Category: Phones

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  • Apple Fights Against Right-to-Repair Bill Endangering Its Device Repair Monopoly

    Apple Fights Against Right-to-Repair Bill Endangering Its Device Repair Monopoly

    On February 8, 2024, the Oregon State Legislature introduced a bill, SB 1596, that challenges the common practice of component encryption by manufacturers like Apple. This bill stands out from others in states like California by requiring companies to provide the needed documentation, tools, and parts for repairs. It also bans the encryption of components that limit third-party repairs and the use of non-original parts.

    Credit: iFixit

    Apple Clashes With New Right-to-Repair Legislation

    Apple, a major supporter of component encryption, strongly opposes this bill. The company argues that encrypting components helps make repairs more convenient and keeps devices and personal data secure. John Perry, a senior member of Apple’s security design team, says that the legislation would force manufacturers to allow parts from unknown sources, risking device security.

    Debate Over Consumer Rights and Device Security

    During the legislative hearings, a notable moment came from a video testimony by cybersecurity expert Tarah Wheeler, who highlighted Apple’s firm stance on maintaining control over device repairs. This perspective aligns with Apple’s broader argument that the bill could dilute the security and integrity of device ecosystems by opening the door to third-party components and repair services not vetted by the original manufacturers.

    Apple has also pointed to recent updates in its repair processes as evidence of its efforts to accommodate consumer needs for more accessible repair options. These updates have streamlined the process for replacing components, eliminating the need for customers to directly engage with Apple support for such activities.

    The Balance Between Consumer Advocacy and Manufacturer Concerns

    The debate centers around the balance between consumer rights to repair and the security and integrity of devices. Apple has historically utilized component encryption to prevent the use of unauthorized parts, citing security concerns. For instance, replacing a screen with a non-Apple part could lead to the disabling of features like Face ID. While replacing the battery can trigger a “Service” message and disable the battery health monitoring feature in the settings.

    SB 1596 represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussion around right-to-repair legislation, highlighting the tension between consumer advocacy for more open repair ecosystems and manufacturers’ concerns over security and proprietary control. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, the tech industry and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how this balance is navigated.

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  • UL Demko certification reveals enigmatic Google Pixel smartphone featuring 4942mAh battery

    UL Demko certification reveals enigmatic Google Pixel smartphone featuring 4942mAh battery

    Google is actively working on a range of upcoming smartphones. This includes the Pixel 8a, the flagship Pixel 9 series, and the highly-anticipated Pixel Fold 2.

    Pixel 8a Design Leak

    We have already seen a glimpse of Pixel 8a’s design via the leaked retail packaging while renders of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro have also surfaced showing a distinct design language for the company’s upcoming smartphone series. Now, a new element has been added to the mix.

    GH2MB UL Demko Certification

    An upcoming Google smartphone, carrying the model number GH2MB, has been spotted on the UL Demko certification website. The certification confirms that the device will feature a 4,942mAh rated battery, likely to be marketed as approximately 5,000mAh.

    The battery capacity of this mystery device hints that it may not be the traditionally budget-focused Pixel 8a. Its size aligns more closely with the battery expectations for the flagship Pixel 9 series, particularly the Pro variants.

    It’s also possible that this certification relates to the Pixel Fold 2, as a larger battery would be suitable for a foldable phone’s demanding form factor.

    But the listing doesn’t specify what device exactly it is. Further certifications should shed more light on the GH2MB’s true identity and specifications in the near future.

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  • Impressive Design and Portrait Mastery: Review of Realme 12 Pro

    Impressive Design and Portrait Mastery: Review of Realme 12 Pro

    Capitalizing on the success of its predecessor, Realme has once again raised the bar in the mid-range smartphone market with the launch of the Realme 12 Pro series last month. Among the standout offerings, the Realme 12 Pro+ catches attention with its luxury watch-inspired camera deco design and groundbreaking periscope telephoto camera. Meanwhile, its counterpart, the Realme 12 Pro offers the same design language, and shines with its distinct feature—a powerful telephoto camera delivering up to 2x optical zoom. Here, in this review, let us have a closer look to see what the Realme 12 Pro has to offer.

    Realme 12 Pro 5G: What’s in the box?

