Category: Phones

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  • JD.com Offers Huge Discounts on iPhone 15 Lineup in China

    JD.com Offers Huge Discounts on iPhone 15 Lineup in China

    JD.com’s Apple store is currently running promotions on the iPhone 15 series, offering discounts to PLUS members. Most models in the series are available with discounts of up to 9.95% for PLUS members, except for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Additionally, select models from the iPhone 15 series come with 6-month interest-free financing options.

    Discounts for PLUS Members

    Notably, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is excluded from the special discount offered to PLUS members. However, China Unicom, a prominent Chinese telecommunications provider, is providing the iPhone 15 Pro Max at a competitive price on their JD.com store, starting at 8,609 yuan (~$1200).

    Features of the iPhone 15 Series

    The iPhone 15 lineup introduces a significant change for Apple with the inclusion of a Type-C USB port. The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus feature 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch OLED displays, respectively, powered by the A16 Bionic chip. Storage options range from 128GB to 512GB. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max offer enhanced performance with the A17 Bionic chip and a smoother 120Hz refresh rate on their larger displays. Storage options for the Pro models vary from 128GB to a massive 1TB, catering to users with high storage needs.

    Pricing Details

    For those curious about the official retail prices of the iPhone 15 series, the iPhone 15 starts at 5,999 yuan for the 128GB model, the iPhone 15 Plus at 6,999 yuan for the 128GB model, the iPhone 15 Pro at 7,999 yuan for the 128GB model, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max at 9,999 yuan for the 256GB model.

  • MediaTek Overtakes Apple & Qualcomm as Top Smartphone Chipset Vendor 2023

    MediaTek Overtakes Apple & Qualcomm as Top Smartphone Chipset Vendor 2023

    Chipmaker MediaTek has been recognized as the leading System on Chip (SoC) vendor by the close of 2023. Known for developing the fastest smartphone processor currently available, MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 and other chipsets have secured a significant share in the smartphone market.

    MediaTek’s Dominance in the SoC Market

    A recent report from Canalys sheds light on MediaTek’s ascent as the preferred SoC vendor in 2023. In the fourth quarter of the year, MediaTek sold 117 million units of chipsets, surpassing Apple’s 78 million and Qualcomm’s 69 million units. Noteworthy competitors in the smartphone SoC sector include Google, Samsung, and Unisoc. MediaTek’s smartphone shipments for the year exhibited a 21% year-on-year increase, amounting to $23 billion in revenue. Despite this, Apple’s revenue from shipments reached $87 billion, overshadowing MediaTek. Qualcomm also surpassed MediaTek with shipments valued at $30 billion in 2023.

    Market Dynamics and Competitors

    The Canalys report reveals a 2% decline in Qualcomm’s SoC shipment revenue from the previous year. Samsung experienced a significant 44% decrease in earnings from its Exynos chips, suggesting potential for improvement with chips from other providers in Q4 2023. This decline accounted for approximately 40% of Qualcomm’s returns and 25% of MediaTek’s figures for the quarter. Notably, Xiaomi emerged as a key buyer of Qualcomm chipsets, representing 25% of purchases. While Xiaomi also contributed about 20% of MediaTek chipsets shipped in Q4 2023, Samsung stood out as the primary customer for the vendor.

    Emerging Players and Growth Prospects

    Huawei made a substantial impact in the market in 2023 as per the Canalys report. With a remarkable 5,121% surge, the Chinese OEM shipped 7 million units and generated $7 billion in revenue, largely fueled by its new Kirin SoCs. Unisoc also demonstrated strong potential for growth, with a 24% increase in revenues year-on-year totaling $3 billion, alongside 27 million units shipped. The primary clientele of Unisoc included brands like Transsion, Realme, and Lenovo. In contrast, Google’s performance in SoC shipments was lackluster with estimated revenues of $2 billion and 3 million units sold, possibly due to the exclusive nature of its Tensor chipsets designed solely for Pixel phones.


    MediaTek Overtakes Apple & Qualcomm as Top Smartphone Chipset Vendor 2023
  • OnePlus Ace 3V Camera Redesign Revealed in Live Shot

    OnePlus Ace 3V Camera Redesign Revealed in Live Shot

    OnePlus is said to be developing the OnePlus Ace 3V smartphone specially tailored for the Chinese market, with rumors suggesting it could emerge as the world's pioneering handset to incorporate the novel Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, possibly making its debut later this month. An alleged live image of the Ace 3V has surfaced, offering a glimpse of its rear aesthetic.

