Tag: vivo

  • Vivo Offers 7 Years of Updates for Affordable iQOO 15 Flagship

    Vivo Offers 7 Years of Updates for Affordable iQOO 15 Flagship

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iQOO 15 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, an AMOLED screen with 6,000 nits brightness, and a 7,000mAh battery, starting at around €600, making it a strong value option.
    2. Vivo has increased software support for the iQOO 15 to five major Android updates and seven years of security patches.
    3. This software support approach puts Vivo closer to competitors like Google, which also offers seven years of updates.
    4. Vivo is improving customer satisfaction by updating older models like the iQOO Neo 7 and Neo 7 Pro to the newer Origin OS 6.
    5. Vivo appears to be focusing more on the European market, as seen with the launch of the Vivo X300 Pro shortly after its Chinese release.


    Vivo’s sub-brand iQOO isn’t sold in the US and several other Western regions, but the iQOO 15 is one of their attractive phones with a great price-performance ratio that can be imported from China. The iQOO 15 has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, an AMOLED screen reaching a brightness of 6,000 nits, and a hefty 7,000mAh battery, all starting at around €600. This makes the iQOO 15 one of the cheapest smartphones available with the fastest Snapdragon processor out there.

    Software Support Upgrades

    Previously, Vivo guaranteed three major Android updates and four years of security patches for its flagship devices until the iQOO 11. With the release of the iQOO 12, they improved this commitment to four Android updates and five years of security patches. Now, as Vivo has shared with SmartPrix, the iQOO 15 will receive an impressive five major Android updates along with seven years of security patches. This brings Vivo close to its top competitors, though the Google Pixel 10 (starting at $779 on Amazon) is also set to get seven years of updates and security fixes, including new features.

    Focus on Customer Satisfaction

    Vivo seems to be working on bettering its customer satisfaction. They recently announced that the iQOO Neo 7 and iQOO Neo 7 Pro will get the Origin OS 6 update, even though these models were meant to stay on the older Funtouch OS 15. It’s unclear if this improved software update approach is part of a larger strategy to enter more global markets, but the Vivo X300 Pro’s launch in Europe shortly after its introduction in China indicates that Vivo is focusing more on the European market than it did before.

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  • Oppo Find X9 Pro Price Drop with Pre-Order Bonus & Free Smartwatch

    Oppo Find X9 Pro Price Drop with Pre-Order Bonus & Free Smartwatch

    Key Takeaways

    1. Vivo and Oppo are expanding their presence in Europe, but consistency across EU nations is lacking, with each country operating independently regarding product availability and pricing.

    2. The launch of the Oppo Find X9 and Find X9 Pro showcased significant regional differences, with some countries, like Spain, offering attractive pre-order deals and promotions, while others, like Germany, face limitations due to legal issues.

    3. Price variations for the Oppo Find X9 series exist across Europe, with Spain providing special discounts and bundle offers, making it cheaper compared to other markets.

    4. Many Eastern European and Northern European countries lack specific product pages or promotions for the Oppo Find X9, highlighting disparities in market access.

    5. Overall, Oppo and Vivo need to work towards a more unified EU market, as current conditions lead to confusion and missed opportunities for consumers in different regions.


    So much for a common market. In 2025, Vivo and Oppo are more involved in Europe than before, but there’s still a long way to go for a consistent presence across all EU nations. Each country is still acting independently when it comes to the availability of top camera flagships like the Vivo X300 Pro, as well as pricing and pre-order deals.

    Oppo Find X9 Launch Situations

    This is especially clear with the Oppo Find X9 and Find X9 Pro, which made their debut last week at a big event in Barcelona. While the German Oppo site is inactive due to the Nokia patent lawsuit, the Austrian site at least has some product details, although ordering isn’t available yet. Sales of the new Oppo flagships in Austria are set to start only at the end of November.

