Tag: Ice Universe

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Online Exclusive Titanium Jetblack Release

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: Online Exclusive Titanium Jetblack Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is priced at $899 and will not be unveiled until late February 2026.
    2. Samsung’s cost-cutting measures may limit upgrades for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but a battery capacity increase is rumored for the first time in five years.
    3. The design of the Galaxy S26 Ultra may include standard black variants with a black frame, changing the perception of the display bezel’s width.
    4. The black bezel on the Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to resemble that of the Titanium Jetblack version of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
    5. Final color options for the Galaxy S26 Ultra will be revealed early next year, making it premature to draw conclusions about its design.


    Samsung is not expected to unveil the Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $899 on Amazon) until late February 2026. Despite this, fresh insights about the next flagship continue to surface. One of the main sources of this information has been Ice Universe, who recently shared a new detail regarding the anticipated design of the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

    Cost-Cutting Measures

    For some context, the same X account indicated last week that Samsung’s ongoing budget reductions would impact possible upgrades for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. In contrast, a newer rumor hinted that Samsung’s forthcoming Ultra smartphone might see its first battery capacity increase in five years. Ice Universe claims that certain models of the Galaxy S26 Ultra might appear slightly outdated compared to their predecessors.

    Design Changes

    Writing on X, this well-known account suggests that Samsung will release standard black variants featuring a black frame this time. This change from a light silver finish is expected to “inevitably” make the display bezel appear wider on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, even without any hardware modifications. Ultimately, this perception is subjective and will depend on how bold Samsung chooses to go with its black color finish.

    Color Options

    Using the Titanium Jetblack version of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is exclusively available at Samsung, as a benchmark, the black bezel on the Galaxy S26 Ultra is not likely to seem any more significant than on other variants. However, it’s advisable to hold off on making any assumptions until all of the Galaxy S26 Ultra color variants are revealed early next year.

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  • Faster Night Photos: Galaxy S26 Leak Shows LPDDR5X RAM Upgrade

    Faster Night Photos: Galaxy S26 Leak Shows LPDDR5X RAM Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26 lineup is expected to feature 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM with a speed of 10.7 Gbps, making it the fastest available.
    2. The RAM speed of the Galaxy S26 is 26% faster than the Galaxy S25 series, enhancing memory bandwidth for tasks like AI and image processing.
    3. Potential improvements from the faster RAM may include better image quality in low-light conditions, even with minimal camera hardware upgrades.
    4. Expectations should be tempered, as the camera system is likely to be similar to previous models, despite advancements by competitors.
    5. The Unpacked event for the Galaxy S26 series is expected to take place in a few months, revealing more details.


    Another day, another leak about the Galaxy S26! This time, the leaker Ice Universe has shared details about the LPDDR5X RAM that Samsung is likely to include in the Galaxy S26 lineup. The Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra are expected to come with a starting point of 12 GB of LPDDR5X memory, which will operate at a speed of 10.7 Gbps. This is currently the fastest LPDDR5X memory available on the market.

    Faster RAM Speeds

    When we compare it to the Galaxy S25 series, the leaked RAM speed for the Galaxy S26 is 26% quicker, since the Galaxy S25 Ultra only reaches 8.5 Gbps. Therefore, the Galaxy S26 is anticipated to benefit from a significant boost in memory bandwidth, which should assist in memory-heavy tasks such as on-device AI and image processing.

    Possible Enhancements

    Now, you might wonder what benefits the Galaxy S26’s faster memory could provide. Ice Universe has created a helpful table outlining potential improvements in image processing, AI, and energy efficiency that could result from the enhanced 10.7 Gbps RAM of the Galaxy S26. Some key upgrades could include:

    Even if the Galaxy S26 has just a few upgrades to its camera hardware, we could see some pleasing enhancements in image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.

    Keeping Expectations Realistic

    That said, it’s wise to temper our expectations, as all the leaks suggest that the camera system will be fairly similar to what we’ve experienced in recent years. This is a bit underwhelming, especially when we observe how Chinese manufacturers are consistently innovating in mobile photography. Even Apple, a brand known for being cautious with big changes, has introduced impressive new cameras in the iPhone 17 Pro.

    We won’t have to wait too long to uncover Samsung’s plans, as the Unpacked event showcasing the Galaxy S26 series is just a few months away.

