Tag: Chinese market

  • Why Illegal ROMs Appear on the Lenovo G02 Game Boy-Style Handheld

    Why Illegal ROMs Appear on the Lenovo G02 Game Boy-Style Handheld

    Key Takeaway

    – Lenovo confirms the G02 exists and is produced under a regional brand license for China, not part of Lenovo’s official global lineup.
    – Lenovo disclaims responsibility for ROMs and pre-installed games, stating third-party retailers may add software or content without Lenovo’s control.
    – The alleged pre-installed ROMs have led to embarrassment and skepticism, with retailers on platforms like AliExpress implicated; the device is no longer available there.

    Overview

    The G02 is a gaming handheld in a Game Boy-style format and designed for emulation – unlike the Legion Go. At first, it was unclear whether the device actually came from Lenovo or whether a third-party manufacturer had simply copied the Chinese company’s branding. According to reports, the G02 is said to ship with pre-installed ROM collections, including Nintendo games, which would be highly questionable from a legal perspective. Lenovo has since commented on the matter. According to the company, the handheld does indeed come from Lenovo.

    Origin and Licensing

    Speaking to Retro Dodo, Lenovo confirmed that the G02 is not a fake, but was produced under a regional brand license for the Chinese market. Accordingly, the device is not part of Lenovo’s official global portfolio. However, Lenovo rejects responsibility for the ROM allegations: neither Lenovo nor authorized licensees offer devices with memory cards or pre-installed games. Lenovo told Retro Dodo that it has no control over third-party retailers that add software or content. In short, the illegal ROMs must have found their way onto the handhelds through retailers.

    Reception and Community

    In the Reddit community, this explanation has received a lukewarm response. Many users are mocking Lenovo, saying the company apparently merely contributed its name, after which an OEM built a cheap white-label device and retailers on AliExpress added ROM collections as usual. All in all, then, this is not a major scandal, but still a rather embarrassing showing for Lenovo. The Lenovo G02 is currently no longer available on AliExpress or Alibaba. The reasons for this remain unclear.

     

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  • Honor Power 3: Up to 12,000mAh Battery and Dimensity 8600 Specs

    Honor Power 3: Up to 12,000mAh Battery and Dimensity 8600 Specs

    Key Takeaway

    – Honor Power 3 reportedly aims for a massive 11,000–12,000 mAh battery, pushing beyond most Android phones.
    – It is tipped to use MediaTek Dimensity 8600 (3 nm), potentially improving efficiency and battery life versus the Power 2’s 4 nm chip.
    – The device may face thermal and charging-speed challenges if the high-capacity figure is close to final specs; real-world numbers may differ.
    – The focus appears China-centric with no confirmed global release yet; if global, the battery may be smaller.

    Honor Power 3 Battery Ding-Dong News

    The rumor mill is buzzing about Honor crafting the Power 3 as the potential successor to the Power 2, which first showed up earlier this year with a notably huge 10,080mAh cell. Folks say the Power 3 might push capacity to around 11,000 or 12,000mAh, a move that would put it far ahead of most Android phones currently out there.

    Chipset and Process Notes

    Leakers claim MediaTek’s Dimensity 8600 could be the heart of the Power 3, allegedly built on a 3 nm process. While full technical specs for the SoC aren’t leaked yet, the shift to a newer node—Power 2 used a 4 nm chip—could help stretch battery life beyond what a simple capacity bump would achieve. Managing heat and charging speeds might become tricky for Honor if the final hardware really hits that capacity target.

    Market Focus and Timing

    Honor seems to be leaning into high-endurance devices for the domestic Chinese market. The Power 2 debuted in January 2026 as part of a growing push toward ultra-large silicon-carbon batteries, enabling more capacity without thick devices. Other Chinese brands, like Oppo and Realme, have already crossed the 7,000mAh threshold; a 12,000mAh model would still be a bold leap for the segment.

    Release Outlook

    The leak timing aligns with Honor’s broader roadmap. The company is tipped to refresh its flagship Magic series later this year and reportedly roll out additional gaming-focused Win 2 models. If Honor follows its prior cadence, the Power 3 could appear in early 2027, though timing isn’t guaranteed and details could shift.

