Category: Mobile

Smartphone OEMs have already started working on their next-generation flagship devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. Xiaomi 12 series is one of the upcoming lineups which is expected to debut soon with Qualcomm’s latest premium mobile chipset. Xiaomi itself gave an official confirmation on the processor driving the Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi 12 Pro and the launch date.

Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 12 Pro Official Launch Date Confirmed

Xiaomi via its official Weibo handle has announced the upcoming Xiaomi 12 series launch. The Chinese tech giant will be taking the wraps off the Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi 12 Pro on December 28. Both devices are making their debut initially in China. The global launch will follow (likely Q1 2022).

The teaser poster shared by the company on the Chinese microblogging website shows athlete Su Bingitian on the cover page along with the aforementioned launch date. The name and number of the models being announced in this flagship lineup haven’t been revealed.

Rumors are rife the brand will be introducing atleast two models namely Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi 12 Pro. However, a separate report via Gizmochina suggests another variant dubbed Xiaomi 12X in the mix. As per the publication, this additional variant has been spotted via posts shared by Lei Jun and Wang Teng, Xiaomi’s founder and General Manager respectively.

There have been some sightings of the Xiaomi 12X in the past, but not much is known at the moment. As for the remaining two models, they both have been certified by multiple mobile authentication platforms. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor is confirmed for the Xiaomi 12 and the Xiaomi 12 Pro. It is speculated the Xiaomi 12X will be packed with the Snapdragon 870 SoC which is also a flagship 5G processor.

All the upcoming Xiaomi 12 series models are also confirmed to boot on Android 12 OS layered with the new MIUI 13 skin. Upto 120W rapid charging is also one of the highlights of the new flagship lineup.
Rumors have also hinted at a curved display design with 1080 x 1920 FHD+ resolution. This could be for the Xiaomi 12 Pro. Camera hardware tipped for the Xiaomi 12 is a 50MP main snapper. But, an official confirmation on the same is awaited.

iQOO has launched two new Neo series smartphones in China. The latest from the company’s lot is the Neo 5S and the Neo 5 SE. Both smartphones have been designed for gaming enthusiasts and are packed with top-grade hardware such as Snapdragon 888/ Snapdragon 870 SoC, up to 144Hz display, and fast charging supported batteries. Below is what the new iQOO devices offer and their pricing details:

iQOO Neo 5S, iQOO Neo 5 SE Full Hardware Details

Starting with the iQOO Neo 5S, this is the high-end model amongst the two. It uses the Snapdragon 888 processor as its brain of operations. The flagship Qualcomm chipset has octa-cores and 5G network support and is combined with up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM. The handset offers up to 256GB UFS 3.1 storage capacity.

The gaming experience will be improved with the heat dissipation system which will keep the device’s temperature in check during extensive gameplay. It will boot on Android 12 OS and will have Origin OS UI pre-installed. The iQOO Neo 5S display is an AMOLED panel that measures 6.56-inches and supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen resolution here is 1080P FHD+.

In terms of optics, the iQOO Neo 5S uses three rear cameras and a single selfie snapper. The former setup comprises a 48MP Sony IMX598 main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), a 13MP ultra-wide-angle sensor, and a 2MP macro sensor. For selfies and video calling it packs a 16MP camera inside the punch-hole cutout.

If we speak of the connectivity options, the iQOO Neo 5S features 5G, 4G LTE, a USB Type-C port, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The security aspect is taken care of by a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. The battery packed inside this model has a 4,500 mAh rated capacity clubbed with 66W fast charging.

Moving on to the iQOO Neo 5 SE, this variant packs the Snapdragon 870 SoC which we also saw on the iQOO 7. The chipset here is also coupled with upto 12GB RAM and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. The display here measures 6.3-inches. However, the brand has used an LCD panel instead of AMOLED. The refresh rate is higher than the iQOO Neo 5S, i.e, 144Hz.

The software is also the same as the Neo 5S (Android 12-based on Origin OS). This model uses liquid cooling technology for heat dissipation. The optics are also slightly different from the Neo 5 SE. This model features a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor, and a 2MP sensor. The selfie snapper is identical here to the above model, i.e, a 16MP sensor. The battery capacity is the same (4,500 mAh).

iQOO Neo 5S, iQOO Neo 5 SE Price, Availability Details

The iQOO Neo 5S’ low-end variant which packs 8GB RAM and 128GB storage have been announced at CNY 2,699 (approx. Rs. 32,000), while the mid-range model with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage option is announced at CNY 2,899 (roughly Rs. 34,000). The top-most model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage capacity is tagged at CNY 3,199 (approx. Rs. 38,000).

On the other hand, the iQOO Neo 5 SE’s 8GB RAM+ 128GB storage option will be retailing at CNY 2,199 (roughly Rs. 26,000), while the 8GB+ 256GB variant will cost CNY 2,399 (approx. Rs. 28,500). Likewise, the 12GB RAM+ 256GB variant of the Neo 5 SE has been launched at CNY 2,599 which is approx. Rs. 31,000 in Indian currency.

Realme today confirmed its upcoming GT 2 series’ features. The Realme GT 2 Pro has been doing rounds online for quite some time now where the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor powering it has been confirmed. Other features have also been tipped by the rumor mill all this while. However, the brand has now revealed the latest technologies with which the GT 2 series will be equipped.

Realme GT 2 Series New Technologies Revealed Officially

Realme today hosted a special event showcasing the latest technologies used in the Realme GT 2 series. The upcoming lineup will be the most premium product offered by the company. The brand has shared insight on the handset’s design, camera specifications, and connectivity options. Starting with the build, the Realme GT 2 Pro will be made out of a biopolymer material (back cover).