    The Realme 12 Pro 5G’s retail package includes the following items:

    • Realme 12 Pro handset
    • 67W SuperVOOC charger
    • USB-A to USB-C cable
    • TPU case
    • SIM ejector tool
    • Safety Guide
    • Quick Guide

    Realme 12 Pro 5G review: Design and Display

    It goes without saying that the Realme 12 Pro exudes a “wow” factor with its design. While the Submarine Blue variant is undeniably eye-catching, the Navigator Beige edition of the device takes a more conservative approach. Personally, I lean towards the blue variant; its luxury watch-inspired design, stain-resistant vegan leather finish, and good accents, which are also available on the beige variant, accentuate its appeal even further. It appears that the brand has paid a lot of attention to offering the best possible design for its price. Readers should note that the rear texture easily attracts dirt (as seen in the images), though it is also easy to clean.

    The Realme 12 Pro’s front has a curved-edge display and a leathery finish on the back that improves grip and feels comfortable in the hand. Notably, the phone is IP65-rated for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability against environmental hazards. With a thickness of 8.75mm and a weight of 190 grams, it maintains a balanced profile, offering both substance and manageability.

    The Realme 12 Pro has a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel delivering an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, 2160Hz PWM dimming, and 10-bit color depth. Realme goes the extra mile by introducing the ProXDR feature, typically found in pricier smartphones, to enhance HDR photo details in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the O1 Video Colour Boost engine, available for select apps, upscales SDR content to HDR, enriching the viewing experience. Users can further customize their display experience with color profile options including Vivid, Natural, and Cinematic. As for protection, the device boasts a 0.5mm tempered high-strengthened glass.

    Realme 12 Pro 5G review: Performance and Software

    While Realme has not advertised it, the Realme 12 Pro is the first phone to feature the 4nm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip in India. The chipset is not designed for high-end gaming, but it does work just fine for casual gaming and day-to-day tasks. Users may experience some choppiness while playing demanding games, but the 12 Pro is not designed for pro-level gaming. The chipset is complemented by LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. And it also offers up to 16 GB of virtual RAM.

    The Realme 12 Pro can be juiced by using a 67W fast charger. It goes from 0 to 100 percent in under 50 minutes, and with typical use, the device can last for the entire day. The Realme 12 Pro runs on Android 14 and Realme UI 5. The phone is confirmed to get Android 15 and 16 OS upgrades and security patches for three years. While it seems that the brand has slightly reduced the number of preloaded apps, it does have some apps that cannot be uninstalled. The most recent security patch that the device received is from December 2023.

    Some of the highlights of Realme UI 5 include File Dock, Flash Capsule (iPhone-like Dynamic Island notifications), Smart Image Matting, and Phone Link (for Windows PC). The overall experience of the OS is quite smooth, with no noticeable hiccups. Here is how the phone performs on the benchmarking apps.

    Realme 12 Pro 5G review: Photography and other features

    The Realme 12 Pro has a Sony IMX882 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS support and a 26mm focal length. There is chatter that its new name is the LYT-600, which is available on the Reno 11 5G as the primary camera. The 12 Pro’s main camera is accompanied by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 32-megapixel Sony IMX709 telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, 4x in-sensor zoom, and 47mm focal length. The camera department has received a major upgrade, as the predecessor model featured a 100-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. On the front, the 12 Pro has a 16-megapixel Hynix Hi1634Q selfie camera.

    The Realme 12 Pro offers an extensive array of photography modes, including Pro mode, Panorama, Hi-Res mode, Timelapse, Long Exposure, Dual-View, Starry Mode, and more. Standard modes such as Photo, Video, Portrait, Night, and Street are also available. In Photo mode, users can select from options like 0.6x (ultra-wide), 1x (regular), 2x (optical zoom), 4x (in-sensor zoom), and up to 20x digital zoom. Additionally, the camera app features a new watermark feature that displays the main colors of the captured shot. The device also offers special camera filters, such as Journey, Maverick, and Memory, in collaboration with Claudio Miranda, a Chilean cinematographer who is best known for winning an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for his work on “Life of Pi”.

    In daylight conditions, the photography skills of the Realme 12 Pro excel, particularly with its impressive 2x shots. The color consistency and details between the IMX882 and IMX709 lenses are commendable, though the ultra-wide lens may lack in this regard. The telephoto camera performs well in capturing portrait selfies with excellent background blur and subject focus, and it can also be used for macro shots.

    Regarding video shooting, the Realme 12 Pro can record up to 30fps 4K videos, with OIS-enabled shots limited to 60fps FHD videos. However, it lacks the portrait video feature, which is reserved for the 12 Pro+. Videos captured in daylight offer plenty of detail, but the results may be less desirable in low-light conditions.

    Furthermore, the Realme 12 Pro impresses with its haptic feedback, which can be adjusted via O-Haptics for intensity across the user interface, adding to the overall user experience. The device lacks NFC and a microSD slot. The fingerprint sensor works fine, but its position feels a bit low.