    Price Variations Across Europe

    Things are more intriguing in the countries where the Oppo Find X9 and Find X9 Pro are already available for order. We looked through all the European Oppo websites and found some fascinating price differences. The official retail prices are €999 for the Oppo Find X9 and €1,299 for the Pro model everywhere, but some pre-order promotions and bundled offers make it cheaper in Spain compared to the Netherlands. Spain, in particular, is rolling out appealing launch deals:

    In Spain, there’s a current discount of $120 with the SAVE120X9Pro code. Additionally, you can get either the blue or black version of the Oppo Watch X2 for free, which is valued at $349. This means you can effectively snag the Oppo Find X9 Pro for €830 instead of €1,299 if you also want the Oppo smartwatch at retail price. However, the downside is that shipping from the Oppo store is only available within Spain, and Amazon Spain currently lacks this promotion. According to Oppo Spain, the Oppo Find X9 Pro will be shipped in 11 days, so if you know someone in Spain, you could get your hands on it quite soon. This offer also undercuts the price for importing the Oppo Find X9 Pro through retailers like Average Dad, where buyers are looking at €1,150, including shipping.

    Promotions in Other Regions

    Currently, there is no discount code for France, but pre-order customers will also receive the Oppo Watch X2 for free with their Oppo Find X9 Pro, which will be shipped there shortly. We didn’t see any similar pre-order deals in the Benelux countries; the only offer was a bundle with free Enco Air4 Pro earbuds and the Supervooc 80W charger.

    In Eastern Europe, we couldn’t find specific Oppo Find X9 product pages for countries like Hungary, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Croatia, or Poland, nor in Northern Europe. However, there’s an interesting pre-order offer in Italy. You can receive a $100 discount on the Oppo Find X9 Pro by signing up for their newsletter and choosing between two bundles—one with the Oppo Watch X2 or another with Enco X3i EarBuds, a case, and a power bank. In Romania, Oppo is providing an expanded bundle deal including the Oppo Watch X2, an 80-watt charger, and an aramid protective case for 6,500 lei, which is about €1,276. However, you can’t add anything to your cart just yet, as shipping will not commence until November.

    Conclusion

    Our quick look at Oppo’s various European websites highlights one major point: each nation is doing its own thing. There are different availabilities, various deals, and distinct online stores. Oppo still has a long way to go to create a unified EU market, and Vivo isn’t faring much better at the moment. The aftermath of the Nokia patent lawsuit has also played a role, resulting in the dissolution of entire teams in some countries. We hope that German Oppo fans will see pre-order deals as appealing as those currently seen in Spain and parts of Italy when the device is launched in Austria. Those in Spain can take advantage of the best deal in the EU, while others might want to consider importing from different regions. Alongside the Average Dad Shop in the UAE, Wondamobile is also offering the global model for €1,037, although it’s currently out of stock.

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  • Vivo iQOO 15 Launches with 7,000mAh Battery and Snapdragon 8 Elite

    Vivo iQOO 15 Launches with 7,000mAh Battery and Snapdragon 8 Elite

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iQOO 15 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and is priced at CNY 4,199 (around $590).
    2. It offers competitive pricing, being 6.6% less than Xiaomi 17 and 16% less than Xiaomi 17 Pro, both using the same chipset.
    3. The smartphone features a 7,000 mAh battery with 40 W wireless and 100 W wired charging capabilities.
    4. It has an IP68 certification and a 6.85-inch 144 Hz AMOLED display with a resolution of 3,168 x 1,440 pixels and peak brightness of 6,000 nits.
    5. The camera setup includes three rear-facing 50 MP cameras and a 32 MP front-facing camera, with various sensor types for enhanced photography.


    Vivo’s iQOO has unveiled its first smartphone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, following some hints about the device earlier this month. The iQOO 15 aims to bridge the gap between mid-range and flagship phones, all while keeping the cost reasonable. The starting price for this device is CNY 4,199 (around $590), which includes 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.