The company has confirmed the design comes in collaboration with noted Japanese designer Naruto Fukasawa who also designed the popular Realme GT Master Edition. The GT 2 Pro will have a “Paper Tech Master Design” and is said to be the first phone manufactured using bio-based materials.

Realme has also confirmed the presence of a 150-degree ultra-wide-angle on the GT 2 Pro for ultra-long depth of field effect. This makes it the first handset to offer such a large wide-angle sensor. Besides, the device will feature a fish-eye mode which again is new tech for any Realme premium smartphone.

It was recently reported the company will skip the telephoto sensor and instead use a wide-angle sensor. The same has now been confirmed by the brand itself. Just for reference, the GT 2 Pro’s camera specification has been tipped to be a 50MP main camera combined with another 50MP sensor and a telephoto lens. But, we now know the brand will indeed use an ultra-wide-angle sensor and not a telephoto lens.

Other new technologies that the GT 2 Pro is confirmed to bring along is an Antenna Array Matrix system which utilizes ultra-band antenna switching technology (HyperSmart), a Wi-Fi enhances, and a 360-degree NFC technology. This new tech will allow the device to offer better connectivity with both mobile data and Wi-Fi.

It is worth adding that the company has only revealed the aforementioned technologies used in the Realme GT 2 Pro. The company might announce some additional features ahead of the official launch. That said, the device was expected to launch today itself. However, the company has only confirmed the new set of technologies that the GT 2 Pro will bring to the table.

Tecno has revamped its budget Android smartphone lineup with the launch of Spark 8T in India. The latest handset comes as the second model in the Spark 8 series equipped with features such as the Helio G35 processor, 50MP dual cameras, and more. The spec sheet falls in line with what the rumor mill had suggested. Let’s dive into the details surrounding the Spark 8T’s India pricing and sales.

Tecno Spark 8T Hardware, Software Features

The Tecno Spark 8T employs the octa-core Helio G35 processor for all tasks at hand. This low-end MediaTek processor has octa-cores and IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU support. The budget handset has been announced with a single 4GB RAM and 64GB storage configuration. It also has external microSD card support via a dedicated microSD card slot.

Upfront, the Tecno Spark 8T flaunts a tall 6.6-inch display. It is an LCD panel that supports 1080 x 2408 pixels screen resolution and a 91.3 percent screen-to-body ratio. The display further offers a peak brightness level of 500 nits and sports a standard waterdrop notch.

Coming to the optics, the Tecno Spark 8T employs dual cameras at the rear. The setup comprises a 50MP main camera which has an f/1.6 aperture and a secondary AI sensor. The camera setup offers multiple shooting modes to enhance the imaging experience such as AI Beauty, AR Animoji, Portrait mode, and Panorama.

The handset also supports 1080p time-lapse video recording, bokeh video, and slow-motion videos (120fps). The dot notch accommodates an 8MP snapper to click selfies and for video chats. Security here is handled by a physical fingerprint scanner (oval-shaped) positioned at the rear panel.

The connectivity aspects are a dated microUSB port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, 4G VolTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Lastly, the Spark 8T uses a big 5,000 mAh battery which supports standard 10W charging speeds.

How Much Is The Tecno Spark 8T Priced In India?

The Tecno Spark 8T’s price has been set at Rs. 8,999 in India. Notably, the handset will be available in a single 4GB RAM and 64GB storage option. However, you get to select the handset from four different color options – Atlantic Blue, Cocoa Gold, Iris Purple, and Turquoise Cyan. As far as the Spark 8T’s India availability is concerned, you can head to the Amazon India website or app to buy this new Tecno budget smartphone.

Oppo has finally joined the foldable phones bandwagon with the launch of Find N. It is the first foldable handset by the company which will be going up against the likes of the Galaxy Z Fold series and the Huawei Mate X. The company recently teased the first look of the handset and has now taken the wraps off during the ongoing INNO Day 2021 event in China. Let’s look at the features offered by Oppo’s first flagship foldable smartphone:

Oppo Find N Full Design, Full Specifications

The Oppo Find N’s biggest highlight is the foldable display design (centrally folding). It is somewhat similar to the first-gen Galaxy Z Fold but with a landscape ratio for the inner panel. The inner display (when unfolded) measures 7.1-inches and offers an 8:4:9 aspect ratio. This mode is best suited for gaming or reading e-books as per the company.

Oppo further reveals the foldable design is based on a Flexion Hinge which has 136 components with extreme precision of up to 0.01mm. This hinge is said to result in minimal creasing which is 80 percent less visible with the folds. It is an LTPO panel that supports a 120Hz refresh rate. The Oppo Find N’s outer display measures 5.49-inches with an 18:9 aspect ratio and up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness.

Under the hood, the Oppo Find N uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 mobile processor. The premium octa-core flagship processor is coupled with up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage. Now moving on to the imaging setup, the Oppo Find N features a triple camera setup comprising a 50MP Sony IMX766 lens, a 16MP ultra-wide-angle sensor, and a 13MP telephoto sensor.

The Oppo Find N has a FlexForm mode that allows the device to serve as its own tripod. You will be able to record 4K HD time-lapse and also use light trails, night sky, sun & clouds timelapse modes for astrophotography. For security, this foldable phone is packed with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

The Oppo Find N’s spec-sheet is completed via a decent-sized 4,500 mAh battery. The device also employs 33W SuperVooc Flash charge tech which as per the brand can refuel the handset up to 55 percent with 30 minutes of charge. The foldable phone also has 10W reverse wireless charging and 15W AIRVOOC wireless fast charging support.

Oppo Find N Price, Availability Details

Oppo hasn’t yet announced the Oppo Find N’s pricing details. However, it is said to be limited to Mainland China only as of now. It is likely to be available for sale in Q1 2022 in China. The global availability remains a mystery for now, but we expect Oppo to share the remaining details soon.