    Important Cautions and Market Context

    As with early rumors, some caution is wise. Battery figures shared during development do not always reflect commercial hardware, especially when weight and thickness are still crucial selling points. Yet, the report suggests Chinese smartphone makers keep battery life as a key differentiator, particularly as gains in chip tech become more incremental each year.

    Regional Focus and Availability

    So far, the device seems to be targeted mainly at the Chinese market, with Honor focusing several high-capacity battery models there. There’s no confirmed information about a global or international release yet, but it’s common for global versions to carry smaller batteries. Time will tell if the Power 3 will eventually reach broader markets.


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  • Sony LinkBuds Bluetooth Speaker: 25h Playback, IPX4, Stereo Pairing

    Sony LinkBuds Bluetooth Speaker: 25h Playback, IPX4, Stereo Pairing

    Earlier this year, Sony introduced the LinkBuds Bluetooth Speaker to the worldwide market. Now, the speaker has made its way to China and is currently up for grabs. Let’s dive into some of the main specifications.

    Specifications of Sony LinkBuds Speaker

    The Chinese edition of the Sony LinkBuds Bluetooth speaker has been fine-tuned to cater to the tastes of Chinese listeners. It boasts a playback time of 25 hours at 50% volume, providing a continuous listening session for long durations. This device also offers fast charging, allowing for 70 minutes of playback after just a 10-minute charge.

    It features a dual-speaker system that includes a 16mm high-frequency driver with 10W of power and a 48x56mm mid-low frequency driver that delivers 12W. Furthermore, there are two passive radiators that improve the bass response and enhance overall sound quality. A built-in S-Master amplifier ensures the audio is both clear and immersive.

    Connectivity Features

    The speaker is equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring smooth connectivity and multi-point pairing, which lets it connect to two devices at the same time. The Auto Switch feature enables seamless transitions between compatible Sony headphones and the speaker when listening to music.

    This functionality is compatible with models like the WH-1000XM5, WF-1000XM5, LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open, and LinkBuds S, and it requires the Sony Sound Connect App for updates and setup.

    User-Friendly Design

    There’s a Quick Access button that makes it easy for users to play their favorite tracks from apps like QQ Music or Endel. The speaker also supports stereo pairing, which allows two speakers to work together to create a surround sound experience.

    Its compact and portable design includes a special wireless charging dock and a convenient built-in handle. Plus, it has an IPX4 rating, meaning it’s resistant to everyday splashes.

    The Sony Sound Connect App enhances usability with various features, such as an equalizer, Auto Play, and customizable settings. The dimensions of the speaker are 84x110x90mm, and it weighs around 520g.

    Pricing and Where to Buy

    The Sony LinkBuds Bluetooth speaker is priced at 1,299 yuan ($178). It is available in black and light grey color choices and can be purchased in China through Sony’s official channels and authorized sellers.

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  • Huawei Mate XT Tri-Fold Gets 3M Reservations in China

    Huawei Mate XT Tri-Fold Gets 3M Reservations in China

    Following Apple’s announcement of the iPhone 16 series, Huawei is gearing up to introduce its innovative Mate XT Ultimate Design, a tri-fold phone that is already generating buzz among Chinese consumers.

    Huawei initiated pre-reservations for the Mate XT on September 7, and in just two days, the phone had already gathered an impressive 3 million reservations. While this doesn’t necessarily mean sales, it does indicate significant interest. If you’re keen to secure one, reservations are open until September 19, with the official release set for September 20.

    Color Choices and Storage Options

    The Mate XT offers four color selections: Dark Black, Crimson Red, classic White, and a bold Green. For storage, buyers can choose from options of 16GB RAM coupled with either 512GB or 1TB of space.

    Speculating on Specifications

    Rumors suggest that the Mate XT features a massive 10-inch display when unfolded, complete with a punch-hole selfie camera that’s speculated to be 8 megapixels. On the rear, it’s said to come with a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 13-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a periscope telephoto lens for enhanced zoom capabilities. The device is reportedly powered by a Kirin 9-series chipset, though details remain scarce.

    Price and Market Availability

    Regarding other specifications, we remain in the realm of speculation. The price is also unconfirmed, but whispers suggest a hefty 15,000 Yuan (approximately $2,100) in China. Given its price point and status as a first-generation foldable, Huawei might initially restrict the Mate XT’s availability to its home market.