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  • Galaxy S26 Ultra Selfie Camera Upgrade: What You Need to Know

    Galaxy S26 Ultra Selfie Camera Upgrade: What You Need to Know

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature a significantly larger selfie camera compared to its predecessor.
    2. The field of view (FOV) for the selfie camera will increase to 85 degrees, allowing for wider group selfies.
    3. The wider FOV matches that of the main 200 MP rear camera on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
    4. The larger hole-punch design for the selfie camera will measure about 4 mm, which is bigger than previous models.
    5. While the larger hole-punch improves functionality, opinions on its aesthetic impact are mixed among users.


    A bunch of leaks and gossip have popped up lately concerning the Galaxy S26 Ultra, focusing on its design, SoC, and camera features. Recently, another leak hints that the selfie camera is set for an improvement, even though the design change may not be the most attractive. Naturally, Samsung hasn’t released any official details about the upcoming Galaxy S series devices, so it’s wise to take this info lightly.

    Bigger Selfie Camera

    According to popular leaker Ice Universe on X, the selfie camera on the Galaxy S26 Ultra is going to be significantly bigger than the one on the previous model. While many thought this was a move to save on costs, the leaker shared in a later post that the field of view (FOV) for the selfie camera has been expanded to 85 degrees. This is a bit wider than the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 80 degrees, and it matches the FOV of the Galaxy S25 Ultra (16% off on Amazon) main 200 MP rear camera.

    Capturing More in a Frame

    This wider FOV would enable the Galaxy S26 Ultra to take in more scenery when snapping a selfie, making it easier to capture group shots, similar to what Apple has done with the iPhone 17 series and its Center Stage feature.

    Larger Hole-Punch Design

    However, the increased FOV comes with a larger hole-punch, measuring around 4 mm across, which is noticeably bigger compared to earlier models. Initially, it was thought that this larger hole-punch was a cost-saving strategy, but it appears there are advantages too. Opinions on the aesthetic aspect are mixed, with some users favoring a smaller cutout despite the FOV enhancement.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Accessories Reveal Camera Design Features

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Accessories Reveal Camera Design Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. New flagship smartphones with Qualcomm and MediaTek chipsets will be unveiled in China soon, but high-end models typically reach Europe and the US in January.
    2. The design for the Galaxy S26 series has been finalized, with slight changes expected compared to the Galaxy S25 models.
    3. The Galaxy S26 Edge features a wide camera bump and is rumored to have improved charging and a better 3x telephoto lens, though these claims are not yet verified.
    4. Initial protective case designs for the Galaxy S26 Edge have been revealed, showcasing various colors and built-in magnetic rings.
    5. There is speculation that the Galaxy S26 series may not support magnetic wireless charging, similar to the Pixel 10 generation.


    Summer is winding down, and the new year is coming up fast. In just a few days, we can expect the first flagship smartphones with the latest chipsets from Qualcomm and MediaTek to be unveiled in China. However, high-end phones of the next generation typically don’t reach Europe and the US until January. It remains to be seen if Samsung will once again kick off the new smartphone year in 2026 with its Galaxy S26 series, or if brands like Vivo and Oppo will take the spotlight with global launches of the Find X9 Pro and Vivo X300 Pro, as some rumors suggest.

    Design Finalization

    Since the start of September, it seems like the design for the Galaxy S26 trio has been finalized. Dummy models and CAD-based images give us a clear idea of what to expect in January 2025. The successors to the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra are likely to resemble their predecessors, aside from a slight camera bump akin to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. However, the new version of the Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Edge appears to be breaking away from tradition entirely.

    Camera Features

    A camera bump that stretches across the entire width of the back of the Galaxy S26 Edge, also known as the Galaxy S26 Air, is now visible in the first accessories for the Galaxy S26 series. Protective camera films made from tempered glass have been shown off recently by Ice Universe on X. While there are whispers of quicker charging and a notably enhanced 3x telephoto lens, these have not been verified by certifications or recent leaks. Still, the three protective films align with the anticipated camera designs for the Galaxy S26 lineup.

    Case Designs

    Ice Universe has also shared the initial protective case designs for the Galaxy S26 Edge on his Weibo profile, showcasing several color options. Each case appears to include built-in magnetic rings, which might suggest that the Galaxy S26 series will not support magnetic wireless charging, similar to the Pixel 10 generation. It’s debatable whether these designs are final, especially since part of the case obscures the Samsung logo.

