Tag: smartphone trends

  • Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ Leaks: Ultra-Slim Design at Budget Price

    Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ Leaks: Ultra-Slim Design at Budget Price

    Key Takeaways

    1. Chinese smartphone brands, like Infinix, often draw inspiration from trends set by leading companies such as Samsung and Apple.
    2. The upcoming Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ is expected to be under 6 mm thick, potentially becoming the thinnest curved screen phone.
    3. The Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ will be priced significantly lower than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which is $1,099.99, making it a budget-friendly alternative.
    4. While the Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ offers a sleek design similar to high-end models, it may compromise on performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
    5. Infinix aims to provide a premium feel in the Hot 60 Pro+ by potentially incorporating advanced features like silicon-carbon batteries for better battery performance.


    Chinese smartphone brands often follow the latest trends. Whether it’s the curved displays that Samsung first introduced with the Galaxy series or the flat edges seen on the latest iPhones, you can frequently see Chinese manufacturers drawing inspiration from the strategies of Samsung and Apple. Currently, the ultra-slim Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge appears to have set a new standard for thinness, driving companies like Infinix to create their own remarkably thin devices.

    Upcoming Launch of Infinix Hot 60 Pro+

    A recent leak from UniverseIce on X has revealed that the Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ is set to be released soon, featuring a thickness of under 6 mm. With a measurement of just 5.95 mm, the leak suggests that the Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ will “break the record for the thinnest curved screen phone.”

    Comparison with Other Models

    To showcase how thin the Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ is, the leaker provides side-by-side images of the phone compared to what looks like an Apple iPhone 14. The Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ appears extremely slender when juxtaposed with the 7.8 mm iPhone 14. The claimed thickness of 5.95 mm for the Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ is also quite similar to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which measures in at 5.8 mm. However, it’s important to note that these two phones fall into different pricing categories.

    Price and Features

    The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is priced at $1,099.99, making it a high-end, niche option for those who prioritize design over practical use. In contrast, the Infinix Hot 60 Pro+, similar to its predecessor the Hot 50 Pro+, is expected to be a budget-friendly mid-range smartphone that has the specifications to align with its price. As a result, the Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ is anticipated to retail for significantly less than $500, while still featuring the standout characteristic of the Galaxy S25 Edge.

    For users who admire the sleek design of the Galaxy S25 Edge but aren’t keen on spending over $1,000, the Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ will serve as a viable alternative. Nevertheless, opting for a more affordable phone often comes with compromises on various aspects. For example, the Infinix Hot 60 Pro+ might deliver lesser performance, a subpar display, and lower-quality cameras, among other potential drawbacks.

    Excitement for the Future

    Overall, it’s thrilling to see that Infinix is attempting to make the main attraction of a $1,100 device accessible to a wider audience. If the company manages to balance other specifications well, particularly by incorporating new silicon-carbon batteries to provide a large battery in the Hot 60 Pro+, this device could represent a strong, premium-feeling choice for those who are budget-minded.

    Source:
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  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: A Sign of Creative Stagnation

    Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: A Sign of Creative Stagnation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung will launch the Galaxy S25 Edge on May 13, reviving the “Edge” name with a focus on new features rather than curved displays.
    2. The engineering of folding phones, like the Surface Duo, is impressive, but their thinness may come at the cost of missing features.
    3. High-priced smartphones may not be necessary for most users, as many do not fully utilize their advanced capabilities.
    4. The S25 Edge may compromise battery life and durability in favor of a thinner design, reflecting a trend of prioritizing aesthetics over functionality.
    5. The perception of smartphones as status symbols influences consumer choices, with Samsung aiming to offer a competitive alternative to high-end iPhones.


    Samsung is set to unveil a fresh option in the S25 series on May 13, bringing back the “Edge” name that first appeared with the Galaxy Note 4. Thankfully, curved displays are out of style now, so this new Edge will highlight a different kind of feature.

    A Unique Experience

    As I type this in my office, I can see a few folding phones, especially a device like the Surface Duo, which has impressively slender panels. The Duo was an average phone that could morph into a delightful mini-tablet. It’s quite an interesting sensation to touch a screen on such a slim gadget. It’s even thinner than the pop-up selfie camera of the OnePlus 7 Pro.

    The Depth Dilemma

    Yet, the thickness of the panel was significant because, when folded, the Duo increases its thickness. When functioning as a single-screen device, Microsoft managed to get a total thickness close to that of a standard phone in a slim case. It’s quite an engineering marvel.

    However, beyond this experience, “thin” isn’t really a feature. After an impressive first look, you soon realize that being thin signifies a lack of other features.

    Mixed Feelings on Specs

    Looking at the leaked details on the Galaxy S25 Edge, we can all recognize what an astonishing engineering accomplishment this design is, but as an everyday device, it seems like a step backward.

    I find it challenging to discuss pricey phones, as I believe most people shouldn’t own them. Only a small group of users really pushes a powerful device enough to genuinely get their money’s worth.

    I hope there will still be options for power users in the future, but, similar to gaming laptops, that’s not often where we seek the thinnest possible solutions. While someone might look for a sleek ultra-portable laptop, those devices rarely command top market prices, especially compared to something like the MacBook Air.

    Status Symbol or Practical Tool?

    There seems to be a broader trend of individuals who view phones as status symbols, flaunting high-end brands like luxury bags, but I can’t really speak to that world.

    If a device justifies its price based on quality, then being “thin” can come at a steep cost.

