design featuring a silver body, orange accents, and a triangular camera setup that resembles the Fairphone 5 in some ways.

    Camera and Display Features

    This camera arrangement includes two lenses along with an LED flash. There’s also a clear triangle located in the bottom right of the back panel. The screen is designed with sharp curves toward both the left and right edges, giving the smartphone a more contemporary appearance. The Tecno Pova Curve 2 is rumored to have impressive specifications, including a gigantic 8,000mAh battery and 45W fast charging capabilities. It boasts a 6.78-inch display that supposedly utilizes an AMOLED panel featuring a refresh rate of 144Hz and a resolution of 1.5K.

    Performance and Storage Options

    The new Tecno smartphone is said to be driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 ARM chipset, which hasn’t been launched yet. It is expected to come with options for 8GB to 12GB of RAM and storage capacities ranging from 128GB to 256GB. Tecno appears to have chosen a 13MP front-facing camera, a 50MP primary camera, and an additional 2MP sensor. The Tecno Pova Curve 2 is also rumored to include an in-display fingerprint sensor, an IR blaster, and support for Dolby Atmos. Moreover, the device’s body has an IP64 rating, which means it’s not entirely waterproof.

    Software and Availability

    The mid-range smartphone is anticipated to run on HiOS 16, based on Android 16, though exact details about its release date and pricing remain unclear.

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  • HMD Pulse 2 Pro: Upgraded Design and Camera with New Models Coming

    HMD Pulse 2 Pro: Upgraded Design and Camera with New Models Coming

    Key Takeaways

    1. The HMD Pulse 2 Pro features a larger camera module with a 50MP front and rear camera, and adds an 8MP ultrawide camera.
    2. It is powered by a Unisoc Tiger T7250 chipset, with options for 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage.
    3. The device has a 6.72-inch IPS display with 1080p+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, along with a 5,000mAh battery.
    4. The budget-friendly HMD Pulse 2+ offers a 120Hz refresh rate on a 6.7-inch display but has a lower resolution and fewer camera features.
    5. The HMD Pulse 2 series release date and pricing are currently uncertain.

    The new model following the HMD Pulse Pro, priced around $179 on Amazon, seems to be on the horizon. Trusted leaker smashx_60 has shared early images and essential specs of the upcoming HMD Pulse 2, Pulse 2+, and Pulse 2 Pro.

    Camera and Design Features

    As per these reports, the HMD Pulse 2 Pro will sport a notably larger camera module that resembles the one on Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro. It will come in green, purple, or black color options. Similar to its predecessor, this mid-range phone will have a 50MP front camera and a 50MP rear camera. The noteworthy addition is an 8MP ultrawide camera. The device is powered by a 5,000mAh battery that can be charged via USB-C at a speed of up to 20 watts.

    Performance and Display

    HMD Global appears to be using a Unisoc Tiger T7250 chipset, which is a 12nm ARM processor featuring two Cortex A75 performance cores and six Cortex A55 efficiency cores. This chip is combined with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, along with storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The 6.72-inch IPS display boasts a 1080p+ resolution and a refresh rate of 90Hz. Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint reader, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an NFC chip, and an IP52 water resistance rating.

    Affordable Options

    The budget-friendly HMD Pulse 2+ offers a 6.7-inch IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 720p+ resolution. It has a 13MP front camera and a 50MP main camera, but lacks an ultrawide lens. The even more economical HMD Pulse 2 shares the same processor and battery as the other two models. However, its 6.7-inch screen only supports 90Hz and a 720p+ resolution. This model is said to feature a 50MP main camera, a 2MP sensor, and an 8MP front camera. Finally, the release date and pricing for the HMD Pulse 2 series remain uncertain.

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