Tag: Galaxy S25 Ultra

  • Samsung Wallet Introduces Digital Key for 2026 Toyota RAV4

    Samsung Wallet Introduces Digital Key for 2026 Toyota RAV4

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung Wallet allows Galaxy smartphone users to store payment methods, ID cards, and digital car keys securely.
    2. Support for new car models has been gradual, with recent additions including Audi, Volvo, Polestar, Mercedes Benz, and Toyota.
    3. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 will be the first Toyota model supported, with a rollout starting in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, followed by Europe.
    4. Users need a Galaxy smartphone with Ultra Wide-band (UWB) and NFC to utilize the digital key feature, allowing keyless access to compatible vehicles.
    5. Samsung Wallet features biometric or PIN authentication for security, and users can remotely lock or erase their digital key if their phone is lost.

    It’s been several years since Samsung introduced Samsung Wallet, a service that lets Galaxy smartphone users safely keep payment methods, ID cards, and digital car keys. People with compatible smartphones can create a digital key for their compatible car model, allowing them to lock, unlock, and even start their vehicle using just their phone. However, the addition of new supported vehicles has been rather gradual, with only a handful of brands being included each year.

    Recent Additions

    Towards late 2024, Samsung brought support for specific Audi models, while in 2025, it expanded to include select Volvo, Polestar, and Mercedes Benz vehicles. This year, it’s starting off by supporting Toyota vehicles, beginning with the 2026 Toyota RAV4.

    The company announced that this feature will be available for certain 2026 Toyota RAV4 models, with the rollout starting this month in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A broader rollout will follow in Europe (including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom) in sync with the release dates of qualifying Toyota vehicles.

    Requirements for Use

    As with other vehicles, owners need a Galaxy smartphone that supports Ultra Wide-band (UWB) and Near Field Communications (NFC), such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is currently priced at $1,023.45 on Amazon. Once a compatible car is added to Samsung Wallet, users can lock, unlock, and start their vehicle without needing a physical key.

    Additionally, users can share the digital key with trusted people, which is useful if multiple family members drive the same car. Access can easily be revoked or modified whenever necessary. If you happen to misplace your smartphone, you can remotely lock or erase the key through the Samsung Find service.

    Security Features

    Samsung Wallet employs biometric or PIN authentication for security, and important details, such as Digital Keys, are kept locally and shielded by Samsung Knox.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Charging Speed: Official Test Results and Accessories

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Charging Speed: Official Test Results and Accessories

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to offer faster charging at 60 watts, an upgrade from the previous 45 watts.
    2. Charging times for the Galaxy S26 Ultra could allow it to reach 75% in 30 minutes, but real-world results may vary.
    3. The Galaxy S25 Ultra already showed improved charging speeds despite having the same 45-watt limit.
    4. The battery size is likely to remain at 5,000 mAh for both the S25 and S26 Ultra models.
    5. The accessory market is preparing for the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s release, with new products already emerging.

    The next version of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is set to offer faster charging than previous models, a change that hasn’t happened in several years. Chinese leaker Ice Universe has been pointing this out for a while. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to charge at 60 watts, which is an increase from the 45 watts maximum seen before. This means, in theory, it could charge a third quicker, although improvements in charging aren’t always perfectly straightforward. Our review of the Galaxy S25 Ultra showed that even with the unchanged 45-watt limit, charging times were a bit quicker than those of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

    Charging Times Revealed

    In our tests, we noted that achieving a full charge took 56 minutes, reaching 80% in 32 minutes, and 50% in just 17 minutes. Recently, Ice Universe shared some early test results from Samsung’s labs for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. According to these tests, the battery can allegedly reach 75% in 30 minutes. However, Ice has warned that this data is from controlled settings, and real-world conditions could greatly affect the actual charging times.

    Minimal Changes Expected

    When we compare this with our findings for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the charging speed doesn’t seem to change much with the new 60-watt charger. Earlier leaks hinted that it would nearly achieve the full 60 watts, something that didn’t always happen with the 45-watt charger previously. The battery size is anticipated to stay at 5,000 mAh, so it will be quite interesting to see a direct comparison between the two Galaxy flagships once the Galaxy S26 Ultra is released after the postponed Galaxy Unpacked event in March. The accessory market is already gearing up, as seen in recent examples of camera screen protectors and sturdy cases.