    Durability concerns have been a common issue with early foldable phones, and Huawei is likely aware of this. We’ll have to wait until the official unveiling on September 10th to see if these issues have been addressed.

    Huawei Mate XT Tri-Fold Gets 3M Reservations in China
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  • Apple reveals 2 new R&D labs in Shanghai and Shenzhen, China

    Apple reveals 2 new R&D labs in Shanghai and Shenzhen, China

    Tech giant Apple is strategically expanding its research and development (R&D) presence in China as part of its efforts to address challenges and leverage opportunities in the Chinese market.

    Boosting R&D Presence in China

    Apple is directing its focus towards enhancing its existing applied research lab in Shanghai. This facility concentrates on refining the materials and construction of Apple products to elevate their quality and performance. Simultaneously, the company is constructing a new applied research lab in Shenzhen, slated to commence operations by the latter part of 2024. This new lab aims to support employees, foster closer collaborations with local suppliers, and bolster the connection between Apple and Chinese manufacturers. It will provide advanced research facilities for regional staff and enhance testing capabilities for flagship products like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro.

    Investment in R&D

    Isabel Ge Mahe, Apple Greater China, highlighted the company's increased commitment to R&D in the region, with investments exceeding $139 million in applied research labs in China. Moreover, Apple has doubled its R&D staff in China over the past five years, indicating a significant dedication to innovation and development in the country.

    Despite facing stiff competition from local smartphone brands such as Huawei, Apple's expansion efforts underscore its determination to maintain a strong foothold in the Chinese market, which offers substantial long-term potential. The imminent opening of Apple's eighth store in Shanghai, Apple Jing’an, underscores the company's commitment to expanding its retail presence in China. Local retailers have been offering notable discounts on Apple products to sustain sales momentum, reflecting a successful strategy thus far. As Apple continues to navigate the dynamic Chinese tech landscape, its ability to sustain consumer interest and engagement remains a key factor for future success.

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  • Sony denies rumors of exiting Chinese smartphone market

    Sony denies rumors of exiting Chinese smartphone market

    Recent reports indicating Sony’s potential withdrawal from the Chinese smartphone market have been outright denied by the company itself. Sony has released a statement affirming its ongoing dedication to the region.

    Sony’s Commitment to China

    Sony China emphasized, stating, “Sony’s various operations in China, including the mobile phone sector, continue to operate smoothly. China stands as one of Sony’s key international markets, and the company holds high hopes for its future growth in the region.”

    This official declaration serves to dispel uncertainties surrounding Sony’s prospects in China, which have been subject to ongoing speculation. Despite a decline in Sony’s smartphone market share in China in recent times, the company shows a clear resolve to sustain its presence amidst fierce competition.

    Sony’s History in China

    Sony initially entered the Chinese smartphone market more than ten years ago following the acquisition of Ericsson’s stake in a joint venture.

    In the face of rapid market expansion and heightened rivalry within China, Sony has faced challenges in keeping up. Nonetheless, the company continues to market its existing phone models, such as the Xperia PRO-I, Xperia 5 III, Xperia 1 V, Xperia 5V, and Xperia 1 IV, through its Chinese website.

    Future Smartphone Releases

    Reports suggest that Sony is actively developing a new lineup of smartphones slated for launch in 2024, potentially including the Sony Xperia 1 VI and 5 VI.

    Details about these upcoming devices remain scarce at present. However, leaks hint at features like the Xperia 1 VI incorporating 48MP lenses across all three of its cameras. Additionally, both models are anticipated to introduce a feature that digitally signs photos upon capture, ensuring authenticity and safeguarding against alterations.

    Stay tuned for further updates on these forthcoming Sony smartphones.

    Sony denies rumors of exiting Chinese smartphone market
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  • Sony Report: Potential Exit from Chinese Smartphone Market

    Sony Report: Potential Exit from Chinese Smartphone Market

    Sony, the renowned Japanese technology company, appears to be contemplating a significant shift in its smartphone approach, with indications suggesting a potential departure from the highly competitive Chinese smartphone market.

    According to sources from Chinese media, Sony is reportedly planning not to introduce its upcoming Xperia smartphone in China, hinting at a probable complete withdrawal of its mobile division from the mainland Chinese market.