    If the leaked specs are correct, the S25 Edge might not hold a charge for long, will charge slowly, and is likely to be more fragile than a thicker phone. Samsung isn’t showcasing advanced battery technologies here; they simply removed some battery space to make the back of the phone thinner.

    The iPhone Effect

    I am often astonished and saddened by how many people recognize the high price of iPhones. Especially younger folks seem to have an instinctive understanding of the “circles” on the back of an iPhone. A one-circle phone is less valued than a two-circle phone, and a three-circle phone is the top tier.

    iPhones are easily recognizable, having maintained a consistent design for years. People who see “technology as a status symbol” will certainly notice when someone has an iPhone Pro.

    In their infinite wisdom, Samsung plans to launch a design resembling an iPhone that will be over $300 cheaper. It won’t be mistaken for an iPhone 15, due to the 15’s square camera layout and diagonal sensors, but it won’t resemble the pricier iPhone Pro, which may be cheaper than the S25 Edge in some areas.

    Market Perception

    In the United States, most people likely won’t care that the price tag falls in the Ultra range of smartphones. At a distance, a Galaxy Edge will appear as a “good” iPhone, rather than the “best” iPhone.

    Smartphones have reached a certain level of maturity today, but there is still space for innovation and disruption.

    Few manufacturers (if any) have all the divisions and components under one roof like Samsung does. I hope to see Samsung return to the bold designs and features from their peak premium sales period between 2018 and 2020, where they likely sold the most devices above $600.

    I worry that the S25 Edge, backed by a major marketing push and numerous carrier partnerships, will solidify a trend of consumers paying more for less.

    Paying for “thin” can get quite pricy.

  • Apple Predicts Most Customers Won’t Buy iPhone 17 Air

    Apple Predicts Most Customers Won’t Buy iPhone 17 Air

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple will unveil four new iPhone models this September, including the new iPhone 17 Air, replacing the Plus model.
    2. Production focus is heavily weighted towards the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pro models, with only 10% allocated for the iPhone 17 Air due to uncertain demand.
    3. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a thinner design, leading to trade-offs like a smaller battery that may not last a full day.
    4. To compensate for the battery limitations, Apple plans to offer a phone case with an additional battery pack for the iPhone 17 Air.
    5. No official information has been released by Apple regarding the iPhone 17 lineup or its launch date, but more details may surface before the release.


    Apple is set to unveil four new iPhone models this September, continuing its annual tradition, but with a new twist. This time, the Plus model will be swapped out for the thinner and lighter iPhone 17 Air. However, a recent report suggests that Apple is unsure about the demand for this new model and is focusing its production on the other three versions.

    Production Focus

    A report from The Information, shared by Spyglass and supported by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, indicates that Apple is planning to make changes to its iPhone release schedule. The report highlights that the company is uncertain about how well the iPhone 17 Air will perform in the market. Consequently, only 10% of the production capacity in Asia will be allocated to this model. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro Max and Pro models will receive approximately 40% and 25% of production capacity, respectively.

    Expected Features and Limitations

    This uncertainty arises from several trade-offs that the iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to have due to its slim design. The device is rumored to feature a smaller battery, which may not last a full day for many users, especially when compared to its counterparts. To address this issue, Apple is reportedly planning to launch a phone case with an additional battery pack alongside the iPhone 17 Air. Furthermore, the device is expected to come equipped with a single rear camera and only one speaker.

    Future Information

    So far, these are the expected trade-offs associated with the iPhone 17 Air, but additional details may emerge as the launch date approaches. It’s worth mentioning that Apple has yet to release any official information regarding the iPhone 17 lineup or the date of its debut.

    The trend of creating slimmer phones isn’t exclusive to Apple; Samsung is also preparing to launch its Galaxy S25 Edge, a sleek flagship device anticipated to be released on May 13.

    Source:
    Link

  • Galaxy S25 Slim Appears on Certification Authority List

    Galaxy S25 Slim Appears on Certification Authority List

    Following whispers about a possible “Slim” iPhone 17 set for 2025, it seems Samsung is also looking into this space with rumors of a “Galaxy S25 Slim.”

    Samsung’s New Model in the Works

    A recent report from South Korea suggested that Samsung’s sleeker smartphone could launch in the second quarter of 2025 (April to June), right after the standard Galaxy S25 series hits the market. A new entry found by Smartprix in the GSMA IMEI database supports these speculations. This listing shows a phone branded as “Galaxy” with the model number SM-S937U.

    A Slim Device from Samsung?

    Even though the listing doesn’t directly call it the Galaxy S25 Slim, sources indicate that it likely belongs to that family of devices. It’s important to note that Samsung usually includes devices for internal testing in the database six to seven months before the official launch. The “U” at the end of the model number hints at a potential release in the US. Moreover, the model number follows the naming patterns seen in the standard, Plus, and Ultra versions of the Galaxy S series.

    Limited Info on Specifications

    Details on the Galaxy S25 Slim are still scarce, but the “Slim” tag implies it will be significantly thinner than the current Galaxy flagship models, which might mean some compromises in other features. Reports about Apple’s “Slim” iPhone 17 suggest it could launch in late third quarter and might even come with a price that surpasses the existing iPhone Pro Max. This leaner iPhone is anticipated to feature a 6.6-inch display along with a single back camera.

    Samsung’s strategy with the Galaxy S25 Slim is yet to be determined. To pull off a slimmer design, the company might need to rethink aspects such as the processor, display, battery, and camera components. While the rise of AI features in the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 16 may not have motivated some users to upgrade, 2025 could mark a shift in the competition for market share, focusing on the appeal of a genuinely slim smartphone.