    Conclusion

    Ice Universe has been a prominent source of information regarding these developments, and as the launch date approaches, more details are likely to emerge.

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  • NexDock 6: 14-Inch Laptop Dock with 400 Nit Display and Trackpad Upgrade

    NexDock 6: 14-Inch Laptop Dock with 400 Nit Display and Trackpad Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. NexDock 6 is now available, replacing the NexDock XL and removing its convertible design and wireless features.
    2. The new trackpad features improved palm rejection and mechanical clicks, supporting multi-finger gestures across various operating systems.
    3. It has a 14-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels, 400 nits brightness, and covers 100% of the sRGB color space.
    4. The dock includes upgraded 2 W speakers, a 38 Wh battery lasting 6 to 7 hours, and can recharge devices even when turned off if plugged in.
    5. The retail price of the NexDock 6 is $229, plus shipping, and it is available in over 30 countries.

    NexDock has officially announced that its 6th-generation NexDock laptop dock, also known as a lap dock, is now available. This release comes more than two and a half years after the NexDock XL, but the new dock has ditched the XL’s convertible design and the wireless features. However, the NexDock 6 aims to exceed the capabilities of its earlier models in multiple ways.

    Improved Trackpad Features

    One of the most significant upgrades is the enhanced trackpad. Previously, trackpads on laptop docks, with the exception of the HP Elite X3 Lap Dock, were known for their poor palm rejection and unsatisfactory mechanical clicks. The NexDock reportedly addresses these issues while also allowing for two- and three-finger gestures on various operating systems like SteamOS, Linux, Windows, and Android desktop modes on devices such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $1,099 on Amazon).

    Display and Performance

    Initial reviews suggest that the new trackpad is performing well, in addition to the upgraded 14-inch touchscreen display. This display has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels and features a 16:10 aspect ratio, delivering a peak brightness of 400 nits and covering 100% of the sRGB color space. Unfortunately, the refresh rate is still fixed at 60 Hz, which may disappoint some users.

    The NexDock 6 also boasts better 2 W speakers and a 38 Wh battery that can last approximately 6 to 7 hours. Furthermore, it has the capability to recharge connected devices at 5 V/2 A. Notably, this new dock can supply power to a connected device even when it is turned off, but only if it is plugged into an outlet. The retail price for the NexDock 6 is set at $229, plus shipping, available to more than 30 countries. For further information, visit NexDock’s official website.

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  • Elon Musk’s Starlink Mobile: Space-Based 5G Data and Voice Network

    Elon Musk’s Starlink Mobile: Space-Based 5G Data and Voice Network

    Key Takeaways

    1. Elon Musk envisions Starlink as a mobile service similar to AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, offering 5G data from satellites to standard devices.
    2. SpaceX has applied for a trademark for “Starlink Mobile,” indicating plans to create a new mobile carrier using satellite networks for voice and data services.
    3. SpaceX’s acquisition of the 50 MHz S-band spectrum enhances the feasibility of launching a dedicated Starlink carrier service.
    4. The Starlink V3 satellites, set to launch in 2026, will be significantly larger and capable of providing gigabit Internet speeds and direct 5G service to smartphones.
    5. Starlink Mobile aims to offer a competitive alternative to existing carriers, with expected download speeds of up to 100 Mbps, starting with testing in 2026 and full deployment by 2027.

    Elon Musk has expressed that individuals “should be able to access Starlink like they do with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon” on their smartphones, with the satellite service eventually providing 5G data from space to standard devices.

    Trademarking Starlink Mobile

    To make this idea a reality, SpaceX has applied for a trademark for the name Starlink Mobile at the USPTO. The description of this new brand’s services seems to hint at the formation of a fresh mobile carrier, delivering voice and data directly from satellites instead of traditional cell towers. The services include:

    Telecommunications services, specifically two-way real-time transmission of voice, audio, video and data using wireless telecommunications devices and satellite networks; Telecommunications services involving the transmission of voice, audio, video and data to mobile phones and smart devices, like thermostats, lighting systems, speakers, fitness trackers, cameras, refrigerators, locks, plugs, washing machines, and vehicle tracking systems via wireless telecommunications devices and satellite networks.