    Sony’s Struggle in the Chinese Market

    The specific rationale behind this decision remains ambiguous, although one plausible explanation could be the challenges Sony has faced in establishing a substantial foothold in the Chinese smartphone sector. Sony’s foray into the Chinese smartphone market commenced with its acquisition of Ericsson’s share more than a decade ago. Despite an initially promising start, Sony has encountered difficulties in keeping pace with its competitors, resulting in a modest market share for the company.

    Future Prospects and Sony’s Expertise

    While a potential exit from China might be disheartening, it does not signify the end of Sony’s involvement in the mobile industry. Sony’s prominence in the smartphone camera sensor arena ensures its continued significance in the market.

    However, it is essential to note that Sony has not yet officially validated or refuted these reports. Consequently, any alterations concerning the availability of Sony phones in China should be viewed as speculative until an official statement is released.

    Sony Report: Potential Exit from Chinese Smartphone Market

    Unveiling Future Sony Xperia Models

    Reports hint at the possible launch of the Xperia 1 VI and 5 VI by Sony in the near future. Speculations suggest that Sony aims to introduce pioneering in-camera digital signature technology in its upcoming Xperia phones. This feature would enable users to electronically sign photographs directly through the camera, ensuring their authenticity and thwarting any potential alterations.

    In a separate report from January, potential camera specifications for the Xperia 1 VI were disclosed, indicating the inclusion of 48MP sensors for all three lenses. However, specifics regarding the launch dates or locations for these devices are currently unavailable.

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  • iQOO Pad Air: 144Hz Display, Snapdragon 870, 44W Fast Charging – Price Around $249

    iQOO Pad Air: 144Hz Display, Snapdragon 870, 44W Fast Charging – Price Around $249

    iQOO Pad Air Unveiled with Impressive Features

    iQOO Pad Air was recently introduced as the second tablet offering from iQOO for the Chinese market. Already available for pre-orders within China, the device's official website now showcases its detailed specifications and pricing. Let's delve into what this tablet brings to the table.

    iQOO Pad Air Specifications and Highlights

    The iQOO Pad Air boasts an 11.5-inch LCD display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, sporting a resolution of 2800×1840. Users can enjoy a smooth visual experience with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, brightness of up to 500 nits, and HDR10 support. Powering the device is the robust Snapdragon 870 chipset, accompanied by options of 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM and storage variants ranging from 128GB to 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

    Impressive Camera and Audio Capabilities

    Equipped with an 8500mAh battery, the iQOO Pad Air supports 44W flash charging via a convenient USB-C interface. The tablet features a 5-megapixel front camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of various shooting modes and 1080p video recording. Moreover, the Pad Air comes with a super linear quad-speaker system, delivering an immersive audio experience.

    Connectivity and Accessories

    Offering a range of connectivity options, the Pad Air includes features like dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and USB 3.2 Gen 1. Running on OriginOS 3 for Pad-based Android 13, the device also supports accessories such as the iQOO Pencil and iQOO Keyboard Air. With dimensions measuring 259.743 x 176 x 6.67mm and weighing 530 grams, this tablet is designed for both portability and performance.

    Pricing Details and Color Options

    In the Chinese market, the iQOO Pad Air is priced as follows:

    • 8GB+128GB variant: 1,799 Yuan (~$249)
    • 8GB+256GB model: 1,999 Yuan (~$277)
    • 12GB+256GB edition: 2,299 Yuan (~$319)
    • 12GB+512GB variant: 2,599 Yuan (~$361)

    Available in Gray Crystal and Lan Ting (blue) color options, the iQOO Pad Air offers a choice of shades to suit different preferences. It's worth noting that the iQOO Pad Air is essentially a rebranded version of the Vivo Pad Air, which made its debut in China last year.

    For those seeking a feature-packed tablet experience, the iQOO Pad Air presents a compelling option with its blend of performance, camera capabilities, and audio enhancements.