    Realme 12 Pro 5G review: Verdict

    Apart from the cameras, the Realme 12 Pro may not appear to be a significant upgrade compared to its predecessor, the Realme 11 Pro. However, the overall package it offers is quite impressive, particularly considering that there are no other phones in its price segment offering a telephoto camera. This feature will particularly appeal to users seeking a device priced around Rs 25,000 that can capture zoomed-in shots without sacrificing details. Regarding the price, the Realme 12 Pro has seen a Rs 2,000 increase over its predecessor. However, current bank offers allow users to avail themselves of a discount of Rs 2,000 using bank or coupon discounts. If you are considering purchasing the device, this could be an opportune time to do so.

    Realme 12 Pro’s only major rivals in the current lot are the Poco X6 Pro, which is a performance-driven phone, and the Redmi Note 13 Pro. Each has its pros and cons, but when it comes to versatile photography, the Realme 12 Pro can outshine its rivals.

    Realme 12 Pro 5G: Variants, Price and Availability

    In India, the Realme 12 Pro 5G is available in the following variants.

    • 8 GB + 128 GB: Rs 25,999 (~$315)
    • 8 GB + 256 GB: Rs 26,999 (~$325)

    Colors: Submarine Blue, Navigator Beige

    WHERE TO BUY

    Buy Realme12 Pro 5G @ Flipkart| Realme India website

    Disclaimer: All of the opinions in this Realme 12 Pro review are mine and based on my own experiences. There has been no editorial input from Realme.

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  • Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro

    Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro

    iQOO recently held a media briefing in Mumbai, offering attendees a firsthand look at the impressive camera features of the upcoming iQOO Neo 9 Pro. The event provided an opportunity to explore the device’s photography and videography capabilities with the Neo 9 Pro, which is set to debut in India on Feb. 22.

    Camera Features

    The two-day event showcased the main camera, portrait mode, and night mode capacities of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro. For those who don’t know, the device features a 50-megapixel Sony IMX920 main camera with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS support. It is the same primary camera that is available on the Vivo X100. The main snapper is joined by an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens with a 116-degree FOV.

    Camera Samples

    • Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro
    • Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro
    • Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro
    • Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro
    • Check out the camera samples of the iQOO Neo 9 Pro

    In portrait mode, the Neo 9 Pro allows users to switch between 1x and 2x focal lengths. For an enhanced photography experience in night or low-light conditions, users can make use of the Super Night Vision mode, which enhances the details when there is less light.

    Specifications

    In terms of other specs, the company has already confirmed that it will feature a 6.78-inch AMOLED LTP panel that offers a 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and the iQOO Q1 Supercomputing chip. It will arrive in two variants, such as 8 GB RAM + 128 GB storage and 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage. The phone will offer up to 12 GB of virtual RAM and a 5,160mAh battery with 120W fast charging. It will be available in shades, such as Fiery Red and Conqueror Black.

    The above specs show that the iQOO Neo 9 Pro will be a performance-driven phone. But the camera samples will not disappoint in the photography department.

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  • Tipped: Key specifications and price range of the Vivo Y200e

    Tipped: Key specifications and price range of the Vivo Y200e

    Vivo is reportedly gearing up to launch the Vivo Y200e 5G in India. A recent report not only revealed the main features of the device but also claimed that it will break cover this month. Now, a new leak, courtesy of tipster Abhishek Yadav, has revealed the key specifications and price range of the device.

    Vivo Y200e 5G Specifications (Rumored)

    The specs revealed in the leak suggest that it will be a tweaked version of the Y100 5G, which recently debuted in Indonesia. In India, the device will rival the likes of the Oppo A79, the Samsung Galaxy A15, and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite.

    • 6.67-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display with up to 1200 nits of brightness
    • Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
    • 6 GB / 8 GB of RAM
    • Up to 8 GB of extended RAM
    • 128 GB of storage
    • FunTouch OS 14-based Android 14
    • 5,000mAh battery with 44W fast charging support
    • Dual speakers with 300 percent audio booster support
    • 16-megapixel selfie camera
    • 50-megapixel main camera, 2-megapixel depth sensor, and flicker sensor
    • Leather back with a thickness of only 7.79mm
    • Diamond Black variant weighs 185 grams, Saffron Delight model weighs 191 grams

    Pricing and Availability

    The leak also states that the device will be priced at under Rs 20,000.

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  • Flipkart’s Valentine’s Day Sale offers a whopping Rs 13,900 discount on Apple iPhone 15

    Flipkart’s Valentine’s Day Sale offers a whopping Rs 13,900 discount on Apple iPhone 15

    Apple launched its latest iPhone generation back in September 2023. Now, the base iPhone 15 model is officially going on discount just a couple of months after its release during Flipkart’s Valentine’s Day sale.