    Competitive Pricing

    To put things into perspective, the initial price of the iQOO 15 is 6.6% less than the Xiaomi 17 and 16% less than the Xiaomi 17 Pro, both of which use the same Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset found in iQOO’s new flagship. The iQOO 15 stands out with its impressive 7,000 mAh battery that supports 40 W wireless charging and 100 W wired charging.

    Display and Build

    The device is IP68 certified and boasts a 144 Hz AMOLED display that measures 6.85 inches diagonally, offering a native resolution of 3,168 x 1,440 pixels and a peak HDR brightness of 6,000 nits. In terms of dimensions, the iQOO 15 measures around 163.6 x 76.8 x 8.1~8.28 mm and weighs between 215 to 221 grams, depending on the color variant selected. It’s roughly the same size and weight as the iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which is currently priced at $1,049 on Amazon.

    Camera Features

    On the camera front, the iQOO 15 is equipped with three rear-facing 50 MP cameras, complemented by a 32 MP front-facing camera. The rear camera setup features different sensors: a 1/1.56-inch primary sensor, a 1/1.95-inch telephoto sensor that provides 3x optical zoom, and a 1/2.76-inch ultra-wide-angle camera sensor. However, it’s still unclear if or when the iQOO 15 will be available on a global scale.

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  • Small Smartphone Batteries in Europe: Why They Could Be Bigger

    Small Smartphone Batteries in Europe: Why They Could Be Bigger

    Key Takeaways

    1. Many smartphones in China are being released with large batteries, some reaching 15,000mAh, but most do not reach the European market due to regulations.
    2. The European Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods classifies batteries over 20Wh as dangerous, complicating transportation and increasing costs.
    3. Batteries exceeding 20Wh cannot be easily imported or traded, as they are often mislabeled and companies refuse to repair them.
    4. A potential solution is using multi-cell batteries under 20Wh, but this would make phones thicker and less appealing, which manufacturers are reluctant to do.
    5. Current laws limiting battery capacity are not expected to change until at least 2027, despite consumer dissatisfaction with smartphone battery life.


    More and more smartphones in China are coming out with really big batteries. Even smaller models, such as the iQOO 15 Mini, feature a 7,000mAh capacity, while brands like Realme are working on thinner devices that could have as much as 15,000mAh. Still, many of these high-capacity smartphones never reach the European market, and others, like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, are sold with smaller batteries.

    Reasons Behind the Restrictions

    The main reason for this is the European Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), which states that battery cells over 20Wh need to be classified as dangerous goods. This requirement not only raises transportation costs but also complicates the process, since only a few shipping companies will handle packages classified as dangerous.

    Importing Challenges

    20Wh is roughly equal to about 5,200mAh when considering the standard voltage of smartphone batteries. In theory, consumers can import phones with bigger batteries from places like France or China. However, as noted by Ingram, many of these devices are often mislabeled, making their transport illegal. Additionally, users should keep in mind that devices with batteries exceeding 20Wh usually can’t be repaired or traded in, as companies often refuse them due to the added logistical challenges.

    Possible Solutions

    The most straightforward way to deal with this issue is to use batteries made up of multiple cells. If each individual cell is under 20Wh, it allows for much larger batteries to be installed. This is why laptops, gaming devices, and tablets can have larger batteries without facing the same issues.

    However, Vivo argues that this isn’t a viable solution, since multi-cell batteries take up more room and would make phones thicker and heavier, making them less appealing. The EU and US markets are simply not large enough to justify creating a new production line for smartphones with a thicker build and multi-cell batteries, according to Vivo. Instead, they send the same batteries to Europe as they do to China, but with lower voltage to remain within the 20Wh limit.

    For instance, the Vivo X200 Pro typically has a 6,000mAh battery in most areas, but in Germany and Austria, it is only 5,200mAh. The industry is pushing for a change in the laws, but any adjustments are not expected until at least 2027, and there are no concrete plans to revise the current battery capacity limit. Despite a survey from Vivo showing that two-thirds of users are unhappy with their smartphone battery life, no improvements are anticipated in the near future.