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  • Leaker Criticizes Samsung’s Galaxy S Cameras, Starts Change Petition

    Leaker Criticizes Samsung’s Galaxy S Cameras, Starts Change Petition

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ice Universe criticizes Samsung’s mobile photography leadership and calls for the dismissal of the camera division head.
    2. There is growing dissatisfaction among fans regarding Samsung’s lack of significant camera upgrades compared to competitors like Vivo and Xiaomi.
    3. The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro’s new camera system poses a risk of Samsung falling behind Apple in mobile photography.
    4. Ice Universe has launched a petition for the replacement of Samsung’s camera division head, garnering over 3,000 signatures.
    5. Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S phones are currently not ranked among the top ten for camera quality, raising concerns about future models like the Galaxy S26.


    For several days, Ice Universe has been actively criticizing Samsung’s current head of mobile photography on X. This leaker, known for their harsh remarks about Samsung, has been contrasting photos taken with the Galaxy S25 Ultra against those from other flagship devices to highlight how much the competition has moved ahead of Samsung.

    Open Letter to Samsung’s CEO

    Ice Universe seems to have taken their opposition to Samsung’s alleged negligence very seriously, even writing an open letter to the CEO of Samsung on X, urging him to dismiss the head of the camera division. This open letter reflects a growing dissatisfaction among fans. Many users replying to Ice Universe’s posts on X express that Samsung no longer leads in mobile photography. Years without significant camera enhancements have arguably left the company trailing behind Chinese rivals like Vivo and Xiaomi.

    Concerns Over Upcoming Releases

    Furthermore, with the introduction of the iPhone 17 Pro featuring a new 48 MP “Fusion” camera system, there is a risk that Samsung may fall behind Apple. Reports suggest the Galaxy S26 series may not include important camera upgrades again, potentially making the Galaxy S26 phones less appealing as camera options next year.

    This worry forms the basis of Ice Universe’s plea to Samsung’s CEO TM ROH. The leaker outlined nine reasons why Samsung has lagged in the camera field. Some significant points include:

    Due to these reasons, Ice Universe has not only committed to sharing the open letter daily on X but is also launching a petition titled “Urgent Replacement of Samsung Camera Division Head,” which has already garnered over 3,000 verified signatures at the time of this writing.

    The Need for Improvement

    While it’s uncertain how much impact Ice Universe’s petition will have, it’s clear that Samsung must enhance its efforts. The flagship Galaxy S phones, once regarded as some of the best camera phones available, currently do not even make it to the top ten rankings according to DXOMark.

    Ultimately, it remains to be seen how the camera quality of the Galaxy S26 will compare to that of the iPhone 17 Pro, Vivo X300 Pro, and others in the market.

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  • Galaxy S26: Rumored Slower Charging for Upcoming Samsung Phones

    Galaxy S26: Rumored Slower Charging for Upcoming Samsung Phones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 FE, its last premium candybar smartphone of the year, priced at $649.99 on Amazon.
    2. A new tri-fold smartphone, the Galaxy G Fold, is expected to be unveiled by Samsung before the end of the year.
    3. The Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge will maintain 25 W wired charging speeds, similar to their predecessors.
    4. The Galaxy S26 models are rumored to have slightly larger batteries, with the S26 Pro at 4,300 mAh and the S26 Edge at 4,200 mAh.
    5. The Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch in January 2026, but may lag behind competitors in charging times despite battery size improvements.


    Samsung has recently launched its last premium candybar smartphone of the year with the debut of the Galaxy S25 FE this month (curr. $649.99 on Amazon). Consequently, leakers like Ice Universe have shifted their focus to the upcoming flagship smartphone series from the company.

    New Developments on Tri-Fold Phones

    Interestingly, Samsung is anticipated to unveil its first tri-fold smartphone before the year wraps up. The Galaxy G Fold has been extensively covered, and Ice Universe claims to have obtained initial details regarding the charging features of both the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge.

    Charging Specs and Battery Updates

    According to a post on X, the leaker suggests that these two models will stick with 25 W wired charging speeds, similar to the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Edge prior. Recent speculations indicate that Samsung will upgrade its smallest flagship’s battery from 4,000 mAh to a 4,300 mAh battery next year, marking a 7.5% increase. Additionally, the upcoming Galaxy S Edge is rumored to sport a slightly larger battery of 4,200 mAh, up by 300 mAh as well.

    Comparison with Competitors

    Despite enhancements in battery sizes, the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge are likely to fall short of their competitors regarding charging times. This is particularly perplexing given the rumors that suggest Samsung will boost the Galaxy S Ultra’s charging from 45 W to 60 W wired charging with the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s launch. All three Galaxy S26 smartphones are projected to debut in January 2026.