    Apple iPhone 15 Valentine’s Day Sale

    To recall, the Cupertino based giant unveiled the iPhone 15 for a starting price tag of 79,900 INR in the region for its 128GB model. On the other hand, the 256GB and 512GB variants cost 89,900 INR and 109,900 INR respectively. But during the Valentine’s Day sale on Flipkart, you can get your hands on an iPhone 15 for just 65,999 INR for the base version.

    Apple iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus

    This is thanks to a 13,900 INR discount. Buyers can get an additional discount of 1,500 INR with Citi, HSBC, DBS, and Bank of Baroda cards. HDFC Credit card holders can avail a flat 2,000 INR discount as well, which basically brings down the effective price tag to just 63,999 INR. Lastly, Flipkart Axis Bank Credit card holders can avail a 3,300 INR cashback. Interestingly, the Indian discount follows a week after Apple discounted the price of the iPhone 15 in China during the Chinese New Year.

    For those unaware, the iPhone 15 is available for purchase in multiple colors, namely Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink, and Black. It sports a 6.1-inch OLED display with a Dynamic Island and HDR support. Under the hood, the iPhone 15 is equipped with the A16 Bionic chipset. The rear packs a 48-megapixel primary camera with OIS support and a 12-megapixel ultra wide angle lens. Meanwhile, the front offers a 12-megapixel selfie shooter.

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  • ColorOS New Year Edition: Oppo and OnePlus Embrace AI – Learn Which Models will Receive the Update

    ColorOS New Year Edition: Oppo and OnePlus Embrace AI – Learn Which Models will Receive the Update

    Artificial intelligence technologies continue to grow in popularity. Today, it is possible to see AI inspirations in many products and services. Of course, smartphone manufacturers are no exception. After Samsung introduced Galaxy AI to our lives with the S24 series, now Oppo and OnePlus have rolled out their AI-powered ColorOS New Year Edition update for millions of users. The update brings over 100 new AI features designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and user experience. Here are the details…

    Oppo and OnePlus Embrace AI with ColorOS New Year Edition Update

    Artificial intelligence technologies used in smartphones aim to make our daily lives easier. For example, one of the AI features that came into our lives with the ColorOS New Year Edition Update is AI Call Summary. This feature intelligently analyzes your phone calls, transcribing them and highlighting important points. It can even create to-do lists and reminders based on the conversation, saving you the hassle of note-taking during long calls.

    AI Elimination for Perfect Memories

    Another important feature that comes to Oppo and OnePlus phones with this update is AI Elimination. As you know, smartphones are our most important helpers in capturing unique moments. However, sometimes unwanted people or objects can enter the frame in our memories with our loved ones. With this feature, you can remove them and make quick and effortless image touch-ups.

    Personalized Greeting Cards and Festive Photo Studio

    Of course, the new year is wonderful when you share it with your loved ones. With the AI Greeting Cards feature, you can design personalized New Year greeting cards with the help of AI-generated suggestions and templates. Additionally, with Photo Studio, you can apply festive New Year-themed filters and templates to your photos, giving them a fun and celebratory makeover.

    Smarter Virtual Assistant and Model Coverage

    Oppo’s virtual assistant is now smarter and more functional than ever thanks to AI. The company claims that it even has an answer suggestion for awkward questions asked by your family. It can also suggest recipes for festive dishes, help generate greetings, scripts, and other written content, and provide Spring Festival facts and trivia. The ColorOS AI New Year Edition update first covers the following models:

    • Find X7 series
    • Reno10 series
    • Find X6 series
    • Find N3 series
    • OnePlus 12
    • OnePlus 11
    • OnePlus Ace 3
    • Reno11
    • Reno11 Pro
    • OnePlus Ace 2
    • Ace 2 Pro

    It is worth mentioning that at the beginning of this month, the Oppo Find N3 and X6 Pro mobile phones pushed the ColorOS 14.0.0.402/401 update, which has already added functions such as intelligent call summary and AI elimination. With the push of the ColorOS AI New Year Edition, more Oppo and OnePlus smartphone users will experience this function.

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  • Tipster: Custom Sony Primary Camera Possibly to Be Featured in Oppo Reno 12 Series

    Tipster: Custom Sony Primary Camera Possibly to Be Featured in Oppo Reno 12 Series

    The Oppo Reno 11F was recently launched in the global market, likely being the final addition to the Reno 11 series. With that out of the way, the brand is now focusing on the Reno 12 series, which is expected to arrive in June this year. Last week’s report revealed details about the chipset inside the Reno 12 series. Now, a new leak from Weibo Tipster 智慧皮卡丘 has revealed some key camera specifications of the Reno 12 series.