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  • iQOO Pad Air: 144Hz Display, Snapdragon 870, 44W Fast Charging – Price Around $249

    iQOO Pad Air: 144Hz Display, Snapdragon 870, 44W Fast Charging – Price Around $249

    iQOO Pad Air Unveiled with Impressive Features

    iQOO Pad Air was recently introduced as the second tablet offering from iQOO for the Chinese market. Already available for pre-orders within China, the device’s official website now showcases its detailed specifications and pricing. Let’s delve into what this tablet brings to the table.

    iQOO Pad Air Specifications and Highlights

    The iQOO Pad Air boasts an 11.5-inch LCD display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, sporting a resolution of 2800×1840. Users can enjoy a smooth visual experience with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, brightness of up to 500 nits, and HDR10 support. Powering the device is the robust Snapdragon 870 chipset, accompanied by options of 8 GB or 12 GB of RAM and storage variants ranging from 128GB to 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage.

    Impressive Camera and Audio Capabilities

    Equipped with an 8500mAh battery, the iQOO Pad Air supports 44W flash charging via a convenient USB-C interface. The tablet features a 5-megapixel front camera and an 8-megapixel rear camera capable of various shooting modes and 1080p video recording. Moreover, the Pad Air comes with a super linear quad-speaker system, delivering an immersive audio experience.

    Connectivity and Accessories

    Offering a range of connectivity options, the Pad Air includes features like dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and USB 3.2 Gen 1. Running on OriginOS 3 for Pad-based Android 13, the device also supports accessories such as the iQOO Pencil and iQOO Keyboard Air. With dimensions measuring 259.743 x 176 x 6.67mm and weighing 530 grams, this tablet is designed for both portability and performance.

    Pricing Details and Color Options

    In the Chinese market, the iQOO Pad Air is priced as follows:

    • 8GB+128GB variant: 1,799 Yuan (~$249)
    • 8GB+256GB model: 1,999 Yuan (~$277)
    • 12GB+256GB edition: 2,299 Yuan (~$319)
    • 12GB+512GB variant: 2,599 Yuan (~$361)

    Available in Gray Crystal and Lan Ting (blue) color options, the iQOO Pad Air offers a choice of shades to suit different preferences. It’s worth noting that the iQOO Pad Air is essentially a rebranded version of the Vivo Pad Air, which made its debut in China last year.

    For those seeking a feature-packed tablet experience, the iQOO Pad Air presents a compelling option with its blend of performance, camera capabilities, and audio enhancements.

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  • Nubia Flip 5G NX302J Specifications Revealed via TENAA Ahead of Launch

    Nubia Flip 5G NX302J Specifications Revealed via TENAA Ahead of Launch

    New listings on China’s TENAA certification platform have revealed two Nubia phones are in the works for the Chinese market. These devices have been spotted with model numbers NX724J and NX302J. The former is expected to launch in China with the Nubia Flip 5G moniker. There is no word about the final moniker of the NX302J. Here is a look at what the two smartphones will offer.

    Nubia Flip 5G specifications

    First up, the Nubia Flip 5G (NX724J) will be the company’s first foldable phone for the Chinese market. This clamshell phone will sport a large 6.9-inch AMOLED main display that produces 1180 x 2790 pixels of resolution, paired with a useful secondary 1.43-inch AMOLED cover screen with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels. It seems this device might share some DNA with the ZTE Libero Flip recently launched in Japan.

    Under the hood, it has a 2.4GHz chip, which appears to be the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1. The device will offer 8 GB / 12 GB of RAM, 256 GB / 512 GB of storage, and a 970 + 3210mAh (rated value) dual-cell battery. As per the 3C certification of the device, it may offer 33W fast charging. On the front, it has a 16-megapixel selfie camera, and its rear shell is fitted with a 50-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual-camera system. For security, it has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. The device measures 170 x 75.5 x 7.0mm and weighs 209 grams.

    Nubia NX302J specifications

    The Nubia NX302J 5G appears to be a budget-friendly device equipped with a 6.56-inch LCD HD+ display. It will house a 2.2GHz processor and a 5,000mAh battery. The device will offer 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB of RAM options and 128 GB / 256 GB of storage.

    Interestingly, the device has a 108-megapixel + 2-megapixel dual-camera system on the back. For selfies, it has a 5-megapixel front camera. It also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The handset measures 163.6 x 74.9 x 8.95mm and weighs 205.5 grams.

    Launch Details

    The TENAA listings for these devices do not have their images yet. As far as the launch is concerned, the Nubia Flip 5G is scheduled to debut at MWC 2024. Both devices are likely to hit the Chinese market in March.

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