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  • Vivo Launches OriginOS 6 Beta for X200 Ultra and Flagships

    Vivo Launches OriginOS 6 Beta for X200 Ultra and Flagships

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi has announced its global plans for HyperOS 3 after sharing details for China.
    2. Vivo will soon reveal more details about OriginOS 6 before the launch of the Vivo X300 and X300 Pro on October 13.
    3. The Vivo X300 and X300 Pro are expected to be the first devices to launch with OriginOS 6.
    4. Current Vivo X Fold5 and X200 series users can test OriginOS 6 via a beta program.
    5. Supported models for the update include iQOO 13, iQOO Neo10, Neo10 Pro, and Neo10 Pro Plus, featuring smoother animations and enhancements over previous versions.


    Xiaomi has recently announce its global plans for HyperOS 3, having previously shared a similar schedule for China this month. Following this, Vivo has announced the first devices that will be receiving OriginOS 6.

    Announcement Details

    Currently, Vivo has not yet confirmed a complete list of devices that will be eligible, nor has it specified when OriginOS 6 will reach its stable version. Nonetheless, the company has suggested that a comprehensive announcement regarding OriginOS 6 will come before the launch of the Vivo X300 and Vivo X300 Pro on October 13.

    Device Availability

    Reports suggest that the Vivo X300 and X300 Pro will be the initial devices to launch with OriginOS 6. Meanwhile, owners of the X Fold5 or X200 series smartphones, such as the X200 Pro mini or the X200 Ultra, can already test OriginOS 6 through its beta program. Interestingly, the iPhone 17 Pro series has recently outperformed the latter in an independent camera test (currently priced at $1,539 on Amazon).

    Supported Models

    In addition, Vivo has listed the iQOO 13, iQOO Neo10, iQOO Neo10 Pro, and iQOO Neo10 Pro Plus among the devices set to receive the update, as depicted in the image below. Sources like WhyLab indicate that OriginOS 6 features smoother animation effects compared to OriginOS 5, along with various other enhancements. The application for the OriginOS 6 beta program will stay open until October 6 at 23:59 China Time (UTC +08:00).

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  • Vivo X300 Pro: Display Upgrades and Enhanced Camera Aesthetics

    Key Takeaways

    1. Vivo has not yet announced the official launch date for the X300 series.
    2. Executive Han Bo Xiao shared details about the display of the X300 Pro, claiming it has thinner bezels than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
    3. The X300 Pro will feature a 6.78-inch display.
    4. Vivo has previously used similar display sizes in their X200 series phones.
    5. Significant investments and improvements have been made in the camera hardware of the X300 Pro.


    We are still waiting for Vivo to announce when the X300 series will officially be launched. Meanwhile, Vivo’s executive Han Bo Xiao has given new details about another flagship phone that has yet to be released.

    Teasing the Display

    This time, the executive has hinted at the display that will be featured on the X300 Pro, having shared a similar image related to the X300 last week. Just like with the X300, Han Bo Xiao has made comparisons between the X300 Pro and what Vivo sees as its biggest rival from Apple. According to the image below, the X300 Pro has thinner display bezels than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (curr. $990 – refurbished on Amazon), although it feels like we are nitpicking at this point.

    Display Size and Innovations

    Furthermore, Han Bo Xiao has confirmed that the X300 Pro will come with a 6.78-inch display. Vivo has previously used 6.78-inch and 6.82-inch screens in the X200 Pro and X200 Ultra, respectively. Interestingly, the same executive has suggested that the X300 Pro includes the results of ‘significant investments and improvements’ in its camera hardware. Therefore, it appears that Vivo or one of its representatives will soon provide information about the X300 or X300 Pro regarding this matter in the next few days.