    Improved Camera Capabilities

    According to the tipster, the Reno 12 series will feature a custom Sony camera lens, suggesting significant improvements in photography capabilities. While the exact implications of the camera upgrade are unclear, there’s speculation about changes in image quality compared to earlier models.

    Impressive Specifications

    The Reno 12 is expected to be powered by a MediaTek MTK 24M processor, coupled with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. It’s also rumored to have a 6.7-inch FHD 120Hz OLED display and a design featuring a 4-sided curved glass back. In terms of the camera setup, it might consist of a 50MP OIS + 8MP dual rear camera and a 50MP selfie camera. The device is said to be complemented by a 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging.

    Pricing and Availability: The pricing and availability details of the Oppo Reno 12 series have not been revealed yet. We can expect more information to surface closer to the launch date in June.

    Reno 12 Pro

    As for the Reno 12 Pro, leaks suggest the use of a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 chipset, marking a departure from earlier Snapdragon speculations. The Pro model may share the standard model’s display and design traits but could include a more advanced 50MP (2x optical zoom) + 8MP dual rear camera setup and a 50MP autofocus selfie camera. Similar to the Reno 12, the Pro model is also expected to support a 5000mAh battery with 67W fast charging.

    Conclusion

    The Oppo Reno 12 series is generating a lot of excitement with its rumored camera improvements and impressive specifications. With the use of custom Sony camera lenses and powerful processors, Oppo is aiming to deliver a top-notch photography experience to its users. As we await the official launch in June, more details are expected to emerge, including pricing and availability information.

    • Tipster: Custom Sony Primary Camera Possibly to Be Featured in Oppo Reno 12 Series
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  • In 2023, Apple Dominates Smartphone Sales with Seven iPhone Models; Samsung Trails with Three Phones

    In 2023, Apple Dominates Smartphone Sales with Seven iPhone Models; Samsung Trails with Three Phones

    As per last month’s report, Apple toppled Samsung for the first time in 13 years as the top smartphone brand. Now, research firm Canalys is back with new data on the top 10 smartphones shipped last year across the world. Unsurprisingly, Apple once again dominated the list with the most devices. However, none of the other smartphone brands other than Apple and Samsung made it to the list. Read the entire details below.

    Apple ships the most smartphones in 2023

    As per Canalys report, the iPhone 14 Pro Max was the most-sold smartphone globally with 34 million units. The iPhone 15 Pro Max came close second with 33 million units after launching in September. The third spot was taken by the iPhone 14 with 29 million shipments. The iPhone 14 Pro and the two-year-old iPhone 13 bagged the fourth and fifth spots with 29 and 23 million units shipped respectively.

    The top five devices sold last year came from Apple

    The iPhone 15 Pro was seventh in the list selling 21 million units. The standard iPhone 15 rounded the list of top 10 with 17 million units. The iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus are notable mentions missing from the list.

    Only three phones from Samsung made it to the top 10

    Only three phones from Samsung were among the top 10 selling smartphones last year. Notably, they belonged to the South Korean brand’s Galaxy A-series. These include the Galaxy A14 4G at sixth place with 21 million sales. The other two were the Galaxy A54 5G and Galaxy A14 5G at the eighth and ninth spots respectively.

    No other brand including OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo etc made it to the list of most phones sold last year.


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  • Leaked: Timeline and Design for Honor Magic Flip Launch

    Leaked: Timeline and Design for Honor Magic Flip Launch

    Honor is preparing to launch its first ever flip foldable smartphone, the Magic Flip. A recent leak has provided details about the launch timeline and design of the device.

    Honor Magic Flip Launch Timeline & Live Image

    According to a leak on Weibo, the Magic Flip is expected to be released during China’s Spring Festival, which will take place between February 10th and 17th, 2024. The leak also includes an image that showcases the rear design of the phone.

    The leaked picture reveals that the Magic Flip features two circular ring modules on the back. The top module is likely to house the image sensors, while the lower one is expected to sport the external cover display. The design of the phone is reminiscent of clamshell folding phones from Huawei, Honor’s former parent company.

    Battery Details

    The Magic Flip is said to be powered by a 4,500mAh battery pack, which consists of a 2,420mAh + 1,980mAh dual-cell battery.

    It’s important to note that this information is based on an unconfirmed report, so it should be taken with a pinch of salt. More updates will be provided as additional details become available.

    • Leaked: Timeline and Design for Honor Magic Flip Launch
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