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  • Xiaomi 16 Series Leak: Round Corners and Slim Bezels Revealed

    Xiaomi 16 Series Leak: Round Corners and Slim Bezels Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi 16 series will be the first smartphones with the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC.
    2. The lineup may include three models, possibly the Xiaomi 16 Pro mini or Pro Max.
    3. The design features more rounded corners and the “biggest screen corner curvature in mobile phone history.”
    4. The phones will have extremely thin bezels, enhancing the viewing experience.
    5. Expected improvements include larger batteries, upgraded Leica camera systems, and faster charging, with a rumored launch date of September 24, 2025.


    The Xiaomi 16 series is likely to introduce the first top-tier smartphones featuring the next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. Recent leaks suggest that the lineup will include three devices, with the new model possibly being the Xiaomi 16 Pro mini or Pro Max. Although the company hasn’t revealed any details about these phones, a fresh leak has provided an idea of their potential front design.

    Design Changes

    According to the leaked image, the Xiaomi 16 series may have more rounded corners compared to the earlier models. Specifically, the well-known tipster, Ice Universe, states this would feature the “biggest screen corner curvature in the mobile phone’s history.” They also noted that these smartphones will be more rounded than the iPhone 17 Pro.

    The redesign could make the Xiaomi 16 series phones easier to hold than previous versions. The leaked photo showcases extremely thin bezels on all four sides. Ice Universe notes that these bezels are the narrowest yet, which should enhance the viewing experience significantly.

    Display Features

    While these assertions are quite ambitious, Xiaomi has been focusing on the displays of its flagship devices for a significant time. For instance, the Xiaomi 15 series (Xiaomi 15 12/256 GB curr. $624.72 on TradingShenzhen) was launched with flat screens and very thin bezels, suggesting that the new upcoming models will also show a considerable improvement.

    Reports from the past have indicated that these new Xiaomi flagship phones will feature larger batteries, upgraded Leica-boosted camera systems, and quicker charging capabilities compared to their earlier models. The expected launch date is rumored to be September 24, 2025.

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  • MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Underwhelms in Oppo Find X9 Benchmarks

    MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Underwhelms in Oppo Find X9 Benchmarks

    Key Takeaways

    1. A leak of the ‘Oppo Find X9’ design has surfaced, but it is disputed by Oppo’s executive, Zhou Yibao, who claims it is not accurate.
    2. Zhou Yibao emphasized that the actual design of the Find X9 will be more refined and confirmed there won’t be a model with 24 GB RAM and 2 TB storage.
    3. Oppo has not announced a launch date for the Find X9, but it may debut before the OnePlus 13.
    4. The Find X9 has appeared on Geekbench with a MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, which has shown disappointing performance metrics.
    5. The Dimensity 9500’s CPU and GPU performance is underwhelming compared to its predecessor, despite having advanced specifications.


    Earlier today, a leak from Ice Universe emerged, showcasing what they referred to as the ‘Oppo Find X9’. Although the leaker didn’t provide much detail, enthusiasts gathered that the design depicted might be a true glimpse into one of Oppo’s upcoming flagship devices.

    Oppo’s Response

    Zhou Yibao, an Oppo executive, responded to Ice Universe’s tweet, stating that it does not correctly portray the Find X9’s actual look. Through a post on Weibo, Zhou asserted that the image shared by Ice Universe is ‘not a real picture’, and emphasized that the Find X9 will feature a ‘more refined overall’ design with enhancements. Additionally, Zhou confirmed that there will not be a version of the Find X9 with 24 GB RAM and 2 TB of storage.

    Launch Speculations

    As of now, Oppo has yet to announce a launch date for the Find X9. However, rumors suggest that the Find X9 series might debut before OnePlus unveils the OnePlus 13, which is currently priced at $849.99 on Amazon. In the meantime, it appears that the Find X9 has recently appeared on Geekbench, featuring the same MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset that was spotted in a recent Vivo X300 leak.

    Performance Concerns

    Unexpectedly, the Dimensity 9500 has been falling short of what many had hoped for, showing disappointing CPU and GPU performance. Even when overlooking the inaccurate multi-core score, the Dimensity 9500 lags behind its predecessor in Geekbench’s single-core and OpenCL tests, despite its three CPU clusters and Mali-G1 Ultra MC12 GPU.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera: Higher Light Sensitivity Than Rivals

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera: Higher Light Sensitivity Than Rivals

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s successor will feature a faster lens with an F/1.4 aperture, allowing for 47% more light intake compared to the F/1.7 of its predecessor.
    2. This improvement in aperture size could enhance low-light photography and enable quicker shutter speeds for sharper images of moving subjects.
    3. Competitors like the Google Pixel 10 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro have smaller apertures (F/1.7 and F/1.8, respectively), which may give Samsung an edge in camera performance.
    4. The upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to have 60-watt fast charging, allowing for a 0 to 80% charge in about 30 minutes, though it lags behind some Chinese smartphones with 100-watt charging.
    5. The Galaxy S26 lineup will include an enhanced NFC antenna for improved contactless payment functionality, particularly for Samsung Pay.