    SpaceX’s Vision Becomes Feasible

    After SpaceX invested $17 billion for the 50 MHz S-band spectrum previously held by DISH through its acquisition of Boost Mobile, which Sprint had to sell to merge with T-Mobile, Musk’s aspirations for a dedicated Starlink carrier service are now appearing more realistic.

    At present, devices such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, currently 30% off on Amazon, can access limited satellite services like T-Mobile’s T-Satellite signal without any modifications. However, SpaceX is collaborating with mobile processor companies like Qualcomm and MediaTek to incorporate Starlink modems into upcoming chipsets, enabling phone users to enjoy faster satellite Internet access in areas lacking cellular signals directly.

    Future Launch Plans

    SpaceX has plans to begin launching its large Starlink V3 satellites in the year 2026, starting with the inaugural flights of the Starship 3 rocket. These V3 satellites will measure the size of a Boeing 737 when their solar panels are fully extended and will deliver 20 times the capacity of the existing satellites. While this will allow for gigabit satellite Internet speeds for customers using the latest Performance dish kit, SpaceX aims to also provide 5G download speeds directly to phones.

    The company has requested permission from the FCC to deploy at least 15,000 direct-to-cell V3 satellites, aiming to create a significant alternative to Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile in the United States. The first smartphones equipped with dedicated Starlink modems in their mobile chipsets are expected to begin testing in 2026 and be ready for the complete V3 direct-to-cell satellite constellation by 2027.

    SpaceX has warned that even then, Starlink will only be able to deliver 5G satellite Internet coverage with maximum download speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Nevertheless, considering that current carriers provide satellite services that only support messaging and limited data through specialized apps, such a download speed from Starlink Mobile seems quite groundbreaking.

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  • Xiaomi 17 Ultra: 1-Inch Camera Specs & Power Bank Feature Revealed

    Xiaomi 17 Ultra: 1-Inch Camera Specs & Power Bank Feature Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi is expected to launch the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China next month.
    2. The device may not be available internationally until after the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is released.
    3. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will feature the OmniVision OV50X sensor, offering a dynamic range over 100 dB and 16 exposure values.
    4. The OV50X sensor was introduced in April, replacing the previously mentioned OVX10500U.
    5. The launch of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is highly anticipated, particularly for its potential impact on mobile photography and performance.

    Rumors are swirling that Xiaomi is set to unveil the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China next month. However, it seems that this device might not be available to international markets until after Samsung rolls out the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is currently priced at $899 on Amazon. In the meantime, insights from Digital Chat Station have revealed more details about Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship ahead of its official launch.

    New Sensor Details

    In addition, Digital Chat Station has noted that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will use the OmniVision OV50X sensor instead of the previously mentioned OVX10500U from two months ago. The leaker shared this information on Weibo, highlighting that the OV50X is expected to deliver a dynamic range exceeding 100 dB along with 16 exposure values (EVs) and a 1-inch optical format. Although OmniVision introduced the OV50X back in April, they have yet to make any public statements regarding the OVX10500U.

    Looking Ahead

    As anticipation builds for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, fans and tech enthusiasts are eager to see how it will compare to other high-end smartphones, especially with the competition heating up in the premium segment. The launch will certainly be closely watched, especially since it could set new standards in mobile photography and performance.

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  • Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta Program Timeline Leaked Details

    Samsung One UI 8.5 Beta Program Timeline Leaked Details

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is preparing to launch the beta program for One UI 8.5 for select Galaxy devices.
    2. The expected start date for the One UI 8.5 beta program is December 8.
    3. The beta rollout will follow a staged, multi-phase schedule typical for major Samsung updates.
    4. Early firmware versions for devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 7 show visual and functional enhancements.
    5. Official confirmation of the beta program dates by Samsung is still pending, so the timeline may change.

    Samsung is said to be getting ready to kick off the beta program for One UI 8.5, which is the next significant software update for select Galaxy smartphones and tablets. If the recent information is accurate, the official testing phase, which was expected to start earlier than usual, might commence very shortly.