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  • Vivo Y500 5G Launching in 2026 with Large Battery Capacity

    Vivo Y500 5G Launching in 2026 with Large Battery Capacity

    Key Takeaways

    1. The upcoming Vivo smartphone, expected to be called Y500, will feature a flagship camera design and a flat display.
    2. It is rumored to have an impressive battery capacity of at least 8,200mAh, potentially the largest from Vivo.
    3. The device may use the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC, which is less advanced than the newer 7400, to keep the price around $250.
    4. The Y500 is expected to be released in China and may also be available internationally under the Vivo T series.
    5. By 2026, larger batteries, such as 10,000mAh, may become more common, making the Y500’s battery seem less remarkable.


    The Y400 5G has just been released in China, yet it’s already being expected that a new smartphone will take its place. This upcoming model is said to feature one of Vivo’s imitation flagship camera designs and a flat display.

    Battery Power

    In a notable change from the Y400, the new device is rumored to come with what could be Vivo’s largest battery. This is significant even with the recent launch of the X300 flagship series. It is reported that the new smartphone will boast a battery capacity of at least 8,200mAh, coming close to the current leader in the non-rugged Android category, the Honor X70. However, by 2026, we may see many smartphones with 10,000mAh batteries, making 8,200mAh seem more ordinary.

    Specifications

    On the flip side, the next version of the Y400 5G might lag behind in some specifications, particularly its processing unit. There are whispers that it will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 SoC next year, rather than the newer 7400. This move seems aimed at maintaining a similar price to its predecessor, which is around $250.

    The upcoming model is expected to be released as the Y500 in China, and it might also be available internationally under the Vivo T series. This could connect it to models like the T4 5G, which has successfully introduced its 7,300mAh battery to the Indian market through Amazon.

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  • Vivo X200 Ultra and Flagships Get Camera Updates and Improvements

    Vivo X200 Ultra and Flagships Get Camera Updates and Improvements

    Key Takeaways

    1. Vivo is launching a competitor to the Apple Vision Pro soon.
    2. The X100 series is receiving new camera filter options and telephoto modes.
    3. The X200 series updates focus on enhanced AI technology for camera improvements.
    4. The X200 series now supports mirroring iOS notifications for better integration with iPhones.
    5. The updates for both series enhance camera capabilities, aligning them with other flagship models.


    Vivo is set to present its competitor to the Apple Vision Pro later this week. In the meantime, the brand has rolled out a new set of updates for its X100 and X200 series, which includes the X200 Ultra. To summarize, last month, Vivo introduced several enhancements to the camera of the X200 Ultra, which we have discussed in detail in a different article.

    New Features for the X100 Series

    Now, these enhancements are being extended to the X100 series, which includes the X100, X100s, X100 Pro, X100s Pro, and X100 Ultra. As illustrated in the image below, Vivo has incorporated new camera filter options such as Classic Negative and Feature Film styles. Additionally, this month’s update brings telephoto modes of 100 mm or 135 mm, depending on the specific X100 model you possess.

    Enhancements for the X200 Series

    At the same time, Vivo has utilized this month’s update cycle to introduce new camera upgrades for the X200 series as well. As shown in the image below, these updates rely more on Vivo’s AI technology compared to the similar updates for the X100 series. Moreover, Vivo has improved integration with iPhones by providing support that aligns the X200 series with features already available on the X Fold5.

    Consequently, after installing this month’s update, the X200 Ultra and its counterparts will be capable of mirroring iOS notifications. For further information about Vivo’s latest flagship, including how it stacks up against other recent flagships like the Find X8 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra (currently priced at $869 – renewed on Amazon), please refer to our review of the X200 Ultra.

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  • Vivo iQOO Z10R: Thin Mid-Range Phone with 5700mAh Battery

    Vivo iQOO Z10R: Thin Mid-Range Phone with 5700mAh Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sleek Design & Durability: The iQOO Z10R features a slim profile (7.4 mm) and is IP68/IP69 rated for water resistance.

    2. Impressive Display: It has a 6.77-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2,392 × 1,080, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and HDR peak brightness of 1,800 nits.