    OnePlus Ace 3V Design Unveiled

    The leaked image showcases a distinctive rear camera layout on the Ace 3V when juxtaposed with its predecessor, the Ace 2V. Notably, the dual cameras along with the LED flash assemble vertically on a raised platform.

    Specifications of OnePlus Ace 3V

    Reports indicate that the Ace 3V is poised to boast an OLED display panel sporting a 1.5K resolution complemented by a rapid 120Hz refresh rate. Internally, anticipation surrounds the presence of the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a robust 5,500mAh battery supported by 100W fast charging technology. In terms of optics, a 50-megapixel primary camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is expected on the rear, while a 16-megapixel front camera may cater to selfie needs. Additional features could encompass ColorOS 14-based Android 14, an integrated in-screen fingerprint sensor, and a dual-speaker setup.

    OnePlus is concurrently rumored to be developing the OnePlus Nord 4, intended for a broader global audience, which is speculated to share similarities with the Ace 3V model.

  • FDA Approves First OTC Glucose Monitor Dexcom Stelo System – Smartphone Pairing

    FDA Approves First OTC Glucose Monitor Dexcom Stelo System – Smartphone Pairing

    A significant advancement in diabetes management was achieved on March 6th following the FDA's approval of Dexcom's Stelo glucose biosensor system. This innovative technology, a pioneering creation, permits non-insulin-dependent diabetes individuals or those prone to the condition to conduct blood sugar monitoring without the need for a prescription.

    Revolutionary Glucose Monitoring System

    The Stelo system diverges from traditional methods by employing a wearable sensor and a smartphone application to provide continuous glucose level monitoring, showcasing readings every quarter of an hour. Each sensor boasts a lifespan of up to 15 days before necessitating replacement, offering a durable and user-friendly solution.

    FDA's Acknowledgment of Significance

    The FDA underscored the importance of this approval, accentuating its capability to enhance the accessibility of blood sugar monitoring and enable individuals to oversee their health conveniently within their residences.

    Striving Towards Non-Invasive Monitoring

    While Stelo signifies a notable advancement, the ultimate aim in diabetes management remains non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. Although this technology was initially intended for the Apple Watch, current constraints have hindered its realization. Additionally, the FDA warns against unapproved non-invasive alternatives, pointing out their lack of reliability.

    Despite the absence of non-invasive choices presently, Dexcom's Stelo stands as a substantial leap in diabetes management, providing a practical and attainable option for numerous individuals. The future of blood sugar monitoring holds the potential for further innovative and non-invasive methodologies.

  • Vivo Y03 NCC Certification Reveals Battery, Fast Charging & Storage Details

    Vivo Y03 NCC Certification Reveals Battery, Fast Charging & Storage Details

    Vivo is gearing up for the launch of its latest smartphone, the Vivo Y03, with a focus on the global and Chinese markets. Insights gleaned from Taiwan’s National Communications Commission (NCC) shed light on what consumers can anticipate with this upcoming addition to the Y series lineup.

    Vivo Y03 Specifications

    The NCC certification discloses that the Vivo Y03, identified with the model number V2332, will be equipped with a 4880mAh battery, with an expected typical capacity of 5000mAh. This battery will support 15W wired fast charging, aimed at reducing charging durations significantly. The smartphone will come with the V1530L0B0-US model adaptor.

    Storage and Performance

    For storage, the Vivo Y03 will offer 64GB of internal memory. Additionally, users can expand storage up to 1TB through a microSD card slot, catering to diverse storage requirements. Performance-wise, the device is projected to run on a MediaTek Helio G85 SoC coupled with up to 4GB of RAM. It will debut with Android 14, ensuring users have the latest OS from the get-go.

    Connectivity and Features

    Geekbench benchmarks have indicated that the Vivo Y03 achieved a single-core score of 392 and a multi-core score of 1304, showcasing commendable performance within its segment. The smartphone will also support 15W wireless charging, as confirmed by a prior CQC certification. Furthermore, Bluetooth Sig certification has verified Bluetooth 5.3 functionality for seamless connectivity.