    Potential Launch Date

    Reports indicate that December 8 is the anticipated date for the beginning of the first phase of the One UI 8.5 beta program.

    In reaction to a user on Twitter who mentioned the supposed start date of the One UI 8.5 beta program—December 8—tech insider Tarun Vats confirmed this, providing additional insights about it.

    Beta Rollout Schedule

    As per the information available, the rollout for One UI 8.5 beta will adhere to a staged, multi-phase schedule that is typical for major Samsung updates. The timeline might look something like this:

    For a little while now, early firmware versions of One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 7 have been surfacing. This has shown that the update will introduce both visual and functional enhancements. Users should look forward to new features and design adjustments, as well as AI-driven innovations.

    It’s important to mention that Samsung has not officially confirmed the dates for the One UI 8.5 Beta program. Thus, the timeline could change. Nevertheless, with various sources agreeing on a start in early December, the wait for Galaxy users to try out the newest One UI features might soon be over.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Launch Delayed: Two New Signs Emerging

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Launch Delayed: Two New Signs Emerging

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26 series may be launched in March 2026, a two-month delay from earlier expectations.
    2. Samsung plans to begin production of the Galaxy S26 Ultra in December 2025, while the Galaxy S26 and S26+ will start in January 2026.
    3. Development for the Galaxy S26 base model and Ultra version is complete, but mass production may be delayed for the base model until the S26+ is finished.
    4. Only the OLED “Privacy Display” for the S26 Ultra has been approved for production so far.
    5. The cancellation of the Galaxy S26 Edge may have impacted the timeline and finalization of the S26 series.

    Initial whispers about the Galaxy S26 family launching in March are coming from Greece. A report from this Southern European nation suggests that Samsung enthusiasts might need to wait an extra two months more than they thought for the next version of the Galaxy S25 Ultra (you can find it here on Amazon). At first, we were a bit doubtful about whether the launch would actually be delayed by that much. However, more and more sources are hinting at a significant postponement. The well-known leaker Setsuna Digital mentioned on Weibo that the Galaxy S26 series may now be revealed in March 2026.

    Reasons for the Delay

    A South Korean trade publication, TheElec, recently presented solid reasons for the partial delay of the Galaxy S26 lineup. The report pointed out that insiders in the industry indicated Samsung plans to start making the Galaxy S26 Ultra in December 2025 as originally scheduled, while the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ (which reportedly began development later) are likely to begin production in January. Sources mentioned that even though the development for both the base model and the Ultra version has wrapped up, it would be logical to delay mass production of the Galaxy S26 until the Galaxy S26+ is completed, considering how similar these two devices are, apart from their dimensions.

    Production Status

    The report also disclosed that only the OLED “Privacy Display” of the S26 Ultra has been officially greenlit for production at this moment. The supposed cancellation of the Galaxy S26 Edge late in its development process—allegedly due to the underwhelming sales of the S25 Edge—could have influenced the finalization of the Galaxy S26 series after all. It remains uncertain whether Samsung will decide to delay the Galaxy Unpacked event for all three models or possibly advance the launch of just the Ultra model.

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Launch Delayed: Two New Signs Emerging

     

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  • Xiaomi 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max Battery Life Comparison

    Xiaomi 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max Battery Life Comparison

    Key Takeaways

    1. Chinese smartphone brands like Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and OnePlus are increasingly using larger battery cells, with the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max featuring a 7,500 mAh Silicon-Carbon battery.
    2. Despite its large battery, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max does not outperform competitors like the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra in battery longevity tests.
    3. Tests showed that the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max only outlasted the iPhone 17 Pro Max by about 5 minutes, despite the iPhone’s smaller 4,823 mAh battery.
    4. The underperformance of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max may be attributed to a lack of optimization compared to Apple’s efficient hardware and software integration.
    5. Battery life test results should be interpreted cautiously, as various factors can influence accuracy, and the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max performs well in other areas like gaming.

    Since the rise of Silicon-Carbon batteries, Chinese smartphone manufacturers like Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and OnePlus have been stuffing their devices with bigger battery cells. The newest flagship models emerging from China continue this pattern. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, for example, boasts a gigantic 7,500 mAh Silicon-Carbon battery.