    3. Strong Battery & Fast Charging: The smartphone includes a 5,700 mAh battery with 44-watt fast charging via USB-C.

    4. Camera Capabilities: It offers a 50 MP main rear camera with Aura Light for enhanced close-up shots and a 32 MP front camera capable of recording in 4K.

    5. Performance & Software: Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, it runs on Funtouch OS 15 based on Android 15, with two major updates and three years of security patches promised.


    The iQOO Z10R is Vivo’s new smartphone in the mid-range category, featuring a sleek design with a gently curved display and a slim profile measuring just 7.4 millimeters thick. This smartphone boasts IP68 and IP69 ratings, making it resistant to water. Even with its slim design, Vivo has successfully included a robust 5,700 mAh battery.

    Charging and Display Features

    Charging is done through a USB-C port with support for fast charging at 44 watts. The iQOO Z10R comes equipped with a 6.77-inch AMOLED screen that has a resolution of 2,392 × 1,080, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and an impressive HDR peak brightness of 1,800 nits. The optical fingerprint sensor is cleverly hidden within the display. For selfies, there’s a 32 MP f/2.45 camera that can record in 4K, positioned in a central punch-hole. The rear features a pill-shaped camera module, which includes a 50 MP f/1.79 main camera with a 1/1.95 inch sensor and a secondary 2 MP sensor.

    Camera and Performance Specs

    The rear camera is complemented by a distinctive ring-shaped LED flash, dubbed “Aura Light” by Vivo, aimed at providing more balanced lighting, particularly for close-up shots. Under the hood, the iQOO Z10R runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, which includes four high-performance ARM Cortex-A78 cores with a maximum clock speed of 2.6 GHz and four efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This mid-range device operates on Funtouch OS 15, based on Android 15, with Vivo promising two major updates and three years of security patches.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Vivo iQOO Z10R will first be available in India, where the entry-level version with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage is priced at INR 17,499 (around $203). The premium variant, featuring 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, will retail for INR 21,499 (approximately $249). Vivo has not yet announced any details regarding the global launch of the iQOO Z10R.

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  • Redmi Turbo 5 Pro: Faster Charging and Bigger Battery Coming Soon

    Redmi Turbo 5 Pro: Faster Charging and Bigger Battery Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have submitted a new 100W power brick to the 3C regulator in China, indicating a trend in smartphone hardware development.
    2. Each power brick has different specifications: Xiaomi’s at 20V/5A and Oppo’s at 11V/9.1A, designed to support 8,000mAh batteries.
    3. This advancement may enable the upcoming smartphones from these brands to feature high specifications and efficient charging capabilities.
    4. Significant improvements in battery and charging technologies have been made, with potential launches of 8,000mAh devices soon.
    5. Flagship models, such as Xiaomi’s K90 Pro, may be prioritized for release over the new 8,000mAh devices.


    A new power brick have been reported to be submitted to the 3C regulator in China by Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, all at the same time. This seems to show a trend in smartphone hardware development.

    Power Output and Specifications

    Each of these accessories is said to have a maximum output of up to 100 watts (W). Yet, Xiaomi’s version has a system of 20 volts (V) and 5 amps (A), while Oppo’s version operates at 11V and 9.1A. They have all been created for the same purpose, which is to complement the new 8,000mAh batteries.

    Future Smartphone Launches

    This development might make sure that the next generation of smartphones from these companies—Vivo, Xiaomi, and Oppo—can be released with top-of-the-line specifications without sacrificing their charging capabilities. This could also include devices from their sub-brands like Redmi, OnePlus, or iQoo.

    Battery Advancements

    Both Xiaomi and its competitors have already made significant improvements in battery and charging technologies with models like the Redmi Turbo 4, Ace 5, and Z10 Turbo. It’s possible they could soon launch their first 8,000mAh devices, unless their flagship models, like the K90 Pro and its 15 counterparts, manage to hit the market first.

    The Anker Nano Charging Station (7-in-1, 100W) is now available on Amazon.

    Digital Chat Station via Weibo.

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