  • Samsung Galaxy M14 4G: Snapdragon 480 Launched in India

    Samsung Galaxy M14 4G: Snapdragon 480 Launched in India

    Recently, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy F15 5G smartphone in India and has now introduced a new device in the Galaxy M-series called the Galaxy M14 4G. This device is a modified version of the M14 5G, which was launched last April. Let's delve into the specifics of this new release. 

    Samsung Galaxy M14 4G: Specifications and Features

    The Samsung Galaxy M14 4G comes with a 6.7-inch LCD display featuring an Infinity-U notch design and a sizable chin. It boasts an FHD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate. In terms of design, the smartphone sports three vertically aligned rear cameras and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button. 

    Camera and Performance

    In the camera department, the Samsung Galaxy M14 4G mirrors the setup found in its 5G counterpart. It includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. Additionally, there is a 13MP front camera for capturing selfies. 

    Processing Power and Battery

    Powering the Samsung Galaxy M14 4G is a Snapdragon 480 processor. It comes with up to 6GB of RAM, utilizing virtual RAM technology, and offers storage options up to 128GB. The device houses a 5,000mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. On the software front, it operates on OneUI 5.1 based on Android 13, promising two OS updates and four years of security patches. 

    The Samsung Galaxy M14 4G is available at a starting price of Rs 8,499 for the 4GB + 64GB variant, while the 6GB + 128GB model is priced at Rs 11,499. It can be purchased in Arctic Blue and Sapphire Blue colors from Amazon. 

  • Huawei Officially Sells Refurbished P50 Pro & Enjoy 50z in China

    Huawei Officially Sells Refurbished P50 Pro & Enjoy 50z in China

    Huawei has initiated the sale of two more of its previous smartphones in refurbished condition within China, namely the P50 Pro and Enjoy 50z.

    The P50 Pro is recognized as Huawei's final smartphone featuring Leica cameras in its early batches, while the Enjoy 50z is positioned as a more affordable model.

    Pricing Details

    The refurbished Huawei P50 Pro is priced as follows in China:

    • 128GB – ¥3,488 (~$485)
    • 256GB – ¥3,788 (~$525)
    • 512GB – Starting from ¥4,588 (~$635)

    It is available in a variety of colors, including Cloud Brocade White, Danxia Orange, Galaxy Blue, Coco Tea Gold, Snowy White, Dawn Pink, and Obsidian Gold Black. Notably, colors such as Rippled Cloud Waves and Wei Lan Hao Hai are not offered.

    On the other hand, the refurbished Huawei Enjoy 50z is available in the subsequent memory configurations in China:

    • 128GB – Starting from ¥699 (~$95)
    • 256GB – ¥899 (~$125)

    Available color options for the Huawei Enjoy 50z include Mint Green, Magic Night Black, or Sapphire Blue.

    Specifications

    The Huawei P50 Pro boasts a 6.6-inch curved OLED display with a resolution of 2700 x 1228 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. It runs on a 4G-only Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset and is fueled by a 4,360mAh battery.

    Equipped with a quad-camera setup featuring a 50MP primary sensor, a 13MP ultrawide lens, a 40MP monochrome sensor, and a 64MP 3.5x periscope telephoto camera, the P50 Pro also includes a 13MP front camera. The phone runs on HarmonyOS 4 and supports 66W wired and 50W wireless charging.

    In contrast, the Huawei Enjoy 50z features a 6.52-inch HD+ display, a 50MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 5,000mAh battery, and 22.5W charging support.

  • Xiaomi 14 Ranks 3rd in DxOMark’s Best Camera on Premium Phone List

    Xiaomi 14 Ranks 3rd in DxOMark’s Best Camera on Premium Phone List

    The Xiaomi 14 smartphone has been acclaimed for its exceptional camera quality, ranking among the best in the premium smartphone segment according to DxOMark. Recently introduced to the global market, this flagship device demonstrates significant advancements in photography compared to its predecessors.

    Xiaomi 14 Camera: Impressive DxOMark Ranking

    DxOMark rated the Xiaomi 14's camera performance at 138 points, evaluating its capabilities in still photography, bokeh, video, zoom, and other criteria. Notably, this assessment places the Xiaomi 14 among the top-tier smartphones priced between $600 and $800. The device boasts a 50-megapixel primary sensor with OIS, f/1.6 aperture, and a 1/1.31-inch size. Complementing this, it includes a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens with a 115° FOV and a 50-megapixel telephoto sensor featuring OIS and a 75mm focal length.