    Comparison with Competitors

    With such a hefty 7,500 mAh battery, one would think the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max would easily outlast competitors like the Galaxy S25 Ultra (5,000 mAh) and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max (4,823 mAh). Yet, battery longevity tests from TechDroider reveal a different story, showing that the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max doesn’t quite measure up.

    TechDroider conducted a battery endurance test comparing the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Xiaomi 15 Pro, and OnePlus 13. The test was structured as follows:

    Results of the Testing

    At the conclusion of the testing phase, the runtimes for each device were as follows:

    When examining these figures, it becomes evident that the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max fails to utilize its massive 7,500 mAh battery effectively. It only outlasted the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max by roughly 5 minutes, despite the iPhone having a battery that is 36% smaller. This is likely due to Apple’s efficient A19 Pro SoC and the seamless optimizations in iOS.

    While the reason behind the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max’s underwhelming performance isn’t entirely clear, it’s likely that Xiaomi still has significant optimization work ahead of them.

    Final Thoughts

    Before concluding, it’s worth noting that TechDroider’s battery life tests involve many factors that the YouTuber cannot fully manage. Hence, such testing may come with inaccuracies. Therefore, it’s wise to take these results lightly, especially since we’ve seen the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max perform admirably against the iPhone 17 Pro Max in terms of gaming and efficiency.

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    Xiaomi 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max Battery Life ComparisonXiaomi 17 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 Pro Max Battery Life Comparison

     

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  • Xiaomi 17 Pro Max Leica Camera Review vs iPhone 17 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 Ultra

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi 17 Pro series has significant hardware upgrades, including the new Light Hunter 950L sensor, which improves dynamic range and nighttime performance compared to its predecessor, the Xiaomi 15 Pro.

    2. The ultra-wide-angle camera on the Xiaomi 17 series has a narrower field of view (17mm) than the previous model (14mm), along with reduced brightness when zooming in.

    3. The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max has superior telephoto capabilities, achieving better color richness and 3D effects, especially in daylight, but both models outperform the iPhone 17 Pro Max in nighttime zoom shots.

    4. The Xiaomi 17 Pro can capture macro photos at a much closer distance (20 cm) than the iPhone 17 Pro (100 cm), enhancing its telemacro capabilities.

    5. In dynamic range assessments, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max demonstrates a clear advantage over the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, while also holding its own against the iPhone 17 Pro.

    Exactly one week ago, we examined some early reviews of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max cameras against the Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, this weekend, our focus shifts to another pair of camera powerhouses. With the rebranding of its Xiaomi 15 successors, Xiaomi has positioned its latest devices alongside Apple. Now, the Xiaomi 17 Pro flagships equipped with Leica cameras must demonstrate their capabilities. On the hardware side, the camera sensors have undergone significant changes compared to the Xiaomi 15 Pro. Whether these enhancements result in superior photo quality will be a crucial consideration for potential customers.

    Insights from Initial Reviews

    As there are currently no global reviews of the new Xiaomi 17 series available, and embedding a Chinese video from Weibo may not be very accessible for many readers, we will primarily include screenshots from a 4K video along with images shared on social media platforms such as Weibo or X. We will also link to some of the initial hands-on impressions from popular YouTubers, though their content tends to emphasize the secondary display on the rear rather than the new Leica camera features. More YouTube content should become available in the upcoming weeks, but only the standard Xiaomi 17 is anticipated to launch in Europe, while the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to arrive next year.

    Examining Camera Performance

    The screenshots featured here are sourced from a test video by a prominent smartphone reviewer in China (Xiaobai Evaluation on Weibo). In these initial sample images, the benefits of the new Light Hunter 950L sensor in the 23mm main camera of the current Leica camera flagships are clearly evident. With an impressive dynamic range of 16.5 stops, it shows significant advancements compared to the previous Xiaomi 15 Pro and the similarly sized 1/1.28-inch sensor found in the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

    During nighttime, the new Xiaomi 17 Pro duo outperforms the Xiaomi 15 Pro in terms of dynamic range.