    It’s a little piece of news that famous leaker Ice Universe dropped just yesterday on X (previously Twitter). For weeks, we’ve been anticipating that the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s successor would come with a quicker lens, and now it’s becoming clearer how significant this enhancement really is. With an F/1.4 aperture, compared to the F/1.7 of its predecessor, the 200-MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor can draw in as much as 47% more light. This means that not only will photos taken at night be much brighter, but it also allows for swifter shutter speeds in daylight, potentially resulting in sharper shots of fast-moving subjects.

    Competitive Landscape

    If these details hold true, Samsung might not need to worry about competition as much. The Google Pixel 10 Pro, similar to the Pixel 9 Pro, is anticipated to have an f/1.7 aperture. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro (and likely its successor, the iPhone 17 Pro) has an even tighter aperture at f/1.8. Even flagship cameras from Chinese brands, which tend to be innovative in many ways, usually sport slightly smaller apertures. For instance, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra features an f/1.6 aperture, and the Vivo X200 Ultra has an f/1.7 aperture. While aperture size is not the only factor determining photo and video quality, it could help address some of the lighting and speed issues seen in Samsung’s flagship models in recent years.

    Upcoming Features

    Recently, additional snippets of information have surfaced regarding the Galaxy S26 Ultra and its potential variants, the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge. As per Ice Universe’s post (refer to Weibo above), a 60-watt fast-charging feature is expected to bring slight enhancements in charging times. The 5,000 mAh battery of the Galaxy S26 Ultra is projected to charge from 0 to 75 or 80% in just 30 minutes. However, this still falls short when compared to the 100-watt capabilities of certain Chinese smartphones, which can fully charge in about the same timeframe.

    Enhanced NFC Capabilities

    As reported by South Korean industry magazine ETNews, the entire Galaxy S26 lineup will also include an added NFC antenna at the top, which is likely to improve contactless payment functions. Unlike Apple’s iPhones, which benefit from unique patents allowing for less precise positioning at payment terminals during NFC transactions, this new NFC setup is expected to work more efficiently in the future. It’s important to highlight that the report specifically mentions Samsung Pay.

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  • Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Design Render Revealed in New Image

    Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Design Render Revealed in New Image

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Galaxy S26 is expected to feature quicker charging and a larger battery than anticipated.
    2. The Exynos processor may be used in the Galaxy S26 series, but its performance in benchmarks has not been impressive.
    3. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to debut in January 2026, succeeding the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
    4. Camera enhancements include upgraded lenses and a larger aperture, improving low-light zoom shots.
    5. The slimmer design of the Galaxy S26 Ultra will result in a larger camera bump, estimated to be about 3mm thick.


    The past few days have seen a flurry of news about the Galaxy S26. Many early clues from trusted sources suggest that it will have quicker charging and a bigger battery, which many didn’t expect from Samsung just yet. The Exynos processor, which Bloomberg says is set to be used again in the Galaxy S26 series, was spotted in a benchmark database for the first time, but its performance numbers were not very impressive. It’s still unclear if the Exynos 2600 will actually be featured in the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.

    Design and Camera Features

    Samsung fans are likely most curious about the design and camera capabilities of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which we anticipate will debut in January 2026 as the successor to the Galaxy S25 Ultra (available here on Amazon). Recent developments have brought forth some new details on this front. Just yesterday, leaker Ice Universe pointed out that the primary camera will see significant enhancements thanks to upgraded lenses and a bigger aperture. He has not only confirmed this speculation but has also mentioned that the 5x periscope telephoto lens will benefit from the larger aperture, improving zoom shots in low-light conditions.

    Camera Bump Concerns

    However, with a slimmer body, this leads to the camera bump being larger once again. Ice Universe claims that a render image from a Samsung fan originally posted on Reddit gives us an idea of what to expect as the “final design” for the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s camera. Of course, this is still far from any officially verified final design. Since the camera rings from the predecessor have been phased out since the Galaxy Z Fold 7, a camera bump of about 3mm thick for the main camera, ultra-wide-angle lens, and 5x telephoto lens seems realistic, according to the leaker.

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