    Enhanced Camera Features of Xiaomi 14

    During testing, DxOMark recognized significant improvements in the Xiaomi 14's camera capabilities compared to its predecessor, the Xiaomi 13. These enhancements were credited to a larger sensor size and a wider aperture. The Xiaomi 14 excelled in accurately exposing targets across diverse lighting conditions, maintaining neutral white balance, and preserving high levels of detail in both images and videos.

    Performance and Limitations

    While the Xiaomi 14 demonstrated low noise levels in photos and maintained good details through its telephoto lens, some drawbacks were identified. Issues such as artifacts like flare and ghosting were observed in still photos, and videos captured in low-light settings exhibited noticeable noise. Additionally, brighter scenes and backlit conditions sometimes resulted in reduced facial contrast. Despite these minor limitations, the Xiaomi 14's overall camera performance was lauded for its advancements and quality output.

  • Honor 90, X9b Receives February 2024 Security Patch in India; Android 14 Update Pending

    Honor 90, X9b Receives February 2024 Security Patch in India; Android 14 Update Pending

    Honor has initiated the rollout of the February 2024 security patch for its Honor 90 and X9b smartphones in the Indian market. Madhav Seth, the CEO of the company, made the announcement regarding this update on Twitter.

    Update Details

    Seth shared a snapshot showcasing specifics of the update, such as the firmware version (7.1.0.229) and its size (162MB). However, he did not specify which of the devices the update was specifically meant for.

    Security Patch Information

    As a security patch, the update is expected to be relatively compact for both devices and is unlikely to bring about significant changes in terms of user interface or introduce new features.

    Update Process

    Although the update is not anticipated to erase user data, it is recommended to back up your data as a precautionary measure before proceeding with the update. To install the update on your Honor smartphone, navigate to Settings > System and Updates > Software Update > Check for Updates.

    Android Version Update

    While the Honor 90 and Honor X9b initially came with Android 13, Honor has yet to release the Android 14 update for these models. In contrast, Samsung has already rolled out the Android 14 update for the majority of its eligible devices.

    Future Android 14 Update

    According to Seth's statement to The Mobile Indian, the Honor 90 and Honor X9b are anticipated to receive the Android 14-based Magic OS 8.0 update in the second quarter of 2024. Despite this, these Honor devices are not expected to receive the major OS update this month, in March.

    Conclusion

    With the Android 15 Developer Preview already available and Honor lagging behind in releasing Android 14 for a few of its phones in India, it is imperative for Honor to expedite the provision of OS updates for its smartphones to ensure user satisfaction and keep pace with the rapidly evolving Android ecosystem.

  • Oppo F25 Pro 5G on Sale in India: Price and Launch Offers

    Oppo F25 Pro 5G on Sale in India: Price and Launch Offers

    The latest offering from Oppo in India, the Oppo F25 Pro 5G, was recently introduced to consumers at the end of February. After the initial announcement, the smartphone was made available for pre-order, and now it is officially on sale in the market.

    Oppo F25 Pro 5G Price and Launch Offers in India

    The Oppo F25 Pro 5G is priced as follows in India:

    • 8GB + 128GB – ₹23,999 (~$290)
    • 8GB + 256GB – ₹25,999 (~$315)

    This smartphone is presented in two distinct color options, Lava Red and Ocean Blue. Interested individuals can benefit from attractive launch offers, including up to 10% instant cashback on transactions made through various banks and financial institutions. Additionally, there are options for no-cost EMI and installment plans with zero downpayment. Buyers also receive a complimentary 180-day Screen Damage Protection plan and have the chance to win a PlayStation by registering their device on the My Oppo app.

    Oppo F25 Pro 5G Specifications

    The Oppo F25 Pro 5G boasts a 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a resolution of 2412 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The display supports HDR10+ content and achieves a peak brightness level of 1100 nits.

    Powering the device is a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC coupled with a 5,000mAh battery. This is complemented by LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage for efficient performance.

    In terms of photography, the smartphone features a triple camera setup consisting of a 64MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro camera. For selfies, there is a 32MP front camera.

    Connectivity options include dual SIM support, 5G capabilities, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GNSS, and USB Type-C. The device also includes an in-screen fingerprint sensor, IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, 67W wired charging support, and runs on ColorOS 14 based on Android 14.

    For those in search of a feature-rich smartphone with competitive pricing, the Oppo F25 Pro 5G presents a compelling option in the market.