    The subsequent set of images compares the ultra-wide-angle cameras, revealing a distinct drawback for the new Xiaomi 17 series. The field of view has decreased from the equivalent of 14mm to 17mm. Additionally, brightness has slightly diminished, which is particularly noticeable when zooming in.

    Comparing Zoom and Telephoto Capabilities

    While the ultra-wide and main cameras on the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max are the same, the Pro Max model features a larger 1/2-inch sensor and a wider aperture for its 5x telephoto lens. In daylight conditions, this difference may not be very apparent. In flower photographs, the richer colors are noticeable, and the Xiaomi 17 series creates a more pronounced 3D effect.

    Zoom shots at night have historically posed a challenge for smartphone cameras. Unless image processing tricks are applied, this scenario clearly highlights the advantages of the two Xiaomi 17 flagships over their predecessors and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Both rivals struggle with bright light sources, resulting in blurriness and more visible optical artifacts. The iPhone 17 Pro Max also shows limited dynamic range in its night shot results.

    The video also showcases telemacro capabilities. For the iPhone 17 Pro, the required distance to capture subjects is about 100 cm (39 inches), making true macro photography nearly impossible. In contrast, the Xiaomi 17 Pro can achieve this at just 20 cm (7.9 inches), while 30 cm (11.8 inches) is sufficient for the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. Below, there’s a telemacro photograph comparing the two Xiaomi 17 Pro models.

    Final Thoughts on Portrait and Dynamic Range

    In concluding this camera comparison, we will examine two portrait examples taken with these devices, although the differences are likely subjective.

    The well-known leaker Ice Universe has released several comparison photos of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max alongside its competitors. The comparison with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is especially noteworthy, as Samsung’s flagship does not perform exceptionally well in this dynamic range assessment, while Apple’s new camera flagship holds its own reasonably well.

    When evaluating pure in-image dynamic range, a clear victor emerges between the 50MP 1/1.28-inch main camera of the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max and the similarly sized 200MP 1/1.3-inch sensor of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

    This distinction becomes even more evident when closely examining the two tree images shared earlier.

    To conclude, we would like to present a 10x zoom comparison featuring a Labubu figure, as shared by Ice Universe on Weibo. None of the phones perform poorly in this test, although Samsung’s flagship appears to be the least vibrant in direct comparison.

     

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  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Launches with Flagship Phones

    Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Launches with Flagship Phones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Qualcomm has launched the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, replacing the previous Snapdragon 8 Elite.
    2. The new CPU cores provide a 20% performance boost, with a GPU that is 23% more efficient.
    3. The Hexagon NPU in the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is 37% faster than its predecessor.
    4. It features Qualcomm’s X85 5G modem and supports the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec for improved video recording.
    5. Devices from various brands, including Xiaomi, will start launching with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the coming days.

    Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which replaces the Snapdragon 8 Elite that powers devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13 (currently priced at $929 on Amazon) along with other leading smartphones. While the recently launched MediaTek Dimensity 9500 uses ARM’s Lumex platform, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is built on its 3rd Gen Oryon CPU cores.

    Performance Improvements

    Qualcomm claims that these new CPU cores provide a 20% boost in performance compared to the ones in the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Furthermore, the integrated GPU in the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is reported to be up to 23% more efficient than the Adreno 830 found in the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Additionally, the Hexagon NPU in the new chipset is said to be 37% quicker than its earlier version.

    New Features

    The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 also comes with Qualcomm’s X85 5G modem, which was previously highlighted during MWC 2025. Qualcomm proudly states that this chipset is the “world’s first mobile platform” to include support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, promising enhanced video recording features for upcoming Android flagship devices.

    Device Availability

    In terms of availability, Qualcomm has confirmed that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will be featured in products from brands such as Asus ROG, Honor, iQOO, Nubia, OnePlus, Oppo, Poco, Realme, Redmi, RedMagic, Samsung, Sony, Vivo, Xiaomi, and ZTE. The company mentions that smartphones using the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will begin launching “in the coming days.” Currently, only the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max have been officially announced to debut this month with Qualcomm’s latest mobile technology.

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    Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Launches with Flagship PhonesQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Launches with Flagship Phones

     

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